Shipstern Nature Reserve

Located on 22,000 acres of land in the Corozal District sits that only protected area in Belize that encompasses seasonal northern hardwood, saline lagoon systems and mangrove shoreline…..this unique reserve is known as the Shipstern Nature Reserve which got its name from the abandoned village of Shipstern.  The Shipstern Lagoon is very shallow and can be only be navigable by canoes or other shallow crafts only.  Many animals inhabit the forests of the reserve. It is reported that over 200 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, and  close to 200 species of butterflies inhabit the reserve.  The reserve has established a botanical trail that allows visitors to experience the three different types of northern hardwood forests as well as savanna and mangrove type habitats.  Recently, lodging facilities have been constructed to accommodate up to 10 visitors at a time.  The reserve is currently being managed by the Belize Audubon Society.