Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve Tour

Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve Tour -- There is only one Jaguar Preserve in the world, and you will have an opportunity to actually walk among the primary forest habitat to these great cats.

South of Dangriga and a little to the west lie the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife (Jaguar) Preserve. Here jaguar, ocelots, puma, tapir and other exotic animals roam freely in a well-managed nature reserve. Your guide will be on the constant watch for signs of fresh tracks as you trek through the Preserve, watching and waiting for a sight of one of these magnificent creatures.

If you are a birder, be on the lookout for the over 260 species of our feathered friends that make this area their home.

Cats, forests, birds, camera, action!

Included:
Transportation to airport, round-trip flight from Belize City to Dangriga, transportation to Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, guided tour, park fee, lunch, refreshments.

There is a minimum number of 2 people needed to book this tour. Participants must walk over uneven jungle trails.

The main feature about the Jaguar Preserve is its trail network. It is the most extensive of any other National Park in Belize. Jaguars are often found in dense forests and swamps with good cover and simple access to water.

The best time to spot one is at dusk or dawn. Wildlife happens to be more active during the rainy season from June to November while birding is better in December until March. The animals are livelier on cloudy, cool days and tourists usually go to Cockscomb Basin to hike, camp, kayak, canoe, tube, and swim.

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 inhabit the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded.

Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are surrounded by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains. The wonders and diversity are accessible to both the casual visitor and the serious naturalist through a series of nature trails.

These trails vary in degrees of difficulty ranging from an easy hour-long stroll along the river to a four (4) day challenge of conquering Victoria Peak. The Victoria Peak trail is only accessible during the dry season and requires a permit and a tour guide.

The hike to the famous waterfall is an excellent photo opportunity, and highly-recommended.

Park Attractions
With over 20 miles of maintained trails, you are offered many opportunities for hiking and wildlife and bird watching over a variety of terrain.

Two of the trials at CBWS are specifically designed educational trails with accompanying information packs and pamphlets.

For those hiking on the Tiger Fern trail and the trail to Ben's Bluff, bathing in the cooling waterfalls is a must.

More fun can be had in the water with tube floating and swimming in the South Stann Creek. Visitors with their own equipment can take advantage of the exciting canoeing and kayaking possibilities.

As might be expected in such a wild and remote setting, wildlife abounds - Tayra, Neotropical River Otter, Kinkajou, Baird's Tapir, and numerous snakes and reptiles.

The Sanctuary also has an Educational Visitor's Center with interactive displays, wildlife specimens, and a spacious conference room ideal for school and other large groups.

There are three designated camping areas in the Sanctuary, the first next to the Sanctuary headquarters and the others are on the trails, for the more adventurous.

Park Rules
To help us maintain the park's pristine condition we ask that all visitors observe the following regulations:
~Please do not harm/attempt to capture any animals or birds
~No fishing or hunting is allowed
~Do not litter; leave trash in bins provided
~Cooking is only allowed in designated areas
~Please do not bring pets into the park
~No firearms are allowed
~Please stay on the trails at all times
~Don't use shampoos, soaps or detergents in the waterfalls or rivers

What to bring:
Sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, hiking boots or tennis shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, plenty of water and maybe a light snack. Be sure to wear your swimsuit, for a swim in the pool and to relax under the waterfall.

72 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour includes Belize City hotel pick-up and drop-off. Rates are in US Dollars. Please reserve online or call us toll-free at 800-719-6031.