Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
La Democracia Village, Cayo District
Hotel Description
Situated in an easy-to-reach 1070-acre private protected area, Monkey Bay has an environmentally sensitive design that caters to budget, nature-oriented travelers, student educational groups, community service groups, scout troops, and special training groups. The accommodations consist of a bunkhouse (for up to 45 people) and sheltered platforms for tents (up to 30 people). There is a central dining room, field station, classroom, and library. The sounds of the savanna, vistas of the mountains and sky, delicious meals, and friendly staff make this a holistic and refreshing stop along the Toucan Trail.
History & Owners
Declared on 22 April, 1990, in commemoration of Earth Day, Monkey Bay became the country's first recognized private protected area. The forested property is situated along the Sibun River where "old timers" used to camp-out under a huge guanacaste tree where howler monkeys gathered to sleep for the night. The bend in the river and associated sand bar attracted the name "Monkey Bay" and was used by riverboat men as a geographic address and gathering place when traveling inland from the coastal waters 32 miles east of Monkey Bay.
The first tourists to visit were interested in camping and bird watching. With construction of the field research station, student groups started coming to Monkey Bay. Their demand for experiential learning that focused on cultural diversity and watershed ecology encouraged Monkey Bay to meet these interests by developing and offering study abroad learning programs. Students and nature travelers have been coming ever since!
Amenities
 | 24-hour Electricity | | Phone on Site |
| Internet on Site | | Laundry Service |
| Meals Available | | Camping Available |
| Snack/Gift Shop | | Children Allowed |
Tours
| Can Arrange |
Languages Spoken | English | | Spanish |
Location & Directions
Mile 31 1/2 Western Highway, La Democracia Village
By bus from Belize City, go 32 miles west on the Western Highway, about half way between Belize City and Belmopan City. It is just past the Belize Zoo, the Coastal Highway, and Cheers Restaurant. The buses depart about every hour and cost about US $3/person. From the bus stop on the Western Highway, it is a 4 minute walk up the gravel road to the entrance drive. There is a two-story field station where you can check in.
Call or email in advance to arrange charter vehicle pick-up at the airport, Belize City, Belmopan, or San Ignacio.
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