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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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, 2017The hike to the waterfall starts easy but gradually gets strenuous, the last 30min feels like its straight up hill. The pools at the very top are crystal clear and... read more cold but refreshing after the hike. You can climb that fall and see another small...More
AmandaLea93
April 11, 2019The swimming Hole and scenery were worth the hike. Beautiful waterfall and birds eye view of the surrounding area
November 30, 2019The 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, 2022 -
It’s a good hike up to the top of Antelope Falls but very well worth it. The first reward is a swim in the natural “pool”. So clean and refreshing.... read more After a light lunch of panini, home baked cinnamon roll and fresh watermelon you will...More
Susan S
November 29, 2018The Mayflower Bocawina park is an amazing and accessible preserve. Hiking trails range from mild to hardcore with river and jungle views, water falls, Mayan ruins and incredible flora and... read more fauna all around. A great place to spend a few hours or an entire week.
March 17, 2020I 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, 2018Had a few hours as I was driving back to Belmopan. So I stopped in for a bite at the resort. Then I just walked around a bit taking in... read more all the flowers and beauty that is Bocawina. No waterfalls or zip lining this time....More
TravelQ6492QE
August 20, 2018 -
The zip line was great, but long and expensive (9 platforms, 2 hrs, $75). BEWARE the road! Coming back out we got 2 flat tires. Yes, I was going probably... read more 35 mph when I should have been doing 20. Then, as we changed the tires, we got over 200 tick bites! Yes, 200! We didn´t notice until we got home. Each bite looked like a bad mosquito bite but had a tiny black tick at the center. Ugh!
February 15, 2020If you are in the Hopkins area this is a great hike to explore the NP and a wonderful cascading waterfall
Only a 3 mile out and back but... read more pretty steep with ropes and roots necessary for the last quarter mile up to the top of the falls and a beautiful swimming hole.
February 9, 2020We 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, 2016The hike only takes about 30-35 min, but we were doing it with a 2 and 4 year old so our experience was a bit more challenging. The last... read more 100 feet are a bit demanding but it was well-worth the effort. Beautiful spot and not another soul in sight
June 26, 2019 -
The environment is welcoming. We came here on a retreat and ended up having the treat of a lifetime. The staff is extremely helpful. The ziplining experience was awesome. The... read more waterfall trail is simply amazing. This place is a must visit. The food...exeptional.
KaydeeBZ
August 24, 2018We 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, 2021We loved our visit, which was too short! We started at the small Visitor Center where we met Israel - a knowledgeable, interesting, and dedicated park ranger who has been... read more there eight years, and has put a lot of love and creativity into making this...More
Pranavati
February 25, 2019Clean, not busy at all. Hiking in the jungles. Don't worry about Jaguars as they mostly hunt at night and the Howler monkeys will warn you. Did not Zip line,... read more but did walk to a waterfall. Big falls, beautiful. You can take a dip in...More
TravelQ6492QE
January 22, 2018 -
I have hammock camped on this property now twice in three years. They keep doing more and more to this park and I love it! Upon arrival we were given... read more a very good explanation of all the falls and nature around us, the guy upfront was very passionate about it. We hung out hammocks under a shelter for $10 a night and were very safe. We had a security guard there all night. The trails to the falls are superb! Our only complaint is the restaurant at the resort not telling us meals were in US dollars. I have spent 4 months in Belize and this was a first for us. I will be back.
January 23, 2020Nice 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, 2023We enjoyed our visit to Bocawina where we hiked, took an exciting rapel tour down a waterfall and did some birding.
apintherockies
October 14, 2018The forest here is still untouched and beautiful. The resort is clean and the staff are excellent. The restaurant makes very good food and the service was great ( thanks... read more Reina ! ). The front desk staff are professional and ultra helpful. The waterfall rapelle...More
cannandale
March 2, 2019