There are many things that make Hopkins Village special. Located on the beautiful coast of Belize, this charming fishing village is home to the fascinating Garifuna culture, with stunning natural beauty and adventure everywhere.
While you’ll find all the comforts of home you need in Hopkins, this is a town that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism. So be sure to visit soon to appreciate its unique and authentic atmosphere.
Hopkins was also recently named the friendliest town in Belize, so you are guaranteed a warm welcome.
Garifuna people in Hopkins Village
One of the highlights of Hopkins is its population, made up largely of Garifuna. These are descendants of people from the Caribbean and West Africa who, depending on which source you believe, were shipwrecked or escaped slavery.
Now found primarily in coastal locations in Central America, as well as in the US and Canada, there are an estimated 500,000 Garifuna worldwide.
Unique Garifuna Culture
Hopkins Village is Belize’s number one cultural destination and is one of the best places to discover the Garifuna way of life.
Percussion is an extremely important part of the GarÃfuna culture, helping to maintain the links with the African heritage of the population. You’ll hear drums wherever you go in Hopkins, and it really is the heartbeat of the town.
Music, song and dance are also prevalent in GarÃfuna culture, telling stories of the people’s heritage that visitors can understand without speaking the language.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities in Hopkins to enjoy and learn about the culture, as well as discover Garifuna food, which incorporates African influences into traditional Belizean dishes.
Caribbean beaches of Hopkins Belize
There are miles of beautiful Caribbean beaches in the Hopkins area, and they are considered among the best in Belize. Not for nothing is it called ‘the coast with the most’!
The good news is that all of Belize’s beaches are public, which means you can find your perfect spot of fine, golden sand, perhaps under the shade of a palm tree, and enjoy a day at the beach for free. And, unlike Dangriga to the north and Placencia to the south, which are more crowded, you may only have to share Hopkins Beach with the local fishermen who bring in the catch of the day.
Marine and Jungle Adventures near Hopkins
Near Hopkins Village, you can discover a host of adventures that will impress wildlife lovers, adrenaline junkies, and scuba enthusiasts alike.
A half-hour boat ride from Hopkins will take you to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second largest in the world and makes for an unforgettable snorkeling or diving trip.
You can also take a boat cruise on the nearby Monkey River, where you’ll likely see howler monkeys, toucans, manatees, and maybe even crocodiles.
For adventure lovers, there is a wide range of options here. Zip-lining is a popular activity, or you can try waterfall rappelling. To channel your inner explorer, ATV tours are available that explore the jungles of the region.
All of this can be enjoyed in and around Hopkins Belize. So the question is, why wouldn’t you want to visit?
