Belize Wildlife Hot Spots

Filled with national parks and wildlife reserves, Belize is home to an estimated 145 mammal species, 139 reptile species, and at least 500 bird species. An island vacation doesn’t mean missing out on wildlife viewing—here are the best hot spots throughout the cayes.

A howler monkey in a tree in Belize
A howler monkey at the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Photo © Lebawit Lily Girma.
  • The Community Baboon Sanctuary: Spot howler monkeys, birds, iguanas, and armadillos at this sanctuary in Bermudian Landing, less than an hour’s drive from Belize City.
  • Belize Audubon Society: In addition to managing Belize’s protected areas and wildlife reserves, the society also runs top birding hot spots like Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Half Moon Caye National Monument.
  • The Belize Zoo: Located outside Belize City, this delightful zoo is home to the country’s native animals.
  • Caye Caulker Forest Reserve Estuary: A short boat ride from the island, this portion of Caye Caulker’s North Forest Reserve is a habitat of crocodiles—who lay and hatch their eggs here—birds, spiders, and iguanas.
  • Tropical Wings Nature Center: Near San José de Succotz, this center has one of the highest numbers of butterfly species.
  • Green Hills Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections: In the Cayo District, this butterfly breeding, education, and research center sits on Mountain Pine Ridge Road.
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Increase your chance of an encounter with a jaguar, puma, margay, tapir, or ocelot with a hike or overnight stay.
  • Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm: An exclusive visit here is for guests of Hickatee Cottages only.
  • Río Blanco National Park: Beautiful butterflies and birds flutter away in Punta Gorda’s pristine park.
  • Chan Chich Lodge: On the Gallon Jug Estate, lodge guests list their numerous wildlife sightings on a community chalkboard.