Birdwatching
Sarteneja is home to around 250 bird species that come and go throughout the year, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatchers.
Start right here at Horse Cottage: our 3-acre orchard attracts parrots, hawks and many other birds, often visible from your cottage.
For more, climb the 22 m observation tower at Shipstern Nature Reserve, or explore the mangroves along the seafront. Bring binoculars and set out early in the morning, when birds are most active.
Check the Shipstern Nature Reserve bird checklist to see which species you might spot.
Swimming in Sarteneja
All piers and docks in the village are public, and you can swim from any of them.
For a small beach, follow the seafront street past the end of the village. The trail continues along the mangroves to a small beach next to a cement pier with a thatched roof.
Tip: get into the water from the pier, as the mangrove shore is muddy. The bay is shallow and some rocks are sharp, so bring water shoes if you have them.
Traditional Maya Milpa and Ruins
See how Maya farmers lived and worked, with traditional wells and ancient Maya pyramids, on a family farm in Sarteneja.
Visits by appointment only.
Entry by donation.
Yucatan Jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus), endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, including northern Belize
Shipstern Nature Reserve
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Sarteneja: the reserve’s visitor center is about 20 minutes away by bike. For US$10 you can climb the 22 m observation tower, visit the butterfly breeding center and garden, and hike the botanical trail (allow about 2 hours). Bring bug spray.
The reserve is about 3 miles from the hotel and open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed on weekends). Boat trips on the Shipstern Lagoon must be booked in advance.
Orchid Bay Beach and Restaurant
A beachfront restaurant at a resort, with kayaks and paddleboards for rent and fishing trips.
Reachable by private transport only.
Cerros Maya Ruins
A Maya site right on the bay. Ten minutes away, Cerros Resort has a winery and a restaurant run by Bill and Jenny.
Reachable by car, or by bus: ask us for details.
Lamanai Maya Ruins
A family-friendly day trip popular with locals and visitors alike. A small boat takes you up the river, spotting crocodiles on the way, to one of Belize’s most impressive Maya sites. Expect to get a little wet! The tour includes lunch, the boat ride, entry to the ruins and a guide throughout: US$85 per person.
Tza-Ten-A-Ha Awesome Adventures
Tza-Ten-A-Ha Awesome Adventures is a local family business from Sarteneja, the largest fishing village in Belize. They run tours on land and at sea.
Their tours are private, from two people to large groups, and run with care and professionalism.
They can combine two or three tours into one trip to suit you.
Visit their website for the full list, or download the tours available from Sarteneja:
Sea & Cerros Eco-Tours
A local tour company based in Corozal, run by Mau Montalvo. Their signature trip is a snorkeling tour at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.
Snorkeling Tour – US$200 per person
Includes pick-up and drop-off at the Fishermen Pier in Corozal, snorkel gear, rum punch, ceviche and water.
To book, call or WhatsApp Mau at +501 614-2203 (available 24/7).
