Hopkins Belize: An Angler's Paradise

Hopkins, Belize is a great location for fishing. The village is divided into two areas: the Northside, also known as Baila, and the Southside, referred to as False Sittee. Hopkins is located on the coast of Stann Creek in Southern Belize and was established in 1942 to replace Newtown, which had been devastated by a hurricane. Fishing and farming used to be the primary source of income, and today, Hopkins is known as an eco-cultural hotspot. The Sittee River and the Caribbean Sea offer some of Belize's best fishing spots. The barrier reef isn't close to shore, but once you reach it, there's good diving and fishing. There's also excellent diving in the South Water Marine Reserve.

Hopkins has several fishing charters and tours available, including Blue Horizon, which is the premier fly-fishing outfitter in Belize. They offer half-day and full-day trips with professional guides, outfitted flats boats, fishing gear, and refreshments. Cal Tropic Tours is another option for fishing the stunning waters of Hopkins. Captain Jaime, who has been fishing since he was a child, is highly recommended by anglers.

Hopkins is a delightful, friendly, and mostly unspoiled village that is changing quickly. It's a great choice for a beach and jungle vacation in Belize, offering a unique blend of cultural, water, and nature activities.

Hopkins Bay Belize: Blue Horizon Fly Fishing

Hopkins Bay Belize is a great destination for fishing, especially if you're interested in fly fishing. Blue Horizon is the premier fly fishing outfitter in Belize, with experienced guides who can create a memorable fishing experience for both beginners and seasoned anglers.

Half-Day and Full-Day Trips

Blue Horizon offers half-day and full-day fishing trips. The half-day trip includes 4 hours of fishing with a professional guide, equipped boats, fishing gear, beverages, and snacks. The full-day trip doubles the time spent on the water and also includes lunch. Both options cater to a maximum of two people per boat.

Fishing Packages

Hopkins Bay Belize also provides fishing packages in collaboration with Blue Horizon Outfitters. These packages include full days of fly fishing, with all the necessary fishing equipment provided, as well as the use of kayaks, paddle boards, and bikes. Lunch is also included in the package, courtesy of Blue Horizon Outfitters.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

If you're looking for a private deep-sea fishing experience, you can charter the "Weak Moment" boat. These charters come with a captain, mate, fuel, gear, bait, tackle, towels, sunscreen, food, drinks, and anything else you might need for your fishing adventure. You can target game fish like Marlin, Tuna, and Wahoo. The boat can accommodate up to 6 anglers and 4 additional non-anglers.

Reef Fishing

For those interested in reef fishing, Hopkins Bay Belize offers excursions to the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest barrier reef. You'll have the opportunity to catch a variety of fish, including snapper, grouper, mackerel, jacks, and barracuda. The reef also provides a great setting for snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Fishing in Hopkins, Belize

Hopkins, located in Southern Belize, is known for its fishing heritage. It is a Garifuna fishing village with access to excellent fishing spots, including the Sittee River and the Caribbean Sea. The nearby South Water Marine Reserve is also renowned for its fishing, diving, and snorkelling opportunities.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced angler, Hopkins Bay Belize and Blue Horizon Fly Fishing can cater to your needs, providing you with a unique and enjoyable fishing experience.

Garifuna Fishing Village

Belize is a popular destination for fishing, and Hopkins is no exception. The village is known for its Garifuna culture and its fishing traditions, with several fishing charters and tours available for visitors.

One of the highlights of fishing in Hopkins is the opportunity to experience the local Garifuna culture. The Garifuna people are descendants of West African, Central African, and Indigenous Caribbean people, and they have a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can book a Garifuna cultural experience to learn about traditional fishing techniques and the community's way of life.

There are several fishing lodges and charter companies in Hopkins that offer a range of fishing experiences. These include fly fishing, reef fishing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkelling or SCUBA diving excursions. The village is also a great base for exploring the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including snapper, grouper, mackerel, jacks, and barracuda.

• Happy Go Luckie Tours: Offering scuba diving, snorkelling, and boat tours with a knowledgeable crew.
• Get To Know Belize Adventures: Providing cultural tours and scuba diving or snorkelling experiences, including a visit to the Cockscomb Preserve and chocolate-making at Che'il.
• Seemore Adventures – Dive & Adventure Shop: Offering scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing charters with safe and knowledgeable boat captains and well-trained dive masters.
• Palmento Grove Cultural & Fishing Lodge: A family-run lodge offering a Garifuna cultural experience, including fishing, snorkelling, and island-hopping.
• Noawel's Fishing and Snorkeling: Teaching guests about the local Garifuna culture, as well as offering scuba diving, snorkelling, and boat tours.
• Blue Horizon Fly Fishing: Premier fly-fishing outfitters in Belize, catering to both beginners and experienced anglers with half-day and full-day trips.

Hopkins Fishing Charters

Hopkins, a Garifuna fishing village located 8 miles from Dangriga on the Southern Highway, is known for its excellent fishing spots. The Sittee River and the Caribbean Sea offer some of Belize's best fishing grounds, with the latter being particularly good for deep-sea fishing.

Blue Horizon Fly Fishing

Blue Horizon is a premier fly-fishing outfitter in Belize, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. They offer half-day and full-day trips that include a professional fly-fishing guide, outfitted flats boats, fishing gear, and refreshments.

Cal Tropic Tours

Cal Tropic Tours offers fishing trips around the stunning waters of Hopkins, allowing anglers to explore the beauty of the area while trying their luck with various fish species.

Waata Daag Fishing Adventures

This all-inclusive fishing adventure is led by Captain Grayson, who takes anglers on an exploration of Belize's productive waters. The trip includes everything from fishing gear to refreshments, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Cindiri Beach Belize

Cindiri Beach Belize provides a range of fishing experiences, from expeditions to couple's retreats and family vacations. They cater to a variety of interests and group sizes, making it a versatile option for anglers.

Hopkins Bay Belize

Hopkins Bay Belize offers private boat charter deep-sea fishing experiences. Their charters include a captain, mate, fuel, gear, bait, refreshments, and more. Anglers can customize their trip, choosing from hardcore deep-sea trolling to a combination of trolling and reef fishing, or even adding snorkelling and scuba diving to their itinerary.

Hopkins, with its friendly seaside village atmosphere and proximity to diverse natural attractions, provides a unique and memorable fishing experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, the fishing charters and tours available in Hopkins are sure to cater to your needs and create lasting memories.

Fishing and snorkelling tours

Hopkins, Belize, is a great location for fishing and snorkelling tours. The village is home to a variety of tour operators offering fishing, snorkelling, and fly-fishing experiences. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest living barrier reef in the world, is a popular destination for snorkelling tours, offering a multitude of coral formations and a large variety of marine life.

Snorkelling Tours

Snorkelling tours in Hopkins typically include a boat ride to the Southern Barrier Reef, where participants can explore various snorkelling sites within the reserve, suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. With visibility ranging from 60 to 100 feet, snorkelers can expect to encounter eagle rays, sea turtles, exotic fish, dolphins, and even friendly nurse sharks. The boat ride also offers the opportunity to spot boobies and frigates and learn about the mangrove formations that protect the Belize islands. A typical tour includes snorkelling gear, boat transportation, a certified guide, and a packed lunch, with some operators offering customisable options.

Fishing Tours

Fishing tours in Hopkins cater to a range of preferences, from reef fishing to fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing. The productive Placencia flats and the waters off the coast of Belize are popular destinations for anglers. Some tours offer a combination of fishing and snorkelling, allowing participants to try their hand at both activities. Fishing tours are often led by experienced local fishermen who can guide participants to the best spots for catching snapper, grouper, mackerel, jacks, and barracuda.

Tour Operators

Popular tour operators in Hopkins include Coconut Row, Belizean Dreams, Captain Ash Adventure Tours, Happy Go Luckie Tours, Get To Know Belize Adventures, Seemore Adventures, and Blue Horizon. These operators offer a range of packages and customisable options to suit different interests and group sizes.

Sample Itinerary

8:00 AM: Departure from Hopkins

8:45 AM: Arrive at the reef for snorkelling

10:00 AM: Lunch on a nearby beach caye with optional snorkelling or relaxation

11:30 AM: Continue snorkelling at another spot on the reef

1:00 PM: Begin fishing or fly-fishing

3:00 PM: Return to Hopkins with the day's catch

Please note that this itinerary can be customised to include more snorkelling or fishing time, depending on the preferences of the group.

Reef fishing

There are several options for reef fishing excursions in Hopkins. You can choose between half-day and full-day trips, with each trip lasting around 4 to 8 hours, respectively. These trips usually include a professional captain or guide, fishing gear, and refreshments. Some tours even offer a unique opportunity to have your catch prepared by a lodge chef for dinner.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider combining reef fishing with snorkelling or SCUBA diving. This gives you a chance to explore the vibrant marine life up close and personal while also trying your hand at fishing.

For a truly memorable experience, you can charter a private boat for deep-sea fishing. These charters are fully loaded with everything you need, from gear and bait to refreshments and a first mate. You can customise your trip, choosing to focus on reef fishing or mix it with other activities like snorkelling and diving.

When it comes to reef fishing in Hopkins, one of the recommended outfitters is Blue Horizon. Whether you're a novice or an experienced angler, their guides will create an unforgettable experience for you. Captain Jaime, a local expert who has been fishing since his childhood, is also well-regarded for his knowledge of the area and versatile fishing techniques.

So, if you're looking for a thrilling fishing experience, Hopkins, Belize, with its stunning barrier reef, is an excellent choice. You'll have the opportunity to test your skills against a variety of game fish while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Frequently asked questions