10 Best Things To See and Do In Hopkins, Belize

April 17, 2023
by denidimchev@webohub.com +

Get away from the crowds and spend some time in tranquil Hopkins Village. This fishing community in the heart of Belize’s Garifuna community is worth putting on your Belize to-do list. Here are some fun things to do while you’re there.

1. Experience Garifuna Culture

The Garifuna are the descendants of African, Caribbean, and indigenous people who have been in Belize and Guatemala since the 17th century. Their unique music, food, and dance contribute to Belize’s rich cultural diversity.

If you visit during November, you can’t miss Garifuna Settlement Day, a national celebration of the Garifunas’ arrival in Belize. It’s one of the biggest parties in town.

2. Learn To Drum Garifuna Style

Check out your musical chops at the Lebeha Drumming Center and Cabanas at the north end of Hopkins Village. The center is run by the Lebeha Drummers, Belize’s only professional Garifuna drummers. You can take a drumming class or just kick back and watch them do their thing.

3. Relax on Hopkins Beach

Although it’s not as popular as other Belize beaches, Hopkins Beach is wide, unspoiled, and shaded by palm trees. It doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches in Belize, and it’s a great place to get away from it all. Enjoy the views of the Maya Mountains and the many lush wildlife preserves and wetlands nearby.

4. Buy Unique Gifts at the Garimaya Gift Shop and Gallery

Here, you’ll find original arts and crafts made by Maya and Garifuna artisans. On the South Road, this colorful store is a feast for the eyes. It’s the perfect place to buy paintings and pottery by local artists, handmade jewelry, baskets, blankets, and musical instruments.

5. Get a Taste of Belize at Tina’s Kitchen

If you want a true taste of Belize, you can find it at Tina’s Kitchen. This local favorite serves authentic Garifuna food at affordable prices. Belize’s national dish is stewed chicken or fish served with beans and rice. You can get a heaping plateful of it at Tina’s.

6. Enjoy Nature at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The world’s first jaguar preserve, Cockscomb Basin is a wonderfully scenic preserve where you can spot colorful birds, intriguing wildlife, and amazing waterfalls. The lush rainforest is home to a huge variety of animals. Hike the trails, or spend a few hours cruising down a lazy river on an inner tube. Cockscomb Basin is an easy day trip from Hopkins Village.

7. Explore Mayflower Bocawina National Park

This is another gorgeous nature preserve where you’ll find lush rainforests, clearly marked hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and more waterfalls. The park is home to Belize’s famous Three Sisters waterfalls and the Silk Grass Creek, which attracts hundreds of birds, amphibians, reptiles, flying insects, and mammals. It’s a short drive from Hopkins.

8. Snorkel on the Silk Cayes

The Silk Cayes are some of the gorgeous offshore islands in the waters near Belize. They are remarkably unspoiled and offer world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. The best time to go is during March and June when whale sharks pass through Belize on their way south. These gentle giants can reach 8 feet, but they’re harmless to humans.

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9. Get Away To Glovers Reef

Glovers Reef Atoll is a reef island that’s about a three-hour boat ride from Hopkins. The rustic, unspoiled island is the perfect getaway. Rent a cabin on the beach for a night or two to enjoy the pristine waters, soft sand beaches, and an unforgettable island experience.

10. Finish Your Day at the Driftwood

The Driftwood Beach Bar and Pizza Shack serve ice-cold Belikins, rum cocktails, wine, and more at its friendly beachside location. You can also get standard pub fares like chicken wings, tacos, and homemade pizza. Stick around for live entertainment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights.

Hopkins Village Welcomes You

Hopkins is a little off the beaten path, but it’s well worth making the detour. You’ll find an authentic way of living, unspoiled beaches, and a warm welcome.