Hopkins Belize was once a sleepy fishing village, now providing the ideal setting to soak up the Caribbean atmosphere. Take a walk along its stunning beach or explore Garifuna culture – adding its distinct touch to an otherwise Latin and Mayan backdrop.
Make the most of your vacation by exploring Xunantunich – spectacular Maya ruins located an hour’s drive away – or going cave tubing, where guides provide knowledge on local history.
Snorkeling
While in Hopkins Belize, be sure to visit the nearby UNESCO-listed Barrier Reef. Snorkeling is popular here, and various tour operators are offering both half-day and full-day trips.
Discover an abundance of marine life depending on the season and area of the reef you explore, from coral to tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays – as you snorkel you might encounter coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even stingrays! Snorkeling can be physically demanding so it is wise to take precautions if traveling with heart disease, asthma, lung complaints, epilepsy, or diabetes; experts advise wearing a wetsuit and diving with an experienced guide who can offer close supervision while snorkeling.
Hopkins Belize is best visited during Belize’s dry season (January to March), offering pleasant weather with sunny days and calm sea waters. Unfortunately, due to increased tourism during this period, hotel and tour rates will likely be higher than usual.
Whilst in Hopkins Belize, make sure to sample some of its local cuisine – creole beans, wangla (a candy made with sugar and sesame seeds), and fresh seafood dishes like conch, lobster, and grilled chicken are just a few examples. You’ll find many restaurants offering these delicacies!
Hopkins Belize is an eco-cultural destination situated along Stann Creek in Southern Belize and attracts travelers looking for an ideal coastal base from which they can learn about Garifuna culture, explore southern barrier reef attractions and jungle attractions, or relax and unwind at its laidback Caribbean atmosphere. Couples, families, friends or solo travelers all find Hopkins Belize an appealing choice.
Hopkins Belize offers a range of accommodation options, with Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort being one of the standouts. Boasting rainforest, reef, and beach experiences all at one convenient location, Hamanasi encourages its guests to embrace environmentally-friendly practices such as green tours or maintaining an organic garden.
Scuba Diving
Hopkins Belize offers spectacular scuba diving adventures for every skill level and taste imaginable, whether that means exploring the Great Blue Hole or Belize’s extensive Barrier Reef. Hopkins Belize boasts the world’s largest Western Hemisphere barrier reef system which hosts an abundance of aquatic life and coral structures – perfect for exploring!
Snorkeling and diving tours in Hopkins Belize can offer visitors an unforgettable marine adventure from the comfort of a boat, with multiple local companies providing all-inclusive packages that include lunch, drinks, and equipment rentals. Popular trips include trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve – one of Belize’s premier spots for snorkeling.
Hopkins Belize is an ideal place for visitors looking to gain more insight into Belizean culture. Hopkins Belize is home to a Garifuna community who settled here after shipwrecking off Saint Vincent in 1635 and are celebrated through music, cuisine, art, and more – you’ll experience this fascinating part of history during your visit!
Hopkins Belize makes for an ideal starting point for unforgettable day trips across Belize. Take a short flight from the Belize Airport to Dangriga or Placencia; jump on a bus headed southbound as far as Belize City; or simply enjoy a two-hour ferry trip between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye for quick and budget-conscious island hopping!
Hopkins Belize area provides an ideal starting point for exploring Canada’s mountains, jungles and national parks. Lamanai Maya ruins are located close by; as are eco-tours featuring ziplining and river tubing on the South Stann Creek River.
Fishing
Hopkins Village may not be Belize’s capital city, but it represents its essence and best qualities. From friendly residents to access to both the world’s second-largest barrier reef and various nature reserves nearby, Hopkins Belize encapsulates everything great about Belizean life.
Town itself offers a delightful blend of rustic beach vibes with modern amenities, and at the same time serves as a cultural hotspot to showcase Garifuna traditions. Visitors will find everything from authentic music lessons and drumming lessons to cuisine that highlights this area’s mix of ethnicities.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Hopkins Belize, various opportunities allow you to interact with local families in their homes – everything from chocolate making and cooking in an open kitchen or learning how to weave baskets!
Hiking and waterfall swimming are also popular pastimes in Hopkins Belize. Both Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary provide world-class hiking, boasting breathtaking vistas and exhilarating waterfall swims.
At Hopkins’ beaches lies its greatest draw – an escape from everyday life! Here you can bask under the sun while swimming in crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the soft sand while taking in its breathtaking landscapes.
First-time visitors to Hopkins Belize may be initially overwhelmed by all the activities available; but that’s what makes it such a blast! If you need guidance in finding where to begin, ask your hotel or resort concierge for suggestions; they’ll know which tours, restaurants, and experiences fit best with your individual interests.
Hopkins Belize is an ideal destination for travelers looking to go all-out on their Belize vacation, with luxury oceanfront resorts such as Jaguar Reef or Hamanasi available, or more budget-conscious options such as Buttonwood Guest House or Seiri del Mar offering budget accommodations. Many hotels also provide all-inclusive packages to make planning and booking your vacation easy!
Kayaking
Hopkins Belize may be your perfect getaway if you love water activities. With access to vibrant coral reefs, idyllic beach cayes, and authentic Garifuna culture – plus its laid-back lifestyle which allows visitors to unwind on its beaches or take in Caribbean views at one of its restaurants or bars – Hopkins Belize could make the ideal spot for your vacation getaway!
Hopkins stands out from many more touristy spots by maintaining its cozy Garifuna village ambiance, complete with thatch roof shacks serving as bars and souvenir vendors selling directly rather than through resort gift shops. As such, Hopkins provides an ideal opportunity to experience authentic Caribbean exploration by kayak – you’ll traverse bays, rivers, lagoons, and reefs while kayaking!
First-time kayakers should know that some of the best kayaking in Belize is found near shorelines in shallow waters near shore. Hopkins provides some exceptional bays and lagoons where this type of paddling is easy, giving visitors access to see manatees, stingrays, sea turtles, and other marine life from your kayak. In addition, snorkeling or scuba diving day trips from Hopkins may also be possible although for optimal experiences we suggest at least spending at least one night here to fully experience such excursions.
Hopkins offers visitors many top things to do, including exploring its epic barrier reef (the longest in the Western Hemisphere) and climbing Xunantunich – a world-class Maya ruin. You can also hike through uncharted tropical rainforests to find stunning waterfalls or visit chocolate farms or experience Garifuna drumming (a must-do experience that helps visitors understand community value).
Hopkins Resorts provides an opportunity for guests to reconnect with nature by offering zero internet access (and even no TVs in rooms). While some may find this limiting, others welcome it as a welcome relief from email overload in daily life. Either way, this experience helps visitors focus on living in the present and truly connect and their traveling partners or family members.
