Burrell Boom lies on the Belize River, twenty miles upstream from Belize City. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and a 2018 report names the village as the finish of one leg and the starting point of the next in the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Visitors heading to the Community Baboon Sanctuary also pass through Burrell Boom. When considering accommodation in the village, you can use its riverside location, history, and role as a point of orientation for your trip as specific selection criteria.

River and Race Legs

The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, organized annually by Belikin, takes place on the Belize River. A 2018 report describes a 36-mile leg from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom and a 26-mile leg from Burrell Boom to Belize City. In this route sequence, Burrell Boom is the finish of the first leg and the starting point of the second; the first is ten miles longer than the second.

The Black Orchid Resort is located in the village of Burrell Boom on the banks of the Old Belize River.

Boat tours on the Old Belize River last between one and a half and two hours, depending on environmental conditions. If you are planning a tour, you can use this range as a time frame; check current availability before booking.

History and Orientation

Burrell Boom was founded in the 18th century. Chains and anchors are on display in Burrell Boom Park. The founding places the village in its historical context, while the exhibit provides a specific local touch. If you would like to visit, check access in advance.

Those traveling to the Community Baboon Sanctuary pass through Burrell Boom. This is a useful point of orientation if the sanctuary is already part of your trip to Belize.

More Travel Ideas in Belize

Belize as a whole also offers destinations for other interests. In Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the dry season from November to May is considered peak season for birdwatching. According to the tourism description, tours lasting one to three hours are likely to offer the chance to see 20 to 40 different bird species at any time of year. The dry season is therefore the stated seasonal high point, while sightings are also likely outside these months. Visitors can rent canoes, bicycles, and horses to explore the area for birdwatching; free trail maps are available at the visitor center. Check the current availability of rentals and maps if you would like to use them.

At Swallow Caye, visitors can observe manatees from boats in their natural habitat; follow the sanctuary’s guidelines. More than 45 animal species can be seen at the Belize Zoo; the zoo was founded in 1983, and keepers take visitors to see some of the animals. If you are planning such a tour, check current availability in advance.

For those interested in culture, St. John’s Cathedral is considered the oldest Anglican church in Central America outside the Maya temples. The Travellers Heritage Center Museum is located in Belize City and is considered suitable for day trips or for cruise visitors passing through. Check whether the museum is currently operating before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Crooked Tree, Gales Point, Hattieville, Belize City, Lucky Strike, Maskall, Bermudian Landing, Big Falls.

For the main travel overview: Belize.