You may choose to explore the immediate surroundings on a country road by way of a bicycle, paddle your way along the sea in a kayak, or snorkel in the Caribbean Sea. All are options for guests while staying at our resort, which includes free use of bicycles, sea kayaks and snorkel gear. If you need to be more mobile with a vehicle rental, let us make the arrangements for you. Just let us know what your needs are.
Parrot Cove Lodge is located 1-1/4 miles south of Hopkins Village a small traditional fishing village. Continuing on the road from Hopkins you'll pass through False Sittee, followed by the village of Sittee River, occupying a few bends of the slow, flat river of the same name.
 
Click to enlarge view of fishing photos above.
Parrot Cove Lodge offers personalized fishing trips with local guides, both freshwater and salt. Fishing tours include Sittee River, Caribbean Sea reef or fly flats fishing. The Erik and Evan Tour include boat rides up and down the Sittee River quietly showing guests iguanas, crocodiles and numerous bird species that are native to the area. There's also the opportunity to catch tarpon on this river boat trip. Let us know if you would like to arrange a fishing or boat trip with one of our local tour guides. |
This area of the Stann Creek District has been identified as the most centrally located land and sea tourist area in all of Belize. Nearly all of Belize's natural attractions are only a short distance away. You can experience the jungle, mountains, Mayan Ruins, waterfalls, rivers, jungles and rain forest all within a half day or full day trip. Tourists are just beginning to discover Belize and it has been labeled as Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret. An extensive system of mangrove forests along the coastline support a great diversity of marine life and provides a haven for the endangered manatee. In fact, Belize has just under 150 identified species of mammals ranging from the majestic jaguar to the rowdy howler monkey and over 500 bird species.
Belize is bursting with cultural wonders like the Maya ruins and natural wonders with 185 miles of the barrier reef, the second largest in the world, two atolls and dotted with 200 cayes, colorful coral and over 460 species of fish.
Snorkeling trips are also available directly through Parrot Cove Lodge. There are a variety of good snorkeling sites close to the resort.
Please note that snorkeling activities are dependent on the current weather conditions.
Parrot Cove Lodge also contracts with our neighbor
Hamanasi for its scuba dive and snorkel tours.
Click here for a list of dive tours • Click here for a list of snorkeling tours
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Hamanasi Dive and Snorkel Team
Mission Statement:
We will be the BEST DIVE AND SNORKEL TEAM in Belize with highly trained and competent members, offering quality service to guests
while adhering to PADI standards
in a safe environment.
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Rated as one of the World's Best Diving Resorts in
Belize by Sport Diver magazine in 2007. |
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GUEST COMMENT
"I wanted to dive and stay at Haminasi but they were full. They found a room
at Parrot Cove Lodge just a 10 minute walk down the beach. What a nice
surprise. Parrot Cove is not glitzy, but having gone through each of the
four resorts in Hopkins I would go no place else. The place is clean, and
the staff is wonderful catering to your every need. I felt like part of the
family. The restaurant is the best in that area. Parrot Cove coordinated all
of my dives with Hamanisi as will as some Belize adventure tours away from
the water. The dive people at Hamanasi were incredible. Safe, caring,
professional, and catered to my every need. I am going back in 2008 and
staying at Parrot Cove and diving with Hamanasi." - Harry Jamison, D.D.S.
Special attractions nearby include Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (the world's first jaguar preserve), Sittee River Canoeing, River, Reef and Fly Fishing, Barrier Reef (the largest in the Western hemisphere) and Atolls for Snorkeling/Diving, Blue Hole National Park, Mayflower Mayan Ruins, Cave Tubing, Bird Watching and Jungle Hikes.
Full Day Excursions (6-8 hours) are approx. US$75-$100 per person.
Half Day Excursions (3-4 hours) are approx. US$40-$50 per person.
See pricing listed for each description.
Prices subject to change. Tax not included.
The following Tours/Activities have been contracted with Jaguar Reef Lodge which is located next door to Parrot Cove Lodge.
All tours are conducted by friendly and knowledgeable licensed guides. Please contact Parrot Cove Lodge directly to inquire about specific dates and to confirm pricing for tours and activities you are interested in. We'll be glad to assist in the planning of tours and activities during your stay. Once you arrive, arrangements can be made for the specific activities and tours you are interested in based on their availability. All tours are subject to delay or cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.
 Birds Of Paradise Tour
Departs: Daily at 6:00 a.m.
(Available with 12 hours notice with a minimum of 2 people.)
Price: US$40.00
Length: Approx. 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Tropical rainforest, canopy to 80 ft.
We'll depart the Lodge at daybreak and drive a short distance to 'Toucan Sittee', a small guest house located on the Sittee River. The drive will take you to areas which are home to many species of birds including parrots and toucans. Toucan Sittee borders the Sittee River where there are many large trees known to attract birds. As you view the bird life here you will be served a delicious breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and fresh baked breads. We will make our way through Sittee River Village to the site of the Serpon Sugar Mill Ruins. The trail down to the Sittee River will take us through pristine rainforest, across several small streams and past giant stands of bamboo. The river is home to many species of birds, so you will want to stop here to observe the proliferation of bird life that abounds here. Don't forget to bring: bug repellent, hat, binoculars, camera.
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 Scarlet Macaw Tour
(Available December - February)
Departs: Thursdays at 6:00 a.m. (Minimum 4 people)
Price: US$50.00
Length: Approx.3 - 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Tropical rainforest, Karst Limestone
We'll depart the Lodge early and drive south down the new Southern Highway approx. 30 minutes to our destination, which is the Mayan village of Red Bank.We begin our hike through the forest keeping a sharp eye out for Scarlet Macaws who's raucous cry can be hear over long distances. From the valley the path turns up a steep hill. It is from this hilltop location that these beautiful birds can best be seen feeding in the trees nearby. We continue our journey to a beautiful river where you will find deep pools of water, ideal for swimming. After a relaxing swim we will return to the Lodge in time for lunch.
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 Cayo Mayan Ruins Tour
Departs: Wednesdays and Sundays at 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$75.00
Length: Approx. 8 hours
Difficulty: Easy
We start with a 3-hour drive up the Hummingbird Highway to the Cayo, Belize's most Western district. The Hummingbird is considered to be the most scenic drive in Belize, as it winds its way through the Maya Mountains. On our journey we will pass many small villages as well as the nation's capital, Belmopan, and the bustling market town of San Ignacio, which sits high above the Macal River. We stop here to view the ruins of Cahal Peche, which have been partially restored and are excellent examples of classic period structures. You will enjoy lunch at one of a selection of restaurants along the way. Our journey takes us to within a mile of the Guatemalan border, where we will cross the Macal River in a hand cranked ferry to access the large Mayan site known as Xunantinich ( shoo-nan-toonich ). This fascinating ruin has several plazas and a large selection of classic period structures. Those ambitious enough to hike to the top of El Castillo, the tallest structure on the site, will be rewarded with panoramic views of Belize and Guatemala.
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 Southern Mayan Ruins Tour
Departs: Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. (Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$60.00 (lunch available at an extra cost)
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
On this tour we travel to Toledo, Belize's most southern district. Along the way we will see many Mayan villages and witness these people living much as they have been for hundreds of years. Terrific views of the distant Maya Mountains can be had as we make our way further South. The first site we will visit is known as Labantuun which is the largest Maya site in the South. Here you will see a variety of structures which are unique, as they were made entirely without the aid of mortar. This is also the site where the now famous crystal skull was found.
Your guide will lead you through the plazas with descriptions of the various structures that make up this pre-classic site.
We break for lunch at a local restaurant before making our way to the ruins of Nim Li Punit, made famous for its many stella or stone carvings found throughout the site.
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 Full Day Snorkeling Tour
Departs: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
( Minimum 4 persons )
Price: $60.00
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Terrain: Coral and mangrove cayes, Barrier Reef
See a multitude of coral formations and swim amongst a wide variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish on this full day of snorkeling and swimming adventure. We begin our journey with a tour through the Belize Cayes and proceed through the cayes to the barrier reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world, stretching 185 miles, spanning the entire length of Belize.
(Lunch at extra cost.)
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 Reef and River Snorkel/Boat Tour
Departs: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons )
Price: $60.00
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Easy in good weather; Moderate in bad weather.
Experience the Caribbean cayes and barrier reef, as well as the beautiful Sittee River. Your guide will make several stops along the reef enabling you the opportunity to snorkel in warm, crystal clear waters filled with a multitude of fish and coral. We return to the coast around noon and enter the Sittee River. Here we will take a break for lunch at our at Iguana Lodge and have time to relax before beginning the river portion of the tour. The cruise up the Sittee River will be full of opportunities to see the rich wildlife which exists here including crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and many bird species.
Don't forget to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, towel, long-sleeved shirt, hat, and underwater camera. Snorkel gear is complementary. (Lunch at extra cost.)
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 Jungle Horseback Riding
Departs: Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US $75.00 (includes lunch)
Length: approx. 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ride on trails where the Maya once ruled and view the tropical rainforest on horseback with our trained guides. We offer friendly horses and a short riding lesson before setting off into the wilds of Belize . Our half day tour begins with a brief ride through a fragrant orange grove. The trail then leads us into the mysterious greenery of the tropical rain forest. A new world envelops us as we ride under the canopy of vine-entangled palms accompanied by the call of exotic birds. 350 different species of birds have been counted in this area which is directly adjacent to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. Blue Morpho butterflies flutter past as guests ride through the forest of silver pimento palms, pines and kapok trees with their huge trunks. Finally we arrive the Sittee River where we will stop for a refreshing swim beneath the jungle vines.
Our ride then continues through the rain forest and eventually back to our starting point.
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 Caves Branch River Tubing Tour
Departs: Monday-Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$95.00 (includes lunch)
Length: Approx. 8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
On the river we float a short way down and into a cave which opens up to a massive cavern. We continue deep into the cave ( some walking is involved ) to view amazing cave formations.
Once deep inside the cave, your guides will lead you up inside to view ancient Mayan fire pits, where the Mayans once held ceremonies.
The more ambitious visitor will be given the opportunity to view the Monkey God, which is carved into the rock, and was the Mayan God of fertility.
You can hike higher up into the cave, and see the more amazing cave formations before taking a break for lunch. A relaxing float back down the river will bring you back to your departure point. (lunch included.)
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 Glovers Reef Snorkeling Tour
Departs: Fridays at 8:00 a.m. (Minimum 6 persons)
Price: US$75.00 (Lunch available at an extra cost.)
Length: approx. 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate; Terrain: Coral atolls
In the Caribbean, there exists only four coral atolls (sea mounts ), three of those atolls are within close proximity of the Lodge with perhaps it's finest example, Glovers Reef being the closest (30 miles). So amazing is this atoll that it was recently declared a World Heritage Site. On calm days we are able to safely access the atoll and provide guests with fantastic scenery and awesome snorkeling amongst the miles of reef which outline this coral atoll. Glovers Atoll contains within its coral walls over 800 massive coral formations, many of which provide great snorkeling opportunities. We stop for lunch on one of the small islands on the atoll and then continue our underwater exploration of the brightly colored and richly textured coral reefs which abound with life of all kinds here. Don't forget to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, towel, long-sleeved shirt, hat, underwater camera (available at gift shop).
Note: Snorkel gear will be provided for you.
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 Jaguar
Preserve Hiking Tour
Departs:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. (Minimum 4 persons )
Price: $60
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Terrain: dense tropical rainforest, well maintained trails, jungle canopy to 100 ft.
Tour Itinerary
After breakfast we set out from the Lodge and proceed through pristine wetlands on our way to the Southern Highway. On most days the air will be clear enough to see the majestic spire of Victoria Peak ( 3,675 ft. ) and the distant Maya Mountain Range.
We soon arrive at Maya Center and the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. We stop briefly to sign in and to view the beautiful hand-carved slate plaques, baskets, clothing and jewelry made in the village by the local Mayan Indians.
We then continue into the dense tropical rainforest of the Cockscomb Basin, which has a total protected area of over 100,000 acres. Your guide will then take us on several established trails, each with its own unique characteristics. As you walk, the guide will interpret the flora and fauna that makes this park such an amazing place. The preserve is believed to have the world's highest density of Jaguar as well as several other cat species. The Education Center details the topography, geology, plant and animal life that make up this incredible rainforest.
We will return to the ranger station for lunch and rest up for a hike to a beautiful waterfall; a great place to take a cooling swim. By mid afternoon we will begin our journey back to the Lodge. Although Cockscomb is famous for its cat species, it is also a good place to see other mammals. Black howler monkeys have recently been reintroduced to the preserve and are sighted regularly along the forest trails.
Don't forget to bring: bug repellent, hat, swimsuit, towel, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, rain jacket, bird identification book.
(lunch at extra cost)
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 Jaguar Preserve Kayaking Tour
Departs: Friday 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$75.00 (includes lunch)
Length: approx. 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate;
Terrain: Dense tropical rainforest
Belize's Jaguar Preserve is an ideal place to explore by kayak.
Drift silently down this tropical waterway while viewing exotic plants and wildlife as you continue downstream navigating pools of water filled with fish.
Over 300 varieties of birds and dozens of animal species are protected within the park's 100,000 acre border.
After a leisurely lunch your adventure will continue down the South Stann Creek and this time you will make your way through a series of small but fast moving rapids. Once in the lowlands the tropical forest gives way to Citrus and Banana plantations which are the heart of Southern Belize's economy. It is here that we leave the river and make our way by road back to Maya Center where you will be transferred back to the Lodge.
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 St. Herman's Cave &
Blue Hole National Park Tour
Departs: Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. (Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$60.00
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Dense tropical rainforest, canopy to 100 ft.
We depart the Lodge after breakfast and make our way north and connected to the Hummingbird Highway. Our drive up this scenic corridor drive takes us through a major citrus growing area and small Mayan villages, and to an area known as 'Caves Branch.' At the Blue Hole National Park you sign in at the Ranger Station and make your way up the path to the entrance of St. Herman's Cave.
The trail gradually descends into the earth and deep inside the cave. Look out for bats and cave formations as you journey deep into the earth. Your guide will lead you ever deeper in this fascinating cave and will bring you out of the cave through another opening almost a mile from where you entered.
We then continue our hike along well maintained trails to the Blue Hole, which is a sinkhole (cenote) fed by an underground stream. In its crystal clear blue waters you will find an ideal place to take a cooling swim. The water enters the pool from a cave, forms a small river and then disappears underground again.
Take all the time you like to enjoy the refreshing waters and peaceful environment, knowing that you have the scenic drive back down the Hummingbird Highway to look forward to.
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 Blackhole Drop Caving Tour
Departs: Sundays at 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$125.00
Length: approx. 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult
Terrain: Dense jungle
This amazing experience begins after a one hour drive west on the Hummingbird Highway, and originates at Caves Branch Adventure Camp. The Camp's "jungle limo" (a cart pulled behind a tractor) provides transport for the 20 minute ride to the jungle's edge, where you begin the hour track to the Black Hole.
Your destination is a huge limestone sinkhole, over 1,000 feet wide and 300 feet deep.
Once at the edge of this enormous abyss, your guide will rig you into a harness and instruct you on its use. The caving gear provides a safe (and exciting!) method for your descent to the bottom. You will stop for lunch and then explore the massive underground formation. A series of ladders and steep banks take you back up the side of the sinkhole, and you arrive back at your point of departure.
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 Mayflower Waterfalls Hiking Tour
Departs: Sundays and Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.
(Minimum 4 persons)
Price: US$60.00
Length: approx. 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (Bocawina Falls)
Difficult (Antelope Falls)
Terrain: Dense tropical rainforest, canopy to
100 ft., mountains
Departing, we proceed North to Hopkins Village and connect with the Southern Highway.
We then head towards the Maya Mountains, visible in the distance. Orange groves turn to banana plantations, which give way to dense tropical rainforest. Once at our destination, your guide will lead you briefly through the ruins site, which has several ceremonial mounds as well as an ancient ball court. We then traverse Silk Grass Creek and venture into the jungle. Note: Mayflower has not been fully excavated, although Tulane and Yale Universities have begun this process.
The hike to Antelope Falls is truly worth the effort, as you will be among the first non-Mayans to see this spectacular waterfall. The falls drop nearly 100 feet from above your head, and cascade down a massive rock face, forming small pools ideal for swimming. A steep trail leads to the top of the falls, and from this vantage point the views over the jungle and out to the sea are truly breathtaking. Here you will find yet another beautiful pool, ideal for swimming. Feel free to continue on your own further upstream, where you will find countless more pools and waterfalls.
After admiring the falls and its peaceful ambiance, we head back down Silk Grass Creek and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Time permitting, we will drive another mile or so to begin our 30-minute hike to Bocawina Falls, which again offers ideal swimming opportunities. Don't forget to bring: bug repellent, hat, long pants, swimsuit, towel, camera, binoculars and sturdy hiking shoes.
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