The tiny Garifuna village, of Hopkins, nestled on the coast of the Stann creek district, situated south of Dangriga Town is known for its rustic local beach vibes, friendly residents, warm hospitality, safe environment, authentic food, and coastal charm, that continues to attract visitors to its shores.
In fact, the seaside community is the perfect holiday destination for tourists who are looking for an authentic getaway in a small but closed-knitted cultural community that embraces visitors from all walks of life. The village is known to be home to a fascinating Garifuna Culture, and stunning views offering visitors a chance to access both cultural, nature, and marine tours very easily.
Surrounded by the sea, as well as traditional fishermen and women, it is no wonder that visitors are easily convinced to explore the Southern Barrier Reef, which remains one of the most mind-blowing tourist attractions in the country. In less than a 30 to 40 minutes boat ride you can be up close and personal with the second largest living barrier reef in the world. This one-of-a-kind destination according to UNESCO remains one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Spreading over 170 miles across the country, and home to over 100 coral species, over 500 species of fishes, hundreds of invertebrates, sea turtles, eagle rays, dolphins, nurse sharks, and over 200 islands and cayes, the Belize Barrier Reef boast the most captivating underwater scenes, just waiting to be explored by divers.
Just when you think that nature cannot get any better than this then you might have to think again and even consider witnessing the Nocturnal Bioluminescent River and Lagoon Tour for yourself. This seasonal nightly tour, which is available from January to May, will take you on a 5-minute boat ride along the Anderson Lagoon in Sitee River Village where you will witness the water as it glows. This is caused by a perfect mixture of salt and freshwater along with a combination of algae bloom of plankton which causes the water to glow when disturbed by a wave breaking or a splash in the water at night.
Gotten enough of nature and aching to know more about the rich culture, tradition, customs, and ways of the traditional Garifuna families that make up the community. Then you might want to try the Garifuna Cultural and Culinary Immersion Tour which will give you a chance to work side by side with locals who will teach you how to prepare ‘’hudut.’’ Not only will you learn how to prepare the meal, but you will also get a chance to sample the meal, don yourself in cultural Garifuna clothing but also get to test your drumming and dancing skills.
Another tour that will take you out to the west of the country, to the Actun Tunich Mucknal Cave situated just outside of San Ignacio Town will let you explore the underworld wonders of the Maya world. This tour is among the most popular cave tours in the country and consists of a huge network of underground chambers that remains a treasure trove for archaeologists. Now home to bats, crabs, birds, and even fishes the massive underground cave is believed to have been used by the Mayas as a sacred site for human sacrifice. Among the many skeletons that have been left behind at the site including the skeletal remains of children, the most popular of them is the crystal maiden which has a unique glimmering appearance.
If you prefer a more laid-back tour then you can book a cave tubing experience at St. Herman’s Cave, situated on the picturesque Hummingbird Highway. This tour will take you on a 10-minute hike through the jungle where you will disappear into the underworld and into an underwater river cave system on inflated tubes. As you slowly descend downstream you will marvel at the massive interior of the underwater cave system, and spot various flora and fauna as you float by.
At this point, you might be wondering how you will get around to all these activities. Uncharted Jewel Belize can rid you of that additional stress by taking care of all your logistics needs. We are a certified tour and shuttle company in southern Belize that prides itself in having certified guides and drivers that bring to life the most memorable experiences of all aspects of our beloved country. Book our services today and experience dependable, trustworthy, comfortable, and safe transportation and tours to any part of the country.
