Monkey River Eco Tours
Monkey River Eco Tours
4.5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Monkey River Eco Tours, is one of the oldest and most reliable tour company of Monkey River Village and Placencia area. We go a extra mile to make sure that our guests are satisfied at the end of the day.
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Monkey River Eco Tours
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(125 reviews)
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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
291 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
61
Average
21
Poor
9
Terrible
4
BKinIthacaNY
Ithaca, New York, United States58 contributions
Feb 2020
Akeem Williams, Cultural Experience Belize, picked us up at the lagoon side dock at Umaya where we were staying, avoiding us having to spend any time driving on roads. We boated over to Monkey River and saw crocodiles, iguanas, ibis, herons, egrets, Montezuma oropendola, and a band of male howler monkeys making the loudest noises ever! Truly amazing. Afterwards, we stopped in Monkey River village for a traditional lunch -- very tasty. Throughout, Akeem shared local history, culture, and traditions with us. Highly recommended. A great time.
Written March 2, 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.
Sandra V
Ontario, OR47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We went out with our guide Terry who lives in the village of monkey river, and he was so fun and knowledgeable. My husband and I are wildlife biologists and he knew and taught us all the names of the birds we saw. He had an eagle eye and even managed to find a boa constrictor deep in the trees. He made sure we saw howler monkeys and manatees as well. He went above and beyond our expectations. We had a delicious traditional meal in his village and he talked about how they did things when he was growing up. He was such a pleasure to spend the day with. HIGHLY recommend this tour. One note: DEFINITELY bring bug spray and long sleeves for the short hike in the jungle it is swarming with mosquitoes
Written February 7, 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.
echantelois
Seattle, WA7 contributions
Jan 2020
Ralph is a local from Monkey River Town and has an obvious appreciation and broad knowledge of the flora and fauna found in the river and jungle. He is great at spotting and pointing out exotic birds, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and herbs and other plants. He is eager to share his knowledge and passion for the area. Others lead tours of Monkey River, but I highly recommend booking with Ralph, owner of Monkey River Eco Tours.
Written January 5, 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.
bcaseres322
Long Beach, CA11 contributions
May 2022 • Family
If the NCL tour description was 1/2 of what we experienced it would have been a nice tour.
It did not start of well as they put too many passengers onto the boat use for the tour. 4 less people would have made for a comfortable ride. It takes 30-40 minutes to get to the river from the dock. Squished together shoulder to shoulder made it an unpleasant 30-40 minute ride.
The guides were knowledgeable about the local habitat and did their best to point out the few birds and other animals we did encounter. Not a fault of the tour , maybe just the time of year.
Once you depart the boat for the walk through the forest it is on a narrow path single file. Due to the large group, you cannot hear the guide if you are in the middle to back of the line.
Take bug repellent and not mosquito spray. We took bug repellent and were not bothered. Those that used mosquito spray were being bitten.
We did see two monkeys high in the tree and a few more birds.
Once the land portion of the tour was over back onto the overcrowded boat for the long ride back. They did stop for a few minutes at a store so you could get a cold drink.
Save your money and find another tour.
It did not start of well as they put too many passengers onto the boat use for the tour. 4 less people would have made for a comfortable ride. It takes 30-40 minutes to get to the river from the dock. Squished together shoulder to shoulder made it an unpleasant 30-40 minute ride.
The guides were knowledgeable about the local habitat and did their best to point out the few birds and other animals we did encounter. Not a fault of the tour , maybe just the time of year.
Once you depart the boat for the walk through the forest it is on a narrow path single file. Due to the large group, you cannot hear the guide if you are in the middle to back of the line.
Take bug repellent and not mosquito spray. We took bug repellent and were not bothered. Those that used mosquito spray were being bitten.
We did see two monkeys high in the tree and a few more birds.
Once the land portion of the tour was over back onto the overcrowded boat for the long ride back. They did stop for a few minutes at a store so you could get a cold drink.
Save your money and find another tour.
Written May 20, 2022
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.
Sue P
East providence2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Unfortunately for my family of five this tour was not as interesting as we would’ve liked. The guides were nice but we are hoping for a bit more than what I would consider to have been a bird tour and a fast boat ride where we basically got pretty wet. The stop to the one room shop where you had to pay in order to use the bathroom was a bit of a turn off.
This may be someone else’s type of tour to enjoy we just personally did not feel the tour was interesting enough. It was more of a bird tour in my opinion. Monkeys were basically non existent on our tour.
This may be someone else’s type of tour to enjoy we just personally did not feel the tour was interesting enough. It was more of a bird tour in my opinion. Monkeys were basically non existent on our tour.
Written January 19, 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.
belrangodoucet
Almonte, Canada112 contributions
Mar 2020
We booked this tour with our cruise line and it was well worth the $$. Elvis our guide and our captain went above and beyond in search of interesting wild life. Not you average backyard and they were excellent. They found Howler Monkeys, gators, lots of birds, turtles, bats, tarantulas, snakes, iguanas just to name a few. They made it interesting and fun. We stopped twice for different hikes we would do this again!
Written March 20, 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.
Donna W
3 contributions
Jan 2023
The guide was very knowledgable about the birds and animals we saw. He was able to spot several birds. The lunch at the Cajun Village was very good. Part os this tour, you need to be agile. Getting in and out of the boat was difficult. I did not do the trail into the jungle as it was very muddy and difficult and a 30 minute hike. But I did hear the howler monkeys while waiting in the boat. If you tend to sea sickness, this is not for you. There is about a 30 minute small boat ride across open choppy water. Wear long pants, bring bug spray, and a jacket
Written January 14, 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.
Troy H
4 contributions
Dec 2022
Had a wonderful day today despite the weather starting out a little wet. Our guide Ralph had amazing eyes spotting wildlife from far away. He found a tree out in the bush with some monkeys which was really cool, yes we got a bit wet and muddy but added to the fun. Will remember this for a long time.
Lunch was better than most of our more expensive dinners in Placencia.
Lunch was better than most of our more expensive dinners in Placencia.
Written December 24, 2022
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.
Rob
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
We had Jason who picked us up by 22 ft Ponga boat at our hotel. About 1 hour ride to River through mangrove groves. Beautiful trip calm waters. Along way we had brief glimpses of Manatees and stopped to check them out. We arrived at river and slowly headed up. Guide said we might see crocodiles, manatees, Howler monkeys, turtles,lots of different birds and after Jasons local knowledge we saw all of them up close. 8 ft croc about 6 ft from boat laying on grass before slipping into water. Overall a great trip and very informed guide who grew up and lives in Monkey River.
Written February 4, 2022
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.
Aliz C
31 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Part review, part warning. Wear tick repellent and / or pants + long sleeve + close toed shoes.
We did this tour the day before we departed Belize. It was organized through Chabil Mar, where we stayed.
We had the boat all to ourselves so it felt like a private tour. Jason was extremely knowledgeable about the plants and birds we saw.
However, I’m not sure the cost of the trip was worth it. We saw a fair few birds, in the way out and a croc and manatee on the way back. But the jungle walk wqs kind of rushed as we were swarmed by mosquitos every time we stopped for a second.
Also, neither the hotel nor tour operator provided instructions for the day beyond - bring bug spray. We did and covered ourselves with it. However, I still managed to be bitten by a tick. I didn’t discover it until almost 2 days later. Am now sending it off to be analyzed for tick borne diseases. I’m probably just unlucky but word to the wise - cover up and check yourself over thoroughly when you get back from the tour.
We did this tour the day before we departed Belize. It was organized through Chabil Mar, where we stayed.
We had the boat all to ourselves so it felt like a private tour. Jason was extremely knowledgeable about the plants and birds we saw.
However, I’m not sure the cost of the trip was worth it. We saw a fair few birds, in the way out and a croc and manatee on the way back. But the jungle walk wqs kind of rushed as we were swarmed by mosquitos every time we stopped for a second.
Also, neither the hotel nor tour operator provided instructions for the day beyond - bring bug spray. We did and covered ourselves with it. However, I still managed to be bitten by a tick. I didn’t discover it until almost 2 days later. Am now sending it off to be analyzed for tick borne diseases. I’m probably just unlucky but word to the wise - cover up and check yourself over thoroughly when you get back from the tour.
Written May 16, 2022
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.
We want people to know that, their are a lot of tour operator out there that sell their tour to be us, and they are totally a different company, If you don't see our logo you are defiantly with a different company.
We appreciate you visiting Monkey River but we don't work for Chabill Mar.
Written July 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sangoodall
Belle River, Canada115 contributions
Would you recommend the 0830 or the 1230 cruise?
Kevin O
Tucson, AZ5 contributions
Early morning is always better to see wildlife in and along the river. You will love this trip!
Would your be recommended for an 88 year old women?
Alfonso Ralph Zuniga
Placencia, Belize
Please note that this is the rainforest ,so their is not a forest without roots.
xXkelkelXx
Derbyshire, UK
Is this tour ok for 1year old?
Marie F
Cronulla, Australia85 contributions
No - too many mosquitos and muddy tropical paths
Personally I was disappointed with the tour
Yogas G
San Buenaventura, Honduras
How did you get to Monkey River Town? We want to get there from San Pedro Sula, found a ferry to Big Creek (a little to the north). Any expierence of Public Transport in the area
Alfonso Ralph Zuniga
Placencia, Belize
You can drive all the way to Monkey River Village by road, there is a sign at the Junction, were you make a left until you get too the river.
rsllamas
Michigan, United States8 contributions
How may can they accommodate in 1 boat (we have 11 teens and adults) Also how far and difficult is the jungle walk part!!
Alfonso Ralph Zuniga
Placencia, Belize
We have more than one boat the largest can take 36 person .
Rudy G
Pittsburgh, PA554 contributions
Hi tripadvisors,
I am looking at the Monkey River tour from Placencia and the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve tour from Ambergris Caye. What do you think, are the tours different enough so that it make sense to do both or would you think one is enough? If so, which tour would you choose?
Please let me know what you think.
Alfonso Ralph Zuniga
Placencia, Belize
These are two different Tours, this all depends on your interest.
haggerty_d
Rocklin, CA7 contributions
What is the cost?
PCS22
MA19 contributions
We booked throughout hotel (Roberts Grove) I think their cost was 70 p/p
bonnies4winns
Michigan13 contributions
Hi,
What company did you book your monkey river tour with? Did you see any snakes or spiders while walking on the trails ?
Thanks for your help.
Bonnie
BonVoyager87
Harrisburg, PA293 contributions
Ours was also booked through Bocawina Resort. They provided transportation to and from the boat. We did see two orange kneed tarantulas on our hike but they didn't bother us at all. They scurried deeper into their hole in the ground when we approached. We did not see any snakes although the tour guide did point out a medicinal plant that they use if they're ever bitten to slow down your heart and the venom from spreading. I found it all fascinating and not scary at all.
jacqlyn22
Tampa, FL6 contributions
Hi all,
Do you spot manatees in Monkey river tour? Is so, how do you spot manatees? Do you have to get into the river? Or snorkel to see the maantees? What is the best option
Alfonso Ralph Zuniga
Placencia, Belize
HI
Yes we do spot Manatees, whenever you do a Monkey River Tour. We don't snorkel nor get in the water with the manatees hear. We do a Manatees watching, were everything is been done from the boat. On some occasion you are next to them on their feeding ground.
Monkey River Eco Tours (Placencia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Monkey River Eco Tours Information
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