The visitors' entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Maya Centre, which is at Mile 15 on the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. The Cockscomb Basin headquarters is located some 6 1/2 miles west of the visitors' entrance to the sanctuary. Situated within the shadows of the Maya Mountains, the sanctuary encompasses some 100,000 acres of tropical moist forest that rises from 300 feet above sea level to approximately 3,675 feet at the summit of Victoria Peak.

Originally established in 1984 as a reserve to protect a large jaguar population, as well as other resident wildlife, the sanctuary is also known as " The Jaguar Preserve". Since the sanctuary is home to numerous members of the cat family, there is also a large population of mammals and birds to support the food chain. Therefore, even though you may not see a jaguar or another carnivore during your visit, the opportunity to see herbivorous animals, a multitude of birds, and beautiful flora is always present.

Follow the links below for more information about what to see on the mainland.

Belize City Belize Zoo St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park Cockscomb Basin WS Community Baboon Sanctuary

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Five Blues Lake National Park Guanacaste National Park Mountain Pine Ridge Rio Bravo Management Area