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Belize Wildlife & Nature Tour

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Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Price

Price varies and can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Easy - Walking and and Watching

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, Lunch, and Water. (Full day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Sunscreen, Hat and Sunglasses.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Belize, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 16,400 acres of wetlands, lagoons, and savannas, this protected area is one of the best places in Central America to observe rare and migratory birds, including the iconic Jabiru stork—the largest flying bird in the region. The sanctuary is a designated Ramsar Site, recognized for its global importance in the conservation of wetlands and wildlife.

What to Expect at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Birdwatching Hotspot: Home to over 300 bird species, including kingfishers, herons, hawks, ospreys, and the rare Jabiru stork, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.

Boat & Canoe Tours: Glide across the lagoons and waterways on a guided boat or canoe tour, offering an up-close look at the thriving ecosystem.

Scenic Hiking Trails: Walk through forest trails and open savannas, where you might spot iguanas, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and even deer.

Photography & Nature Walks: With its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, Crooked Tree is a dream location for photographers and nature lovers.

Local Creole Culture: The nearby Crooked Tree Village offers a glimpse into traditional Creole life, where you can enjoy authentic Belizean cuisine and interact with friendly locals.

The Journey to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

From Belize City: About 45 minutes via the Philip Goldson Highway, followed by a short turnoff to the village.
From San Ignacio: Approximately 1.5 hours, making it a great stop when traveling between Belize’s mainland destinations.
From Orange Walk: A short 40-minute drive, perfect for those exploring northern Belize.

The best way to experience the sanctuary is by taking a guided boat tour, which allows visitors to navigate the interconnected waterways while spotting wildlife in its natural habitat. The dry season (November to May) is the best time to visit, as birds gather in large numbers around shrinking water sources.

Why Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is Special

Unlike many other wildlife destinations, Crooked Tree offers a peaceful, immersive experience where nature takes center stage. It is one of the best birdwatching locations in the region, drawing birding enthusiasts from around the world. The combination of wetlands, forests, and traditional Creole culture makes it a truly unique place to explore.

Location to your destination

Nearby Attractions

If you’re visiting the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, consider exploring these nearby destinations to make the most of your trip:

Lamanai Maya Ruins – A short drive away, where you can combine nature and history by exploring one of Belize’s most famous Maya sites. Take a boat ride along the New River to reach the ruins, adding an adventurous twist to your journey.

Black Howler Monkey Sanctuary – Located nearby, offering a chance to see and hear Belize’s iconic howler monkeys up close. This community-run sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat while supporting local conservation efforts.

Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

Nelson Maya Adventures ( shuttles and tours)

4.8

Based on 58 reviews

review us on

MoeNight 21

2 months ago

I had a great experience with them. Highly recommended

Hossein Siadat

3 months ago

We got shuttle service from Belize airport to Guatemala and back to Belize airport. Extremely happy with the service, all of the drivers were friendly and kind. The service was exceptional. Jasmin was the coordinator and she was awsome and helpful.
If you get the service with them you will love it.

Shawnya Arthur

12 months ago

The best tour ever. From all the assistance Yasmin provided at booking to the actual activities top tier. We enjoyed the Mayan Ruins, ATV & Cave tubing. Our guide was a wealth of information regarding the Mayan Culture and Belizean culture. Warm, friendly and professional company.

Grant Welsh

12 months ago

We arranged multiple pickups and drop offs as well as a trip into Mexico to see Chichen Itza during a weeklong visit to Belize. The drivers were very good, on time and helpful. When in Belize there was constant communication and updates regarding our times etc. and our goals were met and our trip was great. Thanks to everyone at Nelson Maya Adventures for a great vacation.

PMA Wave

1 year ago

Private Transfer from Belize City (Water Taxi Terminal) to Belmopan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our private transfer from Belize City to Belmopan was absolutely smooth and comfortable. Upon arrival at the Water Taxi Terminal, we were warmly greeted.

The vehicle was clean, air-conditioned and very comfortable—an excellent relief after the boat ride. Our driver was not only punctual but also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He shared interesting insights about Belize, its culture.

The ride itself was relaxed and safe. The driver maintained a smooth pace and drove very professionally, making us feel secure at all times.

Overall, this was the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free and comfortable transfer from Belize City to Belmopan. I highly recommend this service and would use it again without hesitation!

Jeriva Traylor

2 years ago

We went on the Lamanai tour and had an amazing experience! Our driver, Anthony, met us at the ferry and took us to the boat landing. There we boarded our boat and took the river to Lamanai. Our boat captain and tour guide, Brenda, was incredible. Her knowledge about the river, her community, and the Lamanai ruins made our tour so enjoyable. She was able to answer questions and provide us with a deeply enriching experience. After a delicious lunch (stewed chicken, rice and beans, coleslaw, and chips and pico de gallo) and some time at the museum and gift shops, we headed back to the boat landing where our driver awaited to take us back the the ferry. All in all, excellent day!

Ryan Wright

3 years ago

By far one of the best tour companies in Belize , we opted to book with them not only the AMT caving tour but also the shuttles from bc to San ignassio then San ignassio to Hopkins and then back to BC. We tried other shuttles but came up short either over charging or had sub par vehicle. Nelson maya had safe vehicals and Chris our driver drove very safe.

The staff where always amazing and Jasmine who booked everything was always checking in the night before to let us know we where booked the next day

The ATM cave tour is a must do if you come to Belize and are a adventurous person. I work as a firefighter professionally and on the tour I saw the tour guide was very experienced. He knew how to manage people even when they where either scared or nervous about some of the situations in the cave.

Highly recommend

Belize Wildlife & Nature Tour