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.
- V3425RPcarolineb
Beautiful park. Got to Antelope Falls before anyone else. If you can do stairs or hike this is a moderate hike. Saw Jaguar tracks and lots of cool birds!
... read more /> Came back and started on bird loop - thought it was shorter. Clearly not many people do this hike.
While you can see snakes anywhere, I walked within 1 foot of a large fer de lance (Tommy gah) on this trail near the turnoff to the ruins. We are avid hikers and outdoors people and thought we were looking carefully. It really freaked us out.
I would not do this quieter hike now knowing this especially with kids. I'm sure Antelope Falls is so well travelled that it would be more unusual.
December 22, 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, 2018NousWorldTravel
We had so much fun here. The hike to antelope falls is well worth it! The Wild Fig restaurant was great and affordable. The manicured grounds of the resort are... read more nice.
June 30, 2019
We 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, 2019 - V8287GQalexp
The 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, 2020I43BPtaras
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, 2020
Great day with vigorous hike through the Belize Rainforest including waterfall rappelling and zip lining with two very hospitable and super experienced tour guides. We highly recommend Roberto... read more and Milton — excellent guides. The tour offered a very challenging hike in the rainforest to the...More
RichUofMichigan
January 2, 2019
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 - adkwilderness
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, 2019Joe H
Not sure if I was going to make it to the top . Quite a climb. It was worth the struggle . great pool very pretty. water a little... read more refreshing . could have stayed there ALL day
August 24, 2019
Clean, 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, 2018mariu40
Nature at its best. The park is easily accessible, the road is not paved but maintained. Remember this is rural Belize! Ample parking and covid complaint . The staff is... read more very welcoming and knowledgeable. After a brief explanation of all the trails you can be on your way. We chose the antelope fall which was marked as steep and labeled at 45 minutes, which is accurate . The first portion of the trail is very easy and then it gets inclined but not difficult. The second portion in my opinion is very dangerous. Go free hands, because you will need to use both hands , there is a special difficult spot with almost no area to walk on. If you have an accident here not sure how you will be rescued. Once you finally get to the top of the water fall and pool are gorgeous and you go for a swim. We were very disappointed to see that some visitors left garbage behind. Take into consideration that the same way you went up is the same way down.
September 13, 2021 - 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, 2025Inspire19832332225
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, 2025Terri M
This is a great little park not far from Hopkins. The Antelope Falls hike is difficult at the end, but I made it and so worth it when you get... read more to the swimming hole at the top. You swim in a waterfall. It's so clean and the little fish will give you a free pedicure! They have several other hikes as well. I wish I had more days to explore! We met some other hikers on our way up and down but had the waterfall pool to ourselves. It was amazing. So refreshing! Bring at least one, if not two water bottles. (I froze them overnight before this!) Bring bug repellent also.
June 2, 2025Legen1086
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 - BackRoadBruce
I enjoyed my visit to Mayflower. Park staff was welcoming and helpful. The hiking to Antelope and New Waterfall was rewarding. The view from the top of... read more Antelope Falls is spectacular. The ropes along the steep trail sections were much appreciated. The hike out to New Waterfall is easier and very peaceful. I though the waterfall was beautiful.
After the hiking, a bowl of ice cream at the restaurant at the in park resort tasted extra good. I look forward to returning and hiking the many additional trails in the park. I stayed in Hopkins. The park is a 20 - 30 minute ride away.
February 16, 2022Paloma B
Wear lots of bug repellent with high levels of DEET. Stunning beauty, great hiking, jungle pools, waterfalls.
December 17, 2019
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, 2019146GinaP
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, 2022