Five Blues Lake National Park

Centered around a stunning turquoise lake formed by a collapsed cave, this park is a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. The lake's vibrant colors are due...

Five Blues Lake National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Belize & Coastal Plain, Belize, Central & South America
Coordinates
17.134623, -88.581024
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
February to May (dry season) for wildlife and marine reserves.

Getting to Five Blues Lake National Park

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida "Lic. Manuel Crescencio Rejón" (MID), 436 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún (CUN), 470 km away.

Weather & Climate in Five Blues Lake National Park

The warmest temperatures in Five Blues Lake National Park occur in May, averaging 27.5°C (up to 32.0°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 23.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 49.0mm. Average humidity: 78.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.2°C (rainfall: 145.1mm)
  • February: 23.5°C (rainfall: 79.0mm)
  • March: 25.2°C (rainfall: 83.3mm)
  • April: 26.8°C (rainfall: 49.0mm)
  • May: 27.5°C (rainfall: 109.8mm)
  • June: 26.9°C (rainfall: 206.5mm)
  • July: 26.5°C (rainfall: 217.8mm)
  • August: 26.5°C (rainfall: 218.3mm)
  • September: 26.6°C (rainfall: 200.5mm)
  • October: 25.8°C (rainfall: 260.4mm)
  • November: 24.1°C (rainfall: 350.4mm)
  • December: 23.0°C (rainfall: 220.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Five Blues Lake National Park

The best months to visit Five Blues Lake National Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.2°C, rainfall 145.1mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 86.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.51°C, rainfall 79mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.2°C, rainfall 83.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 26.79°C, rainfall 49mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 27.46°C, rainfall 109.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 81%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.95°C, rainfall 206.5mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 26.46°C, rainfall 217.8mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 86.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 26.51°C, rainfall 218.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.57°C, rainfall 200.5mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 87%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.84°C, rainfall 260.4mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 24.11°C, rainfall 350.4mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature 23.01°C, rainfall 220.3mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 88.4%

Wildlife in Five Blues Lake National Park

Home to 51 recorded species including 17 birds of prey, 16 waterbirds, 10 iconic birds, 5 tropical birds, 1 reptiles, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Five Blues Lake National Park

Based on average temperature of 25.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Five Blues Lake National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Belize & Coastal Plain

Visitor Tips - Five Blues Lake National Park

We love Five Blues Lake for its serene, almost mystical beauty, a true hidden gem away from the more trodden paths. The lake's striking blue hues, fed by underground springs, are sensational, and we recommend taking a canoe out at dawn to experience its tranquil magic and spot the incredible birdlife before anyone else arrives.

Gate Times

The park typically opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM daily, though we always recommend arriving early to enjoy the morning tranquility. An entrance fee is required, payable at the gate, and no advance booking is usually necessary for day visits. During the rainy season, from June to November, some trails might be muddy or temporarily inaccessible, so it's wise to check local conditions before heading out.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated in Belize for good service. For a local guide leading a hike or canoe trip, we suggest BZ$20-30 (US$10-15) per person for a half-day excursion. If you hire a private guide for the day, BZ$50-70 (US$25-35) is appropriate. There aren't typically camp staff here, but if you engage with community members for services, a small gratuity is always a kind gesture.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Belize

Travel advisory for Belize

Five Blues Lake National Park FAQs

What's the ideal time of year to visit Five Blues Lake National Park for the best experience?

The dry season, typically from November to May, offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring Five Blues Lake. During this period, rainfall is minimal, making hiking trails less muddy and the lake waters clearer and more inviting for swimming.

Beyond the lake, what unique activities or wildlife encounters can I expect at Five Blues Lake National Park?

While swimming in the collapsed cave lake is a highlight, the park offers several gentle hiking trails through the surrounding broadleaf forest, where you can actively seek out wildlife. Keep an eye on the canopy for howler monkeys, and listen for their distinctive calls, especially in the early morning.

What are the practical considerations for accessing Five Blues Lake National Park and are there any local services available?

The park is easily accessible from the Hummingbird Highway, a short drive from Belmopan or Dangriga, making it suitable for day trips. While the park is tranquil and less crowded, local guides are often available at the entrance if you wish for a more interpretive hike or assistance navigating the trails.

What safety advice should visitors heed when enjoying the water and trails at Five Blues Lake National Park?

When swimming, be aware that the lake's depth can vary significantly, so exercise caution, especially with children, and avoid diving. On trails, wear appropriate footwear as paths can be uneven or slippery, and always stay on marked routes to protect yourself and the delicate ecosystem.

How can I maximize my chances of spotting the diverse birdlife and mammals like tapirs at Five Blues Lake National Park?

For the best wildlife viewing opportunities, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Move quietly along the forest trails and near water sources, as this increases your likelihood of encountering tapirs or observing the park's numerous bird species.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.