The Estuary of Caye Caulker
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Closed until Aug 26, 2023
The Estuary of Caye Caulker
The Estuary of Caye Caulker
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Aug 26, 2023
About
Guided tour to our hiking trail , we educate about the amazing diversity of life found here. At The Estuary we have set the stage, to bridge research and practice with adventure, and entertainment, raise awareness to the effects of climate change. We practice conservation and demonstrate these principles to empower the next generation. The Origin of Life Nature Trail is over a mile of board walk, here is a vortex you will be teleported back in time, see the smallest organisms, a primordial soup, to the apex predators. The crocodiles, bird watching, unique flora, will astonish and amaze every visit. The Estuary at Caye Caulker offers a unique opportunity to adventure inside this protected area, one of many National Treasures here in Belize. The North Shore Yacht Club, a Guarded , off the grid, community, adjacent to the 100 acre conservation easement.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Swedehill
Afton, MN339 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
I am not a shy person and I asked several people on this island about this place and no one had a clue that it even existed. My cell phone internet didn't work so I had to pay 3 Belize Dollars to log in and find out how to get to this place. (Tip, I learned afterwards that there is free Wi-Fi by the Split as long you order something) 1st thing to know, it's less than 2 years old and they are not advertising it....thus why none of the locals know about it. 2. It's a private nature preserve and the only way to get there is by boat and though Richard's Dive/Fishing etc. which is next door to Popeye's. It's about $25 per person which all goes to preserving the Mangrove fauna. It's basically a wooden walking path that takes you up close and personal to Crocks and other Mangrove Fauna. 3. There are large cracks on the side of the walk way that kids could fall between so I would not suggest this for very small or unruly kids that you do not have a tight hold of as they could fall through and I would hate to think of the possible consequences. 4. It's only an hour and a half tour but it is worth it. I was hoping to see a python, but he didn't want to come out and play that day. the crocks on the other hand came right up to us and were not shy at all. 5. There are no toilets or food, so plan ahead...also be sure to bring bug spray as this is a very lush mangrove and the mosquitoes are there. This is really worth the trip but make sure to plan this early as there are limited trips to the sight. We went at 3PM.
Written January 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
6thMassExtinction
23 contributions
Dec 2017
This was an unexpected pleasure on Caye Caulker, after seeing the overdevelopment taking place on the island I could take half a sigh of relief to see there are people who actually care about the extinction of animals critical to local ecosystems and the global biosphere we depend on as our global life support system!
Great local insight, information on the animals and their individual character and a sense of adventure are all included as you walk around the wooden planks with mangrove trees growing all around. We weren't as fortunate as most to see a huge array of birds but still saw some amazing unforgettable sights, like the crocodile nesting area! Wow. Who gets to see this sort of thing in their lifetime. I felt bad for trudging around the nesting area, but they are there at only certain times of year. It was horrific to hear bulldozers in the distance as we walked around, and to hear that land is being sold by the owner of this land, for development?! The whole island should have a stop to development before the very thing that people even visit this place for in the first place is totally destroyed! Please help!!
Great local insight, information on the animals and their individual character and a sense of adventure are all included as you walk around the wooden planks with mangrove trees growing all around. We weren't as fortunate as most to see a huge array of birds but still saw some amazing unforgettable sights, like the crocodile nesting area! Wow. Who gets to see this sort of thing in their lifetime. I felt bad for trudging around the nesting area, but they are there at only certain times of year. It was horrific to hear bulldozers in the distance as we walked around, and to hear that land is being sold by the owner of this land, for development?! The whole island should have a stop to development before the very thing that people even visit this place for in the first place is totally destroyed! Please help!!
Written December 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our estuary thank you for your kind review of the estuary. I am the owner and developer of the property. sustainable development conservation is the focus of our work. I designed the park 20 years ago this land will always be a conservation easement. The work you heard is development we are building research center classrooms greenhouses and expanding the park to include a botanical garden.
The North Shore marina is part of the master plan and unfortunately we do have to break some eggs to make an omlet. I assure you every effort is being taken to erase our footprint and live in harmony with nature .
Written December 12, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chase D
3 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
My girlfriend and I weren't sure what to expect, but needless to say, The Sanctuary blew my expectations out of the water/mangrove swap.. From the minute Harry and Toll pick you up in the Panga and take you on a 10 minute ride north of The Split, you start to realize you are in for a treat. The entire north side of the island is straight out of Jurassic Park. The extensive knowledge you learn from Harry, Tol, Ling-Ling, Arnold, (all of the staff) really brings you to appreciate what Caye Caulker was, and in reality still is. From a 10ft crocodile named Scarface and all of his females surrounding him, to the hundreds of Wish-Willies (Iguanas), all why suspended above a boardwalk that truly gives you a up-close and personal encounter with some awesome animals. I highly suggest this tour, plus how many times can you really go The Split???
Written January 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuperSunRae
Minneapolis, MN12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My friend and I spent the whole morning on Caye Caulker trying to locate someone to take us out here. “Richard” used to be the guy, but he left the island a few months ago. After a some dead ends we finally found a guy who was willing to take us for $75 BZ each.
My friend and I enjoyed seeing the park (banana spiders, 2 crocodiles, lizards, and a hermit crab), but there has been minimal up-keep of the boardwalks and docks in the past year. A lot of rotten boards made the safety of our little adventure pretty questionable.
I’m glad we were able to find someone to take us, but I suspect the safety of the park will continue to decline.
My friend and I enjoyed seeing the park (banana spiders, 2 crocodiles, lizards, and a hermit crab), but there has been minimal up-keep of the boardwalks and docks in the past year. A lot of rotten boards made the safety of our little adventure pretty questionable.
I’m glad we were able to find someone to take us, but I suspect the safety of the park will continue to decline.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahLBN
Boise, ID1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
This place was probably wonderful back when it was maintained. However it’s completely abandoned. The jungle is reclaiming this place. The bridges and walkways are mostly impassable. We did make it to around the end of the lagoon and were able to come out on one platform. Luckily a crocodile swam towards us. We rented a golf cart in Caye Caulker and came out here. I don’t recommend trying to walk here.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
Caye Caulker, Belize31 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Richard's Adventures will give you a very informative tour of a place that is something special. They are doing a fantastic job trying to save a part of the environment that is slowly beginning to dissappear. Crocodiles, birds and lizards are being given a chance to survive in their natural habitat. It is a well spent part of your day to see what some good people are doing for a great cause.
Written February 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hdknowles
Hyattsville, Maryland, USA14 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
Went for a 2 hour tour of The Estuary with Richard's Adventures. Interesting way to spend a morning. This is a developing area and is a tribute to those who want to showcase this ecological area. We saw a couple of crocodiles and several iguanas with lots of rich vegetation. Looking forward to going back next year to see what changes have been made.
Written February 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fmd
Gallaway, TN8 contributions
Jul 2018
This was a great tour. We loved it. Our tour guide, Richard, was amazing and very knowledgeable about the island and the crocodiles. Bring bug spray!! It was hard for us to pay attention because we were getting eaten up by mosquitoes! I should have checked trip advisor before we went.
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendyjmd
1 contribution
Nov 2017 • Couples
My husband and I went on this fantastic your. Greg is very knowledgeable and explained what we saw. This is a gorgeous place, very restful. We saw Scarface, Sophie and Stumpy crocs. Plus tons of birds and iguanas. This is a great your because it is not only terrific, it supports the nature preserve. Go to learn and enjoy and support the environment
Written November 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
New York City, NY47 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Greg took us. He was great. Clearly he loves the estuary. We saw birds, crocs, lizards, spiders, webs, fungi. This is not a fancy tourist place. If you like nature, not wildlife selfies, but truely love nature, this is the place to go. Though, bring bug spray. Lots of mosquitos.
Written October 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samsara10s
Newmarket, UK113 contributions
Is Richard’s Adventures the only way to visit? We’re here on a Sunday and the tour co is closed.
SuperSunRae
Minneapolis, MN12 contributions
Richard left the island. The only guides we could find were by word-of-mouth
Dnarla
Sheboygan Falls, WI
Is this something that I should book in advance with a tour company or could I find a taxi to drive me? Any idea the cost of a taxi per hour and admission?
HARRYDOLE
Caye Caulker, Belize1 contribution
yes tours start from 70 bz go to Popeye's and see Richard at Richards adventures
theolsonfamily5
Oregon City, OR
I am visiting Caye Caulker in June with a small group of Girl Scouts who are from 15-18 years old. While at Caye Caulker, we are teaming up with OCEAN Academy students to do some touring and volunteer work. This would be a total group of about 15 people. Is there a project we could help with at the Estuary? Is this something you would be interested in talking about more? Thanks in advance for your response, Susan Olson, Troop 47980, Oregon City, Oregon, USA
HARRYDOLE
Caye Caulker, Belize1 contribution
Yes contact us we will happy to set up a project curriculum
Dominique H
San Diego, CA9 contributions
Anyone know the price of Estuary? Cant find pricing anywhere.
HARRYDOLE
Caye Caulker, Belize1 contribution
70 bz go to Popeyes beach and see Richards adventures
The Estuary of Caye Caulker - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Estuary of Caye Caulker
- The Estuary of Caye Caulker is open:
- Sun - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:05 PM
- Mon - Sat 5:00 AM - 6:05 PM
- Hotels near The Estuary of Caye Caulker:
- (1.16 mi) Blu Zen Caye Caulker
- (2.50 mi) CayeReef
- (2.44 mi) Sea Dreams Hotel
- (3.00 mi) Pura Vida Inn
- (3.29 mi) Colinda Cabanas
- Restaurants near The Estuary of Caye Caulker:
- (2.51 mi) Chef Kareem's UnBelizeable Lunch
- (2.62 mi) Ice N Beans
- (2.62 mi) Chef Juan's Kitchen and Pastries
- (2.84 mi) Caye Caulker Bakery
- (2.94 mi) Pasta Per Caso Anna & Armando