Baboon Sanctuary in Belize - looking for someone who's been there....
 

I posted a few weeks ago that we were going on a cruise in January and we were considering do a tour to Lamanai. We still haven't made a decision yet - since the trip there is long and it may be risky to get back to the ship in time. Although, the excursion companies assure you that you'll make it - things can go wrong - flat tires, boats breaking down on the river etc....

So, while Lamanai is our first choice, I've come across a private tour that combines Altun Ha with the Baboon Sanctuary. This sounds like it may be a nice alternative, and safer when it comes to our time issues - but I can't really get a feel for what the Baboon Sanctuary is really like. Seeing that I've been to the Osa, some of our group has had a pretty up close and personal experience with Howler Monkeys. But at the sanctuary do you actually get to interact with the monkeys?

On Trip Advisor there are some reviews that mention the guides calling monkeys and them coming down and people getting to pet and feed them. This would make the trip there a definite highlight! Other reviews make no mention of this at all. So, if the visit is walking through the sanctuary and seeing the monkeys in the trees, while it's still amazing to see them and more so hear them- I probably would still take our chances with Lamanai. We'd probably see Howler's there too.

There will be hundreds of cruisers from the ship going to Lamanai and doubt anything can go wrong enough that any of you would miss the ship and plenty behind and in front of you who can assist should something break down. I'd opt for Zlamanai over the Baboon and you'll see howlers at Lamanai

We found staying at the Community Baboon Sanctuary an interesting cultural experience in addition to a beautiful natural setting. We spent the 1st 2 nights of our 2009 visit there and did the Lamanai trip the full day between. We didn't do a tour at the CBS but have heard that close interactions with monkeys are common.

I totally defer to Katie on your chances of returning to the ship in time from Lamanai - I could live to be 100 and not match her expertise in Belize. Have a great trip, whatever you decide!

Thanks Hpoefulist, but not sure any of us want to live to 100 and who knows, you could end up settling here one day...and me where you live

You never know! I'll probably end up basing in the Guatemala highlands and spending my dive time in Belize or Honduras. I've always felt so fortunate when traveling to Belize to have you and Lan and others to trust with information and advice. Happy holidays!

Hi,
I am currently helping the Community Baboon Sanctuary with their Facebook page. You can visit the page if you would like to get a better feel for the Sanctuary.
The nature walk will give you the opportunity to get up close with the monkeys. They love visitors and many are friendly enough to come down close.
We have wonderful guides as well. If you would like more info please feel free to email us at [email protected] or visit our page for more details.
Hope this helps :-)

Sounds very cool!