Discover Belize

At Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the seasonal rhythm and nature of birdwatching take center stage. The Belize Zoo and Swallow Caye offer other wildlife experiences, while St. John’s Cathedral and the Travellers Heritage Center Museum add historical points of interest. Consider which of these focuses matters most for your stay and use it as a starting point for further planning.

Birdwatching at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The dry season from November to May is considered the main birdwatching season at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. On tours lasting one to three hours, you are likely to see 20 to 40 different bird species at any time of year. You can therefore compare the season with the tour duration; this does not guarantee any particular sighting.

Visitors can rent canoes, bicycles and horses at the sanctuary to explore the area for birdwatching. If you are counting on a particular rental option, check its current availability before your trip. Free trail maps are available at the visitor center; check on site whether this service is currently available. The tour duration describes the time frame, the rental options describe ways of getting around, and the maps offer another aspect to consider when planning. This lets you take each piece of information into account separately for your visit.

Wildlife: Zoo and boat-based viewing

More than 45 animal species can be seen at the Belize Zoo; the number of species may change. The zoo was founded in 1983. On guided tours, keepers take visitors to see some of the animals. If you would like to plan for a tour, confirm its current availability in advance. The number of species describes the zoo’s wildlife, while the tour is a specific option with its own availability.

At Swallow Caye, visitors can observe manatees from boats in their natural habitat. Viewing takes place from a boat. Follow the sanctuary’s guidelines.

Cultural heritage and reasons to visit

Apart from the Maya temples, St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The Travellers Heritage Center Museum is located in Belize City and is considered suitable for day trips as well as for cruise passengers passing through. These visitor contexts distinguish a planned day trip from a visit while passing through. Check on the museum’s current operating status before planning a visit.

Belize as the broader travel destination

At the broader destination level, Belize’s Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System offers a distinct natural setting. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and comprises seven protected areas. Together, these protected areas make up 12 percent of the entire reef complex. The system is considered the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and the second-largest reef system in the world. It extends along the barrier reef, the shelf lagoon and the offshore atolls.

The reef system provides habitat for endangered marine animals, including West Indian manatees, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles and American crocodiles. Endemic and migratory birds also nest in the coastal forests of the cayes, atolls and coastal areas.

Discover more destinations: Belize City, Ladyville, Burrell Boom, Maskall, Hattieville, Big Falls, Lucky Strike, Crooked Tree, Bermudian Landing, Rock Stone Pond, Gales Point.

Return to the broader travel overview: Belize.