4 Things to do in Dangriga Belize

March 11, 2023
by Belize Hub +

If you love culture and not crowds then Dangriga is the place you have to visit. Located at the end of the Hummingbird Highway, Dangriga is the capital of Belize’s Stann Creek District and is home to the Garifuna, a cultural and ethnic group who are descendants of shipwrecked slaves and native Caribs.

In addition to its tranquil Caribbean setting, Dangriga offers easy access to some of the most exciting experiences the country has to offer.

Things to Know About Dangriga Belize

Dangriga Culture

Dangriga’s culture revolves around the Garifuna people of Belize, and you can witness their contribution in local music and punta dance styles at venues and events around the area. The local Gulisi Garifuna Museum features permanent displays that showcase the history of the Garifuna.

Nature Tours in Dangriga

Along the Hummingbird Highway, you can find the (other) Blue Hole. This site is a small collection of vibrant blue water formed by a horizontal opening in the surrounding limestone. It makes a refreshing stop for those that love swimming or diving, and it is well-marked on the highway.

Adventures in Dangriga

Aside from its natural wonder, Dangriga is also full of opportunities for adventurous visitors. The longest zip line in Central America is located on the Southern Highway, and it features 12 platforms, 2,300 lines and nighttime zip lining. Local Bocawina National Forest features two prominent waterfalls (Bocawina Falls at 100 feet and Antelope Falls at 500 feet) that allow for epic rappelling experiences.

Accommodations in Dangriga

If you want easy access to the best destinations in the region, consider Yok Ha Island Resort. Just 3 miles off the coast of Dangriga, Yok Ha is a private island that features 5 deluxe cabanas made with privacy in mind. Each cabana is spacious on the inside while still leaving room to relax on the outside. Rooms provide incredible views of the sea, and guests can even book tours and excursions with resort staff.

How to get to Dangriga

If you need to get around, Uncharted Jewel Belize offers transportation from the airport or Belize City to Dangriga, and they assist with special surprises for anniversaries and birthdays through their concierge service. In addition, the company operates as a Belize travel agent offering tours and vacation packages, and they can help you plan your stay from start to finish to get the best experiences out of Dangriga.

Dangriga makes a great vacation for those wanting to indulge in the best the country has to offer without the crowds of some of the busier areas. There are various ways you can plan your vacation in this tropical paradise.

Top Things to See & Do in Dangriga Belize

The town is a suitable base to explore the following Dangriga tours:

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986 as the first jaguar reserve in the world. Covering approximately 150 square miles of tropical forest, the park lies at the foot of Victoria Peak, the highest peak of Belize’s Maya Mountains.

Hike through the jungle, splash by the waterfall, or float down the river under a sky of birdsong and green canopy.

Zip Line and Water Fall

Soar with the birds through the pristine canopy in the Mayflower Bocawina National Forest. The complete system features 3 zip line courses over 2000 feet with the longest being over 2,300 feet. You will soar with the birds in this magnificent rainforest.

After zipping for a mile and a half on the longest zip line in Belize, fill your belly with a delicious lunch provided by Mama Noot’s Restaurant. You will then venture on a guided hike to Bocawina Falls where you will have the opportunity to rappel one hundred feet down the falls!

Dangriga Culture Town Tour

Get to know the Garifuna journey and culture, view paintings, murals and thread art portraying all aspects of Belizean culture at a colonial era gallery. Practice some basic drum rhythms and learn about Pen’s musical creation, Punta Rock. You will have an introduction to the four major Garifuna dances and rhythms: Jankunú, Punta, Hungu Hungu, Chumba. Lunch is a traditional Garifuna delicacy of Hudut, cooked on a fire hearth. Relax under shady coconut trees and listen to the sound of nature.

Following the visit at the Gallery you will visit the quaint workshop of legendary drum-maker, Austin Rodriguez, who manually carves Garifuna drums from mahogany, cedar and mayflower wood.

Marie Sharp’s Factory Tour

Marie Sharp’s Pepper is one of the best hot sauces on the planet and on this tour; you will enjoy the different samples of products that Marie produces.

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Marie’s Sharps is a household name in Belize and is found on hundreds of dining tables around the country.

A recent guest posted this review on Trip Advisor about the Marie Sharp Factory tour:

We enjoyed sampling all their sauces and jams. They are very good. The tour of the factory/plant was quite interesting. Our guide was very pleasant. The small gift shop had all their products at great prices and you could create your own gift boxes.