Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Lodging

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Belize, recognised as a Wetland of International Importance. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including globally endangered species such as the Central American river turtle, Mexican black howler monkey, and yellow-headed parrot.

There are a few places to stay within the sanctuary, including Beck's Bed & Breakfast, Bird's Eye View Lodge, Crooked Tree Lodge, Birdwatcher's Vacation Cottage, Tillett's Village Lodge, and Jacana Inn.

Bird's Eye View Lodge

Birds Eye View Lodge

Overview

The Bird's Eye View Lodge is a lodge located in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, around 40 minutes from Belize City. It is the top neotropical birding site in Belize, with over 250 resident or migratory exotic neotropical birds close by. The lodge offers comfortable rooms with ceiling fans and private showers with hot water. The lodge is also equipped with a lounge and free parking.

Dining

The lodge has a lagoon-side restaurant that serves delicious Belizean cuisine. The food is carefully prepared and incorporates local flavours. Meals are served in a buffet style and have a nice variety of options.

Activities

The lodge offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy. Early morning or afternoon bird-by-boat cruises along the lagoons are a popular choice for guests, especially birdwatchers. There are also guided bird walks, horseback riding, fishing on the lagoon, boat and canoe rentals, and crocodile safaris. The lodge can also arrange tours to nearby attractions such as the Lamanai Mayan Site, the Altun Ha Mayan Site, and the Baboon Sanctuary.

Reviews

Reviews for the Bird's Eye View Lodge are mostly positive, with guests praising the knowledgeable staff, beautiful location, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Some negative reviews mention poor accommodation and overpriced drinks. Overall, the lodge seems to be a great choice for those interested in birdwatching and exploring the natural surroundings of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Beck's Bed and Breakfast

Becks Bed and Breakfast

Overview

Becks Bed and Breakfast is a delightful bed and breakfast nestled in the beautiful village of Crooked Tree in Belize, Central America. The property is located within the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area renowned for its natural wetlands, savannas, and lagoons, and diverse wildlife. With its warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and convenient location, Becks Bed and Breakfast is an ideal choice for visitors seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience.

Accommodations

Becks Bed and Breakfast offers three suite-style rooms, including a family suite, ensuring flexibility for different group sizes. Each room is spacious, comfortable, and tastefully furnished, with a blend of modern amenities and a touch of local charm. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, hot and cold water, cable TV, and internet access, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay.

Amenities and Services

The bed and breakfast boasts a courtyard-style setting within a 4.5-acre pine forest, providing a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by local flora and fauna. The property features a swimming pool, an upstairs deck with hammocks, and a patio that invites guests to relax and immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Complimentary water is provided, and guests can also enjoy complimentary airport transportation.

Dining

Guests at Becks Bed and Breakfast are treated to delicious, homemade meals prepared with care. A hearty breakfast is included in the room rate, and dinner is available upon request at a reasonable price. The hosts, Becky and Robert, are exceptional cooks, showcasing their culinary skills in both traditional Creole cuisine and international dishes. They cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Activities and Attractions

Becks Bed and Breakfast serves as an ideal base for exploring the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding area. The sanctuary is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 300 species of birds, including the jabiru stork, one of the largest flying birds in the Americas. Guests can opt for guided birding excursions, either on foot or by boat, to get up close and personal with the diverse avian population.

In addition to bird-watching, the area offers a range of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, canoeing, and hiking trails. The nearby village of Crooked Tree, one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, provides a unique cultural experience with its cashew festival, local restaurants, and a glimpse into the local way of life.

Contact and Reservations

For reservations and inquiries, guests can contact Becks Bed and Breakfast by phone at 501-614-3389 or 501-614-5247. The property is located in Crooked Tree Village, Belize District, Belize.

Chateau de Pradines

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Belize, recognised as a Wetland of International Importance. It was designated as a waterfowl habitat in 1998 under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including globally endangered species such as the Central American river turtle, Mexican black howler monkey, and yellow-headed parrot. The area is a network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways, with a freshwater lagoon surrounding the area. The Crooked Tree Lagoon is up to a mile wide and over 20 miles long. The sanctuary is an important destination for bird-watchers, with over 300 species of birds, including the famous Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere, with a wingspan of up to eight feet.

• Chateau de Pradines is located just over 8 miles from the sanctuary, providing convenient access to the area.
• The property offers comfortable and modern guest rooms with private baths and various amenities, including air-conditioning.
• The rates at Chateau de Pradines range from USD 80 to USD 120 per night, making it a mid-range option for travellers.
• The property stands out for its modernity and service, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.
• Chateau de Pradines is an excellent choice for bird-watchers, as it provides easy access to the sanctuary and comfortable accommodations to relax after a day of exploring.

Global Village Hotel

The rooms are spacious, with good air conditioning, a small TV, and an all-tile floor. The bathrooms are adequate, with good water pressure in the shower. The hotel is spotless, with friendly and helpful staff. There is free wifi, and a simple breakfast is included. There is no food available on-site besides breakfast, but there is a Chinese restaurant and a mini-mart across the street.

The hotel is safe and well-managed, with security both indoors and outdoors. The gates are locked at night to comply with the country's curfew.

Tillett's Village Lodge

Tilletts Village Lodge is a budget-friendly, family-run lodge in the heart of Crooked Tree Village, offering a real Belize village-life experience. The lodge is named after its founder, Sam Tillett, a renowned tour operator and the first local Crooked Tree guide, who passed away in 2007. It is now managed by his sister and son, Clifford 'Charo' Tillett.

The lodge is located in the centre of the village, making it an ideal base for exploring the village on foot or by bicycle. The surrounding 16,400 acres of wetland within the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary are home to up to 400 species of birds, including the endangered Jabiru, the largest bird in the Americas. Other wildlife in the reserve includes the Central American River Turtle (Hickatee), Morelet's Crocodile, the Mexican Black Howler Monkey, West Indian Manatee, and Yellow-Headed Parrot.

Tilletts Village Lodge offers clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations for individuals, couples, families, and small groups. The lodge's guiding principles are based on simple and warm old-fashioned hospitality. In addition to standard ecological tours of the wildlife sanctuary, the lodge also offers village life experience activities to enhance guests' cultural experience. The lodge's small kitchen serves local Creole dishes, typical of the everyday village diet.

Rates at Tilletts Village Lodge range from $35 to $100 per night. For a room without air conditioning, the rate is $35 plus $10 per person, while a room with air conditioning starts at $50 plus $10 per person.

Frequently asked questions