Belize Birding & Sketching
Birding and Sketching Beautiful, Tropical Belize with Catherine Hamilton and Debby Kaspari
With a dazzling array of over 574 species of birds, the tiny, tropical nation of Belize is a favorite Central American destination among birders and nature lovers. Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, her massive Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts some of the richest marine life of the Meso-American Barrier Reef System.
This tour is designed by Catherine Hamilton and Debby Kaspari to offer their friends the very best of Belize’s birding, wildlife, natural history and sketching opportunities while visiting world-renowned reserves like Rio Bravo Conservation Area, Mountain Pine Ridge, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and key Mayan sites such as Xunantunich, Caracol and Lamanai.
This tour is designed for those who want a safe, easy to get to destination, relaxed pace, excellent accommodations, rich diversity of birds and wildlife, and of course the personal, day to day hands-on sketching and artistic guidance of Catherine and Debby.
And for those wanting to take advantage of being so close, the tour continues with an optional extension to Belize’s Meso-American Barrier Reef System, for quiet beach time, snorkeling, and more instruction and sketching opportunities!
Extension
Highlight and Target Birds
- Iconic species like the Jabiru, Keel-billed Toucan, King Vulture, Orange-breasted Falcon, each offering exceptional viewing and sketching opportunities.
- Potential sightings of Jaguar, Puma, Baird’s Tapir, Morelet’s Crocodile, and more.
- A diverse mix of tropical bird, mammal and reptile species, as well as landscapes and ancient Mayan Ruins.
KEY LOCATIONS
Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, The Meso-American Barrier Reef (extension).
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Sketch iconic birds and landscapes under expert guidance with targeted workshops focused on sketching techniques, bird anatomy, and quick field studies that bring Belize’s biodiversity to life.
Bird and sketch in some of the top conservation areas in Belize, and some of the world’s top birding destinations, as diverse habitats inspire detailed portrayals of species and scenery alike.
Combine a birding experience among Mayan Ruins with sketching sessions in Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich surroundings, where not only birds, but ancient ruins and pristine tropical landscapes provide unique perspectives.
Participate in interactive sessions within local communities, learning to enhance field sketches while enjoying cultural exchanges and deepening your artistic journey.
More Details
Accommodations
Main tour: La Milpa Ecolodge, Hidden Valley Wilderness lodge, Birds Eye View Lodge, and Pelican Beach at South Water Caye (extension).
Weather and climate
July is one of the best times for travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of Belize. Average July temperatures are around 85°F during the day and 75°F at night. Expect warm, humid weather with the occasional short, afternoon shower which can help cool down the temperatures and make the landscape even more beautiful. For snorkeling, July is excellent with generally calm, warm, clear water.
Tour Details
Main Tour
Dates: July 11 to 20, 2025
Price: $4,899.00 per-person double occupancy (group of 6)
Single Supplement: $775
Included: Ground and water transportation, lodging as indicated, meals as indicated, bilingual guide throughout, all tours, permits and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, laundry, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and other items of a personal nature.
From: Belize City (BZE)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 9
Activity Level: Easy
Deposit: $1,000 per person is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form).
Tour Leaders: Debby Kaspari and Catherine Hamilton
South Water Caye Post-Tour Extension
Dates: July 20 to 23, 2025
Price: $2,508 per person, double occupancy (group of 6)
Single Supplement: $475
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 9
Activity Level: Easy
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!