Go from Belize City to explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef from Hopkins or embark on a guided tour of nearby Maya ruins for an intriguing glimpse into Belizean history. Later, relax on the beach or take an optional horseback ride along Monkey River for some unforgettable sights and experiences!
Hopkins is best known as the drumming capital of Belize and at the heart of Garifuna culture. Residents here take great pride in their heritage – an amalgam of Caribbean and African customs and traditions.
Belize City to Hopkins: Scenic Route Guide
Hopkins is one of Belize’s premier coastline destinations. Situated along Stann Creek’s coast, Hopkins is a Garifuna-dominated village with a laidback Caribbean charm that draws in visitors looking for an ideal base from which to learn about Belizean culture and visit nearby jungle and reef attractions.
Hopkins boasts a diverse selection of accommodations ranging from budget backpacker-style hostels to opulent beachfront resorts such as Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort and Buttonwood Guest House. Most accommodation options are within walking distance from Hopkins town center which features restaurants and bars. Hopkins offers numerous activities such as ziplining through lush green canopies, deep river boating on Sittee River, and wildlife watching on its barrier reef.
There are various options available for those traveling from Belize City or other parts of the country to Hopkins. Renting a car from either Belize City Airport or Downtown Belize City may provide the flexibility of moving at your own pace; however, driving in Belize should not be taken lightly since roads can often become congested and potholed, and being familiar with traffic rules will allow for safe navigation of them.
Another option for traveling in Belize City is taking a bus, available at the central bus station. Though the rides only cost a few dollars each way, they make multiple stops along the journey and may take three or more hours until reaching Dangriga on the southeast coast where you must change buses before continuing onto Hopkins.
Untame Belize offers the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between Belize City and Hopkins: booking a private shuttle through them. They’ll pick you up at your hotel, home, or other location in Belize City before transporting your group directly to Hopkins in spacious vans with room for all. Stopping may occur at hotels, lodges, or resorts as well as private homes and AirBNBs within Hopkins.
Getting to Hopkins: Belize Travel Tips
Hopkins is a charming beach vacation spot located in Belize’s southeast corner. Hopkins attracts both local and international travelers for its beaches, coral reefs, adventure activities, tours, and wildlife sanctuaries that provide excellent hiking and animal spotting experiences.
Hopkins is best enjoyed during its dry season from January to March when weather conditions are at their finest, with blue skies and calm seawater. Unfortunately, its popularity can lead to higher hotel and tour costs during this period.
Travel to Hopkins Village from Belize City or other areas is simple with either renting a car or booking a shuttle buses service such as Julian Transfer’s private shuttles that operate between Belize City International Airport (BZE) and Hopkins Village; travel time should take roughly two and a half hours.
If driving, take Cemetery Road west until it becomes Western Highway and connects to Belmopan where the Hummingbird Highway branches off towards Placencia and Punta Gorda. Ten kilometers (6/3 miles) south of Dangriga there will be an easily visible exit marked “Hopkins Village”, so turn onto that road and follow its signs to Hopkins Village.
Be sure to taste some Garifuna cuisine while in Hopkins! This ethnic group blends elements from Indian, African, and Caribbean cultures into its cuisine – especially popular are hudut, cassava bread, and bundiga dishes.
Don’t miss an opportunity to attend a Garifuna festival or event! Attending is an invaluable way of experiencing Hopkins and its vibrant community and culture, such as Mango Fest, lobster and conch seasons, or patriotic celebrations like Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 when Hopkins comes alive with dancing and music!
Belize City to Hopkins: Transportation Guide
Hopkins in Stann Creek District is an idyllic Garifuna village that attracts travelers looking for an idyllic seaside base for exploring Belize Barrier Reef and nearby jungle attractions. Hopkins also draws eco-cultural tourists who wish to learn about Garifuna culture and tradition.
Hopkins is best visited during its dry season from January to March when weather conditions tend to be sunny and clear, and seawater calm and inviting. However, Hopkins remains popular year-round and can become busy at certain points throughout the year.
Traveling from Belize City or elsewhere across the country to Hopkins can be accomplished in various ways, but one of the easiest is reserving a private shuttle or taxi ahead of time. Booking one is the ideal solution whether traveling alone or with others; this comfortable and cost-effective means of reaching Hopkins from either an airport, a hotel in Belize City, or a hotel room nearby.
Most international flights land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Once through customs and immigration, it’s easy to take a taxi or bus ride directly from there to Hopkins from Belize City’s terminal.
Hiring a car in Belize is another effective and hassle-free way of traveling from the airport or accommodation in Belize City to Hopkins. By renting your own vehicle with air conditioning and regular service checks, it will allow you to explore this captivating country at your own pace without waiting around for public transport to arrive. However, due to Belize’s hot climate it is essential that it meets these criteria for optimal performance.
Ritches Bus provides direct service between San Ignacio – Belmopan – Belize City, stopping directly in front of Crash Pad Adventure Hostel. Another way is flying into Dangriga and taking either a bus or taxi southward from there – just two buses each day go south from Dangriga into Hopkins; be sure to ask at your hotel or bus line which bus route to take.
Traveling to Hopkins: Essential Tips for Belize
Hopkins is an idyllic coastal village situated in Stann Creek District that attracts travelers seeking sea breezes and Garifuna culture. As one of Belize’s premier travel destinations, Hopkins has earned itself the reputation as “best place for snorkeling.”
As you plan your trip to Belize City and Hopkins, keep these considerations in mind to maximize its beauty and enjoyment. Be mindful of the distance between them; plan for an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive, depending on traffic conditions. Using a shuttle service like Untame Belize provides spacious vans that can comfortably fit all of your traveling party and luggage with ease.
Hopkins and its surrounding area offer plenty of activities and excursions for visitors, including exploring the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef with a Half Day Barrier Reef Snorkel tour or taking a tour to Thatch Caye (an idyllic offshore island where you can unwind on its beautiful beach or snorkel the second largest barrier reef). Other tours and excursions available from Hopkins include visiting Mayflower Bocawina National Park with world-class hiking or swimming in waterfalls or taking a day trip to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to spot jaguars or other animals!
Hopkins offers a variety of restaurants and bars for food and drinks. Some may be more costly than others, but there’s something suitable for every taste here. When traveling through Hopkins it is wise to bring plenty of cash as most places only accept cash payments; ATMs may be hard to come by in this village and may not work with cards equipped with microchips.
Remember that each village has a set of rules to abide by. For instance, it is important not to walk around barefoot as this could lead to infections of your feet, and respect locals and their property.
