Hopkins Belize is an idyllic Garifuna village offering stunning tropical getaways near the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef that boasts world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Hopkins’ Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary provides travelers with an ideal way to connect with nature while discovering more about Garifuna culture.
What are the best ways to learn about and support local conservation efforts in Hopkins Belize?
Hopkins Belize is an eco-cultural hub located in Southern Belize with a large Garifuna population and relaxed Caribbean vibe, drawing travelers looking for an ideal coastal base from which they can explore local culture, explore the nearby Southern Barrier Reef, and gain access to top jungle attractions.
Hopkins offers more than just beautiful beaches for active adventurers to experience. Here, you can practice your drumming skills or dance with locals before exploring its coral reef for some snorkeling or diving adventures.
An amazing option is to go on a tour with Sittee River Wildlife and Bird Kayak, where you’ll experience all the sights and sounds of Belize rainforest while listening for calls of colorful birds – as well as having the chance to observe wild crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural environment.
1. Visit the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Park
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is internationally recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve, offering sanctuary to exotic birds and Belizean mammals alike.
The park’s pristine trail system offers breathtaking views over waterfalls and mountains – the perfect activity for hikers of all experience levels.
Listen out for the soothing calls of Black-capped and White-collared Manakins as they click back and forth; listen out too for their loud howls; also keep an ear out for Howler Monkey howling. Another fun thing to do while out exploring Hopkins Village is visiting its Library, established by a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer woman and still flourishing today as an essential community resource – particularly during Garifuna Settlement Day, held every November 19th! Enjoy music, drumming, food from local Garifuna people while celebrating this time with music, drumming, drumming and feasting from local Garifuna people from local Garifuna peoples!
2. Go on a Cave Tubing Trip
Many vacations can feel like an exhaustive checklist, with travelers feeling pressured to absorb as much culture as possible. Hopkins Belize stands out as an exceptional exception with tours featuring rainforest areas, ancient ruins, and extensive cave systems.
On this unique tour, combine two unique experiences in one day! First hike up to Xunantunich – an extraordinary Mayan ceremonial temple – then relax in St. Herman’s Cave System’s soothing waters.
Next, head to Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve for an exhilarating river tubing adventure. Shine your headlamp into the glittering limestone caverns as you witness their underground world come to life before port pickup and lunch are provided to ensure an effortless experience.
3. Go on a Whale Watching Trip
Whale Sharks may seem intimidating at first, but these gentle giants offer more than a spectacular show. Their peaceful demeanor and willingness to share space with snorkelers has become the highlight of many vacations.
Experienced captains and crews lead the most enjoyable whale watching trips, with respect for both marine mammals and their environments. They observe minimum approach distances and speeds so as to minimize disturbance, avoid disturbing marine mammals, and provide educational opportunities for clients.
Tour guides also narrate each sighting to help guests better understand why and which animals they’re viewing, adding another level of understanding that will enrich the experience and can make all the difference between a good trip and an incredible one. Other key items to bring include a camera, binoculars, sun protection products, water bottles with snacks on them and rubber soled shoes for a boat ride – an eyeglass lanyard can help ensure your sunglasses won’t disappear into thin air!
4. Go on a Day Trip to Monkey River
Hopkins Belize is an idyllic beach town known for its authentic Garifuna culture and amazing coral reef system, complete with idyllic island cayes. While popular tourist destinations, Hopkins still retains a small-town feel with many upscale resorts and local eateries offering delicious dishes.
This picturesque community provides an ideal hub for adventure. Take to the Caribbean Sea on snorkeling trips to nearby reefs, islands and even pirate isles! Also consider hiking through Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Park or discovering its lush rainforest on an exciting jungle horseback riding tour!
Hopkins Belize offers visitors a popular day trip destination – the Maya ruins of Xunantunich are popularly visited and offer incredible views from their massive temple. You could also join a guided trip to St. Herman’s Cave for an extraordinary experience that includes exploring this cavern before relaxing through its depths like floating through an underground world; often combined with world-class cave tubing or other activities.
5. Go on a Fishing Trip
Hopkins offers an abundance of fishing opportunities. Whether it’s fly fishing for bonefish and permit or reef trolling for pelagic species, the Hopkins area has something for every angler. Discover your perfect tour today.
Hopkins offers year-round fishing and tours, so the ideal time to visit would be January through March when temperatures are warm and sunny. However, Hopkins can also be explored during these months.
Hopkins offers another reason to visit with its proximity to the country’s Southern Barrier Reef and various islands (cayes). You can snorkel or dive at South Water Caye Marine Reserve, or head further out on boats for even more amazing underwater experiences. In addition, nearby national parks and jungle trails also make Hopkins an attractive choice.
6. Go on a Kayaking Trip
Belize’s southern region is at the core of its tourism, featuring both lush jungle landscapes and Mayan ruins. While most tourism activities in Belize center around Placencia, Hopkins has quietly gained ground as an eco-traveler destination offering beach and rainforest experiences in one place.
Home to an expansive freshwater lagoon and an authentic Garifuna population dedicated to maintaining their traditions, this coastal town offers visitors a host of eco-friendly activities and cultural excursions for them to enjoy during their stay. Activities range from tropical birding tours and jungle river canoe trips, to viewing endangered jaguars at Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Sanctuary or hiking to picturesque waterfalls or modest Mayan ruins – there’s something here for everyone! For something different try kayaking or fishing like a Garifuna native would!
7. Go on a Sunset Boat Trip
Sunset cruises can be an excellent way for couples or individuals alike to connect romantically, as well as to relax and unwind from everyday stressors. Board one of Belize’s finest catamarans and watch as the sun melts into the horizon and clouds light up with beautiful colors as the day comes to an end.
On this trip, you will sail to Half Moon Caye and soak up the vibrant hues of its sunset. Additionally, enjoy snacks and beverages on board including beer, rum punch, or soda.
Evening boating can be an incredible adventure, but to stay safe it is essential that you adhere to some basic boating regulations. Make sure your navigation lights are illuminated and keep an eye out for other vessels on the water – follow these guidelines and you’ll have an enjoyable sailing experience!
8. Go on a Fishing Trip
Hopkins was named America’s #1 Cultural Destination. As an authentic Garifuna fishing village with an expansive culture that you will love experiencing, Hopkins makes for an amazing cultural trip. Bike into town like one of the locals or book a cultural tour and learn more about language, cooking, drumming and dance of this indigenous people group.
Saltwater anglers flock to Belize for its unparalleled flats and islands, which serve as nurseries for aquatic species. From fly fishing to reef trolling, anglers can catch coveted species here such as tailing Permit and schools of Bonefish.
Non-anglers can enjoy relaxing on the beach or visiting one of the resorts spas, or enjoy outdoor adventures like horseback riding along Sittee River and hiking to St Herman’s Cave – an ancient Mayan archaeological site within Actun Tunichil Muknal National Park – horseback riding along Sittee River, ziplining through the rainforest canopy and birdwatching among other activities available to them.
9. Go on a Snorkeling Trip
Looking to make the most out of their Hopkins Belize vacation? All-inclusive resort packages provide for carefree getaways that include food, drinks, activities and accommodations – everything from beachfront cabanas to luxurious jungle treehouses are offered – making these hotels ideal for couples, families or groups of friends traveling together.
Nov to Aug is peak tourism time at Hopkins and its sunny waters make it the ideal setting for exploring its UNESCO-listed barrier reef and Blue Hole National Park’s bioluminescence display. Additionally, travelers can experience Garifuna culture through local night tours to sample traditional foods like Hudut bread and cassava bread as well as take drumming lessons at Lebeha Drumming Center.
Hopkins stands out among its Caribbean neighbors Ambergris Caye and Placencia by maintaining its authentic Garifuna village feel, featuring thatch roof shacks serving as bars and souvenir vendors preferring direct sales over polished resort gift shops. Visitors to Hopkins can experience an authentic slice of Belizean life as well as excellent diving spots and jungle adventures.
