Location: North Belize Map
Admission Fee: BZ $8
Visitor Center: 8am-4:30pm
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (CTWS), located in the Belize District of central Belize, approximately 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Belize City, is a 16,400-acre (6,600-hectare) protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity, vibrant birdlife, and cultural significance. Established in 1984 and managed by the Belize Audubon Society, CTWS is a mosaic of wetlands, lagoons, creeks, logwood swamps, broadleaf forests, and pine savannas, centered around Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s oldest Creole communities. Designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1998, the sanctuary is a premier destination for birdwatchers and eco-tourists, particularly for spotting the endangered Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere.
CTWS lies along the Philip Goldson Highway, 3 miles (5 km) off a
causeway connecting Crooked Tree Village—an inland island—to the
mainland. The sanctuary encompasses a network of freshwater lagoons,
with Crooked Tree Lagoon being the largest, stretching up to a mile wide
and over 20 miles long. This lagoon system, fed by Black Creek and
Spanish Creek, connects to the Belize River, creating a dynamic wetland
ecosystem. The landscape includes:
Lagoons and Wetlands: Dominant
during the wet season (June–November), these provide critical habitat
for waterfowl and migratory birds, especially in the dry season
(November–May) when water levels drop, concentrating wildlife.
Logwood Swamps and Broadleaf Forests: These support diverse flora,
including logwood trees (Haematoxylon campechianum), historically
harvested for dye, and native cashew trees.
Pine Savanna: Found in
higher areas, this habitat attracts nesting Jabiru storks and other
species.
Creeks and Waterways: Black Creek and Spanish Creek meander
through the sanctuary, offering prime birding and wildlife viewing by
boat.
The karst limestone terrain, typical of northern Belize,
supports this ecological diversity, with seasonal flooding shaping the
sanctuary’s habitats. The climate is tropical, with temperatures
moderated by trade winds. The dry season is ideal for birding due to
concentrated wildlife, while the wet season enhances lagoon exploration
but may limit trail access.
CTWS’s history intertwines colonial settlement, ecological advocacy,
and conservation:
Pre-Colonial and Early Settlement: The area
likely saw Maya activity, evidenced by the small Chau Hiix
archaeological site in the sanctuary’s southwest corner, accessible only
by boat. Crooked Tree Village, established around 1750, is one of
Belize’s earliest inland European settlements, founded by British
loggers harvesting logwood for dye. The village’s name derives from a
prominent, gnarled logwood tree used as a meeting point. Loggers floated
timber down Black Creek to the Belize River and onward to Belize City
for export.
Colonial Era: The village remained isolated, accessible
only by boat until a 3-mile causeway was built in 1981, linking it to
the mainland. This isolation preserved its Creole culture and natural
surroundings.
Conservation Efforts: In 1972, the Belize Audubon
Society, with support from Dr. Alexander Sprunt IV of the U.S. National
Audubon Society, proposed protecting Crooked Tree Lagoon as a wading
bird reserve, focusing on the Jabiru stork. The Jabiru was added to
Belize’s protected species list in 1973, and CTWS was gazetted as
Belize’s first wildlife sanctuary on December 8, 1984. Its Ramsar
designation in 1998 recognized its global wetland significance.
Modern Role: Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, CTWS is part of a
160,000-hectare Important Bird Area (IBA) alongside adjacent reserves
like Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and Monkey Bay National Park,
ensuring regional ecological connectivity.
CTWS is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting over 300 bird species, 34
reptile and amphibian species, 28 mammal species, and 30 fish species.
Its varied habitats attract resident and migratory wildlife, with
notable species including:
Birds:
Jabiru Stork: The sanctuary
hosts Central America’s largest nesting population, arriving in November
to nest in pine savannas and departing by June after fledging. With a
wingspan up to 12 feet, it’s a flagship species.
Waterfowl and
Waders: Snowy egrets, great egrets, agami herons, boat-billed herons,
roseate spoonbills, white ibis, northern jacanas, and snail kites are
abundant, especially in dry season lagoons.
Raptors and Songbirds:
Black-collared hawks, ospreys, vermilion flycatchers, and yellow-headed
parrots (endangered) thrive, alongside all five Belizean kingfisher
species and two duck species (Muscovy and black-bellied whistling).
Other Notables: Keel-billed toucans (Belize’s national bird), acorn
woodpeckers, and sungrebes are frequently spotted. Over 250 neotropical
species, many migratory, make CTWS a top birding site.
Mammals:
Yucatán black howler monkeys, coatis, and elusive jaguars inhabit
forests, with monkey calls often heard near lagoons.
Reptiles and
Amphibians: Morelet’s crocodiles, Central American river turtles
(hickatee, endangered), green iguanas, and tiny frogs (post-rain) are
common.
Flora: Logwood, cashew, and hardwood trees dominate, with
orchids, bromeliads, and wetland grasses adding diversity.
The
sanctuary’s designation as an IBA by BirdLife International underscores
its role in protecting globally endangered species like the hickatee,
howler monkey, and yellow-headed parrot.
Crooked Tree Village, with ~1,000 residents, is a vibrant Creole
community of Kriol descent, known for its hospitality and traditions.
Divided into three neighborhoods (Crooked Tree, Pine Ridge, Stain), the
village maintains a farming and fishing lifestyle, with livestock and
small fisheries. Cultural highlights include:
Cashew Festival:
Held annually in May, this celebrates the village’s cashew heritage with
cashew wine, syrup, jams, and stews, alongside music, dance, and games.
Creole Heritage: As one of Belize’s oldest inland settlements, the
village preserves Kriol language, cuisine (e.g., rice and beans, stew
chicken), and storytelling. Most residents are related, fostering a
tight-knit “family” vibe.
Historical Context: The logwood trade
shaped the village’s early economy, and its isolation until 1981
preserved its distinct identity. The Chau Hiix Maya site hints at
pre-colonial significance.
CTWS offers diverse activities, with birding as the centerpiece,
complemented by cultural and outdoor experiences:
Birdwatching:
Boat Tours: The best way to explore, these 2.5–3-hour tours (e.g., from
Bird’s Eye View Lodge) glide through lagoons and creeks, offering
close-up views of herons, kingfishers, and Jabiru storks. Guides like
Eric Tut or Richard from Maya Walks use eBird to track sightings,
spotting 20–40 species per tour.
Guided Walks: Trails through forests
and savannas reveal vermilion flycatchers, woodpeckers, and parrots.
Blinds near lagoons aid spotting elusive species like boat-billed
herons.
Best Season: November–May, when migratory birds arrive and
lagoons concentrate wildlife. Early morning tours maximize sightings.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent canoes at the visitor center to paddle Black
Creek or Spanish Creek, spotting crocodiles, iguanas, and turtles.
Hiking: Well-marked trails, detailed in free visitor center maps, range
from easy village paths to longer routes near lagoons. The RARE Trail
and others offer wildlife and scenic views.
Horseback Riding:
Available through local operators, this explores savannas and forests,
ideal for non-birders.
Cultural Experiences:
Interact with
villagers, sample cashew products, or join the Cashew Festival. Local
breakfasts and lunches, often included in tours, feature Creole dishes.
Visit Chau Hiix, a small Maya site, by boat for archaeological intrigue.
Wildlife Viewing: Beyond birds, spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and
hickatee turtles, especially on boat tours.
Access:
Located 30 miles from Belize City or Orange Walk, a
40–45-minute drive via the Philip Goldson Highway, then a 3-mile gravel
causeway. Rental cars (small SUVs recommended) cost ~$50 USD/day, as the
causeway is unpaved. Taxis (~$75 USD one-way) are pricier. Buses run
Monday–Saturday from Belize City to Crooked Tree Village (~1 hour).
Open daily 8 AM–4:30 PM, year-round. Entrance: $4 USD ($8 BZD) for
non-nationals, $1.25 USD ($2.50 BZD) for locals.
Tours:
Operators like Bird’s Eye View Lodge, Black Orchid Resort, or Paradise
Expeditions offer boat, walking, or combo tours (~$50–$125 USD),
including transport from Belize City, entry fees, and guides. Half-day
tours (e.g., 7:30 AM–12 PM) focus on morning bird activity.
Book
directly with locals (e.g., Bird’s Eye View Lodge) for better rates, or
arrange via resorts like Howler Monkey Resort. Minimum age: none, but
tours suit all fitness levels, with wheelchair access for some trails.
Accommodations:
Bird’s Eye View Lodge: On the lagoon, ideal for
birding, with guided tours and comfortable rooms.
Beck’s Bed &
Breakfast: A family-run B&B with spacious suites, lush gardens, and
Creole hospitality.
Other options include Crooked Tree Lodge and
small guesthouses. No on-site camping, but nearby eco-lodges exist.
Facilities:
The visitor center offers trail maps, boat/canoe
rentals, and basic amenities (restrooms, gift shop). No on-site dining;
bring snacks or eat at village restaurants (e.g., Bird’s Eye View
Lodge).
Tips:
Wear lightweight clothing, sturdy shoes,
sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring binoculars, a camera with zoom, and
mosquito repellent (wetlands attract bugs).
Dry season (November–May)
is best for birding; wet season enhances lagoon tours but muddies
trails. Check weather for accessibility.
Combine with nearby
attractions like Altun Ha (40 minutes away) or the Community Baboon
Sanctuary for a full day.
Environmental Threats: Wetland drainage, deforestation, and climate
change (e.g., altered rainfall) threaten habitats. The Belize Audubon
Society mitigates through patrols and habitat restoration.
Tourism
Impact: Boat tours and foot traffic risk disturbing wildlife, so guides
enforce low-impact practices (e.g., quiet motors, no littering).
Access: The unpaved causeway can be rough in wet season, requiring 4WD
vehicles. Limited public transport makes rentals or tours preferable.
Preservation: Protecting endangered species like the Jabiru and hickatee
requires ongoing monitoring, supported by Ramsar and IBA designations.