Belize Raptor Center — Attraction in San Ignacio & Santa Elena

Where do I start? This was one of the biggest highlights of my trip to Belize. I balked at first at the $70 U.S. price for a VIP tour, which is for two people, and I was by myself. But I believe in supporting local nonprofits when I travel so I went for it. (Everyone should know they have free shows on Thursdays! I just wasn't going to be here.) But it was worth SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

This place, and their educators Elena and Emil are absolutely incredible. You can feel the care and patience and love they have for these birds, never mind their extensive knowledge about them. And the closeness I was able to have with the raptors -- even holding some and *having them fly to me (if they were feeling like it, remember they are individuals, too!) -- were precious gifts.

Each bird "ambassador" (the few unable to be re-released into the wild) has such an interesting story. I so admire the both the rehabilitation and educational work that the Belize Raptor Center is doing! I hope to bring my family here someday. Thank you, Elena and Emil! I love knowing my tour is helping to support your work and these incredible birds!

PS. It is a very rough, rocky, and confusing few roads to get here. It confused Google a lot, but I had service (Google Fi anyway) and was able to call the center and they helped me navigate to them. They even offered to come guide me via motorbike!! But I made it....

I worked professionally with BRC for the past 4 years primarily in my capacity as the Education Director at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. In addition, I also volunteered to assist with special projects in the past, such as BRC's first major fundraiser in Belize, and assisting the Founder in the care of non releasable raptors, and educational outreach events. BRC and the Zoo have collaborated on countless educational sessions, often alongside other reputable wildlife NGOs. They have the full endorsement of the Forest Department, which is the government entity responsible for regulating wildlife. I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact their dynamic presentations have had on the understanding and appreciation of birds of prey in both children and adults. It is the same objective all other wildlife NGOs strive for in our mission to inspire the love and protection of Belize's natural heritage. Every non releasable raptor at BRC has a high quality of life, and are only kept if rehab and release are not viable options. The team there is highly qualified and well connected to other professionals to make these decisions with the support of the Forest Department, and have done releases whenever possible. Sarah, Marcia, and the rest of their team, including the amazing raptors, have become an integral part of wildlife rehab and...

An amazing educational facility for the native raptors of Belize. Staff prefer that reservations for their (donation-based) tours be made in advance, as a given bird doesn’t work more than once a day, but are extremely accommodating to unannounced visitors as well. Handlers bring out each bird in turn to visitors, and talk about the ecology, conservation status, and ‘story’ of each ambassador. Questions are encouraged, the staff are knowledgeable, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to see raptors close-up than to visit.

The area itself, about a mile deep into the rainforest on the Macaul River, is a little difficult to find, but signs are posted at every turn through Kontiki, and most of the taxi drivers know where it is. It’s worth it though, because, besides the resident birds, there are some excellent trails and a huge diversity of wild birds, as well as access to the river. A must-see for any wildlife...