Jaguar Preserve waterfall hike from Placencia: Tiger Fern swim

Swim beneath Tiger Fern Double Waterfalls after a rainforest hike through the Jaguar Preserve

A full-day guided hike through Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary from Placencia leads into the Jaguar Preserve and along a rainforest trail to Tiger Fern Double Waterfalls, where you swim in the pool below the cascades. Your guide identifies wildlife, native plants and the park's history as you walk. The tour includes lunch, bottled water, soda and hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. Small groups keep the experience personal, and guides speak English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jaguar Preserve Waterfall Hike and Swim

• Hike through Belize rainforest
• Learn about wildlife and plants
• Explore Cockscomb Basin Sanctuary
• Reach Tiger Fern Double Waterfalls
• Swim beneath the waterfalls

The experience

The trail winds through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected reserve where your guide points out exotic birds, colorful butterflies and other wildlife that live in the rainforest canopy and undergrowth. Along the way, the guide shares the history of the Jaguar Preserve and explains the medicinal plants and ecosystem you're moving through: the kind of detail that turns a hike into something you remember. The path leads to Tiger Fern Double Waterfalls, where the reward is immediate: a refreshing swim in the pool beneath the cascading water.

The full day runs nine hours from pickup at your hotel in Placencia. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch is included partway through, along with bottled water and soda to keep you hydrated on the trail. The guides focus on safety and comfort, setting a pace that lets you take in the surroundings without feeling rushed. Children from age five are welcome, and the small-group format means the guide can adjust to the group's speed and interests.

What’s included

• Admission to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• lunch and bottled water.
• soda.
• hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wilder Belize Adventures

Is this one for you?The nine-hour commitment means you'll spend most of the day on this hike, so plan it as your main activity and keep the rest of your Placencia day light. The small-group format and personalized pace work well if you want to move slowly enough to spot wildlife and hear the guide's insights without feeling hurried.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife might I see on the Jaguar Preserve trail?

Exotic birds, colorful butterflies and other rainforest animals that live in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary make their home in the canopy and undergrowth along the hike. The guide helps you spot them and explains what you're seeing.

Is the hike difficult, and how long does it take?

The tour runs nine hours total from hotel pickup, and you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the rainforest trail. The pace is set by the group, and the guide prioritizes safety and comfort throughout the day.

What's included in the tour price?

Admission to the Jaguar Preserve, lunch, bottled water, soda, hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. The guide speaks English or Spanish.