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Lamanai (Submerged crocodile):
After arriving at Lamanai, we will have the chance to explore the ruins and have the opportunity to view birds such as Red-Lored Parrot, Blue-Crowned Mot-mot, Collared Aracari Toucan, Lineated and Pale-Billed Woodpeckers, and Black-Headed and Violaceous Togons. In addition, Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys are usually seen or heard here.
The Crooked tree Sanctuary was founded in 1984 by the Belize Audubon Society. It is a 16,000 acre reserve comprised of inland waterways, swamps and lagoons. It provides a good resting area for thousands of migrating birds. The wetland is approximately a mile wide and more than 20 miles long. The reserve features a number of trails. The pine-oak area of the sanctuary can be explored on foot. Acorn Woodpeckers abound here and we will search for species such as Canivet's Emerald, Red-Vented Woodpecker, Yellow-Lored Parrot, and Yucatan Jay.
A pleasant way to explore the sanctuary is by boat. Many water birds congregate along the lakeshore and the banks are lined with interesting plants. Some of the birds we may expect to find here include the Black-Collared Hawk, several species of herons, limpkins and the unique Snail Kite. In addition, the elusive Sungrebe, and the even more elusive Agami Herons, Northern Jacanas, Boat Billed Herons, Least Grebes, Pygmy Kingfishers, Rufus-tailed Jacamars, and several species of parrots can all be found here and are frequently photographed at close range.
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The Lamanai Mayan site is located northwest of Belize City. It was inhabited
until well after 1492, making it the longest-occupied Maya site in Belize. The
site consists of more than 50 structures spread over what is now the 950 acre
Archaeological Reserve. The most impressive of these is the largest Pre-Classic
structure in Belize. It is a massive, stepped temple built into the hillside overlooking
the New River Lagoon. Ruins of numerous dwellings, a ball court, and several other
temples also remain. One of Belize's finest stelea is found here, which depicts
an elaborate carving of the ruler Smoking Shell. Lamanai also has an archaeological
museum of findings from the site.
The tour visits this site by a scenic boat trip on the New River. Some of the birds we may encounter on this trip include Black-Collared Hawk, Northern Jacana, Mangrove Swallow, Olive-Throated Parakeet, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and occasionally a Purple Gallinule. Other types of wildlife such as the endangered Morelete's Crocodile and Green Iguana are also a common sighting on the way to Lamanai.
Cooked Tree Village is one of the oldest inland villages in the country. This village of about 900 people offers incredible wildlife viewing as well as a very friendly atmosphere.
The sanctuary provides a home and feeding ground for many of Belize's wildlife species and protects critical habitats for both migratory and resident birds. As a wetland, it is a haven for waterbirds and during the dry season (Feb-May) the area becomes especially important for feeding birds.
Water-birds are the main attraction for visitors, in particular the mighty
Jabiru Stork. The Jabiru is one of the most spectacular birds. It reaches a height
of 5 ft and a wing-span of 10 to 12 feet, making it the largest flying bird in
the New World. These storks frequent Crooked Tree during periods of low water.
Black Howler Monkeys, Spiny-tailed and Green Iguanas are some examples of other
wildlife that frequents the area. 
The Baboon Sanctuary is located 35 miles northwest of Belize City. The sanctuary consists of approximately 20 square miles along the Belize River and embodies a combination of dense jungle, pasture, farmland, and small village life.
Some 200 species of birds have been recorded here. Among these are Squirrel cuckoos, Black-throated Bobwhite, Quails, Plumbeous kites, Hook-billed kites, Gray Hawks, Acorn Woodpecker and common Black Hawks.