Introduction

Nestled within the rainforest of Stann Creek District, just a few kilometres from the Garifuna village of Hopkins, lies the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Waterfalls, natural swimming holes, small Mayan sites, wild vegetation—this destination proves to be the ideal point of interest for adventurers. You can even pitch your tent and camp here.

Looking for heart-pounding sports activities deep in the jungle? Push your adrenaline to new heights with the zipline courses offered by Bocawina Resort. An experience not to be missed!

Mayflower Bocawina Park at a Glance

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park was established in 2001 on a portion of the region's virgin forest. This Belizean national reserve extends over approximately 7,000 acres, or roughly 28 km².

What to Do at Mayflower Bocawina National Park?

This national park invites visitors to enjoy several engaging and entertaining activities.

Hiking Trails

Explore the fauna and flora of the rainforest on a guided hike. Several marked trails wind through the park.

The Antelope Falls trail ranks among the most popular at Mayflower Bocawina. Test your endurance on this challenging hike, quickly rewarded by a refreshing swim at the summit!

For beginners, you can tackle the flat trails leading to Bocawina Falls or Three Sisters Falls. At the end of your hike, you too can enjoy the cool waters of these natural pools at the waterfalls' base.

Ziplining Adventures

Craving an adrenaline rush? Ziplining will undoubtedly set your heart racing. This thrilling experience allows you to discover Mayflower Bocawina's beauty from a unique vantage point. Glide over and through the park's lush vegetation, exploring its breathtaking landscapes, valleys, and canyons.

Mayflower boasts Belize's longest zipline installation. It comprises 9 distinct lines and 14 platforms. The longest single line stretches 2,300 feet. The complete course spans 2.5 miles and takes approximately two hours to complete. A tour costs around $75.

That's not all! You can also experience ziplining differently by opting for a nighttime zipline adventure.

Visiting the Stunning Waterfalls

The park features three magnificent waterfalls with emerald waters. These cascades are accessible after several hours of trekking through the jungle.

• Bocawina Family Falls: comprised of multiple drops including Upper and Lower Bocawina, Tears of the Jaguar Waterfall, Big Dro Waterfalls, and Pecks Waterfall.
• Three Sisters Falls
• The towering Antelope Falls and its incredible viewpoint from the summit

Rappelling Adventures

If you're feeling bold, this thrilling activity awaits you. Rappelling is offered by the Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventures—the only location in Belize offering this type of activity.

From the top of the park's two beautiful waterfalls, the most intrepid tourists embark on an epic and unforgettable rappelling experience. Choose between Bocawina or Antelope Falls.

Exploring Small Mayan Sites

The park's area once housed an ancient Mayan city. Hidden deep within the jungle, three Mayan ruins are currently accessible. The Mayflower site sits just across from the visitor centre. Beyond this site, the park also contains the Tau Witz and Maintzunun sites.

Artifacts discovered in the park's archaeological zone are displayed at the park's central facility. The Mayflower ruins are still undergoing excavation. Who knows? Mayflower Bocawina might one day rank among Central America's greatest Mayan sites.

Camping Beneath the Forest Canopy

Very tranquil, natural, and secure, the setting is ideal for camping. The Mayflower Bocawina reserve welcomes independent, equipped travellers to camp on-site. Many tourists choose to pitch their tents in the heart of the park. If you have children, the location is equally perfect for a family picnic.

Discovering the Rich Biodiversity

A nature enthusiast? Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a true paradise corner. You'll be captivated by the fauna and flora that dominate the reserve. An array of exotic flowers will dazzle you. For bird lovers, guided birdwatching is available. The park hosts over 200 bird species, including hummingbirds, toucans, tityras, kingfishers, scarlet tanagers, and spectacled owls.

A night-time walk will also let you discover nocturnal animals. It's a rare opportunity to observe their natural habitat and understand their way of life. During this evening hike, you may encounter bats, foxes, owls, armadillos, kinkajous, and many others.

To reach the site, travel along an unpaved road heading west from the Southern Highway. Pay your entrance fee at the park's visitor centre.

When to Visit?

When planning to visit Mayflower Bocawina National Park, it's best to avoid the rainy season, especially if you intend to hike the Antelope Falls trail.

Hours and Admission

Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 16:00

Entrance Fee: $10 BZD for foreign visitors

$2 BZD for Belizeans