Crooked Tree Tours

A short 33-mile trip north of Belize City leads to lowland savannah areas, seemingly void of life, but a two-mile causeway off the highway leads to a tiny oasis that teems with life. Sandwiched by two lagoons and topped by a few creeks lies Crooked Tree, the sleepy Creole village of narrow sandy lanes lined with cashew trees. During the dry season, the lagoons shrink in size creating a high concentration of fish and thus a banquet feast for thousands of birds, including the famous jabiru stork. No matter what time of year, however, a trip to Crooked Tree yields a pleasant experience with friendly, local people and natural beauty.

The largest bird in the Western Hemisphere, the jabiru, nests here. Other common birds found in the reserve include: herons, ducks, kingfishers, vultures, ospreys, grebes, egrets and hawks. 

By far the most popular activity, birding, is due to the huge variety of fauna in the lagoons, swamps and along the creeks. From the gigantic jabiru stork to the tiny warblers and hummingbirds, amateurs and birding enthusiasts will have no shortage of feathered friends, with over 300 species being recorded here. The network of waterways surrounding the village make for an exciting way to explore the natural beauty while increasing the likelihood of seeing birds, reptiles and small mammals. Each year the village hosts the Cashew Festival in May with demonstrations on the many uses of the nut and fruit.  Several small Maya sites are also in the area.

We offer one tour that includes a visit to Crooked Tree:

#4 Crooked Tree and Baboon Sanctuary
Early morning to departure to catch the early morning birds of Belize.  Tour to the northern part of
Belize to the Creole Village, Crooked Tree.  Walk around the village spotting the many species of
birds, view butterflies, iguanas, rat-bat, orchids, etc.  Have lunch and sodas at the village, after
which the tour continues to be Baboon Sanctuary with the unique, rasping sound of the howler
monkey that can be heard a mile away.  Tour ends in Belize City or place of pick up.