Bladen Forest Reserve

Bladen Forest Reserve Review

Ever been freshwater snorkeling? Check out the Bladen River in the Bladen Forest Reserve. The river snakes through the reserve, allowing for excellent kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and, yes, freshwater snorkeling. The 100,000-acre Bladen Forest Reserve is co-managed by the Belize Forestry Department and the Ya'axche Conservation Trust.

Tours of the Bladen Reserve also are given by interns from a 1,153-acre private reserve managed by the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE). The BFREE reserve adjoins four protected areas: Bladen Nature Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Sanctuary, Deep River Forest Reserve, and Maya Mountain Forest Reserve. Camping and simple bunkhouse accommodations are available at BFREE for around BZ$80 to BZ$120 per person per day, meals included. Additional charges may apply for transportation, canoe rental, laundry, and other services.