monkey river tour from placencia

• Monkey River Eco Tours
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• Monkey River Town
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Belize has a large diversity of attractions, with some that can be found in the world’s second Largest Barrier and atolls that supports great Eco system, which lays to the east of Belize. The Belizean Rain forest holds many of these attraction too, such as rivers, caves, majestic wildlife and remnants of a once great Mayan civilization.Located in the Southern part of Belize, lies the quiet  village of Monkey River , where one can gain access to the many sites and wonders found in Belize.

Monkey River Village

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• Canoeing or Kayaking
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• Fishing Monkey River
• Ruins & River
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• Monkey River Tour

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Monkey River & Manatee Watch

Memories Made

Per guest at 7+ guests

Rates quoted are in USD and do not include GST of 12.5%.

The Most Popular Tour out of Placencia!

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with the most popular tour out of Placencia!

Hop aboard and cruise through the stunning mangroves and the Caribbean Sea to Monkey River Village.

Keep your eyes peeled for some of the amazing wildlife Belize has to offer, like colorful birds, exotic iguanas, and maybe even some deadly snakes! But the real stars of the show are the howler monkeys… if we’re lucky they’ll unleash their throaty calls and put on a show just for you.

Feeling brave? Take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear river and feel the rush of adrenaline.

Finish off the day with a delicious lunch in Monkey River Village filled with native flavors before heading out to spot some gentle manatees on your way back to Placencia.

What are you waiting for? Come join the fun and see how many of these gentle giants you can spot before they slip back underwater!

Testimonials:

This was a fun day – our wonderful guide picked us up in a boat at the hotel dock and we had a delightful … ride to Monkey   River . We saw crocs, blue herons, iguanas and some  monkeys  on the way. Stopped in the village for lunch and shopping (bring some cash and be prepared to buy some cool wood bowls or masks and tip lunch staff, they depend on these  tours  and we were happy to support them!) and went into the forest for a hike.

We could hear  monkeys  screaming but could not see them but our guide Doyle was determined so he followed the sounds and we were able to see a pack of  monkeys  in their natural habitat – he took extra time with us to make sure we had a good day.

On the boat ride back, he maneuvered the boat to make sure we saw dolphins and manatees. Wear closed toe shoes for the forest part and bug spray. I’d highly recommend this company – we also rented a golf cart from them and they brought it to the hotel and picked it up from there for a small extra charge. Could not be happier with their service and the friendliness of the staff.

~ TripAdvisor Review, January 2019

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Monkey River Boat and Jungle Tour

The Monkey River Jungle Tour is easily the most popular mainland tour from Placencia!

This popular river is known for its abundant wildlife sightings, Tarpon Fishing, Jungle Walk tours, and Howler Monkeys.

The  Monkey River tour  carries you on a 15 miles boat ride from Placencia to Monkey River village and the mouth of the Monkey River.

On the way, the boat will maneuver through the mangrove estuaries that line the mainland providing opportunities to see  uninhabited cayes ,  Shore Birds , and the  Manatees  that call these estuaries home.

Upon reaching the mouth of the Monkey River at  Monkey River Village , we take a local guide and start your cruise up the river. The river cruise offers opportunities to sight hundreds of different species of  birds ,  crocodiles ,  iguanas ,  Bromeliads  and  orchids , and of course the  Howler Monkeys  form which the river is named. As you cruise up the river your guide will point out many interesting things and answer any questions that you may have.

You can take the opportunity to hike the forest trails at the river edge for a close up look at the howler monkeys as your guide point out the medicinal properties of the surrounding flora and habits of the elusive fauna, or go swimming in the cool and refreshing monkey river.

After the hike, return to the village for lunch at a local restaurant serving mouth-watering creole cuisines. After lunch, and a brief walk around the village observing life in this roommate area of Belize, you will return back to Placencia and the comfort of your accommodation by mid-afternoon.

Duration: 8:00am - 2:00pm

What to Bring: Sturdy Shoes or boots, sun glasses, sun screen, bug repellant, binoculars

Intensity Level: Easy

Minimum: 2 Persons 

Price: $90USD per person

Includes: Hotel transfer, bottled water, lunch, park fees, 12.5% sales tax

Monkey River Tour Images

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Monkey River & Manatee watching tour

The Monkey River tour is one of Belize’s first river tours. The tour is a combination of a short boat ride, a cruise up the river spotting wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, a jungle hike and some manatee watching.

After departing Placencia, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River , where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles, iguanas and the Howler monkeys that you will hear from a distance. You will also get to see many species of tropical birds such as herons, egrets and keel-billed Toucans, the national bird of Belize. This tour is perfect for birdwatchers.

From start to finish you can expect to see a variety of flora and fauna all from the seat of your boat and the lenses of your cameras!

Let us arrange this tour or any other to fit your itinerary!

Includes: Transfer to Monkey River, guide, entrance fees, lunch, bottled water

Departure Time: 8 a.m

What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars if possible, (towel optional)

What to wear: Sun-glasses, hiking shoes, long pants, long or short sleeve shirt

High possibility of seeing:  Howler Monkeys, iguanas, turtles, many species of birds and the West Indian manatee

Jungle Hike, Wildlife Sightseeing with Manatee Spotting

There are many species of birds, bats, sunbathing iguanas, turtles and sometimes even crocodiles. Eventually, you will stop at a nature trail chosen by your tour guide. He will then lead you along the tropical rainforest trail pointing out other items of interest while looking for the elusive Howler Monkey. These guys are small but loud. They can be heard from miles away, and you’ll most likely get to meet a few. If the river level is suitable, you will be able to take a swim and eventually cruise back to the village for some local Belizean lunch.

After lunch, indulge in chatting with friendly villagers and learn about their culture. On the way back, look out for the shy West Indian Manatees. These guys are very shy, but they’ll often pop up to look around.

From there, it’s back to Placencia to relax for the rest of the day. This tour has been listed in many travel guide books and is one of the Belize adventures your wont find on Ambergris Caye.

Facts about Monkey River village

About 40 minutes south of Placencia Peninsula, in Stann Creek District and north of Punta Gorda Town is Monkey River Village in the Toledo District.  Its a Small village at the mouth of Monkey River on the coastline, the northernmost village in that district. This place was once a thriving town, where the banana trade was centered and is now home to a small amount of Creole Belizeans. The tour departs from Placencia with an experience guide from the village.

Monkey River was once a town dependent on the logging and banana industry. When these two industry decline, the towns populations also decline. Late, the town was downgraded to a village with people to remain in the area.

Its important to know that this tiny village was almost wiped of the Map of Belize. Hurricane Iris, a category 4 storm, eye (center) passed just a couple miles north of Monkey River Village.Visiting this village now, you will see a trust testament of how Nature and Man can weather a thrive after a major storm.

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Monkey River Tour

About our Monkey River Tour

The Monkey River is a well-named watercourse in Belize’s southeastern Toledo District that has its outlet in the Caribbean Sea.

The Monkey River tour begins in Monkey River Town, a coastal village located just a short distance from the Placencia Village. From there, participants will board a boat and head upstream to explore one of the most pristine and untouched areas of the country, home to mangrove swamps and verdant jungles teeming with wildlife.

During the journey, an experienced tour guide will provide information about the wide variety of different plants, birds, and animals in the area, including giant iguanas, toucans, manatees, crocodiles, and different plants used for medicinal purposes by the locals.

Once deep into the heart of the jungle, the boat will dock on the banks. Participants will enjoy a light hike through the foliage, learning more about the plants and animals until they reach an area inhabited by black howler monkeys. These animals are renowned for having one of the loudest calls in the animal kingdom, able to be heard more than four miles away.

Although black howler monkeys flourish in this part of Belize, their numbers are dwindling elsewhere in Central America, making this region an important conservation area for these unique animals. Black howler monkeys live in troops of around a dozen individuals dominated by an alpha male.

Despite their name, only the adult males are black in color. Juveniles of both genders and adult females have a whitish-golden fur color with red highlights. Black howler monkeys are vegetarian, consuming a diet of mostly leaves but also some fruit. They have prehensile tails that act like an extra arm, helping them maintain a secure grip high up in the jungle canopy.

Black howler monkeys sleep or rest for up to 70% of the day. Because of the way their tails work with their arms and legs, walking on the ground is difficult for black howler monkeys. Normally, they spend their entire lives in the trees but do occasionally come down to the banks of the river to drink water.

After returning to the boat, participants will have a chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river in order to cool off from the heat. On the trip back to Monkey River Town, the tour will pass by several small villages where locals participating in daily tasks and fishing can be observed. Upon returning to Monkey River Town, participants will enjoy a delicious meal prepared onsite by a local family.

What is included:

Private guide, transportation to and from your accommodation, bottled water, lunch

What to bring:

Camera, sunscreen, Insect repellant

What to wear:

Walking shoes, wear comfortable clothing

Photos of our Monkey River Tour

What our clients are saying about our Monkey River Tour tour:

My kids wanted to see monkeys, so where better than the Monkey River? Wow. That boat tour truly takes you to some remote places in the jungle, and it was cool to see the villagers along the way. My kids loved the monkeys, which were super loud (as advertised), but my favorite part was the home-cooked meal. Very delicious and big portions. Great tour if you want to learn more about nature in Belize.

Penny C, USA

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Monkey River Boat & Hike

Belize jungle river tours.

Cruise along the Placencia Lagoon for a 45 minutes boat ride down the coast from Placencia through a maze of lush tropical mangroves. Before reaching the mouth of the river, be on the lookout for endangered manatees that are commonly spotted here!

Monkey River Boat Cruise & Jungle Hike

To the south lies Monkey River, a birdwatcher’s paradise up a tropical river. Much of Monkey River has been declared a Special Conservation Area, with howler monkeys and toucans in the forest, and manatees at the mouth of the river. The tour starts on an early morning ride on the lagoon, through the mangroves that protect us from erosion and creates a home for birds and fishes. Along the coastline, we will head further down south on the Caribbean Sea and then up Monkey River to the home of the Howler monkeys.

Upon arrival at Monkey River Village, you will cruise upstream for about 3 to 4 miles. The meandering boat ride upstream is slow giving you ample time to observe. Here, you will have the opportunity to see iguanas as they lounge lazily on the tree branches, get close to tropical birds as they sing and swoop through the maze of jungle green, spot occasional crocodiles looming from the edge of the river banks, and listen as the famous howler monkeys loudly holler at you.

Soon you’ll reach a jungle trail which you will venture out on foot in search of howler monkeys. Get ready to cover your ears – just a few slaps of your guide’s machete against the trees bring the monkeys to life – their deafening howls can be heard for over a mile. Your guide will also point out the medicinal properties of the surrounding flora and fauna. When you return to the village for a Belizean dish at a family-run restaurant and interact with the locals of this quaint fishing village.

This tour is included as an option in the Best of Belize Adventure Add-On .

Level & Requirements: Easy. This is a great tour for families with young children.

Departure Time: 7:45am (approximately) Return Time: 2:00pm (approximately) Travel Time: 45 minutes boat ride each way

What to bring: sunscreen, hat, water bottles, camera, bug repellant, sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, swimwear, change of clothes, and power/granola bars

What’s included: transportation, certified guide, and park entrance fees. Also included is lunch, bottled water, and all taxes & fees.

Tour Pricing & Availability: This tour is included as an option in the Best of Belize Adventure Add On.

window.tgpQueue.add('tgpli-66653bcf5aee6') “Jason was born in the Monkey River town and grew up on the river, so his knowledge and history of the area was superb. Jason has eagle eyes for pointing out the flora and fauna. He could find iguanas and crocs that we would never have noticed, and he positioned the boat for some awesome pictures. The best part was obviously the Howler monkeys. The sound was nothing less than prehistoric.”

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• Monkey River Tour

The Monkey River Tour is a popular and exciting activity in Placencia, Belize, suitable for families and especially enjoyable for eighth-grade students. This tour offers a delightful combination of a relaxed boat ride, an adventurous jungle hike, and the opportunity to observe manatees in southern Belize. It is an eco-friendly tour that allows you to interact with some of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the jungle. However, please note that while the tour highlights the Howler monkeys, after whom the river and town are named, sightings of these monkeys are not guaranteed.

Throughout the tour, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of plants and animals, providing an enriching experience. From the comfort of your boat, you may spot ospreys, crocodiles, egrets, baboons, lizards, green iguanas, and turtles. What sets the Monkey River Tour apart is the passion and knowledge of the local guide, who eagerly shares information about the surrounding nature. If you choose this tour or any other, we will be happy to make the arrangements to fit your schedule.

Included in your monkey river tour

• Price include: A delicious Belizean Rice and Beans Lunch Special, along with water, sodas, or juice to keep you refreshed. Your passionate local guide will accompany you throughout the journey.
• Departure Time: 8 a.m
• What to bring: sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars if you have them (a towel is optional).
• What to wear: Sunglasses, hiking shoes, long pants, and a long or short sleeve shirt for your comfort and protection.
• The Monkey River Tour offers an enjoyable boat cruise upstream and an exciting jungle hike . It is a fun, educational, and adventurous experience. There is a high possibility of encountering dolphins, manatees, tarantulas, Howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and various bird species.

Wildlife seen on tour Photo Gallery

Jungle Hike, Wildlife Sightseeing with Manatee Spotting

During the jungle hike, you will have the opportunity to observe numerous bird species, bats, sunbathing iguanas, turtles, and sometimes even crocodiles. Your tour guide will choose a nature trail and guide you through the tropical rainforest. Along the way, the guide will point out interesting features while searching for the elusive Howler monkeys. These small but loud creatures can be heard from miles away, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a few of them. If the river conditions permit, you will also have the chance to take a swim before heading back to the village for a delicious local Belizean lunch.

After lunch, take the opportunity to engage with the friendly villagers and learn about their culture. On the return journey, keep an eye out for the shy West Indian Manatees. Although these creatures are quite timid, they often emerge to take a look around.

Finally, you will return to Placencia , where you can relax for the remainder of the day. This tour is highly recommended and has been featured in many travel guidebooks. It is an extraordinary adventure in Belize that you won’t find on Ambergris Caye.

Monkey River Village

Monkey River Village, located approximately 40 minutes south of Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District, is the departure point for the tour. It is the northernmost village in the Toledo District and sits at the mouth of Monkey River along the coastline. Once a bustling town centered around the banana trade, it is now home to a small population of Creole Belizeans. The tour is led by an experienced guide from the village.

Monkey River Village was heavily impacted by Hurricane Iris, a powerful category 4 storm that passed just a few miles north of the village. It serves as a testament to how both nature and human resilience can overcome and thrive after a major storm. Visiting this village during your Belize vacation will provide you with a profound appreciation for the strength and resilience of the local community.

Enjoy a short cruise through the enchanting mangrove tunnels to reach the mouth of Monkey River. As the boat gently navigates up and down the river, your guide will point out various fascinating wildlife and insects for your observation and learning pleasure.

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Is the Monkey River Tour recommended?

Is it guaranteed to see howler monkeys during the tour, what wildlife can be seen during the tour, can i swim during the tour, what is the significance of monkey river village, are there any cultural interactions during the tour, "snorkel, thrill, placencia's charm", things to do.

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Monkey River Tour – Everything You Need To Know

• May 26, 2024
• by Belize Hub +

Want to see Howler Monkeys in Belize? We’ve Got Your Destination!

An abundance of visitors come to Belize to see wildlife in a nation so sparsely populated, mile upon mile of rain forest, jungle and preserves keep this wildlife legacy safe for future generations. If asked to pick one animal visitors enjoy seeing most, adults and kids grin when agreeing: “Monkeys!” For North Americans who have never seen a monkey outside a zoo, a Monkey River Tour could be the high point of your travels.

Monkey River Tour

A Monkey River adventure takes travelers deep into the land of Howler Monkeys, primates so loud, they could never hide from predators without giving themselves away. To visit their neighborhood, you’ll first have to journey from Placencia (if you are vacationing in Placencia Peninsula) to Monkey River Village by boat, passing  mangrove swamp and other exotic scenery that includes wild flowers, scaly critters and (if you’re lucky) manatees, since these gentle marine mammals make their homes here among mangrove-filled estuaries.

Why visit Monkey River?

This one-of-a-kind excursion is fascinating and fun for people of all ages. Kids stare wide-eyed at monkeys whose cries far exceed decibels coming from heavy-metal rock bands! Adults learn more about life along a river bank that explodes with color and sounds: birds, animals and plants, all of which co-exist nicely here in southern Belize. Learn about medicinal plants and take a refreshing swim during your tour. You can look forward to Creole cookery prepared by villagers (please bring money for lunch) that is so tasty, even your taste buds will remember your Monkey River Tour.

Where in Belize is it located?

Monkey River Village is located in southern Belize’s Toledo District , in close proximity to towns like Placencia Village and Punta Gorda Town.

The best time to go

Since the monkeys stick around 12 months of the year, humans eager to see them can show up in Belize year-round, too. Given river access that’s required to get to your destination, it stands to reason that if there’s flooding during the green season, the trip could be a bit more thrilling, but that doesn’t mean tours are cancelled just because it rains!

Best way to get here

If you’ve a car, a map and/or a GPS system, your resort host can point you in the direction of the monkeys from anywhere in southern Belize. No worries about parking. There’s not a single car in the village which has only two streets, so it’s impossible to get lost in Monkey River Village. You can also get here by taking a 15-mile boat ride to the mouth of the Monkey River and then hike to the village. If you’re traveling from other areas in Belize, a tour service is your best bet.

Best way to experience Monkey River Tours

The most highly-recommended way to take a Monkey River Tour is to book a registered tour guide who is well-versed in the area’s animals, people and landscape. Wear hiking shoes to avoid surprises and long pants to protect you from bug bites and thorns. If you intend to swim in the river, bring a suit and don’t leave your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat back at your resort in your excitement. You’ll travel by boat and by foot through forest and along trails to reach Howler Monkey nirvana where you can let loose frustrations by howling at the simians. Travelers tell us that shouting at monkeys is better than therapy and these primates never send a bill!

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Monkey River Tour

Located in the southern part of Belize, Central America. The tour usually starts from the small coastal village of Placencia, and visitors can take a boat ride to the Monkey River where they can explore the river, the surrounding jungle and observe the wildlife.

About this activity

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Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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Duration 7 hours

Live tour guide

Highlights             - Discover the wildlife of Belize with this guided tour

                             - This family -friendly activity is perfect for those traveling with kids

                             - Bring insect repellant and wear long pants and protective clothing

                             - Enjoy lunch (included) from a local restaurant Full Description ​

Located in the southern part of Belize, Central America. The tour usually starts from the small coastal village of Placencia, and visitors can take a boat ride to the Monkey River where they can explore the river, the surrounding jungle and observe the wildlife. During the tour, visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, manatees, and a wide range of birds. Visitors can also take a hike through the jungle and learn about the plants and trees that grow in the area. The tour typically lasts about four hours and includes a stop at a small village where visitors can meet with the local people and learn about their way of life. The Monkey River Tour is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Belize and get an up-close look at the local wildlife. It is a popular activity for nature lovers and those looking for an adventure in the jungle.

Municipal pier pick up and drop-off

All government taxes

Bottled water

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Important Information

What to bring

Shoes/Boots

Sun glasses (optional)

Sun screen for long sleeve shirt

Bug repellant

tel: +501 622-5265 -::- email: [email protected] Monkey River Village, Belize

Totally Wild!

Monkey River Tour

Tour descriptions, additional information.

Monkey River Tour : Will leave Placencia at 8:00 am from MNM dock, or private resort dock. Once on the boat. A safety briefing will be given thereafter a forty-five minutes boat ride will commence to Monkey River Village, along the coastline through or near mangrove, where there is a possibility of seeing many different species of wildlife, West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, many different species of birds, just to name a few.

Once in Monkey River Village. There will be a fifteen (15) minutes restroom break, and a Local traditional creole lunch will be ordered at Alice’s restaurant. Also,  we will change from our traditional skiff to a catamaran  which is well shaded have more comfortable seats, is railed around for safety for everyone especially the kids, and has a better view for a more enjoyable trip up the Monkey River.

At 9:00 am:  On the boat, over one hundred years of Monkey River town history Will be given by  a local guide . Where Monkey River Town besides Belize town was one of the areas where the first logging industry started. and unique to Monkey River town was the banana industry where it first started and they helped to forge the development of (British Honduras) which name was later changed to Belize.

The river cruise will then start up the Monkey River  where we will go at a slow phase to spot out different species of wildlife. like Howler Monkeys, Crocodiles, River otters, several different species of birds, Iguanas, basalis, and the possibility of spotting lots more wildlife.

At 10:00 am:  We will start our jungle hike to get a better look and feel of our broadleaf rain forest and all the flora and fauna it holds. while in the jungle we will also get a chance to get a better view of our famous black howler Monkeys (baboon) as named by the locals.

At 11.00 am:  We make our way back to Monkey River village where we will have lunch at Alice’s restaurant at noon.  Meet the local people and get a chance to buy gifts to take back from our local gift shop and cool off.

At 1:00 pm:  Our boat left monkey river to head back to placencia on the way we stop for 30 minutes where we get a close up look at our west Indian manatees in their element.

At 2:30 pm:  We return to our starting point. Where local guide gives the conclusion and say our goodbye.

Whats Included

• Bilingual Guide
• Off bug spray
• Life preservers
• Pick up from Placencia Village : $80.00 US (Adults) – $65.00 (Kids) – Lunch included
• Pick up from Independence Village:  $80.00US (Adults) – $65.00 (Kids) – Lunch included
• Pick up from Seine Bight Village: $80.00 US (Adults) – $65.00 (Kids) – Lunch included
• Pick up from Monkey River Village:  $45.00US (Adults) – $35.00US (kids)
• Pick up from NO NAME POINT:  $50.00US (Adults) – $40.00 US (Kids)
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PERSONALIZED TOURS BY EXPERT GUIDES Monkey River Village, Belize

BELIZEAN OWNED AND OPERATED

BELIZE MONKEY RIVER TOUR

This Belize freshwater river tour takes you to the South of Placencia to Monkey River Town Belize.

Upon entering the mouth of the river you will witness manatees cruising by, further up the river, you get to see many species of birds such as toucans, making this tour a birdwatcher's paradise.

Its namesake comes from the fact that you will hear the majestic roar of the howler monkeys from a distance, as well as see them swinging from the trees just off the banks of the river.

Much of Monkey River has been declared a Special Conservation Area.

Our Monkey River eco tours cruise further up the river where you will be able to hike over newly cut trails in the rainforest and get a close-up view of many of the animals that call this fascinating river, home, such as crocodiles and iguanas, just to name a few.

Monkey River Tour: Where it is fun to be yelled at!

Tour experience.

8 a.m. return 1:30 p.m.

Includes:  

beach towels, hotel shuttle , p ark fee, and Government tax

For lunch, we dine at a charming local restaurant in the Monkey River Village.

Minimum:  

Price:  .

US$100.00 per person

MONKEY RIVER BELIZE MAP

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Monkey River and Manatee Watch Tour | Get To Know Belize Adventures

Why you should visit Monkey River, Belize.

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Where is Monkey River, Belize located?

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What to bring/wear for a monkey river tour.

• Comfortable footwear and clothing
• Pocket money for tipping and souvenir shopping

When is the best time to go on a Monkey River and manatee watch tour?

Where to stay in Placencia, Belize?

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T7A – Monkey River and Manatee Watching

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Why book with us.

• Authentic Belize experiences
• Quick responses to your inquiries
• Hassle-free from start to end
• Professional guides who know Belize

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+(501) 629 9602

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Tour Details

Minimum people:, explore the enchantment of the monkey river tour.

It is a captivating journey through Belize’s lush landscapes on a river tour combined with Manatee Watching. Named after the indigenous black howler monkeys that thrive along its banks, the Monkey River promises an experience like no other. As you set out on a picturesque 45-minute boat ride from Placencia’s southern coast, the anticipation grows, promising a Wildlife Experience that will leave you spellbound.

Throughout your expedition, you’ll encounter a diverse array of Belizean wildlife. From sunbathing crocodiles on the riverbanks to majestic iguanas perched in treetops, a vibrant kaleidoscope of bird species, and the playful troops of monkeys that inspired the river’s name—nature’s wonders come alive. A delectable lunch in the quaint Monkey River Village adds a local touch, allowing you to savor both the flavors and the atmosphere.

The tour’s richness extends to a brief bush expedition, where you’ll delve into the intricate ecosystem of Belize’s flora and fauna. Gain insights into the delicate balance that sustains this lush environment as you explore the vibrant surroundings.

The Monkey River Tour promises an abundance of remarkable wildlife encounters, ensuring an experience that delights the entire family and awakens your inner explorer. Within this tropical haven, a tapestry of life unfolds—crocodiles, iguanas, an orchestra of birds, turtles, howler monkeys, and even elusive jaguars coexist harmoniously. Join us for an unforgettable expedition into the heart of Belize’s natural wonders.

What to wear:

What to bring:.

• An adventurous mindset
• Your medication
• Comfortable shoes
• Transportation

Intensity Level:

T his  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.

Confirmation of all tours is subject to meeting the minimum participant requirement.

Tours might 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.

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: [email protected]
• You may add a credit card online here
• Pay directly and privately via bank (ACH) or credit card here
• Credit card and bank payment are accepted
• Credit card and bank payments are accepted

Reservation Policy

To ensure the confirmation of your reservation, please provide a valid credit card (AMEX, MasterCard, or Visa) during the booking process. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Deposit Policy

Your Trust Means the World:

We appreciate your trust in us and promise to provide you with peace of mind when you book with Barefoot Services. However, as a smart traveler, we encourage you to purchase  Travel Insurance  to cover cancellation fees, date changes, or unforeseen circumstances, as we have strict cancellation policies.

Standard Individual  DEPOSIT POLICY  

To confirm a request, a nonrefundable deposit of US $25 is required immediately for a (one) service.

• A Golf cart rental
• A ground transfer

When they are booked individually. This does not apply for group services, group bookings, personalized itineraries, and other combined services.

The balance will be processed within 16 days of the service begin date.

All our rates are quoted in USD dollars.

Please consider that your card issuer may have international transaction fees.

Take note that US $1.00 is converted to Belize $2.00.

Barefoot Services reserves the right to charge or not charge your credit card a reservation deposit. This may apply to a repeat customer, a client who is deciding on other services, and other kinds of scenarios.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Individual CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellations are only accepted in writing to  [email protected]
• Cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the service begin date receive no refund of the non-refundable US $25.00 paid.
• If a deposit was not charged for the one service booked (for whatever reason), at that time, your card will be charged $25.00.
• Refunds relate to the total amount that was due on your 2nd payment (balance that was due). This is because your initial deposit ($25) is non-refundable.
• 85% refund – Cancellations received within 15 days of the service begin date
• 50% refund – Cancellations received within 7 days
• No refund – Cancellations received within 3 days of the service begin date

Standard Individual DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY for services during the date period December 20 through January 10

To confirm any reservation, a valid AMEX, Mastercard, or Visa credit card is required.

• No Refund – Cancellations received within 15 days of the service begin date

Some benefits of booking with us

Please  see our brochure here  for other services we provide. You may qualify for a  ground tour  discount.

• 8% discount  – If there are 2+ people joining a trip on a specific date that is already confirmed as going. It may also be the same date that you want to go.
• 8% discount  – If there are 4+ people, whether a trip is scheduled or not, and the date is available, we will make the trip happen for you.
• 10% discount  – If there are 4+ people joining a trip on a specific date that is already confirmed as going.

Travel Insurance

We encourage you to purchase Travel Insurance to cover cancellation fees or date changes or unforeseen circumstances, we have no control over.

• Travel medical insurance for individuals, families, and groups
• Coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation
• Renewable up to 24 months

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Proceed booking, or continue as guest.

Monkey River Belize Tour from Placencia Review

Posted on April 19, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on April 19, 2023

Picture yourself, walking through the jungle, hearing strange noises, loud screams in the distance, something you had never imagined. Surrounded by wilderness, you’ll feel like having just stepped into a Jurassic Park movie.

But you know dinosaurs are not responsible for those screams, it must be something huge, and the guide keeps heading toward it. And then you see it, hidden in between branches, having a peaceful lunch while two dominant males are getting at it, the black howler monkey.

The experience is unique, impressive even. The chill you’ll get down your spine the first time you hear it is priceless.

Exploring the jungle, looking for monkeys, is a unique experience that you should definitely do when visiting Belize . The Monkey River is located near Placencia and tours depart daily from this charming beach town, a Monkey River eco tour is one of the best things to do while there.

So keep on reading to learn all there is to know about the Placencia Monkey River Eco Tour.

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

VACATION RENTALS

Disclaimer: this post was kindly sponsored by Nite Wind Tours, as always all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Where to See Howler Monkeys in Belize

Howler monkeys are small primates from the New World family found around Central America known for their distinctive scream, meant to dissuade any other dominant male from entering the family’s territory. You can learn more about the Howler Monkey here .

While in Belize, you cannot pass the opportunities to see Howler Monkeys, and one of the best places to do so is the Monkey River, near Placencia. There’s also a sanctuary near Belize City but seeing them in the wild is way more interesting.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a few when hiking or exploring Mayan ruins near San Ignacio .

Placencia Monkey River Tour Review

You’ll need to book a tour with an agency in Placencia. I chose Nite Wind Tours for mine and it went great, I highly recommend them for that experience.

You can also book a tour with transportation from Hopkins , but I recommend spending a few days in Placencia to enjoy the beach and visit some of the nearby cayes.

The Monkey River Eco Tours are a half-day trip , starting with a boat ride on the river and then a short hike through the jungle.

Make sure to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as well as bring insect repellent and sunscreen .

The best time to visit Monkey River is during the dry season, from February to May, when the weather is more predictable and the wildlife is more active – however, monkeys can be seen year-round.

The Monkey River tour starts in Placencia with a short boat ride to the entrance of the river , stopping at the Monkey River Town to pick up the local guide. Howler monkeys are not the only animals you’ll see during the day. Once you enter the Monkey River, the guide will start to look out for iguanas, crocodiles, birds, turtles, and bats.

The boat ride through the river is fantastic, once you pass the village there’s nothing, just lush jungle and birds singing.

The second part of the Monkey River tour is a trek through the jungle. There’s not a unique trail everyone follows, so it’s not overcrowded. The guide will look for monkeys and go wherever they are. Usually, monkeys stay near the river so you won’t have to walk too deep into the jungle.

If it has rained recently, I’d recommended having closed shoes, so it’s more comfortable when you have to step through the mud.

Hearing the howler monkeys is a unique experience, especially in the wild. We saw about 10 of them in different spots, some got really close to us, but they mostly ignore you and keep on eating.

Listen to their scream:

On the way back down the river, we spotted some more wildlife. We stopped at the Monkey River village to have lunch. Lunch is not included so tourists can have lunch at the restaurant there and, by doing so, support the community.

While the idea is great, in my opinion, the food is overpriced, and the meal I had was plain (there’s no menu, only the dish of the day). I would advise you to take a big breakfast, bring some snacks, and have lunch when you get back to Placencia around 2 PM.

If you want to support the village’s community, you can stop at the handicraft shop near the pier.

After lunch, we headed back to Placencia, trying to spot some manatees along the way. We had the chance to see several playing in the water, coming to the surface.

Overall, the Monkey River tour was great. It’s a unique opportunity to see wildlife and explore the jungle. Both the driver and the guide were friendly and knowledgeable, making the tour fun and exciting. They let us watch the monkeys for as long as we wanted and could answer all of our questions about the monkeys.

So if you happen to be in Placencia don’t hesitate to contact Nite Wind Tours to plan your Monkey River Tour. They also offer snorkeling trips to the nearby Cayes, a must-do if you’re visiting Placencia.

What to Bring for Your Monkey River Tour:

• mosquito repellent (and a lot of it) try to avoid wearing black as well;
• hat or cap;
• water and snacks;
• binoculars (always best to have a pair when trying to spot animals in the wild);
• Hiking shoes (preferably ones you can easily wash afterward);

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Monkey River Tour

• Destinations
• Things to do

Monkey River is surrounded by dense jungle, and as a result, much of this area is a protected zone. On this tour, you’ll go boating down the river and hike over newly blazed trails.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see howler monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds. Your guide can provide more information about the ecology of Monkey River and its rare inhabitants.

Attraction Visited

The Community Baboon Sanctuary Private Reserve is one of the easiest places in Belize to encounter black howler monkeys in the wild. Established in 1985, this baboon sanctuary was set up as a cooperative agreement among 12 local farmers and landowners in Bermudian Landing who voluntarily agreed to preserve the area’s black howler monkey habitat. They believed that a healthy population of monkeys could help support the local economy by drawing in tourism and creating jobs.

Read more: Community Baboon Sanctuary

What to Bring

Hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and bug spray.

What's included

Lunch at a local restaurant and a guided tour.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

We really liked our Monkey River tour. Our guide was good and helpful. We enjoyed the local lunch in the village. Our only disappointment was the relative lack of wildlife on the trip. We have been to Costa Rica and saw far more wildlife in a similar setting. Despite that, we loved being out on the water and racing through the mangrove cayes. We were staying at Seaview Suites in town, but the tour ran out of Robert's Grove Resort. They kindly picked us up at our hotel, and returned us at the end of the day. Much appreciated!

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Monkey River, Toledo District, Address available on request

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Email enquiry to RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize

Property ID : 120092448381

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