Top Hopkins Nature and Wildlife

Hike up to witness the Cockscomb Waterfalls and ride inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River along with a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife at a nature reserve in Belize. You will be greeted by magnificent landscapes and vegetation during your hike here.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve.Besides being the home to Belize's largest cat, the sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation and a diverse faunal assemblage.Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains.Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five (5) of Belize's cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident Jaguars are in the area. Belize's national animal, the endangered Baird's Tapir also inhabits the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded.This tour is ideal for nature lovers and intrepid travelers. Get a chance to be up close and personal with the majestic jaguar.

Bird watching can be enjoyed all year round outside the heat of the day. Belize has well over 500 residential and migratory bird species with 80% being residential. Whether you are an experienced ornithologists or a birding beginner, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The thick vegetation of the reserve is home over 300 species of birds that have been recorded. By many accounts Cockscomb Basin offers some of the best birding in Belize. Certainly, the most productive times for birding are early morning and late afternoon.

Join us for an early morning hike on the grounds of our rainforest resort and through the Mayflower Bocawina National Park to see and hear dozens of different species of birds. Belize’s tropical location and wide range of pristine habitats attract a remarkable number both native and migrant birds. Over 290 different bird species have been identified in the local area. Our local guides are extremely experienced birders

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. If that isn’t appealing enough, how about saddling up a horse and riding into the shadow of this Mayan temple. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors might get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby, this is where you will board the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple. Here, you’ll dismount your horse and the journey to Xunantunich begins on the other bank of the river.. The temples are nestled in between lush rainforest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours.

You can't ride? So what! You don't have to be an accomplished rider to enjoy your unique riding experience. Our horses have been well schooled and selected to make even the most timid of riders look and feel like a professional.This trail ride is specifically designed for beginner to intermediate riders—lower jungle trail with just the right amount of challenge! The riding adventure takes you through ever changing scenery—from broken pine ridge covered in magnificent ferns to the rain forest and its magnificent cohune trees. Your trail will detour to the Sittee River where you can enjoy a cool swim or just walk along the river bank and skip stones. Then it’s time to remount and head back to our stables to give your mount a well deserved rest.

The ATM Cave is one of the most historical sights in the world. It is an incredibly beautiful underground world filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.

Bird watching can be enjoyed all year round outside the heat of the day. Belize has well over 500 residential and migratory bird species with 80% being residential. Whether you are an experienced ornithologists or a birding beginner, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and cruise through Sittee River and the rich farm land of Hopkins by boat and feet. Travel through a diverse ecosystem with literal forests with 3 types of mangroves, red, white and black. Mangroves are an excellent habitat for crocodiles, turtles, fish and year round water birds, like The Great Blue Heron and White Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Osprey, Hawks, Falcons, Frigate birds, ducks and the pink Roseate Spoonbills. While also giving you access to other bird species that are also found inland and not on the coast. Best of Both worlds

Gallop through the upper jungle trail with added challenge.  Steep mountain climbs and splashing through  the various creeks that cross your path.  The riding  adventure takes you through ever changing scenery from  broken pine-ridge covered with magnificent ferns to the rainforest  and its magnificent cohune trees and breathtaking scenery of the Belizean countryside from a bird's eye view.   Climb our lookout Tower and take in the amazing view as far as the ocean.   Detour to Sittee River where you can enjoy a cool swim, river tubing or just walk along the river  bank and skip stones.   

Share in the excited of exploring the jungle in the night time. This tour includes 1 hour long guided night hike that allows you to get up close and personal with the nocturnal creatures and flora and fauna of the rainforest like Owls, Kinkajou, Paca, Armadillos, Howler Monkeys, Bats, Foxes, Jaguars and more. Then glide like a bird through the pristine jungle canopy on the longest zipline in Belize. Experience the longest single and fastest run and lead your spirit soar.

At St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park there are unique geological features that can be found within 575 acres of forest rich with wildlife. The main attractions in this park, namely the St. Herman’s Cave and the Blue Hole, are connected by an underground stream. Visitors will traverse the cave completely, seeing beautiful stalactites & stalagmites and Mayan artifacts. After your guided tour through St. Herman’s Cave, we will be floating peacefully back to the entrance of the cave on an inner tube through refreshing fresh crystal clear waters.

Seeing is belizing - Freshwater Creek lagoon Bioluminescence Be dazzled by stars as you sit back and enjoy a front row seat to the shimmer of the night on on the Freshwater Creek Lagoon. Tour departs from Palmento Grove Docking station at 6:30PM and return at about 8:30PM. We cruise in our kayaks through the Lagoon looking to spot Crocodiles while heading to our magical location where you will be the witness to a magnificent mystical view of water glowing in the night with every droplet sparkling like stars. You can also look forward to seeing rays and lively fish darting around in otherworldly green glow.. Sure to mesmerize you and the entire family.

Bird watching can be enjoyed all year round outside the heat of the day. Belize has well over 500 residential and migratory bird species with 80% being residential. Whether you are an experienced ornithologists or a birding beginner, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Enjoy a leisurely 2 hour kayak cruise through Fresh Water Creek Lagoon and travel through a diverse ecosystem with 3 types of mangroves, red, white and black. Mangroves are an excellent habitat for crocodiles, turtles, fish and year round water birds, like The Great Blue Heron and White Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Osprey, Hawks, Falcons, Frigate birds, ducks and the pink Roseate Spoonbills. Native species are crabs, boa constrictors, iguanas and lizards. Highly recommended tour. So come out an enjoy a relaxing day bird watching on the water.