Belize Species Exhibits

Just 29 miles (47 km) from Belize City is The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. “Zoo” isn’t the best description for this place – this is truly a natural wildlife habitat. The environment is untouched within the zoo’s 29 acres (12 ha), and is home to 150 animals (48 species total).

The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Maya ruins, and some stunning Belize jungle. It also includes a visit to Green Hills Butterfly Farm, which is research orientated. The main flight area makes it possible to study interactions between different butterfly species.

Discover Belize’s incredible wildlife at The Belize Zoo, a unique sanctuary that started in 1983 as a refuge for a small collection of animals. Today, it spans 29 acres of tropical savanna and is home to over 170 animals representing more than 45 species, all native to Belize. The zoo provides a safe haven for orphaned, rescued, and rehabilitated animals, as well as those born at the zoo or donated by other institutions. Known as Belize’s first fully accessible nature destination, it offers a welcoming experience for visitors of all abilities. The Belize Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation through rehabilitation and environmental education. Just a short drive away, you can also visit the Baboon Sanctuary, a vital effort to protect the endangered howler monkeys from habitat destruction caused by agriculture, logging, and hunting. This sanctuary works closely with local landowners to promote the conservation of their lands, ensuring the survival of these monkeys. Visitors and the community alike are educated on the importance of biodiversity and sustainability, making this sanctuary an essential stop for eco-conscious travelers. Both destinations offer a deep dive into Belize's rich natural heritage, providing an inspiring experience for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation.

Explore the ancient wonders of Belize with our Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion. This adventure takes you on a journey through time, starting with a visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most iconic Mayan archaeological sites. Discover the towering structures of this ancient city, including the majestic El Castillo pyramid and the fascinating Sun God statue. After immersing yourself in the history of the Mayan civilization, it's time to experience the natural beauty of Belize with a visit to Big Rock Falls. Nestled in the lush jungles of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Big Rock Falls is a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a serene pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Throughout the excursion, knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of Belize, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion promises an immersive journey into the heart of Belize's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Explore the vast ruins of Tikal during this one-day tour. You’ll visit Tikal’s temples and pyramids, learn about Mayan culture, and walk along short trails through the jungle.

Embark on a spellbinding journey deep into the heart of Belize's natural wonders with our exclusive Crystal Cave Exploration tour. Step into a realm of awe-inspiring beauty as we venture into the depths of this ancient underground labyrinth. Led by expert guides, you'll navigate through winding passageways, marveling at the ethereal beauty of crystal formations illuminated by soft, flickering light. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich history and folklore surrounding this sacred site, as tales of the ancient Maya civilization come to life. Prepare to be captivated by the otherworldly allure of Crystal Cave, where every twist and turn reveals a new marvel waiting to be discovered.

This is a unique experience, with spectacular views that you will not get anywhere else in Belize! @ Calico Jack’s (Explorer): This tour is offers 1,135 feet of cable and takes 45 minutes from start to finish. It entails 4 runs and 7 platforms. You hone your skills as you explore the jungle canopy overhead and end this tour with the exciting jungle lift run. @ Calico Jack’s (Intermedio): Here you will find Maya artifacts just the way they were left by the Mayas hundreds of years ago. The cave is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic Society. National Geographic and the Discovery Channels and History have done documentaries on this spectacular cave. Allow us to unveil the secrets of “Xibalba” the Mayan underworld to you. @ Calico Jack’s (Ultimo Explorer): This 1-1.5 hour tour is for zip line enthusiasts. It combines the Explorer and Intermedio in over 2,900 feet of zip line comprised of 9 runs and 15 platforms that take you over and through the jungle. @ Calico Jack’s CJV (Extreme): This 2-hour tour combines the Ultimo Explorer zip line tour with a cable walk over a canyon, a climb down a rope ladder and subsequent rappel of approximately 50 feet. Return to the starting platform via a 500 foot run from our jungle lift with the option of returning superman style. For the zipline, there is no maximum weight limit as long as the person fits into the harness, which accommodates up to a 48-inch waist. For cave tubing, there is also no maximum weight limit. Participants just need to be able to complete the trail hike, which takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Located on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful town of San Ignacio is the Cahal Pech Maya site and the Visitor Center. This site is one of the oldest Maya ruins in Belize.

Mexico Rocks is one of the top snorkeling destinations. Not only is the water around Mexico Rocks incredibly clear, it also has a very mild current, making underwater observation especially easy.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are two of Belize’s most popular destinations for nature tours. Take this 2.5-hour tour to get close to marine wildlife.

This tour tests the limits of your adventurousness. You’ll follow your guide on a fascinating hike, go ziplining, and then take a rappelling voyage into one of the jungle’s “black holes.” Keep in mind that this is a strenuous hike, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re ready for an extremely active day. Embark on an exhilarating journey with our Black Hole Drop Expedition in Belize. Prepare to descend into the depths of a collapsed cave system surrounded by the lush jungle canopy. Led by expert guides, this adventure promises heart-pounding thrills and awe-inspiring views. Discover the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of Belize like never before

Nestled within the Main Barrier Reef, just north of Tobacco Caye, lies the Shark Hole—a small yet intriguing sinkhole at a depth of around 30 feet. Once above water eons ago, this ancient cave featured a massive domed ceiling. Over time, part of the roof collapsed, creating an opening at the top, which now serves as the entry point for divers. First discovered by fishermen seeking permit and tarpon, this area attracts large schools of fish, often seen near the cave's entrance. It's believed that these fish draw the various shark species for which the Shark Hole is famously named.

Barton Creek Cave is a dynamic, living cave, continually expanding with 10 feet of water flowing through it. The ancient Mayans believed that their gods dwelled in such sacred places, particularly Barton Creek Cave because of its abundant water. They revered the cave as the dwelling of Chaac, the Mayan God of Water. During times of drought or when rain was needed for their crops, the Mayans would enter Barton Creek Cave to offer sacrifices, believing that young virgins were the most suitable gifts to appease the gods. The cave was deeply respected and feared, seen as a gateway to the underworld. Nearby, Big Rock Falls, a magnificent 150-foot waterfall on the Privassion River, cascades within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize's Cayo District.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking natural beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge. This tour takes you to a variety of stunning sites, each offering unique experiences. Families with young children or non-swimmers should keep a close eye on little ones at all locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Getting There: Our adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM as we depart from San Ignacio, traveling through the charming villages of Christo Rey and San Antonio, primarily inhabited by local farmers along the scenic Macal River. As we ascend into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, we'll check in with the Park Ranger before exploring three incredible destinations: RIO FRIO CAVE: Experience the grandeur of this cave, featuring two impressive 65-foot entrances that invite natural light. Marvel at the enormous stalactites and the cathedral-like vaults as a stream meanders through, creating tranquil pools and cascading waterfalls. RIO ON POOLS AND FALLS: A true gem along the Mountain Pine Ridge, Rio On Pools is perfect for a family outing. A short, easy walk from the parking area leads you to breathtaking pools nestled among ancient boulders. Enjoy natural whirlpools or slide into the refreshing waters. The varying depths of the pools cater to both adventurous kids and those seeking a more relaxed experience. BIG ROCK FALLS: Discover the awe-inspiring Big Rock Falls, tucked away in the escarpment. Here, water cascades over massive 150-foot rock formations, creating a mesmerizing sight. Dive into the cool, inviting pool below for a refreshing swim—it's an experience you'll cherish, whether alone, with friends, or with family. Departure: After exploring these natural wonders, we’ll make our way back to San Ignacio, with an anticipated return around 4:00 PM, depending on your pace. Embark on this adventure and immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Mountain Pine Ridge!

The northwest side of the Turneffe Atoll offers exceptional diving opportunities. With sites like Mini Elbow, Rendezvous, Vicente Wall, and Elkin’s Bay, the specific dive locations are chosen based on weather conditions and the experience level of the group. Whether you’re doing shallow dives for certification or exploring deeper walls for more experienced divers, our captains carefully select the best available site for each trip. The dive sites on the northwest side of the atoll typically feature wall tops with depths ranging from thirty to fifty feet, with wide spur-and-groove formations and vertical walls that drop over 100 feet before shelving and plunging even deeper. Marine life is abundant, with schools of Cubera Snapper and a diverse population of grouper species, including Nassau, Tiger, and Yellowfin. You can also spot the delicate Spotted Drum and the vibrant Splendid Toadfish regularly. Keep an eye out in the deeper waters for Spotted Eagle Rays, the occasional Manta Ray, Turtles, and even Sharks, including rare and thrilling sightings of Hammerhead Sharks. This side of the atoll is well-protected from easterly and southeasterly winds, providing ideal dive conditions on most days. During the winter months, when northerly and northwesterly winds prevail, dive sites such as JoJo’s Split, Lee Ellen’s Melons, Corona, and Grand Bogue on the east side of the Atoll become available. The versatility of diving on the Turneffe Atoll is unmatched. The walls on the east side generally start a bit deeper, between forty-five and fifty feet, and feature narrower spur-and-groove formations but with steeper wall faces than those on the west side. Here, you can expect sightings of pelagic species like rays, turtles, and sharks, along with reef tropicals and numerous Yellow Tube Sponges.

This tour takes you to two of Belize's top Maya sites - Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.

Glover’s Reef Atoll: A Must-Do Dive Experience Near Placencia Glover’s Reef Atoll, Belize’s southernmost atoll, offers some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the region. Renowned for its pristine coral formations and vibrant marine life, Glover’s Reef is unmatched by any other dive site in Belize. History & Location Named after the English pirate John Glover, who used the atoll as a base for raiding Spanish ships in the 1600s, Glover’s Reef spans 20 miles long and 7.5 miles wide, making it Belize’s smallest but best-preserved coral atoll. Its remote location, far from the busy dive hubs of Ambergris Caye and Belize City, ensures a pristine and uncrowded diving experience. Diving at Glover’s Reef With about 700 patch reefs within its lagoon and surrounded by 50 miles of dramatic drop-offs, ranging from 25 to 2,700 feet, Glover’s Reef offers unparalleled underwater exploration. Most of the dive sites here are uncharted and untouched, and visibility often exceeds 100 feet. Though it takes a bit longer to reach, the journey is well worth it. With countless dive sites to choose from, here are a few of the most popular: Long Caye Wall: Located 200 meters from Long Caye, this dive showcases a stunning array of Caribbean coral and colorful sponges. Mantas are often spotted gliding along the wall. The Aquarium: True to its name, this dive site offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant schools of creole wrasse and yellowtail snappers at cleaning stations. You may also encounter dolphins, turtles, horse-eye jacks, and black durgons. This site is best explored early in the morning or late in the day, making it ideal for the first or last dive of the day. Manta Wall: Named after the nearby Manta Resort, this site features swim-throughs formed by massive star and boulder corals. Expect to see lurking nurse sharks and enormous groupers, nearly as big as the divers themselves. The Pinnacles: A unique dive with around three dozen coral pinnacles rising from 100 feet to just 10 feet below the surface. The rich fish life and stunning coral formations make this site a favorite for divers. Though remote, Glover’s Reef offers some of the most pristine and exhilarating diving experiences Belize has to offer.

Caracol Mayan Temples was discovered in 1938 by loggers, located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve now it is the most extensive Maya site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya World.

Embark on an adventure to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located just north of Placencia and renowned as the world's first jaguar preserve. While the sighting of the elusive jaguar might be rare, the sanctuary offers a plethora of activities such as river tubing and waterfall swims amidst its sub-tropical rainforest. This birdwatcher's paradise is home to endangered species like the Scarlet Macaw and King Vulture, along with a rich biodiversity including amphibians, reptiles, and various mammals like Tapirs and Otters. The sanctuary boasts a lush canopy of Ceiba and Mahogany trees, alongside a vibrant array of orchids and bromeliads. Your guided tour through well-maintained trails reveals the sanctuary's rich ecosystem, from medicinal plants to resident howler monkeys, making for an unforgettable exploration.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Actun Tunichil Muknal, famously known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, and uncover the secrets of the ancient Maya. This extraordinary cave is home to numerous skeletal remains, including the renowned “Crystal Maiden,” an 18-year-old sacrifice victim whose calcified bones sparkle like crystals. Ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves in the World by National Geographic, ATM is a breathtaking journey into the Maya underworld, "Xibalba." The cave has been featured in documentaries by National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and History, making it a must-see for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Important Notes: Difficulty Level: Active This tour is suitable for physically fit individuals comfortable with hiking for 4+ hours, walking in water, and navigating small spaces. It is not recommended for those with disabilities, heart conditions, back or leg problems, or claustrophobia.