Monkey River & Manatee Watch
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Placencia, Belize
- 5 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spot Belize’s diverse wildlife without the challenge of navigating remote waterways or knowing where to look. This guided river experience takes you through mangroves and into prime habitats, with a knowledgeable guide helping you identify animals you might otherwise miss. With a stop in a local village and a relaxed pace, it’s an easy way to connect with nature beyond typical sightseeing.
- National park fees and environmental taxes included for a hassle-free, all-in-one experience
- Hotel transfers included for a smooth, door-to-door day
- Relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about logistics or planning
- Family-friendly experience designed for all ages to have fun together
What's Included
- Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Landing and facility fees
- Local taxes
- National Park fees
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Monkey River Town
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Most travelers can participate
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 114 reviews
Diana_B, May 2025
Captain Jak's tour guides were very friendly & knowledgeable. Delicious lunch! We saw the howler monkeys close up, heard them growl (really vs howl) loudly! Saw manatees, crocodiles, bats, birds, & leaf-cutter ants. Had a great time. Thx! Only issue was they should communicate pick-up times better...told us via Viator app that event started at 8am with hotel pick-up 30-60 minutes prior; fortunately our concierge was familiar with Jak's and was able to confirm the night before that pickup was at 8:45am.
Holly_M, Jan 2025
Great experience!!! Fun boat ride. Saw manatees and monkeys, crocodiles too!!! Wear hiking shoes and lots of bug spray!!! Doyle was a great guide!
Carmen_S, Jul 2024
Seeing the monkeys in their natural habit as wonderful. Also our guide Doyle was very skilled in spotting different things and getting us to see them(monkeys, a snake, the variety of trees, vegetation, fruits, etc.). Doyle was also an excellent river navigator. It was an excellent tour.
Dan_M, Jun 2024
We had a great time! The river was beautiful. We saw crocs, including a couple babies, lots of birds and we were able to see manatees even though the conditions were not great for seeing them. Our guide was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot.
Caroline_R, Apr 2024
The boat ride thru the mangroves and up the river was enjoyable. The town is very modest and lunch was just average. We weren’t expecting a lot, but if you bring kids, be sure to pack snacks. The highlight was seeing three troops of howler monkeys. I wish we had more time to enjoy watching them but our guide seemed in a hurry. This trip was only 4.5 hours which was plenty long enough for us but not as advertised.
Beth_B, Jan 2024
Very nice excursion. Word to the wise, where long light colored, walking pants and closed shoes that can get dirty. Bring bug spray and binoculars.
Mary_B, Jan 2024
This trip is definitely a must -do! Our guide Doyle was fantastic in every way; very knowledgeable about the plants, animals, river, mangroves, birds, you name it. He was also very funny and friendly. The food at Monkey River Village was also quite tasty, complete with great service by Malverry. There are vendors selling mayan wares, but no one was pushy or intimidating.
Walking through the jungle was amazing, with howler monkeys right above our heads! Along the river ride, Doyle was quick to point out the various bird species, a few crocodiles, a large male iguana, monkeys and bats that rest on certain branches. On the return trip, he was very patient with the manatee, waiting long enough for us to get our fill of these amazing creatures. I highly recommend this experience!
Karla_W, Nov 2023
Disappointed with the tour. It seemed they tour operator put more emphasis on buying gifts and souvenirs from the local village.
Leah_E, Jul 2023
Such a fun experience! Our guide/caption Doyle was amazing! He was so informative and knew all the spots to find the animals! We saw monkey, crocodiles, bats, tons of birds, manatees and all the tiny creatures on our hike in the jungle. The lunch was so good and a nice to see the community of Monkey River! 100% recommend this excursion!
Anonymous, Dec 2022
Boating through the mangrove channels was so beautiful! We were lucky to see crocodiles, beautiful birds, iguanas, flowers, turtles. The walk through the jungle was muddy but well worth it! We saw monkeys and heard them screaming nearby. Our guide Doyle was very informative and had a great sense of humor. Mosquitoes were not a problem as we expected. We were prepared with bug spray, long sleeves and long pants. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear that will not come off in the mud! Overall experience- excellent!
From $120.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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