Hopkins is a bustling Garifuna village at the hub of an exciting culture, providing quiet beach access and serving as an excellent starting point for jungle excursions or visits to Mayan ruins.
Buses leave daily from Belize City for Dangriga and Hopkins; then switch buses after three hours of travel.
Should I Rent a Car?
Hopkins is an authentic Central American village that has successfully preserved its beach ambiance, warm community spirit, and Garifuna culture. Thanks to low crime rates, Hopkins is one of the safest and most attractive tourist spots in Belize – perfect for relaxing on its beaches while sampling delectable local cuisine and experiencing rich cultural experiences that will create lasting memories from your vacation!
Hopkins, located in Stann Creek District, boasts numerous locally owned restaurants, beach bars and luxury resorts that make for an authentic Belizean experience without all of the crowds that tend to frequent more popular vacation spots such as Ambergris Caye.
Hopkins’ ideal time of visitation falls between January and March during its dry season when seawaters are calmer and hotel rates lower. You can also take part in Garifuna culture through annual celebrations commemorating Garifuna Settlement Day with drumming, food, and the reenactment of first Garifuna settlers arriving to Hopkins in 1823.
Hopkins offers visitors an excellent base from which to explore more of Belize, with some of its top attractions nearby – national parks, nature reserves and world-class sites being easily accessible from here. Popular tourist destinations in Hopkins include:
When renting a car in Hopkins, be mindful that Belizean rental cars may differ significantly from what you’re used to in terms of amenities. Before signing the contract and inspecting the vehicle thoroughly for signs of wear or damage; be sure to read through all fees associated with renting it carefully as well.
When searching for car rentals in Hopkins, it can be useful to look for deals with monthly rentals as they tend to be significantly less costly than booking one for three weeks and can help save on admin charges between rentals. Also look out for companies with full-to-full fuel policies as this can help avoid paying costly fuel surcharges when returning it with less gas than when you picked it up.
Should I Use Public Transportation?
Reaching Hopkins is straightforward, though the village itself may be off the beaten path. From Belize City it takes around 2.5 hours and breaks should be taken every so often so as not to become fatigued on the drive. Renting a car may cost more than other transportation methods but will give you greater flexibility to explore your surroundings at your own pace.
Public bus transportation to Hopkins can be the cheapest means of travel. Tickets typically cost a few dollars each way; however, connections may need to be made in Dangriga in order to take another bus journey that could last three hours before reaching Hopkins.
Rent a taxi for a one-way journey to Hopkins from your hotel or hostel; your driver will arrange to meet at your desired meeting point and time and drop you off on the main street of town. Taxis are readily available in Hopkins; just watch out for unlicensed drivers! For added peace of mind, consider booking through your resort or hostel so that there will always be someone familiar to speak to about your itinerary and service needs.
When visiting local attractions like Monkey River or Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, hiring a tour guide may be your easiest option. Tour guides are readily available throughout Hopkins and can provide valuable insights about these popular spots. However, be aware that depending on their performance you may need to tip them accordingly.
Hopkins residents tend to be friendly and accommodating; however, if traveling alone as a woman it’s wise to keep an eye out for any unwanted attention from Belizean men that might occur – although unlikely in general terms. Young women in particular can become targets.
While Philip Goldson International Airport provides flights into Belize City, many visitors prefer arriving via car or shuttle. Car rentals can be found both from the airport and downtown Belize City; driving in Belize City is relatively straightforward; for optimal driving experiences it is highly recommended bringing either a GPS device or smartphone equipped with map apps to aid navigation of its streets.
Should I Rely on Taxis?
Hopkins is a sleepy village that moves at a more leisurely pace than many of Belize’s destinations. Home to several excellent beach resorts – Hamanasi is especially notable – you can explore both Caribbean waters as well as head inland for world-class hiking, crocodile spotting, waterfall swims and hiking experiences. Even though Hopkins doesn’t directly border a barrier reef site such as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or Monkey River for diving experiences.
Due to its compact nature, Monkey River makes travel simple via foot, bicycle or golf cart if you don’t need or wish to rent a car. Furthermore, tours to attractions such as the Monkey River or Xunantunich Maya ruins can easily be booked without needing a driver’s license.
As a tourist destination, however, it’s essential that visitors remain mindful of their surroundings and keep valuables secure at all times. It is recommended that minimal cash be carried in pockets at once and expensive items be hidden when displayed openly; also take special caution when walking at night in remote parts of the country as robberies tend to occur more frequently there.
If you plan on staying for more than a week in Hopkins and Belize City, renting a car is worth considering. That way, you can take full advantage of local attractions while making trips across the country at your own leisure. There are shuttle services running between Hopkins and other destinations; should this be your choice, opt for one with all-inclusive packages in case any unexpected expenses arise.
If traveling with children, a rental car or taxi service might be best. That way, you can utilize child seats to ensure everyone stays comfortable during the drive to and from your destination. And if traveling through more remote parts of the country, bring along a Lifestraw water bottle so that everyone stays hydrated on the journey, while also helping reduce waste caused by single-use plastic bottles.
What to Do in Hopkins
Hopkins Belize is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also offers visitors an immersive cultural experience of Garifuna culture. Descended from both Caribbean indigenous groups and African slaves, Garifuna people have created their own music, cuisine, rituals and traditions that have become major draws for tourists in Belize. You can gain a better understanding of this fascinating community by visiting Hopkins village; stay at one of its home-stay or guesthouse accommodations that specialize in Garifuna hospitality to gain the full experience!
While visiting Hopkins, be sure to set aside plenty of time just for relaxation on the beach and in your hammock with a book or refreshing beverage in hand. These beaches are expansive yet never overcrowded – ideal for leisurely walks under palm trees and lazy afternoon lounging by the water’s edge. Furthermore, its clear water makes swimming enjoyable, or for more adventure you could rent a kayak to explore reefs and sandbars off its coasts.
There is also an assortment of restaurants and bars in town, each boasting their own distinct charm. Dine on delicious seafood dishes or relax and take in the music and atmosphere with a refreshing coconut mojito cocktail in hand.
Hopkins Belize tours offer you more adventure. They take visitors through lush jungles, pristine reefs, and wildlife-filled national parks – and one such tour takes visitors to one of the country’s most important biological preserves: Cockscomb Basin Conservation Reserve is one of them; hiking, snorkeling or swimming here can all add up to an exciting trip – not to mention birdwatching here is also highly popular; one can spot endangered scarlet macaws here too!
The Sacred Valley National Park is another must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts. This gorgeous area features unspoiled rainforest, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, making it a fantastic setting for hiking trips that can also include river tubing or ziplining activities.
Add an exciting element to your trip by going horseback riding through Hopkins. Not only will you explore this exotic jungle environment, but you will meet new friends while learning more about local Garifuna culture!
