Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located in the Stann Creek District of Belize. The park consists of 7,107 acres of primarily tropical evergreen broadleaf, lowland and hill forest ecosystems. This is an amazing park to visit year round and offers a diverse range of activities. It’s a great place for wildlife observation and bird watching. There is also access to several Mayan sites and beautiful waterfalls via a system of maintained trails through the forest.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Ziplining
One of the most popular ways to explore the park is on the longest zipline in Belize. Gliding through the pristine rainforest canopy is a unique way to experience Mayflower Bocawina National Park. The zipline is 2.5 miles long and has 12 platforms, 8 different runs and a rappel. There is even the option to zip at night, which is especially rewarding on a full moon. Ziplining is a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy.
Waterfall Rappelling
Inside the park there are 5 different waterfalls to explore. Hike through lush rainforest to the top of the 1,000 foot Antelope Falls, learning about the flora and fauna on the way. End the climb with a refreshing swim in the emerald pools and enjoy the breathtaking view of the rainforest and Caribbean Sea. Your guides will then take you on an exhilarating 250ft rappel down Antelope Falls. Waterfall rappelling is also available at Bocawina Falls. On this guided tour, you will hike for 20 minutes along the undulating jungle trail, then rappel 100 feet down Bocawina Falls to the pool below. This is a great place to relax and swim in the waterfall pool before heading back down the trail.
Bird Watching
Mayflower Bocawina National Park is home to over 237 different bird species. Joining a guided early morning hike around the rainforest is a great way to learn about the species and bird conservation in the park. Some of the most notable species found in the park are the Keel-billed Motmot, Crested Guan, Great Curassow, and Ocellated Turkey.
Jungle Hikes
Hiking with experienced local guides is a great way to learn about jungle flora and fauna and find out interesting facts about the plants, trees, birds and creatures that call the jungle their home. Hikes include the challenging 1000ft climb to the top of Antelope Falls and an easy hike to Bocawina Falls. On both hikes you will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfalls pools.
Night Hikes
There is something magical about walking in the rainforest at night. And this is the best time of day to visit the natural habitat of some of Belize’s nocturnal animals. If you are lucky you may see the tracks of one of five wild cats (Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Margay or Jaguarondi). Other animals you are likely to encounter on a night walk are Foxes, Armadillo, Paca, Bats, Owls and Kinkajou.
STAY IN A JUNGLE LODGE
Bocawina Rainforest Resort is located in the heart of Mayflower Bocawina National Park. This eco-resort is completely off the grid and is powered by solar and hydro from a nearby stream, with a generator for periods of high demand. The setting is truly spectacular; nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, with views of cascading waterfalls, flocks of parrots and parakeets and troops of monkeys whose calls can be heard most evenings as the sun sets over the distant peaks.
The lodge has twelve separate guest accommodations, an Adventure Center and the Wild Fig Restaurant & Bar.
If you go:
Bocawina Rainforest Resort is the ideal location to explore Mayflower Bocawina National Park. The activities listed above are available right from the resort. The Adventure Center also offers a number of off site tours including horseback riding in the jungle, Mayan ruin tours, cave tubing, and cave canoeing. They also offer excursions to the ATM caves, Monkey River, Blue Hole, Belize Zoo, a Mayan living experience, and bird watching at Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Sittee River.
The Rainforest Canopy Adventure 3-day trip includes a stay at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort and a choice of activities.
If you are looking for a trip that combines visiting the Mayflower National Park and some time beach time our Jungle & Beach Explorer -Hopkins and Jungle & Beach Explorer - Placencia are ideal options. Both of these adventures are available year round.