Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 33 miles northwest of Belize City and just 2 miles off the Northern highway, this sanctuary is an excellent place for wildlife adventurs. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctary was established in 1984 for the protection of resident and migrant birds. Explore the thick undergrowths and track the trails for close encounters with crocodiles, iguanas, coati-mundi and howler monkeys.

Hop into a dug out canoe and paddling along the network of lagoons and waterways. This is the best way to explore Crooked Tree. The sanctuary is a bird-watcher's paradise. So, get ready with your binoculars and telephoto lens for as many as 275 bird species! You won't miss the herons, ducks, kites, egrets, ospreys, kingfishers and hawks. A sight of the huge Jabaru stork will be a lifetime experience. With a wingspan of up to 8 feet, this is the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere!

The sanctuary is also home to the village of Crooked Tree, which was established during the logwood era in Belizean history. Because of its relatively easy accessibility by boat, Crooked Tree grew as one of the first inland villages.

There is a visitor center at the immediate end of the causeway as you enter the village. Boats and guides will be available at the visitor center or within the village.