In recent years, as more travelers are visiting Southern Belize, the friendly seaside village of Hopkins has blossomed into an incredible destination. The village is primarily known for its vibrant Garifuna culture and heritage, however, there are numerous additional things to do here. Some of these activities involve exploring the Southern BarrierReef and hiking nearby nature reserves.
1. Dive, Snorkel, or Fish the Southern Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef One of the best aspects about Hopkins is that Garifuna people are seafaring men and women. Whether you want to go diving, snorkeling, fishing, or sailing, the local tour guides are very experienced and are more than eager to help you explore the Caribbean Sea. With the Southern Barrier Reef being so near to Hopkins, diving and snorkeling are supreme. South Water Caye Marine Reserve, for example, is 30-40 minutes away by boat and has some of the best dive and snorkel sites in Belize Divers can enjoy amazing wall dives outside the reef while
2. Garifuna Drumming and Dance Lessons
Another must-have experience while at Hopkins is taking drumming and dance lessons. While I was in university, I took Garifuna drumming lessons as one of my electives and it was incredible. I must admit that it normally takes several lessons to get good at it, however, one session is enough to learn the basics. Plus, although you may not master drumming, you may excel at dancing Punta or singing traditional songs.
3. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Maya Center Village
Just 30 minutes from Hopkins is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for being the first Jaguar Preserve in the world and a top hiking destination in Belize. Along with hiking jungle trails, you can learn about medicinal plants, go birdwatching, and swim in the waterfalls. At the entrance of the sanctuary is Maya Center, a small Mopan Maya village where you can experience the traditional Mayan lifestyle and culture. This includes going on
the Che’il Chocolate Tour, where you visit a cocoa farm and learn how to make handmade chocolate.
4. Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Mayflower Bocawina is the perfect alternative to visiting the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Actually, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a hardcore Belize jungle adventure, you’ll probably prefer visiting this national park. The park is approximately 20 minutes away from Hopkins and it has the longest zip-line course in Central America and three waterfalls to rappel down from. Additionally, there are several nature trails and amazing birdwatching opportunities.
