There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing wildlife in Belize, especially if you’ve just read or are reading about it! Here are a few ways to safely and respectfully get up close and personal with our wild royalty.
Manatees
If you are staying on the cayes or the mainland near or on the coast, chances are there are local tour operators who offer manatee watching. Most tours provide watching from a boat (the best option when with children), but some include snorkeling or diving in the same area.
Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
Three protected manatee areas exist – the Northern Lagoon, the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary. The manatees in Belize can be spotted all year long, but there are some essential safety protocols always to remember:
Do not
- Touch the manatees
- Feed or give water to manatees
- Speed up once nearing the river
- Chase after manatees with a boat
- Corner a manatee
- Separate a manatee from its calf
Do
- Obey the signs
- Slow down when nearing the river
- Anchor the boat
- Shut off the engine
- Be patient and quiet
Jamal photos courtesy dodo.com, Sea to Shore Alliance and World Conservation Society
Jaguars
The chances of seeing a jaguar in Belize are low because these big cats are shy, stealthy, and solitary animals that rarely appear during the day. Some say the odds of seeing a jaguar are 17,000 to 1. Spotting one is a rarity, even in protected areas where the jaguar is alive and well. You can increase your chances by visiting during the dry season (February–May), using a knowledgeable guide, and staying at a jungle resort like Chan Chic Lodge, which is well known for its jaguar habitat. As you know, there are never guarantees when seeing wildlife!
The Belize Zoo
What’s the sure way to see a jaguar when visiting Belize? The Belize Zoo, of course! Known as the “Best Little Zoo in the World,” here you can easily see many of the country’s magnificent mammals in a natural setting; there are almost 20 species represented, including the elusive jaguar. Rarely seen in the wild, you can admire these majestic cats right here. The Belize Zoo offers a variety of unique tours and life-changing encounters with their wonderful wildlife, including a night tour and feeding the jaguar! https://shorturl.at/qeaqy
Butterflies
Belize is home to an estimated 700 butterfly species, many of which are found in the inland rainforests. Although exploring the gorgeous jungles of Belize with one of our talented guides is an unforgettable experience, you may not be up to the challenge. Fortunately, Belize is home to several butterfly farms. These farms are family-friendly and a great way to enjoy a wide range of colorful butterflies in all stages of growth, including one of Belize’s most famous butterfly species, the Blue Morpho.
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
Located in Mountain Pine Ridge in the Cayo District of Belize, it is the largest live butterfly display in Belize. Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop and outside picnic area. Open daily, 9AM-4PM. https://www.greenhillsbelize.com/
The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm at Chaa Creek
Located at Chaa Creek Resort, just a short drive from San Ignacio Town in the Cayo District. Open daily, 8AM to 5PM. Guided tours are offered in conjunction with the Natural History Centre tours and begin on the hour every hour, with the last tour starting at 4PM.
https://www.chaacreek.com/belize-tours/butterfly-farm-tour
The Trek Stop / Tropical Wings Nature Center
Located at 71.5 Western Highway, San Jose Succotz, in the Cayo District. Open daily from 7AM – 8PM. Budget lodging facilities, Tropical Wings Nature Center, a butterfly enclosure, a disc golf course, and a restaurant. https://www.facebook.com/TrekStopTropicalWings
Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm
Located near Punta Gorda in the Toledo District of southern Belize. Visits to the Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm are only available for guests at the onsite Hickatee Cottages. https://www.hickatee.com/belize-butterflies
