The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a grassroots conservation success story in Bermudian Landing Village. Formed in 1985 when seven Belize River Valley communities pledged to protect the local black howler monkey, known locally as baboons, it is now run by the CBS Women’s Conservation Group, the first women-led conservation body in Belize. Their efforts have helped the howler population rebound to more than 3,000 while creating visitor experiences that link wildlife, culture, and community development.
Tours & Experiences at CBS
Visitor Center and Museum
Onsite there is a small Museum and Visitor Center. Here you will find a number of good exhibits on the howler, the history of the sanctuary, and several other wildlife. Included with the admission fee is a one-hour guided nature walk in which you usually get an up-close introduction to a resident troop of black howlers. Along the way, the guides also impart their knowledge of the many jungle plants the ancient Maya used for medicinal purposes. This area also has a lot of birds.
Belize Kriol Culture Experience
Add a cultural layer to your visit with this hands-on session. Local residents teach rice beating, cashew roasting, and making “kiss kiss” tongs; you can try basic Kriol drumming, hear folktales, and enjoy a home-cooked Creole lunch. Activities are easily tailored to your group’s interests.
Birding Tour
Early-morning and late-afternoon walks focus on the riverine forest’s rich birdlife—from keel-billed toucans and red-lored parrots to secretive tinamous and owls. Guides help you spot and identify species while explaining how habitat protection at CBS benefits both primates and birds.
River Canoe Tour
Glide along a quiet stretch of the Belize River in a stable canoe. You’ll watch for iguanas sunning on branches, crocs slipping into the water, and spider monkeys swinging overhead. Guides share stories about river life, traditional fishing methods, and the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Every tour at CBS supports local livelihoods and the women-led programs that keep both culture and wildlife thriving.
More information:
- Location: Bermuda Landing in Belize District
- Open: Monday to Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Cost: $10 USD ( + more tours available)
- Website: www.howlermonkeys.org
