Monkey River Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch

Placencia , Belize

Monkey River Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch

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(63 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A half hour fun boat ride through the mangroves takes you to Monkey River village where you head upriver into pristine rain forest. Expect to see crocodiles, huge iguanas on tree branches sunning themselves, turtles, and many species of tropical birds. Upriver, your licensed guide will lead you into the rain forest in search of howler monkeys. Nothing you read could prepare you for the adventure of hearing these monkeys for the first time...you just have to experience it! On this mellow hike, your guide will also point out the different plants and trees many of which are used as medicine by local bush doctors. As your hike through the jungle further from the river you may spot gibnuts (now known as royal rat since Queen Elizabeth dined on it), deer, ocelots, peccaries, tapirs, coatimundis and agoutis.

Buy a genuine Kriol lunch at Miss Alice’s restaurant in Monkey River before heading out on a manatee watch on the way back to Placencia.

Available options

Monkey River Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch

Pickup included

What's included

Transport

Park Fees.

Pick Up and Drop Off in Placencia Village.

Tour Guide.

Detailed itinerary

Depart Placencia Village at 08:00 am for a boat ride along the coast zipping in an out of the mangroves. Stop in Monkey River Town to order lunch to be eaten on the return trip. You can expect to see crocodiles, huge iguanas on tree branches sunning themselves, turtles, and many species of tropical birds.
Upriver, your licensed guide will lead you into the rain forest in search of howler monkeys which 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!
Your guide will also point out the different plants and trees many of which are used as medicine by local bush doctors. You may spot gibnuts (now known as royal rat since Queen Elizabeth dined on it), deer, ocelots, peccaries, tapirs, coatimundis and agoutis. abundant wildlife.
Stop at Miss Alice’s restaurant in Monkey River before heading out on a manatee watch on the way back to Placencia.

What's not included

Lunch.

Alcoholic drinks.

Drinks.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

48 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meals are not included - tradition is to support the Monkey River Village buy buying lunch there.

Wear shoes that you don't care if they get wet - for the mellow walk into the jungle part of the tour.

Long sleeve shirts and long pants and mosquito spray can be necessary some times of the year.

About Placencia

Placencia is a charming coastal village in southern Belize, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and proximity to both the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, it's a perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the world's first jaguar reserve and a stunning area of waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife. It's a must-visit for nature lovers.

Nature Half to full day Moderate

Laughing Bird Caye National Park

A beautiful marine reserve with snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island is known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life.

Nature Full day Moderate to Expensive

Placencia Village

The village itself is charming, with colorful houses, local shops, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to stroll, shop, and dine.

Cultural A few hours to a full day Free to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stewed Chicken

A Belizean classic, often served with rice and beans, plantains, and coleslaw.

Main Dish Contains poultry and spices.

Lobster

Freshly caught lobster, often grilled or fried, and served with a variety of sides.

Main Dish Contains shellfish.

Rice and Beans

A staple in Belizean cuisine, made with red kidney beans and rice, often cooked with coconut milk.

Side Dish Vegetarian option available.

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Hiking Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments Local markets Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with warm, sunny weather and lower humidity. It's the most popular time to visit, with plenty of activities and events.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Creole
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD)

Time Zone

GMT-6

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Placencia is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport • 200 km (124 miles)
Placencia Airstrip • 1 km (0.6 miles)

By bus

Belize City Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable but may not run on a strict schedule. They are a good option for getting to nearby towns and villages.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not widely available

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Placencia Village Savannah

Day trips

Silk Cayes

20 km (12.4 miles) • Full day

A beautiful group of islands with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve

25 km (15.5 miles) • Full day

A marine reserve known for its diverse marine life, including whale sharks and various fish species.

Festivals

Garifuna Settlement Day • November 19 Lobster Fest • June to February

Pro tips

Visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see jaguars in the wild.
Try the local seafood, especially lobster, which is a specialty in Placencia.
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the village on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops.
Respect the environment and wildlife by following sustainable travel practices.