This small seaside village in southern Belize offers a rustic beach vibe with mom-and-pop restaurants, bars, and shops. Considered the cultural center for the country’s Garifuna population, Hopkins and its residents continue indigenous traditions such as drumming, which they’re happy to share with visitors. Travelers are attracted to this quiet town because it doesn’t draw the large crowds that the northern regions of Belize do. From jungle adventures to snorkeling and scuba diving, there are plenty of things to do in Hopkins.
The best time to visit Hopkins is from January to March, the middle of Belize’s dry season. The rainy season runs from June to November, but showers typically only last 1-2 hours. Most scuba divers travel here during the high season, but if you want to swim with whale sharks, visit from March to June. Every year in November, locals celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day with music, drumming, and food.
Once you arrive in Hopkins via a local flight or by car or shuttle from Belize City, you can get around the town on foot, by bike, or with a rental car or golf cart. The town runs along the shore down one main road, so you can easily navigate it. There are bike rental shops, plus some hotels provide them to guests. Motorbikes are also available to rent.
When in Hopkins, order the local Garifuna dish called hudut. It’s a coconut milk-based soup with onions, basil, and a whole snapper, served with mashed plantains or yams. Enjoy it with a pint of Belikin, Belize’s national beer. You can also experience native Garifuna drumming, an integral part of the culture, in some local restaurants.
