Belize is gaining popularity among adventure seekers and environmentally conscious travelers. The country has been well known for its stunning beaches, Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Belize Blue Hole until recently.
But before we continue, did you know? Belize is half Caribbean, half Central American. This means that the country features both sea and jungle ecological gems for you to enjoy.
Belize is also home to the largest living Barrier Reef in the world, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
In this blog we have outlined 6 Belize Eco Tours you will definitely enjoy!
1. The Belize Zoo Tour
Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Then the Belize Zoo is one of the best ways to experience Belize's abundant wildlife. Here you get the rare opportunity to come close to a jaguar or mountain Tapir, Belize's national animal.
The Zoo is actually more of a sanctuary for injured animals focusing on their rehabilitation. The Zoo started when Sharon Matola decided to care for animals left after a documentary was filmed, and has since grew to rescue, rehabilitate and deliver newborns at the wildlife facility.
Another beauty that can be found within the zoo is the Belizean Scarlet Macaw, a stunning bird with colorful feathers and a large wing span that is the highlight of visiting Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
PRO TIP: Try the Belize Zoo night tour for a unique experience!
2. Mountain Pine Ridge Tour
If you're looking to pack different adventures into one trip then this may very well be your Belize Eco Tour of choice.
3. Belize Birding Tours
Belize is quickly becoming a birding hotspot in Central America and it shouldn't be a surprise. The country is home to some of the best birdwatching in Central America.
With over 600 bird species and a very active eBird community ranking in the top 5 countries with most sightings, Belize abounds with avian beauties.
Best Belize Birding Hotspots:
- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - Established by the Belize Audobon Society in 1984, this sanctuary is home to some rare wetland species and includes sightings of Herons, Ducks, Jabiru Storks among others. Best birding time would be between February and May.
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - Also managed by the Belize Audobon Society, it is recognized as the world's first jaguar preserve and is home to several cascading waterfalls, wildlife and nature trails. Be ready to see scarlete macaws, toucans, emerald toucanet among others.
- Chaa Creek Private Nature Reserve - a 400-acre nature reserve in western Belize that is home to over 350 species of birds including Russet-Naped Wood-Rail, Lesson's Motmot, Gartered Trogon, Blue-gray Tanager, among others.
- Aguacate Lagoon - a freshwater lagoon in the Spanish Lookout community of western Belize, this area is well known for wetland birds
4. Snorkeling Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and various types of fishes as you snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The name "Hol Chan" means "Little Channel" in the Maya language.
The Hol Chan Marine reserve tour is perhaps the most popular day tour for snorkeling and diving off the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
5. Belize Horseback Riding Tours
Horseback Riding is a great way to explore nature and other attractions, combining them with a tour to an organic Maya Farm or traversing nature trails while spotting birds and other wildlife.
Explore valleys and mountainsides with stunning vistas by horseback while your guide fills you in on the history and topographical features of the area.
6. Cultural Tours and Activities
Belize is home to over 6 ethnic groups, each featuring their own cultures, traditions and beliefs.
Get dancing on the beach while the Garinagu people drum to the rhythms of their African ancestors, make Chocolate the traditional Maya way or learn to prepare your choice of cultural foods at Chaa Creek's Open Hearth Culinary Classes.
Want to be taken to a village to have dinner with a Maya family? that is also an option. Or visit the mennonites at Barton Creek in western Belize and see how they preserve their foods without electricity.