Monkey River Tour

Timetable: Early departure from the resort (7:00 a.m.)
Duration: Full day, Approximately 8 hours 
Difficulty: Moderate
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A visit to Monkey River is truly a unique experience. Around 8 am, your guide will pick you up by boat, and travel through the lagoon and in among the red mangrove fringe forest along the coast, habitat of the manatee and many species of birds. Most of this trip is in protected waters and will be relatively smooth. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the mouth of the river.

The native guide points out numerous iguanas, turtles and birds as you motor slowly up river. Not long into the trip the jungle erupts with the bizarre sounds of the Black Howler Monkey as the troupes communicate with each other to declare their territory. Nothing you read could prepare you for the adventure of hearing these monkeys for the first time; you just have to experience it!

An hour into the trip, disembark to venture into the jungle and "see the howlers close up." Imagine being guided through the bush by someone who spent their childhood there! Learn about the different plants and trees as he cuts a new trail and wanders (sometimes through water) further from the river. The sound of a troupe of howler monkeys as they burst out in a raucous chorus tingles the hair on the back of your neck! It's hard to believe an animal that weighs 35 pounds can sound as big as an elephant.

Return to the mouth and Monkey River Village for a lunch of genuine Creole. Then a guided tour through the small village before boarding the boat for the trip back to the resort. Monkey River Tour is one of the "don't miss" tours in Belize!

Don't forget to bring: bug repellent, hiking boots or tennis shoe, hat, long pants, camera, binoculars and money for lunch or souvenirs