I have stumbled upon an opportunity to be in Belize for business for a couple of days mid to late November. At first I was concerned about Hurricanes, however have determined that they should be almost gone by then. So have accepted the invitation to visit. No doubt my associates in Belize will show me around Belize City, however since I'll be down there will take a few additional days to explore.

I have a preference for remoter places, so was looking over the map and would like to head down to Punta Gorda and explore that area rather than the more populated areas (or so it appears) around Placencia. My interests are pretty much anything, but definitely lean towards the wild world, so would thoroughly like a walk in the jungle looking for jaguar, tapir, birds (quetzel, tucan, oriole etc), dive on the reef, spot manatee, look for whale sharks and so.

Any ideas on where to go and how long to stay would be welcome. Just ideas at the moment would be fine, no need to go into details about budgets etc.

Monkey River area is nice might head there.

ww.destinationsbelize.com/toledo-punta-gorda-hotels-resorts.htm

Thank you. I will work through some of those listings.

I believe the whale shark season is from March to June.

Manatees are regularly seen in the Swallow Caye area not far from Belize City. There may be areas in southern Belize to see manatees as well.

Chan Chich lodge may offer the best chance of cat sightings but no guarantee of a jaguar or any cat for that matter if you're only there a couple of days. We saw an ocelot our first night but no cats the next two.

Thanks Patty, appreciate the additional insight. yes, I completely realise the chances of seeing jaguar or puma are rare, but feel that if I am in the right place I improve my odds, bit like buying a lottery ticket and not.

I have continued my research and have found a places in the golden stream and boden creek conservancies, which look interesting. I have sent them an email to find out more.

Maybe some of the regular Belize travellers know of Ballum Na, Jungle Lodge and Moho Caye... I'll post some of my findings in this thread if anyone is interested.

Manatees are often see in the Punta Ycacos are of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, and sometimes furher south towards PG. The birding in Toledo is great, but you'd be very lucky to see a jaguar or tapir - although they are here!

I stayed at Thatch Caye Resort last year and it was incredible. They took us to see manatees only five minutes from the island and we learned how to dive on some spectacular areas filled with coral, turtles, spotted eagle rays, fish, and sea life. We also saw dolphins several times during our stay.

An inspiring and beautiful place.

www.thatchcayebelize.com