Experience one of Southern Belize’s most iconic wildlife adventures on the Monkey River Wildlife & Manatee Encounter  (see video). This immersive eco-tour departs from Placencia and carries you deep into the untouched beauty of Monkey River, a renowned natural habitat where Belize’s black howler monkeys, vibrant birdlife, crocodiles, iguanas, and river turtles thrive. It’s one of the best ways to explore the rainforest and waterways of Belize in a single unforgettable day.

Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride along Placencia’s coastline before entering the lush river system that makes Monkey River a must-see for nature lovers. Along the way, your local guide will help you spot wildlife, interpret the ecosystem, and share insights into the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts that protect this remarkable environment.

A short jungle walk enhances the experience, giving you the chance to hear the powerful calls of the howler monkeys echo through the rainforest canopy. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch in Monkey River Village before returning to sea in search of Belize’s gentle West Indian manatees, often seen feeding and surfacing in the calm waters just offshore.

This is a family-friendly Belize nature tour designed for curious travelers who want to experience authentic wildlife, culture, and pristine rainforest landscapes.

Highlights

• – Explore the famous Monkey River, one of Belize’s top wildlife destinations
• – Spot black howler monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, and dozens of bird species
• – Enjoy a guided jungle walk to learn about rainforest plants and animal habitats
• – Visit Monkey River Village for a delicious, local Belizean lunch
• – Search for endangered West Indian manatees on the return journey
• – Small-group experience with licensed Belize guides
• – Departs daily from Placencia Peninsula

What You’ll Experience

• – Scenic coastal boat ride from Placencia
• – Rainforest wildlife viewing
• – Birdwatching opportunities throughout the tour
• – Cultural immersion in a traditional Belizean village
• – Eco-friendly, educational nature adventure

Ideal For

• – Families
• – Wildlife enthusiasts
• – Nature photographers
• – Travelers seeking authentic Belize experiences

This  tour is easily accessible and enjoyable for various reasons. It caters to a wide range of fitness levels, making it suitable for most travelers. The tour typically involves a leisurely boat ride along the Monkey River, allowing participants to take in the scenic beauty at a comfortable pace.  There is one point in the tour where participants will take a leisure walk on a nature trail.  It is a flat and easy trail to enjoy.  Getting in and out of the boat may be the most challenging part.  Ask for assistance from your tour guide. Once you head to the village for lunch you may want to take a short walk through the village.  It takes about 10 minutes to walk through the whole village. At no point in this tour will participants be swimming. After lunch you will head back to Placencia and make a stop on the way for Manatee watching. It promises to be an easily enjoyable tour in nature and a great opportunity to meet local people.

Please take a moment to review our policies regarding individually booked services, such as ground transfers, day trips, or rental equipment.

Ways to pay:

• – Credit card form (print or digitally fill/sign) then return it to us at your earliest convenience. Send to: BarefootServicesBelize@gmail.com
• – You may add a credit card online here
• – Pay via Paypal or payment link
• – If you wish to have multiple people pay for a group of services, please ask us how.
  • Credit card and bank payment are accepted
• – If you wish to pay for a group of services (package or personalized itinerary)
  • Credit cards and bank payments are accepted

Special note:

• – Confirmation of all tours is subject to meeting the minimum participant requirement.
• – Tours may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions or if the minimum participant requirement isn’t met. Rest assured, we’ll promptly notify you about any tour updates.
• – To avoid delays, we ask that participants be ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
• – To ensure the best shared trip experience, please be ready at pickup time, as delays can impact the entire day’s schedule.
• – Ask us if you need a private trip.  This option has a differnt rate structure.

For our service terms and conditions, see here.