Belize Audubon Society

BAS Managed Protected Areas

Unlike many countries in Central America, Belize still has a huge proportion of unspoiled natural forest. These forests teem with wildlife and provide havens for many endangered species. Belize's coral reef, which stretches the entire length of the coastline, is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and is important for many marine species. Fortunately, appreciation of this natural wealth was achieved in time to conserve it. Following independence in 1981, both the Government of Belize and the increasingly active non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were able to develop an international respected network of national parks and protected areas. This relationship between the government and NGOs is unique, with the Belize Audubon Society administering several parks and protected areas on behalf of the Government of Belize.

All BAS-managed protected areas are open to the general public, except for Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve which is used for scientific study only. The protected areas have a variety of marked trails and visitor centers with giftshops and colorful interpretive displays.

CBWS has accommodations and campsites within the sanctuary; HMCNM and BHNP both have campsites. Many local villages also have guesthouse accommodations.

Glossary of Protected Areas Terminology

The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by BAS, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the protected areas.

Belize Audubon Society Managed Protected Areas
Protected Area	Nationals	Non Nationals
Guanacaste National Park	BZ$1.00	BZ$5.00
Saint Hermans Blue Hole National Park	BZ$2.00	BZ$8.00
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary	BZ$2.00	BZ$8.00
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary	BZ$2.50	BZ$10.00
Victoria Peak Natural Monument	BZ$2.50	BZ$10.00
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument	BZ$2.50	BZ$20.00
Actun Tunichil Muknal Natural Monument	BZ$2.50	BZ$30.00
Blue Hole Natural Monument	Donations Accepted	BZ$60.00
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve	Closed to the public

What to Take to the Protected Areas

Terrestrial Parks

Insect repellant
Sunscreen/sun hat
Long sleeved lightweight shirt (to protect against sun and insects)
Long trousers for the jungle (with long socks to tuck them into)
Day pack/small backpack
Water proof/hiking boots
Camera (zoom lens for birding
Binoculars
Bird guidebooks
Water/snacks/food
Swimsuit and towel
Flashlight for caving or night walks
Half Moon Caye and
Blue Hole Natural Monuments
Insect repellant
Sunscreen/sun hat
Camera (zoom lens for birding)
Binoculars
Water/snacks/food
Swimsuit/towel
Fish/coral guidebook
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Snorkel/dive gear

Protected Areas Rules and Guidelines

To help Belize Audubon Society maintain the Protected Areas' pristine condition we ask that all visitors observe the following regulations:

All plants, animals, rocks, minerals, coral, shells, objects, and historic artifacts within the protected area boundaries are protected. Please do not remove, destroy or disturb these features.
Stay on designated trails at all times.
No littering or dumping. Dispose of litter in designated receptacles.
No fishing or hunting.
Firearms are prohibited.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas.
Please do not bring pets to the parks.

Each protected area may develop rules and regulations that address problems specific to that facility. Patrons shall comply with all rules and regulations posted at individual facilities.