Belize Waterfalls
From north to south, east to west, Belize’s rivers weave through lush terrain, forming scenic waterfalls and pools. Cool, refreshing waters rush from headlands, following their natural path across the countryside to meet the distant sea.
These amazing waterfalls include the Big Rock Falls located on the Belize Privassion River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. The Privassion River is one of several tributaries in the lower basin of the parent Macal River in Western Belize. The streams feed the Macal River, with key tributaries being the Privassion, Rio On, Rio Frio, and Mollejon.
The amazing 150 foot high Big Rock Waterfall plummets into a deep and perfectly rounded pool at the base of the fall. The pool is very deep enabling visitors to swim or climb up the big granite rocks on the right side and dive in. En route to the fall you will hear the tumbling waters echoing through the valley from about two miles away.
Note:* Getting to the falls involves hiking over slippery rocks and a deep decent to the base of the fall. You should be in relatively good physical condition.
Sibun River & Morpho Falls
The Sibun River derives its name from the original Mayan term Xibun. This river, one of Belize’s mightiest, flows through the central region of the country. Ancient Mayan people who once inhabited the area, used the river as a vital waterway and trading route.
The river’s headwaters, located in the Maya Mountains at about 800 meters above sea level, are called the Caves Branch River. Sibun River itself, covers over 50 miles from source to mouth, with its twists extending the length to over 100 miles. The Morpho Falls is located on the upper port of the river just before it turns into the Macal River. The falls are named for the abundance of blue, white and brown morpho butterflies darting around the base of the falls.
Kayakers enjoying the seen at Morpho Falls on the upper Sibun River where glistening waterfalls cascade over protruding rocks into the crystalline waters below. Photo by Tony Rath
Mayflower Banaca Falls
This stunning 11-square-mile park features jungle, hills, waterfalls, walking trails, swimming holes, and small Maya sites. It’s located about 16 miles southwest of Dangriga and 12 miles northwest of Hopkins. The trails here rival those at nearby Cockscomb Basin but with far fewer tourists. The park is rich in birdlife and home to black howler monkeys, great for nature lovers.
To get to the Mayflower Park, you fallow a 4-mile unpaved access road west from the Southern Hwy, 2 miles north of Silk Grass village. The park visitor center is located here, where you pay the park fees. Rangers will happily explain the walks and show you a map. Here you’ll also find the partly excavated Mayflower Maya site, with two pyramids and nine other structures, occupied in the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
The scenery of the natural pool and falls at the subtropical rainforest of Bocawina National Park, Belize offering up a breathtaking view
More Waterfalls
The above are just a few of the stunning and breathtaking waterfalls found in Belize. Some falls are easily accessible while others are located deeper in the jungle and require driving and hiking over rugged and sometimes even treacherous terrain. Your reward at the final destination would be well worth it however. Refreshing crystal clear water awaits you with various swimming pools at the bottom of the glittering waterfalls.
Other falls not listed here includes, Davis Falls, Antelope Falls, Butterfly Falls, Dreaming Giant Waterfalls, Rio Blanco Waterfall and Mayan King Waterfall among others. Of these the Mayan King Waterfall is one of the most accessible from the Placencia or Hopkins area.
Tour rates to the waterfalls depends on which location you are staying in Belize and which falls you visit.
– From Hopkins or Placencia rates to the The Mayflower, Tiger fern or Maya King Falls starts at $80USD per person
– From Cayo rates to Big Rock Falls varies from $100 to $150 per person and usually include a Maya ruin tour as well