With over 7000 acres
of preserved low and highlands, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is one of the best choices for leisure or adventurous explorations
MBNP
The National Park...
MBNP
MBNP was established in the 2001, initially with a focus on the Mayflower Archaeological Site. Its purpose was expanded to encompass its natural resources including its ecosystem, biodiversity, flora and fauna and its scenic physical attributes.
Willdlife
What can be seen...
WILDLIFE
The national park offers excellent wildlife observation and birding opportunities. With such the faunal diversity is high and it can be characterized by the diverse fauna that inhabit the national park.
Activities
Things to do...
MBNP
Along with birdwatching and camping for those wishing to visit overnight, MBNP has four hiking trails and several waterfalls known as the Three Sisters Waterfalls.
PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE
The national park offers excellent wildlife observation and birding opportunities as the faunal diversity is high. The MBNP forms part of the Maya Mountain Massif –an area of crucial importance to wildlife conservation, supporting the largest population of jaguars within Belize
PROTECTION OF FLORA
A Rapid Environmental Assessment was conducted within the MBNP and a total of 228 plant species were identified. However, this number is not exhaustive as many more plants, especially herbs remain to be recorded. But at least, some of the more dominant tree species can be expected to have been identified
PROTECTING WATERSHEDS OF FRESHWATER CREEK AND NORTH STANN CREEK
Watersheds play an important role in the formation of biological corridors, survival of endangered species, and help determine the health of the barrier reef. Within the MBNP there are tributaries that form part of the Freshwater Creek, North Stann Creek, and Sittee River.
LIMIT DEFORESTATION FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES
There is evidence of illegal logging taking place in the park. Therefore, the park rangers are the frontline in terms of surveillance and security and as such their primary duty is to maintain a presence at the park and conduct patrols to detect possible encroachment, deforestation, illegal agriculture, logging, and to monitor fires.
PROVIDE INCOME-GENERATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ECOTOURISM FOR BUFFER COMMUNITIES
MBEDG engages the community in economic activities when possible and provides workshops and training exercises for residents to support capacity building. The park also provides employment to community members as Park Rangers and Park Manager.
PRESERVATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
This goal is pursued through activities such as reducing the direct pressures on biodiversity by promoting sustainable use of the buffer area, enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services, safeguarding the ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
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The order you do these 2 adventures in depends on the groups that they are trying to put together. We ended up doing Bocawina Falls rappelling as a group of... read more 17. I'm pretty adventurous and lift weights but I found the rappelling to be hard....More
Fritch
January 14, 2018146GinaP
The Bocawina National Park is a beautiful place with many natural wonders. The rangers are friendly and the price of visiting is more than reasonable. Since it is... read more in the jungle I made sure to wear proper clothing and footwear and doused myself and family with insect repellent. Unfortunately I found out days later that this was not enough as five big bumps that itched came out on me and as time went by the pain I experienced was terrible! One other person from our group of five also got a bite. Being from the city I did not know what bit me or how to get rid of it and most people could only give vague suggestions on what it was and what to do. I eventually found out it was locally called beef worms, otherwise known as human botfly larva! Unfortunately for me my body's reaction to these bites led me to having to visit two doctors which costed me a great deal of money, weeks of being unable to work, great mental stress and pain. Most people will probably visit this park and not be bitten but for those of us who are not so lucky it is a very stressful, expensive and unnecessary experience that I believe could have been minimized. This experience can be improved by having APAMO and the management at the Bocawina National Park take seriously the suggestion to have information on the website about the possibility of being bitten by different jungle insects while visiting the park. Giving names of the insects, how to prevent being bitten and what to do if you are bitten. I have contacted both organizations but none have seen fit to even answer my emails. This review is not to discourage people from visiting the park but rather to be INFORMED, so as to be aware of what can happen and so take as many preventive precautions to minimize the risks and if bitten having the knowledge to know how to respond.
June 1, 2022Inspire19832332225
This is a stunning national park with amazing trails up to many lovely waterfalls and incredible birds. We did not stay at the resort but it looked brilliant.
January 31, 2025Miles C
I suspect you could spend a couple of days exploring the park, but if you can't and you are up for the challenge, I recommend Antelope Falls. From the Visitor's... read more Center it's about a 45 min hike, if it is dry. We walked up the trail in a downpour and to ensure we were safe on the rocks and trails, we took our time. It was a very challenging hike (and climb in some places) so be prepared with something that comes over the toes--stubbed piggies are guaranteed otherwise.
There are two key things to see on this hike. The scenic view and the pool. The Falls are just gorgeous and the view is absolutely magnificent and the rain had stopped for us to be able to take it in! The pool is another 15-20 minutes further up, but should not be missed! We were the only ones there (who else would make the hike in a downpour?) and it was tranquil bliss! The pool was a cool treat for washing off the sweat and mud from the trail!
The climb down was still a bit treacherous because everything was still wet, but we persevered and had a very safe trip down.
Thanks to Israel, who was manning the Visitor's Center. He gave some great suggestions and helped us make the decision to try Antelope Falls!
Bring closed toed shoes, bug spray, swim suit, camera.
November 1, 2018 - Z4418ZJrachelr
We hiked, swam in the waterfall pond, repelled down the waterfall and did zip lining. It was a fun filled, adventurous day! The staff was great and so helpful and... read more friendly. The Noseeums were vicious so I’d not only wear bug spray, but wear long sleeves and pants as well.
December 21, 2025adkwilderness
We spent a whole day here hiking and exploring. Just ask the guys at the front desk, they can provide you with helpful information and suggestions. If you're in shape... read more you can do all the hikes much faster than the time limits they suggest. If you want to do an all-day loop, seeing a bunch of awesome waterfalls, I recommend getting there as early as possible.
The swimming holes are fantastic. The views are fantastic. There were no crowds when we were there. I highly recommend!
December 7, 2019
We were really excited about going to Bocawina and hiking through the jungle. It didn't surprise us that the lodge would be a bit pricy. However,we were shocked... read more to find how much it costs for a guide tour! Basically, by the time you pay US$140/night...More
SMLBill
January 31, 2017
We drove from Hopkins to the park and walked up the trail to lower Bocawina falls for a swim. It was a decent walk, not strenuous at all. ... read more The water is crystal clear and cool, but it feels great. After a nice swim in the...More
joshuar682
July 13, 2016 -
We drove from Hopkins to the park and walked up the trail to lower Bocawina falls for a swim. It was a decent walk, not strenuous at all. ... read more The water is crystal clear and cool, but it feels great. After a nice swim in the...More
Joshua R
July 13, 2016Jeff S
Nice little park! The rangers are very helpful and informative and helped us decide what to do with our time there. Several of us did the hike up to Antelope... read more Falls, about 2 miles round trip. Tough but worth it! Nice and cool swimming hole. Two days later I did the loop trail, about 8 miles total with four water falls and swimming holes. Big Drop Falls was awesome...and a big drop getting there! Take PLENTY of water on any of these hikes. Nice way to get a taste of the jungle.
June 22, 2023
My wife and I had an incredible time here hiking the trails and hanging by the falls. There is plenty of things to see on your adventures here.
Henry B
June 16, 2018
Visited for the day and absolutely loved this park. Did the hike to Antelope Falls with great views towards the Caribbean. Tough, steep but not long. Went towards the Bocawina... read more Falls too and saw armadillos in the forest! Grey fox later as well on the...More
MichaelBurm
January 31, 2019 - Lisa Y
Beautiful rainforest setting with friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable staff. A great place for a three-generation family gathering. The teens and their parents enjoyed zip lining and rappelling down a waterfall... read more while the adults loved early morning birdwatching and guided hikes. We got the all-inclusive package and took all our meals on site. The food was outstanding, with lots of variety, local ingredients, and accommodations for the vegetarians and gluten free eaters in our party.
January 8, 2025Kim S
Belizean Dreams resort booked this hike to the waterfall. The words they used to describe it, treacherous! That’s definitely fitting. My tour
guide Bruno knew exactly what he was doing... read more & showed us animals & plant life. It rained numerous amount of times during the climb making it even more slippery & dangerous. I’m in shape & the next day I was sore & it was hard. You had to put your whole body into that climb. Literally sometimes I was on all fours. There are some ropes thank god, but u still got to put work in to get up. The climb down was even more difficult than the climb up. The waterfall itself is a beautiful experience. The fish bite at your feet & you can jump from the top. The views from up above are unique & unforgettable. If you have children younger than 16 I would say it’s a no. Also if your older and not in shape I would not suggest doing this. I am so glad I did do it because the pictures are so amazing. Of course accomplishing it also makes you feel good. If you don’t mind getting dirty & working hard do it! More
August 21, 2019johnrK836CK
The swimming Hole and scenery were worth the hike. Beautiful waterfall and birds eye view of the surrounding area
November 30, 2019Choie82
We visited with kids from 4-7 and we did the antelope trail (graded as steep) and we were worry warts! It was tough for them to reach the guide ropes... read more and navigate the climb. It was just the right amount of tough for us too and we consider ourselves out of shape 🙂 Once we got to the “pool” it was all worth it! Must wear water/ hiking shoes and bathing suit as you have to go down the way you came wet. Pack a small towel for a mini dry of after swimming and a water bottle and that’s all you really need as the time spent hiking and swimming is about 2 hours. Cost is 10 belize per person. Would recommend!
June 6, 2021 - Elise G
To give you an idea of how much I loved this park, I visited (from Hopkins) for the last three of four days! Each day, I adventured on a... read more different hike. The trails were well marked and maintained. There was no garbage in sight. The rangers, who signed me in (Darian and Chayton) were both so informative and friendly.
I'd surely recommend wearing sturdy sneakers at the very least. I was happy to have my hiking boots and trekking poles. Each of the visits gave me opportunities to both be in the jungle and have the chance to get refreshed in a pool of water, in a stream or under a waterfall. To that end, bringing a swimsuit is advised.
I trust any hike you do will be magnificent, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trails that led to Lower Bocawina Falls, Ramon Waterfall and Antelope Waterfall. All were exquisite!
Be sure to pack food and water. Bug repellent is critical. Even though the bugs were not disturbing me, I'm so glad I had applied the repellent before my hikes and had extra with me.
Allow for plenty of time for your car ride there, the road is a dirt road with lots of bumps.
I'd visit Mayflower Bocawina National Park again in a heartbeat and highly recommend you visit, too!
February 12, 2025
Unlike my first zip line experience in Alaska, this one put me more in control because I got to brake myself. I also enjoyed the hiking in between rather than... read more going from platform to platform. The guides added humor as they provided information. They were...More
Robin W
March 8, 2019
We went to this park as a day trip from our resort in Placencia and had SO much fun!! We started with zip lining and Winston was a great guide!!... read more He was entertaining and knowledgeable and the ziplines were long and high and gave us...More
CLTJennifer
January 21, 2018Legen1086
Had an amazing 3 days in the jungle with the crew at Bocawina, a well preserved and almost untouched gem, the staff was amazing and very attentive, Mr. Young has... read more a great touch in service and you can tell the staff and place responds very well to that Wish we had more time, a must do when in south of the country, the Antelope will blow you away Thank you so much for such a wonderful time, see you soon.
August 25, 2019