Location: North Belize Map
Admission Fee: BZ $8
Visitor Center: 8am-4:30pm
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature biological reserve situated in Northern Belize. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is located 32 miles North of Belize City. The easiest way to get here is by taking Northern Highway. A simple wooden post marks the entrance to the protected area. This biosphere park got its name from a Crooked Tree village that was found here in the early 19th century. Its name comes from numerous cashew trees that often fall into the rivers, streams and lakes and appear to emerge its crooked branches from underneath the water.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is most famous for its flocks of birds that come here during the dry months of a year between December and May. This includes various species of ducks, herons, double crested cormorants, egrets and many other birds that frequent in the area. Additionally it is commonly visited by a jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas, and a peregrine, the world's fastest falcon. Wetlands harbor numerous species of insects and crustaceans that make up their diet. Some birds learned to follow tourists in boats in hopes of a free snack. Additionally there are numerous monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, lizards and many other creatures that inhabit the region of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. There are few trails for hikers as well as towers intended for bird- watching. However the best way to explore the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is by taking a boat with a local guide. Its cost ranges from BZ $120 to BZ $170.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is just three miles off the Phillip Goldson Highway (Formerly Northern Highway). The junction is located about midway between Belize City and Orange Walk; approximately 30 miles from either direction. Bus services are available (Monday-Saturday) from Belize City to Crooked Tree Village.