Belize is a treasure of natural wonders. It is one of the most pristine locations to experience tropical natural history. Sixty-eight percent of the country is still forested. Belize is part of the Central American Isthmus, bordering the yucatan of Mexico and Guatemala.

Belize is peaceful, politically stable and English-speaking. Its government encourages conservation and ecotourism as a means toward sustainable development and conservation.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is participating in this philosophy through land stewardship that encourages conservation management, environmental education and ecotourism.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-government membership organization that serves as a model for private land stewardship. The Sanctuary is 1,070 acres of tropical forest and savanna, bordered by the Sibun River which flows from the Maya Mountains through the coastal savanna on its path to the Caribbean Sea.

Monkey Bay National Park was declared by government on December 23, 1992. A 2,250 acre land parcel adjacent to Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary creates a wildlands corridor spanning the Sibun River Valley. This new conservation area is co-managed by Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and currently is utilized exclusively for education and research.

Because of its central location and diverse habitats, Monkey Bay is home for a wide variety of flora and fauna, (220 species of birds recorded) where species of both Northern and Southern Belizean hardwood forests coexist.

The Sanctuary fulfills important environmental education and local economic needs while also conserving the living biological diversity of tropical America.

Field Research Station

Monkey Bay is an ideal location for students, researchers and ecotourists interested in studying tropical natural history and intercultural communication. Basic support facilities, library, training workshops and study itineraries are available.

Outdoor Education Center

Monkey Bay, in cooperation with RARE and the Forestry Department's Conservation Division, is sponsoring environmental education programs at the Sanctuary and thoughout Belize in primary and secondary schools. On-site natural history displays and interpretive nature trails accessible to all visitors.

Homestay Belize

Monkey Bay serves as the gateway to intercultural exchange programs in rural Belizean villages that offer unique opportunities to live with a host family and participate in village life. Homestay is an experiential learning opportunity for visitors, while at the same time serves to empower local communities to have greater control over the management and protection of their region's natural and economic resources.

Wildlands Corridor Expansion

Monkey Bay's effort to promote conservation management that geographically links protected areas in Belize is being recognized through the Mesoamerica Biological Corridor Project. Cooperative stewardship among government and private land owners reveals a growing system of protected wildlands corridors and new approaches to watershed management.

Overnight Accommodations

Camping and bunkhouse facilities offer overnight visitors basic, comfortable accommodations in a beautiful, natural setting in the Sanctuary with access to the Sibun River and six distinct habitat types. Tents available, or bring your own and join us for family-style meals.

You are invited to join the sponsors of this exciting and unique project. CLICK HERE to learn of the three ways you can help to protect the tropical environment in Belize, our international sponsors and in country endorsements.