Dangriga & Hopkins

Belize travel destination

Dangriga, the largest town in southern Belize, is the capital of Belize's Stann Creek District. In Belize it has gained the nickname "The Culture Capital" for its mix of diverse peoples and cultures, being the home of some of Belize's most innovative musical forms and sporting activities. Dangriga was first settled under the name "Stann Creek Town" as a trading and logging post in the late 17th century. Dangriga, Hopkins, and several smaller fishing villages preserve the unique Garinagu culture (also known as Garifuna and Caribs). Dangriga means “sweet water” in the Garifuna language.

Dangriga and Hopkins are perfect hubs for travelers looking for adventure. Topping everyone’s list is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 128,000-acre bowl of pristine rainforest, winding rivers, and scenic waterfalls southwest of Dangriga. Easy access to the barrier reef, only a half hour from shore, makes Dangriga popular with snorkelers, divers and anglers. Both communities also make for perfect jump-off spots to the cayes, atolls and reefs, where neon tropical fish populate a metropolis of corals.

The peaceful Hopkins Village is situated further south along the coast near the village of Sittie River, off the Southern highway and about 25 minutes south of Dangriga. The sleepy seaside retreat lures visitors with 12 miles of white beach, among the best in the country. Many day tours available from Dangriga also operate from Hopkins. Attractions such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary await you less than an hour away.