Overview:
Join Canadian Ecologist Derek Morningstar and Belizean birder Eduardo Ruano for an immersive wildlife adventure in Belize, exploring the fascinating worlds of birds and bats. On this trip we will combine scientific data collection with advanced wildlife experiences. This expertly guided tour takes you to some of the country’s most celebrated natural areas, including Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident birds; La Milpa, where lush rainforest surrounds one of Belize’s largest Maya sites; Black Rock Lodge in the Macal River valley of the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its biodiversity and as a refuge for jaguars. Along the way, gain unique insights into local ecosystems and conservation efforts while enjoying comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless ground transportation. Whether you’re an avid birder, a bat enthusiast, or simply a lover of nature, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of education, exploration, and relaxation in one of Central America’s most captivating destinations. Belize awaits—come see, learn, and be inspired.
Day-01 Arrive Belize City – La Milpa
Day-02 La Milpa
Day-03 La Milpa – Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Day-04 Crooked Tree – Black Rock Lodge
Day-05 Black Rock Lodge
Day-06 Black Rock – Cockscomb Basin
Day-07 Cockscomb Basin
Day-08 Cockscomb Basin – Departure
Day-01 Arrive Belize City – La Milpa
Based on Westjet direct flights from Toronto.
Trip Lead: Derek Morningstar (Canadian Ecologist) with Eduardo Ruano (Local Guide)
Arrive at Belize City and embark on a two-hour drive to La Milpa. Once in La Malpa. Arrive and transfer to your
hotel where you will have a sumptuous dinner.
Meals: Dinner.
Day-02 La Milpa
Lunch depends on arrival time at Airport, but if not needed, bird all the way to La Milpa and the grounds
until dinner time trying to get some of the large game birds and common birds like Ocellated Turkey, Great
Curassow, Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucans, Slaty-tailed Trogons and any other individual that comes to
the pond and to the feeder which can be quite productive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-03 La Milpa – Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Early walk on the grounds before breakfast and head thereafter to La Milpa Maya Site in the pursuit of some deep forest species of birds like Red-capped Manakin, Scaly-throated Leaftosser, Collared Trogon, Royal Flycatcher, or any other wildlife in the area. The 5 cats are possible here, along with Coatis, Agoutis, Tapirs and other smaller Mammals. Back at the lodge for lunch.
Bird the access road looking for raptors and any other wildlife.
Night 2 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Leave La Milpa after breakfast for Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with a stop at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Lunch at Indian Church Village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-04 Crooked Tree – Black Rock Lodge
Drive from Lamanai to Bird’s Eye View Lodge after lunch, settle, and look upon arrival for Yellow-headed
Parrots, Yucatan Jays, and other birds in the area like Fork-tailed Flycatchers and Vermillion Flycatchers.
Back for dinner at the lodge.
Morning boat ride targeting Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Yellow-breasted Crake, Ruddy Crake, Black-
collared Hawks, Northern Jacanas, Boat-billed Herons, Agami Herons, Sungrebes, and many other goodies in the area. Back to lodge for lunch.
Leave Bird’s Eye to Black Rock Lodge after lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-05 Black Rock Lodge
Bird the grounds depending at what time we arrive, but if too late, settle and then go for dinner.
Night 1 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-06 Black Rock – Cockscomb Basin
Early birding around the lodge before breakfast along with the feeders thereafter hoping for some good birds like Trogons, Euphonias, Toucans, Manakins, Tanagers, and Honeycreepers along with some good raptors known in the area.
Either having lunch at lodge and bird the access road or optional extra trip to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch which has nice hummingbird feeders with about 10 Species of “hummers.” Back at Lodge for dinner and packing.
Departing Black Rock after early breakfast and head to the south-eastern part of the country to one of the most iconic Wildlife Sanctuaries in Belize. Lunch on the road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-07 Cockscomb Basin
Dinner before heading to the camp.
Night 1 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-08 Cockscomb Basin – Departure
Bird the grounds before and after breakfast in search ofsome good targets that would include Tinamous, Great Antshrikes, Uniform Crakes, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, and other deep forest birds of the area.
Start heading out before lunch to bird the access road in search of Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Cinnamon
Becards, Tinamous and other specialties of the area.
Lunch in Maya Center with afternoon visit to Placencia for some beach time to relax and swim and enjoy a couple of cocktails.
Meals: Breakfast
About your guides: Trip Leader Derek Morningstar, M.Sc, PWS
Derek received both his Ecology degrees from the University of Guelph and has spent over 20 years as a professional ecologist in Canada, recognized internationally for his specialty in bat research among other flora and fauna and habitat type identification skills. Derek has spent hundreds of nights capturing thousands of bats across seven countries.
He has completed six trips to Belize to study the bats and other wildlife along with world-class research experts. Derek is also a skilled outdoors person, with advanced knowledge of navigation techniques, vehicle operation, survey types and multiple Health and Safety certifications.
About your guides: Belizean Guide Eduardo Ruano
Eduardo is a renowned expert birder in the country of Belize. He started his birding career in 2011 at Lamanai Outpost Lodge where he has led and continues to lead countless local tours for birds, other wildlife and local history. In this time he has been dedicated to advanced education of their physical identification, calls, habitats, behavior and seasonality. He expanded his experience and knowledge of wildlife in general by numerous field expeditions and birding tours in other parts of Belize, leading groups from beginners to hard core birders. In 2016, Eduardo started advanced bird photography and since then has photographed 543 species of birds in Belize. In 2023, he started “Belize Birding Expeditions” where he is offering private birding trips throughout Belize focused on birding targets, list building and photography of birds and wildlife in general.
COST INCLUDES:
1. Accommodation: Neat, clean and safe hotels listed within the program outline (or similar).
2. Land Transport: Private air-conditioned transportation for airport transfers and intercity travel.
3. Tours: All tours listed within the program, with entrance fees included.
4. Guides: English speaking local guide throughout the trip.
5. Trip Leader: English speaking Canadian Ecologist, who will assist you throughout the tour.
6. Meals: As per the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
To Submit your booking details please fill this form: Booking Form
For payment and confirmation of your spot follow this link: Payment & Confirmation Link
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Final payment deadline: Sep 29th, 2025
Note:
Join Canadian Ecologist Derek Morningstar and Belizean birder Eduardo Ruano for an immersive wildlife adventure in Belize, exploring the fascinating worlds of birds and bats. On this trip we will combine scientific data collection with advanced wildlife experiences. This expertly guided tour takes you to some of the country’s most celebrated natural areas, including Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident birds; La Milpa, where lush rainforest surrounds one of Belize’s largest Maya sites; Black Rock Lodge in the Macal River valley of the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its biodiversity and as a refuge for jaguars. Along the way, gain unique insights into local ecosystems and conservation efforts while enjoying comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless ground transportation. Whether you’re an avid birder, a bat enthusiast, or simply a lover of nature, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of education, exploration, and relaxation in one of Central America’s most captivating destinations. Belize awaits—come see, learn, and be inspired.
Day-01 Arrive Belize City – La Milpa
Day-02 La Milpa
Day-03 La Milpa – Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Day-04 Crooked Tree – Black Rock Lodge
Day-05 Black Rock Lodge
Day-06 Black Rock – Cockscomb Basin
Day-07 Cockscomb Basin
Day-08 Cockscomb Basin – Departure
Day-01 Arrive Belize City – La Milpa
Based on Westjet direct flights from Toronto.
Trip Lead: Derek Morningstar (Canadian Ecologist) with Eduardo Ruano (Local Guide)
Arrive at Belize City and embark on a two-hour drive to La Milpa. Once in La Malpa. Arrive and transfer to your
hotel where you will have a sumptuous dinner.
Meals: Dinner.
Day-02 La Milpa
Lunch depends on arrival time at Airport, but if not needed, bird all the way to La Milpa and the grounds
until dinner time trying to get some of the large game birds and common birds like Ocellated Turkey, Great
Curassow, Crested Guan, Keel-billed Toucans, Slaty-tailed Trogons and any other individual that comes to
the pond and to the feeder which can be quite productive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-03 La Milpa – Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Early walk on the grounds before breakfast and head thereafter to La Milpa Maya Site in the pursuit of some deep forest species of birds like Red-capped Manakin, Scaly-throated Leaftosser, Collared Trogon, Royal Flycatcher, or any other wildlife in the area. The 5 cats are possible here, along with Coatis, Agoutis, Tapirs and other smaller Mammals. Back at the lodge for lunch.
Bird the access road looking for raptors and any other wildlife.
Night 2 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Leave La Milpa after breakfast for Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with a stop at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Lunch at Indian Church Village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-04 Crooked Tree – Black Rock Lodge
Drive from Lamanai to Bird’s Eye View Lodge after lunch, settle, and look upon arrival for Yellow-headed
Parrots, Yucatan Jays, and other birds in the area like Fork-tailed Flycatchers and Vermillion Flycatchers.
Back for dinner at the lodge.
Morning boat ride targeting Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Yellow-breasted Crake, Ruddy Crake, Black-
collared Hawks, Northern Jacanas, Boat-billed Herons, Agami Herons, Sungrebes, and many other goodies in the area. Back to lodge for lunch.
Leave Bird’s Eye to Black Rock Lodge after lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-05 Black Rock Lodge
Bird the grounds depending at what time we arrive, but if too late, settle and then go for dinner.
Night 1 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-06 Black Rock – Cockscomb Basin
Early birding around the lodge before breakfast along with the feeders thereafter hoping for some good birds like Trogons, Euphonias, Toucans, Manakins, Tanagers, and Honeycreepers along with some good raptors known in the area.
Either having lunch at lodge and bird the access road or optional extra trip to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch which has nice hummingbird feeders with about 10 Species of “hummers.” Back at Lodge for dinner and packing.
Departing Black Rock after early breakfast and head to the south-eastern part of the country to one of the most iconic Wildlife Sanctuaries in Belize. Lunch on the road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-07 Cockscomb Basin
Dinner before heading to the camp.
Night 1 - Bat netting (assuming permit approval) and Night Walk looking for jungle night critters, owls and nightjars. Hopefully catch bats of many species and fix transmitters to some of them.
Demonstration with acoustic bat detector, thermal camera, UV light
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day-08 Cockscomb Basin – Departure
Bird the grounds before and after breakfast in search ofsome good targets that would include Tinamous, Great Antshrikes, Uniform Crakes, Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, and other deep forest birds of the area.
Start heading out before lunch to bird the access road in search of Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Cinnamon
Becards, Tinamous and other specialties of the area.
Lunch in Maya Center with afternoon visit to Placencia for some beach time to relax and swim and enjoy a couple of cocktails.
Meals: Breakfast
About your guides: Trip Leader Derek Morningstar, M.Sc, PWS
Derek received both his Ecology degrees from the University of Guelph and has spent over 20 years as a professional ecologist in Canada, recognized internationally for his specialty in bat research among other flora and fauna and habitat type identification skills. Derek has spent hundreds of nights capturing thousands of bats across seven countries.
He has completed six trips to Belize to study the bats and other wildlife along with world-class research experts. Derek is also a skilled outdoors person, with advanced knowledge of navigation techniques, vehicle operation, survey types and multiple Health and Safety certifications.
About your guides: Belizean Guide Eduardo Ruano
Eduardo is a renowned expert birder in the country of Belize. He started his birding career in 2011 at Lamanai Outpost Lodge where he has led and continues to lead countless local tours for birds, other wildlife and local history. In this time he has been dedicated to advanced education of their physical identification, calls, habitats, behavior and seasonality. He expanded his experience and knowledge of wildlife in general by numerous field expeditions and birding tours in other parts of Belize, leading groups from beginners to hard core birders. In 2016, Eduardo started advanced bird photography and since then has photographed 543 species of birds in Belize. In 2023, he started “Belize Birding Expeditions” where he is offering private birding trips throughout Belize focused on birding targets, list building and photography of birds and wildlife in general.
COST INCLUDES:
1. Accommodation: Neat, clean and safe hotels listed within the program outline (or similar).
2. Land Transport: Private air-conditioned transportation for airport transfers and intercity travel.
3. Tours: All tours listed within the program, with entrance fees included.
4. Guides: English speaking local guide throughout the trip.
5. Trip Leader: English speaking Canadian Ecologist, who will assist you throughout the tour.
6. Meals: As per the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International Flights: To and from Belize.
- Visas: You are responsible for passing customs with proper documentation
- Mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, items of a personal nature, and gifts.
- Any unexpected taxes or service charges levied by the Government of Canada, the airlines or by the governments of Belize.
- Any expense that is incurred during the trip for personal or medical needs.
- Tips and gratuities are included for rooms and meals, but not local guides/escorts, drivers and other staff.
- Insurance: Trip cancellation and interruption insurance and out of country medical coverage.
To Submit your booking details please fill this form: Booking Form
For payment and confirmation of your spot follow this link: Payment & Confirmation Link
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Final payment deadline: Sep 29th, 2025
Note:
- The group will operate on a minimum number of participants.
- The photos and lists above show examples of birds, bats, and other wildlife that may be observed in Belize at these locations in their natural environments. However, sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed, as they move frequently and may not always be present during the tour. We may also encounter many other species not listed here. Overall, we are confident that the experience will include an abundance of wildlife.
- Bat capture programs are contingent on receiving permit approval from the Forest Department of Belize. Derek Morningstar will lead these events, has all necessary equipment and has applied for permits. Participants can help with parts of the capture program that do not involve direct contact with bats, including photography. If participants wish to handle bats (under Derek’s direct supervision), they must have current rabies vaccination (or titre test) and be added to the permit well in advance.