Monkey River Jungle Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch

Travel by boat through the scenic mangrove lagoons to the traditional fishing village of Monkey River, then continue upriver into one of Belize's last pristine rainforests. Watch for American crocodiles, large green iguanas basking in the trees, turtles, and a variety of tropical birds, including herons, kingfishers, parrots, and ospreys. Your licensed local guide will lead an easy rainforest walk in search of the area's famous black howler monkeys. Hearing their deep, echoing calls is an unforgettable Belize experience! Along the trail, discover native plants and towering trees, many of which have long been used by local bush doctors for food and medicine. With a little luck, you may also spot gibnuts ("Royal Rats"), peccaries, agoutis, coatimundis, tapirs, or even the elusive ocelot. Before returning to Placencia, enjoy the opportunity to purchase an authentic Belizean Creole lunch at Miss Alice's Restaurant. Keep watch for endangered West Indian manatees on the return cruise.