Hopkins Belize is a coastal Garifuna village offering gorgeous beaches. Visitors can stay at beach resorts while discovering Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve or taking part in water-based activities along the Belize Barrier Reef.
While visiting Bocawina National Park or Island Hopping, other activities that will enhance your visit include river tubing, hiking to waterfalls in Bocawina National Park or island hopping! Furthermore, there is even a community Garifuna drumming school that offers lessons!
1. Look at all the available accommodations.
Hopkins Village can be found along Belize’s Caribbean coast in Stann Creek District and serves as a cultural epicenter for the Garifuna people, having recently been named the “friendliest village in the country.” A visit to Hopkins offers visitors an authentic taste of local culture as well as a laidback beach vacation without the hustle and bustle of more popular islands.
Hopkins offers a range of accommodations, from eco-friendly resorts to cozy seaside guesthouses. If you want an idyllic tropical setting for your stay, Hamanasi Resort may be perfect. Boasting rustic chic elegance with large beach areas complete with hammocks, coconut trees, an open-air restaurant, and snorkeling/diving tours as well as learning about Garifuna culture, this luxury eco-friendly resort features rustic chic elegance for an enjoyable tropical stay.
Muy-Ono Resort is another fantastic option, boasting luxurious cabanas and spacious suites designed with comfort in mind. Boasting two swimming pools, complimentary activities such as jungle hiking and cave tubing tours as well as day trips to ancient Mayan ruins are offered at this hidden gem of a resort.
Hopkins beaches are stunning, making November to April an ideal time to visit. At this time of year, temperatures tend to remain mild with little precipitation making navigating these idyllic white-sand beaches easier.
Hopkins’ main draw is its proximity to the Southern Barrier Reef, which can easily be accessed from Hopkins by diving or snorkeling. South Water Caye Marine Reserve is one of several cayes and marine reserves nearby that make this diving and snorkeling trip accessible. Fishing excursions for reef fishing to deep-sea big game trips are also offered locally by guides.
Hopkins offers an incredible food scene for those indulging in fresh seafood and unique flavors, from fine dining at Love on the Rocks to family-run eateries like Ella’s Cool Spot and more! Additionally, Hopkins boasts some amazing bakery/coffee shops.
2. Look at all the exciting tours.
Hopkins is known as the cultural hub of Belize’s Garifuna community and there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in their way of life. From learning drumming and dance techniques at one of Hopkins’s Garifuna schools to touring nearby villages to observe how locals live, Hopkins provides many experiences for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Garifuna culture. You can even learn to cook traditional Garifuna dishes such as hudut or bundiga and sample these delicacies at one of Hopkins’ many restaurants!
Hopkins Hotels provides easy access to snorkeling and diving adventures at the nearby UNESCO-listed barrier reef, with tours offered by many hotels offering tours around this spectacular ecosystem. From swimming with sea turtles to exploring tiny Caribbean islands or even visiting pirate islands – or for something a bit less vigorous, why not take an evening tour around Anderson Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters for breathtaking bioluminescent bioluminescence experiences?
Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers plenty of excitement on land. Explore its vast rainforest reserve that boasts abundant plant and animal species. For an adrenaline rush, choose an excursion combining waterfall rappelling with ziplining or explore one of Central America’s longest cave systems!
For an enjoyable yet relaxing excursion, Hopkins provides stunning scenery by bike or kayak. Local tour operators provide rental options; or speak to your hotel about what would be the best way to explore this part of the country.
Find a tour that suits you or rent a taxi and explore Hopkins independently. Doing it this way is an excellent way of familiarizing yourself with a part of the country that may be more rugged and underdeveloped than what one might expect from a manicured resort-style vacation, where more likely than not you’ll encounter thatch roof shacks and aggressive beach vendors than strolling through shopping malls.
Hopkins is best visited between late November and April when its weather is dry and warm, making it an ideal getaway from cold northern climates. Furthermore, this period offers ideal hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities at nearby national parks and nature reserves that have their peak seasons during this period.
3. Look at all the diving and snorkeling adventures.
Hopkins may be an ideal place for travelers seeking an escape from more popular Belize destinations, offering everything from beautiful beaches and world-class land adventures to a peaceful mix of Latin and Caribbean cultures.
Hopkins is an ideal spot for visiting Belize’s stunning beaches, and locals are always happy to welcome guests. Numerous hotels and restaurants provide beach activities like kayaking and paddleboarding; alternatively, you can simply relax on the sand under a canopy of palm trees.
Hopkins is best visited during Belize’s dry season from January to March when you can expect sunny days with calm sea waters and make use of all its many land adventures, like trekking to hidden waterfalls or tubing down South Stann Creek River.
Make sure to try some Garifuna cuisine during your time in Hopkins; dishes such as hudut and cassava bread should not be missed, while bundiga consists of grated plantains and bananas mixed in coconut milk before being deep fried for an authentic experience.
Hopkins offers many exciting day trips that you can enjoy from Hopkins, such as visiting the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and discovering St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park’s Inland Blue Hole. Furthermore, jungle tours such as Jungle Waterfalls tours or River Tube Adventures provide unique experiences.
Hopkins jungles provide many exciting adventures, from horseback riding and hiking to exploring Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve on a guided hike, birdwatching for parrots and toucans, and birding tours that explore stunning mountain vistas and national parks nearby.
4. Look at all the beaches.
Doing away with the familiar in favor of lesser-known beach destinations may not fit with your usual travel philosophy, but it might just be the right move for you if that secluded spot happens to be Hopkins Belize where its authentic culture can be felt everywhere and drumbeats of Garifuna culture can be heard coming from thatch-roof shacks at its edges.
As is to be expected from a place known as the drumming capital of Central America, Hopkins Garifuna Village is deeply rooted in its vibrant heritage. You’ll notice it everywhere from food served at restaurants and shacks to musical performances on beaches and bars; its strong sense of community truly distinguishes it from other Belizean coastal towns.
Hopkins is best experienced during the dry season from January to March when you can enjoy sunny skies and calm seas. Planning your trip for Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 is also ideal when the village celebrates its Garifuna heritage through live music performances and food options.
There’s plenty to see and do outside the town as well, such as exploring UNESCO-listed barrier reefs or joining one of Embrace Belize’s tours to discover sea turtles or stingrays; no shortage of incredible adventures awaits!
Nature enthusiasts should take advantage of Silk Caye for an incredible snorkeling adventure, where nurse sharks, sting rays, and other marine life are swimming just below the surface in crystal-clear waters.
There are also plenty of stunning beaches nearby, including Hopkins Bay’s idyllic shores with crystal-clear and inviting waters that will tempt you into taking a dip at least once during your visit. Plus, play volleyball or simply enjoy relaxing on its swings to take in all that beauty!
And for even more excitement, head to the Sittee River nearby for deep river boating or kayaking, as well as tours that combine this activity with other thrilling pursuits, like cave tubing or rappelling.
