OUR NO. 1 BESTSELLER!! Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
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OUR SIGNATURE TOUR & THE TOP JUNGLE TOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PLACENCIA AREA!!
Take a scenic 60 minute drive to the world's only jaguar preserve. Make a stop to check out the "Maya Centre" where you can buy local souvenirs. The first part of this tour is a natural history hike where the tour guide will teach you about all of the flora and fauna of the area. Anything you want to know, he'll tell you. After a delicious provided lunch comes the optional second half of the tour. Grab an inner tube and hike down to the South Stann Creek River where you will float along for around an hour. After this, you will take another hike to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim to your heart's content. Next up is an amazing experience sure to be the highlight of your day, an adventure sliding down natural water slides (moss-covered rocks). We are the ONLY TOUR COMPANY IN THE COUNTRY that offers this experience - your guide will give you step by step instructions. Nothing to fear!!! 7:00am - 5:00pm $ 125 USD per person. Minimum 4 people. What to bring: swimwear, shorts for rockslides (ladies must bring shorts) towel, sunblock, insect repellent, camera, shoes for hiking and to wear in the water (NO FLIP-FLOPS), fresh clothes, pocket money, water bottle. Click below for the San Pedro Scoop blog review!
"By the end, we hiked back to homebase and celebrated the fact that we were KINGS OF THE JUNGLE." -San Pedro Scoop |
Cockscomb Basin (Night Tour)
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After the 60 minute drive to the wildlife sanctuary, headlights will be distributed to each person. First we fuel up with a hearty local dinner, followed by a briefing of the hiking trails.. The hike is around 2 hours long where you will have the chance to see tapirs, howler monkeys, river otters 5 species of wild cats and many more. Various types of frogs and snakes are prevalent in this area as well. After a short break, we collect river tubes and head to the river for night river tubing! The key to seeing wildlife is staying quiet and being in the right place at the right time. Sightings are never guaranteed but many animals are nocturnal and can only be seen at night!
4:00pm - around 11:00pm $ 125 USD per person. Minimum 4 people. What to bring: Shoes for hiking and to wear in the water, long pants, insect repellent, bottle of water. Headlights are provided. |
Cockscomb Basin (overnight Tour)
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Experience the ultimate adventure of spending the night in the jungle at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary!! This tour includes all the activities for both the day and night tours - natural history hike, waterfall swim, rock slides, tubing (both day and night) and night hike. Accommodations are presently closed within the park due to covid restrictions but we provide everything for "fancy camping!" You will get a large tent with blow up mattress, cotton sheets and pillows. We have access to proper bathrooms, showers and a kitchen with dining area and we even take our coffee machine for real coffee!! Meals included: lunch and dinner on day 1, breakfast on day 2.
8am - 8am (following day) $ 280 USD per person + cost of accommodation if applicable (if choosing not to camp, different tyoes of accommodation are available at the park - cost payable direct to Cockscomb Basin) On the first morning, pick-up will be from your hotel but if you have a rental car and will not be returning to Placencia then we can drive in convoy. |
ATM Cave Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal, or “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”)
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Click below for a link to the full review!
"It is absolutely incredible that something like this exists, and that it is possible for a layperson to visit." -San Pedro Scoop |
Take a glimpse into the Maya underworld with the ultimate caving adventure. Declared by National Geographic as the number 1 sacred cave in the world! Depart Placencia at 6.30am for a 2.5 hour drive up the beautiful Hummingbird Highway to the northwest of the country where you will join your specialist caving guide. To enter the cave you must cross a river 3 times and swim into the entrance! The adventure inside the cave lasts for around 4 hours. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Maya and learn about the cultural use of the cave and see first-hand ancient cooking utensils and sacrificial sites. The ultimate sight it that of the “crystal maiden” – gaze upon her in awe, and see remains of many other ancient sacrificed Maya.
6.00am – 6:00pm. $ 225 USD per person. $235 USD from 1st Nov. 2024 What to bring: water shoes, clothes that can get wet, a pair of socks (some areas shoes are not allowed and no bare feet to protect the environment), towel, change of clothes for drive home. No cameras are allowed inside the cave. Everyone is provided a lifejacket and head light. A moderate level of fitness is required. |
Xunantunich MAYA SITE and INLAND Blue Hole
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This tour begins with a 2.5 hour drive along the famous "Hummingbird Highway," a little long but a great way to see the country as we traverse through the jungle covered hills.
Once we are almost at the site, we'll cross the Mopan River by means of a hand-cranked ferry. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable site guide will walk you through the site while giving you a thorough history of the Maya people. The highlight of the trip is climbing the 140 foot high "El Castillo" building to experience a 360 degree view over the forest treetops of Western Belize and straight into Guatemala. After lunch, we will begin the journey back home. After 45 minutes of driving we will stop at the Blue Hole National Park to take a dip in the natural sinkhole in the middle of the jungle. Then it is homeward bound. 7:00am - 5:00pm $ 165 USD per person. $ 175 USD from 1st November 2024 What to bring: light hiking shoe, water bottle, swimwear, towel, insect repellent, camera, pocket money. |
SOUTHERN Maya SITE, Chocolate & SPICE FARM
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Take an hour and a half long drive to the Maya site called "Lubaantun" (Place of the Fallen Stones) famous for the unearthing of the "Crystal Skull". A knowledgeable guide will take you through the site teaching you about the people, culture and history of the site. After lunch at a local restaurant we'll stop at "Akte'il Ha" cacao farm to learn about the process of traditional Maya chocolate making and you get to have a go yourself too! We also include a visit to the spice farm. Started in 1990, this farm is now the main producer of pepper and vanilla country-wide.
7:00am - 5:00pm. $ 175 USD per person What to bring: insect repellent, water bottle, camera, pocket money. |
Blue Creek Cave & Rio Blanco Waterfall
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Experience one of Belize’s most beautiful cave systems in the south; this is an exciting swimming cave tour! Marvel at ancient stalactites and an underground waterfall. You will be issued safety equipment of a lifejacket, helmet and a head light before taking a 30 minute walk through the jungle to access the mouth of "Hokeb Ha Cave". Here you will start your swimming adventure inside the cave. As we traverse upriver, underground, you will wonder at the spectacular ancient cave structures. To exit the cave it's a quick float out the way we came! After walking back to the village, a local Maya lunch will have been prepared - served buffet style. After lunch we visit the beautiful waterfall at Rio Blanco National Park. One of the most impressive waterfalls in Toledo District and for those thrill-seekers, there's an option to jump into a deep water pool below!
6:00am – around 5.30pm. $ 200 USD per person. What to bring: swimming clothes (shorts and rash vest), water shoes or old running shoes, a change of clothes for after the tour, towel, bottle of water, waterproof camera if you have (inside the cave any camera will be fully submerged in water). |
THE ULTIMATE CAVE KAYAKING ADVENTURE
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This is a very unique tour and the ultimate cave kayaking tour in the country of Belize!! Using high quality Kokopelli kayaks we travel a total of 7 miles through 2 underground river/cave systems, starting on the Caves Branch River.
We begin the tour with a 30 minute drive in an open top 4x4 vehicle. On reaching the start of the tour, participants are briefed and issued equipment. Once in the cave (it's a gentle paddle going with the current) we experience the wonders of the underground... marvel at stalactites and incredible rock formations. We occassionally reach open areas and after 1.5 hours, we enjoy a picnic "cave burrito" on the riverbank half way through the tour. Following lunch is a 20 minute portage section which the guides assist with if needed. We then continue downstream and exit at Nohoch Che'en Archaelogical Reserve. 6:30am - around 5.30pm. $225 USD per person.What to bring: swimming clothes (shorts and rash vest), water shoes or old running shoes, a change of clothes for after the tour, towel, bottle of water, waterproof camera if you have. |
COCONUT & CASHEW CULINARY EXPERIENCE
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We’re delighted to announce our new "Belizean Coconut and Cashew Culinary Experience" conducted on-site at Doyle's Smoke Yaad right in Placencia Village. (During the pandemic, when no tourists could visit Doyle created a restaurant out of his other passion -cooking!)
How much do you know about the humble coconut... one of nature’s most diverse resources? Learn all about coconut products; drink, eat, cook and eat some more! Passed on from generation to generation, you will learn traditional Belizean cooking techniques. Together we'll make coconut milk and coconut oil from scratch, which we then use to create the traditional feast of Belizean stewed chicken with coconut rice and fried plantain. Class available for either morning (lunch) or afternoon (dinner). Morning class: 9am - around 1.30pm Afternoon class: 1:00pm - around 5.30pm. $ 75 USD per person What to bring: Yourself and a healthy appetite! |
PRIVATE CATERING EVENTS
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Our sister company Doyle's Smoke Yaad now provides catering services!
Whether this be a beach BBQ at a caye of your choice, a private dinner at your rental accommodation, or a celebratory event, please get in touch to discuss your menu and requirements. Contact Doyle on [email protected] or call/what's app: +501-600-2318. |
SPECIALIST BIRDING TOURS
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Birding is one of Doyle's specialties and you can book a private tour to see amazing jungle and and wetland birds in the nearby area. Price is calculated on an hourly basis - $50 USD per hour for mimimum 2 people. Typical tours run 6am - 12pm.
From December-March, you have a unique opportunity to see Scarlet Macaws in the wild. These magnificent birds migrate to southern Belize for the rich food sources in the mountains. Take an hour drive to Red Bank village for a chance to see these incredible birds in their natural habitat, as well as many other colourful species. 2014-2024 have had a 100% macaw sighting rate - 40-80 birds each time! This includes macaws in flight, feeding, perching and even mid-air mating! Belize's national bird the keel-billed toucan is nearly always seen too! Departs 6am $ 100 USD per person What to bring: binoculars, bug spray, walking shoes, camera, swim suit, towel |
Placencia Lagoon Tour with CRocodile Encounter
EMBARK ON A TOUR OF PLACENCIA LAGOON AND UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF ITS TOP PREDATOR - DISCOVER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CROCODILES IN BELIZEAN CULTURE AND IDENTITY
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Sink your teeth into conservation by joining the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) on a 2hr boat-based eco-tour in Placencia Lagoon. Learn about the connection of the ancient Maya with crocodiles whilst driving through mangrove canals and observing various wildlife. The tour will take a stop at CRC's land where you can meet one of the "Crocodile Ambassadors" like Gilly and Hamanasi and hear each of their unique stories. You will witness how we care for and feed the crocodiles in a captive environment in a method that encourages their mental and physical health.
Following our crocodile encounter, you will learn about the history of the Placencia Peninsula and the significance of the Placencia Lagoon to its adjacent communities. We watch the sun set over the Maya Mountains from the boat at an area locally known as "Flower Camp Lagoon". We will end the tour with a boat ride through the dense mangrove canals back to Placencia. N.B. This tour will be conducted on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS to coincide with the ambassador crocodiles being fed - crocodiles do not eat every day! Proceeds from this tour go towards crocodile care and local education and outreach. For more information about this organisation, please visit: Home - Crocodile Research Coalition 4-6pm (Departure time may change 30 minutes earlier or later at different times of the year, depending on time of sunset) $80 USD. 4 people mimumum (or pay the equivalent) What to bring: Water Bottle, water shoes or walking sandals, bug spray, camera. Long-sleeve shirt and long pants are suggested if you are susceptible to bug bites. |
MARINE Tours
Monkey River Tour
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Take a 45 minute boat ride through the beautiful lagoon mangroves and along the shoreline to the picturesque village of Monkey River. Upon arrival, there's time for a bathroom break and we check in at a local retaurant to order lunch for later. Once back in the boat, we commence the wildlife watching tour, going approximately a mile up river. In addition to a wide range of aquatic birds, we frequently spot iguanas, turtles and maybe a crocodile! We pull in at the riverbank and a guided trail tour follows where you learn about various uses of the plants and trees, as well as enjoy wildlife sightings - in particular, troops of resident Howler Monkeys. Once we return to the village we enjoy a local lunch. On the ride back, there's manatee watching. Manatees are sighted almost all the time.
8:00am - around 2:00pm $ 85 USD per person (lunch not included - Lunch is US$7.50 payable at local restaurant in Monkey River village) |
Laughing Bird Caye Snorkel Tour
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Take a 40 minute boat ride past the inner cayes to reach the beautiful Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a snorkel tour; you will see lots of colorful corals and fish, if you're lucky, you may even see spotted eagle rays, spiny lobsters, the queen conch and much more.
A coral restoration project here (in effect for over 10 years), allows you to see the endangered Acropora corals and a variety of fish life which lives amongst the branches of these beautiful corals. This snorkel lasts for about an hour and then a traditional Belizean picnic hot lunch is provided for you. After lunch your guide takes you out for another snorkel tour and then it's homeward bound. 8.30am - 3:00pm $ 100 USD (includes gear, lunch and entrance fees) |
Silk Cayes Snorkel Tour
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Take an hour long boat ride to a tiny pristine tropical island close to the Belize Barrier Reef, within the "Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve".
Enter the water from the beach and take a 45 minute snorkel around the island with your experienced guides to see the wonders of the underwater world. After a traditional Belizean picnic lunch, you will be taken to snorkel with turtles, stingrays and nurse sharks in a shallow seagrass area. All gears provided, including life vests for snorkeling if required. 8.30am - 3:30pm $ 120 USD per person |
Mangrove snorkel & patch reef snorkel (Half Day)
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Enjoy a half day snorkel tour experiencing both the delicate mangrove ecosystem followed by patch coral reefs. After a 15 minute boat ride we arrive at a nearby mangrove area - we don lifejackets and snorkel gear to enter the water so we can float effortlessly above this delicate ecosystem. Marvel at the dense growth on the mangrove roots such as feather duster worms and mangrove oysters. Between the roots, juvenile fish use this as a nursery area... you may be lucky to spot starfish, stingrays and even seahorses! We spend about 40 minutes at this location before moving to see the beautiful coral heads around lazy caye - the caye has long been washed away, but the underwater world is still a sight to behold!
9:00am – around 12:00pm OR 1:00pm - around 4:00pm. $ 80 USD per person. What to bring: swimming clothes (shorts and rash vest), a towel, bottle of water, waterproof camera if you have, reef-safe sunblock. If you don't have your own snorkel equipment, this will be provided. |
Fishing Tours
Specialist live bait reef fishing / fly fishing tours tailored to your exact requirements!
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Belize offers some of the best fishing in the world! Experience the thrill of the chase and the excitement of the catch. Bring your catch home for dinner!
Full day reef fishing. US$700 for 1 to 4 people. Lunch, water, ice etc. included. US$150 for each additional person. Full day tour: 7:00am - 5pm, or change the timings as you wish. Half day also available for US$550 for the boat. Custom trips available on request, including island hopping. We can also combine with an island trip if some of your party want to relax on an island and snorkel whilst others fish! Contact Annelise on +501-633-6599 |
