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.
- beanfarmer2018
Drove to Bocawina from Hopkins, which is an easy and short drive, to go hiking. Decided to hike the Antelope Falls trail. The trail to the bottom of the falls... read more is a moderate hike and has beautiful views once there. The hike to the pool...More
June 25, 2019E8702QDtoms
Wonderful hike to and through (unexcavated) Mayan ruins took us through dense and beautiful tropical forest where we saw all kinds of flora, termite mounds, toucans... I wore long plants... read more and a long-sleeved shirt despite the warmth, and I'm glad I did as other members of my party suffered bug bites. The trail was muddy in spots so good hiking boots/shoes are recommended. There's a variety of hikes to choose from. facilities are primitive. Accessing the park requires a long drive down dirt roads.
February 16, 2023Elise 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
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, 2018 -
This was a great experience. We went for a hike up Bocawina falls and climbed Antelope Falls. We didn’t get to the top of Antelope Falls because it’s very steep... read more at the top and was raining so it got dangerously slippy - I wouldn’t recommend...More
Livwilliams1991
September 2, 2018
Heard a lot about this venue and was glad for the opportunity to visit. This natural beauty is one of Mother Nature's best kept secret. If you are a nature... read more seeking tourist, or someone looking for a place to relax, then this National Park is...More
chamor2547
August 16, 2018
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 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 -
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...More
meelays
November 1, 2018
I spent three nights at Bocawina as part of a group tour. The grounds of the National Park are gorgeous, the cabins are comfortable despite the absence of air-conditioning, and... read more the chef and kitchen staff turn out beautifully presented, delicious food. Our activities included a...More
Janet D
April 8, 2018
The 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, 2019I43BPtaras
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 - 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, 2022Legen1086
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
We booked this tour through our resort and my husband who wasn't big on the idea of zip lining was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was! We had... read more such a great time zip lining through the canopy of the rain forest. The guides...More
lashleyb4
August 24, 2018Joe 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 -
I went with three teenagers for the combo Antelope waterfalls rappelling, lunch and zip lining. The guides were entertaining and knowledgeable. We hiked up the mountain in pouring rain (odd... read more for “dry season”), swam in a pool below a smaller waterfall then rappelled down. Great...More
Phil P
April 6, 2018Lisa 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, 2025blackbear_Gnasty
This was a great hiking experience!! The peak is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is worth the hike! I would recommend wearing shoes that have grips on them cause it may be a... read more lil slippy going up the mountain! I book my tour with Belize concierge Excellence!! Their...More
November 5, 2019Miles 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