Paynes Creek National Park in Belize country was declared a nature preserve in May 1994 and a national park in 1999. Its 30,000 acres of land protects a wide variety of wetland inhabitants and the unique physiographic feature of an extensive sequence of storm-built coastal ridges. The reserve is bordered by the banks of Monkey River to the north, inland savannah to the west, beach ridge to the east, and the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve to the south.
Paynes Creek National Park Offers Glimpses Of Wildlife
Mangrove wetlands, hyper saline, broadleaf, riparian forests, pineridge savannas, and saline and brackish lagoons give a beautiful, emote environment that harbors an incredible amount of biodiversity. Over 300 known species of birds have been identified at Paynes Creek, along with herds of white-tail deer forage, evident by their tracks on the parks trails. The roars of howler monkeys are usually heard nearby. They feed and live in the trees above, and are sometimes difficult to spot, but their smell is distinct. The area is also home to other wild animals including crocodile, armadillo, gibnut, peccary, fox and jaguar.
The best way to explore Paynes Creek National Park is by boat through the Punta Ycacos Lagoon. The area is an important manatee breeding ground, supporting an ibis nesting site, a large wadding bird population and a hawksbill turtle nesting site. The lagoon is increasingly used for sports fishing. To enter the national park, your boatman will navigate through a maze of mangrove channels into a wide open lagoon with a small dock on the far shore. There is a ranger station a few hundred yards from the dock.
Explore Paynes Creek National Park For A Day
From the ranger station is a one-hour hike through a wide pineridge savannah that takes you to the edge of the broadleaf forest. The temperature significantly drips as you disappear under the tall canopy. Trails are hard to find and follow. Several short bridges, made from small tree trunks, cross over creeks throughout the forest. During the rainy season, the trails are under water, with some parts knee-high.
Crocodile Pond is a wide section of Payne’s Creek where crocodiles as long as 10 feet feed and breed. Jabiru Pont is a small lake near the ranger station that never goes dry. Jabirus are usually seen during January and March. The lake is teeming with fish, along with birds, like herons and egrets, feeding there year round. It is highly recommended that Paynes Creek National Park should only be visited with an experienced guide.
A full day can easily be spent exploring the park. Although a clear map of the trails is posted by the station, having a guide tag along with you is still a must. Camping is available and recommended, especially because wildlife is more active early morning and late evening. Food can be provided if arrangements are made ahead of time. Fishing and kayaking are also an option in the lagoon.
Ask For Belize Vacation Packages
When vacationing in Belize, consider visiting Paynes Creek National Park. This beautiful paradise of wildlife offers you not only a glimpse of wildlife, but also a chance to marvel at nature and the things it has to offer. Ask your Belize hotel concierge for Belize vacation packages they might be offering to Paynes Creek National Park.