BZ
Hopkins
A Garifuna fishing village on the Caribbean, near the jaguar reserve and the barrier reef
A Garifuna fishing village on the Caribbean, near the jaguar reserve and the barrier reef
A long, quiet beach runs the length of the village, lined with palms, small hotels and beach bars.
Sandflies can bite at dawn and dusk; bring repellent.
Photo: Walter Rodriguez, CC BY 2.0
Drumming lessons and performances are offered in the village, and you may hear punta music in the evenings. Garifuna Settlement Day on 19 November is a major celebration.
Photo: Garinagu Melivn, CC BY 4.0
Inland, this protected rainforest was established as a jaguar reserve. Jaguars are rarely seen, but trails lead to waterfalls and swimming holes, and the forest is rich in birds.
Start early for the best wildlife and cooler walking.
Photo: Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Boat trips go to cayes such as South Water Caye for snorkelling and diving on the Belize Barrier Reef, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book with licensed operators.
Photo: Jim McIntosh, CC0
Try hudut (fish cooked in coconut broth, served with mashed plantain), tapou and other Garifuna dishes, fresh seafood and fry jacks for breakfast.
Small restaurants and beach bars serve local and international food.
Hopkins is about two and a half hours by road from Belize City’s international airport. Small planes fly to Dangriga, about 30 minutes away. Buses run along the Southern Highway, with shared taxis or shuttles into the village.
Bikes and golf carts are popular for getting around the village.
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), pegged at 2 to 1 US dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.
Three days lets you combine the village, the jungle and the reef.
Relax on the beach, take a drumming lesson and try hudut for dinner.
Hike to waterfalls in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Bring swimwear for the pools.
Snorkel or dive at the barrier reef cayes.
Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
June to November.
Celebrations on 19 November.
Carry cash; not all places take cards.
Quick answers for planning time in Hopkins.
Its Garifuna culture, drumming, food and quiet beach.
About two and a half hours by road.
The sanctuary protects jaguars, but sightings are rare; the trails and waterfalls are the main draw.
February to May, the drier season.
A national holiday on 19 November celebrating the arrival of the Garifuna in Belize.
Planning a wider trip? Our Belize travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.