Crooked Tree Lagoon bird-watching motorboat tour with guide

Spot jabiru storks and tropical water birds from a motorboat in Belize's largest wetland

A 4.5-hour motorboat tour of Crooked Tree Lagoon near Belize City with an expert bird guide, entrance fee and hotel pickup included. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Crooked Tree village, then board a motorboat to navigate the wetland while the guide points out herons, egrets, jabiru storks, green iguanas, howler monkeys and freshwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. The lagoon is co-managed by the Audubon Society.

The experience

You start with pickup from your hotel and a drive to Crooked Tree village in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once there, you board a motorboat captained by an expert bird guide who knows where the wildlife congregates. The lagoon itself is the largest wetland in the country, and the guide navigates it methodically, pointing out birds and animals as they appear. Herons and egrets rise in flocks as the boat moves through the water. The jabiru stork (a rare bird standing taller than a child) is the signature sighting here, found in only a handful of places on Earth.

Beyond birds, the tour often yields sightings of green iguanas, howler monkeys, freshwater crocodiles and manatees, depending on the day and the season. The motorboat lets you reach deeper into the wetland than you could on foot, and the expert guide's commentary turns each sighting into a moment of discovery rather than a lucky spot. The tour runs 4.5 hours total, with bottled water provided throughout.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• entrance fee to Crooked Tree Lagoon.
• motorboat ride captained by an expert bird guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return to your hotel.
• driver and guide services throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Senior (76 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 4

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by A Plus Adventures Belize

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary in whichever language suits you. Children from age 4 are welcome, though the tour involves sitting in a motorboat for several hours, so it works best for those comfortable with boat travel and extended time in the sun.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I actually see on the Crooked Tree Lagoon tour?

Herons, egrets and jabiru storks are the main sightings. The jabiru is the rarest and most prized, standing taller than a child and found in only a handful of places on Earth. You may also see green iguanas, howler monkeys, freshwater crocodiles and manatees depending on the day.

How does the tour get from Belize City to the lagoon?

Hotel pickup is included. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Crooked Tree village, where you board a motorboat for the lagoon itself. The boat ride is the heart of the tour.

Who is the guide on the motorboat?

An expert bird-watching guide captains the motorboat and leads the commentary throughout the lagoon, pointing out wildlife and explaining what you see.

Is Crooked Tree Lagoon a protected area?

Yes. The lagoon is the largest wetland in Belize and is co-managed by the Audubon Society, which helps protect the birds and wildlife you encounter.

What's included in the 4.5-hour tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fee to the lagoon, the motorboat ride, bottled water and the expert bird guide are all included. Lunch is not included.