Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve
4.5
About
This reserve was established to help protect the endangered jaguar and other species native to Belize.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles334 reviews
Excellent
222
Very good
80
Average
27
Poor
3
Terrible
2

Stevie763
Cambridge, Canada45 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Had hoped to see Jaguars or some wildlife but saw none. Our guide, Ian, was friendly and very engaging but had limited knowledge. It was mostly a hike and the terrain would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Spent $100USD each and felt ripped off at the end. We visited the Belize Zoo for $15 each and saw Jaguars, cougars, ocelots, toucans, owls, spider monkeys and more in a natural sanctuary setting.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelFun_seekerz
92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
I need to try and mix in some reviews that are less than 5* but this is not the place to start.

Wife and I actually ended up here by mistake. I'd actually intended to hit up Mayflower Bocawina National Park, but it all worked out in the end. It's a pretty rough dirt road for a few miles into the park. We drove pretty slow and enjoyed the jungle view.

Once at the park you go and pay your entrance fee at a little building with a guestbook and the ranger/host fella gives you a description of your visiting options. There are a couple waterfall hikes, one of which (Tiger's Bluff) requires a guide. There is also the option of hiking in and renting a tube to float down the river. The tube float sounded very cool, but we were feeling a hike so we did the unguided hike up to Ben's Bluff.

There is a nice little water fall and swimming hole on the way to Ben's Bluff. SOOO refreshing. The hike to the waterfall is really flat and easy.

Once you hit the water fall it's another kilometer or so up to the actual Ben's bluff. The hike up to Ben's bluff gets pretty steep. We took a couple breaks to enjoy the scenery and catch our breath. It's fascinating the way you start in a jungle rainforest at the beginning of the hike and by the end you're surrounded by pine trees like you're in California. Absolutely beautiful view from the top.

I highly recommend a visit to Cockscomb Basin. I wish we had more time to hang out. The tube float would have been cool. Will definitely return...
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greta2516
Boise, ID53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
While there are between 1000-1200 Jaguars in the reserve they are rarely seen. The reserve is teeming with many different varieties of birds, binoculars are a must. There are hiking trails that vary from easy to extremely strenuous. Of particular interest the Boat Billed Herons and the beautiful Agami Heron.
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Malissa H
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Family
A beautiful lush jungle waiting to be explored. We traveled here with our two children (12 and 13) and hiked a few of the shorter trails. They were well makrked and maintained and we had a lot of fun exploring. Howler monkeys greeted us when we entered and exited the park. If you like birdwatching, go early as I am sure they are prolific if you don't have 2 loud adolescents with you. The river tubing also looks fun.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thesixquinns
Port Perry, Canada101 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
We visited the park in February with our kids and some friends. Our bus took us in to the visitor centre.

We walked the Tiger Fern Trail to the two waterfalls is is about 7 km round trip. It is a strenuous trail with much uphill, some steep sections and some loose rock. The view from the top was incredible. The waterfalls were well worth the hike and we swam in the deep pools. The second waterfall has a larger pool for swimming so be sure to walk the extra few minutes.

I suggest leaving in the morning, much of the trail is cover by canopy, which helps with the heat and there are rest benches approximately every 10 minutes. Bring plenty of water.

There are washrooms, showers and drinks for purchase at the reception. There is one outhouse on the Tiger Fern trail.

There is also a short walk into a plane crash site. Many other options for hiking and river tubing as well.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Riverliver
Cleveland, OH603 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Lots of possible trails to take and one will certainly be right for you. I did the easy, flat loop that was about an hour. Hubby did the 2 hour climb to the waterfall (he says the last part is pretty steep - and He was really sweaty when he returned!)
It was peaceful and fascinating to walk through the rainforest. We did not see any animals, but I did hear some up in the trees.
Be sure to wear bug spray. Hubby was really chewed up by some kind of biting bug (he didn’t even feel it) even tho we put Deet on his legs.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kristi G
Huntsville, AL43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
From the time that we stepped out of our rental, we heard birds and howler monkeys. The young lady that checked us in was super nice and friendly. We were only able to do the Tiger Fern Trail, but we would love to go back and try other trails and tubing. There is no need to book a tour, just drive there and go on your own. The trails are super easy to follow. My husband and I hike quite a bit, and this trail was not easy. Wear respectable shoes for hiking as there are many up and down and climbing aspects to this trail. Also do not forget bug spray that is strong. We saw tons of flora, birds, and smaller lizards, but alas, no larger wildlife. The waterfalls and the forests were gorgeous. Don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit to swim in the refreshing water. The second waterfall is the most impressive and just about a 2 minute climb from the lower falls. Don't give up at the lower falls as we saw so many do, or you will miss the lovely larger falls.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rodolfo j
San Ignacio, Belize273 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
We went on a three day trek up to Victoria Peak with the MCHS adventure club. The group was a mix of students and staff. Our fantastic guide was Benedicto. This is a 3 day hike which means you need to bring everything you need to support yourself and your group. The trails were well kept and the scenery is worth the effort. The Elfin forest near the peak is itself worth the effort and definitely a trip worth taking. Benedicto, our guide was very patient and helpful and a blessing for our group.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

torres79
Arlington Heights, IL34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021
We made the ~2 hour one-way hike thru the Tiger Fern Trail to end at the fabulous double waterfall and were not disappointed. The hike was a nice challenge, but nothing you can't do. Some might be slower, others may be faster so find your own pace. The view at the time is fantastic and then the two waterfalls are beautiful and provide a great way to cool off after the hike.
Written 11 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natalie B
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Loved our hike to the waterfall! Bring old shoes/shoes you don't mind getting muddy, especially if it has been raining. The hike was beautiful and not very difficult. Cooled off in the waterfall at the end of the hike. No need for a tour guide. Double waterfall hike was closed due to heavy rainfall and we unfortunately did not see any wildlife.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE PRESERVE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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