Monkey River

The Monkey River winds through mangrove and rainforest in southern Belize, near the small village of Monkey River Town, and a boat trip up it is one of the best wildlife outings on the Placencia coast. The tour we link is a guided boat trip that combines a river safari with a manatee watch, so the day starts in coastal waters where manatees are sometimes seen and moves up the river, where the guide looks for howler monkeys in the trees, birds along the banks, iguanas in the branches and, on a good day, a crocodile slipping into the water. It is slow and observational, with the guide's eye doing most of the work, and it suits travellers who want nature without a strenuous hike and who are happy to treat every sighting as a gift rather than a guarantee.

What you see. Howler monkeys are the star: their roar carries through the forest long before you see them, and guides know the troops and the trees where they feed. Birds are plentiful, from kingfishers and herons to parrots and, with luck, toucans, and iguanas sit like statues in the branches.

The manatee watch is a bonus on the way, as West Indian manatees feed in the shallow coastal waters, but they are shy and unpredictable, so treat a sighting as lucky. The guide will also explain the mangroves, the river's role in the village and the plants along the banks.

The village and the logistics. The boat ride brings you to Monkey River Town, a quiet, remote community that is only reached by boat or a long unpaved road, and many tours include a stop and a meal in the village, which is a chance to meet local people and eat simple Belizean food.

Check the inclusions on your booking, since lunch, any park fees and the exact route can differ by operator. The trip runs mostly in the morning, as wildlife is more active then and the heat is lower, and it generally takes a good part of the day.

Practical tips. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom, and wear light, neutral clothes that dry quickly. A light rain jacket is useful in the wetter months, from roughly June to November. Talk quietly and avoid sudden movements, which helps with the wildlife. The trip is calm enough for most ages, which makes it a good option for families and older travellers, and it combines well with Cockscomb Basin or a snorkel trip to Laughing Bird Caye for a full southern Belize stay.

If you are based on Ambergris Caye, this is not a day trip from there, but it is an easy addition if you extend your trip to Placencia.

Because this is a wildlife trip, the experience depends on the day. Mornings after calm weather tend to be better, and a quiet group helps. If a sighting does not happen, the mangroves, the birds and the village stop still make a worthwhile outing, and guides are usually generous with explanations of the ecology and of life in one of Belize's most remote communities. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a tablet beforehand, since the coastal section can be choppy before the boat enters the sheltered river.