Hopkins Bay: Belize's Best-Kept Secret

Hopkins Bay is a Muy'Ono Resort in Belize, situated on the Caribbean Sea near the Garifuna village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District. Known as the coast with the most in Belize, Hopkins Bay is a great place for travellers seeking a quiet coastal base from which to explore the Southern Barrier Reef and access top jungle attractions. The village is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and boasts a rustic local beach vibe with many restaurants, small bars, and gift shops. Hopkins Bay offers a range of accommodation options, from one-bedroom beach lofts for couples to two- and three-bedroom beach houses for families and friends. The resort also provides complimentary amenities and activities, including multiple pools, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Hopkins Bay Belize Resort

Accommodations

The resort features spacious, well-appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom beach houses with garden or beachfront views. Each accommodation is equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and full kitchens or kitchenettes. The bathrooms are adorned with bright, ornate tiling and hand-painted ceramic sinks.

Dining

Amenities and Activities

The resort boasts two outdoor pools, including a beachfront pool with a beach bar, and a spacious beach area with lounge chairs and palapas. Guests can enjoy complimentary activities such as kayaking, beach games, and bike rentals. The resort also arranges cultural events and tours, including drum classes, Garifuna dance lessons, and excursions to nearby attractions like Mayan ruins.

Location

Garifuna village of Hopkins

The Garifuna village of Hopkins is a small, coastal community in the Stann Creek District in southern Belize. It is considered the cultural centre of the Garifuna population in Belize. The village is located just eight miles south of Dangriga, where the closest airstrip can be found, and four miles off the Southern Highway. Surrounded by the majestic Maya Mountains and the lush Cockscomb Range to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Hopkins offers a combination of relaxation and adventure.

Hopkins has a population of around 1,000-1,500 people, scattered throughout the inland and shores. The villagers are predominantly of Garifuna descent and are known for their calm and gentle nature, as well as their friendliness and hospitality. The main livelihoods of the Garifuna people in Hopkins revolve around the natural abundance of the sea and diverse coastal ecosystems, with many making a living through fishing and selling their catch to locals and tourists. However, with the growth of tourism in the area, many Hopkins natives have also found work in the hospitality industry.

The village is divided into two parts: the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). Hopkins offers a range of accommodations, from high-end resorts to low-budget spots, all providing stunning views of the surrounding nature. The village is known for its local Garifuna cuisine, which typically includes cassava, fresh seafood, and ground foods spiced with zesty flavours. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities in Hopkins, such as learning the traditional Garifuna dance and drumming, taking a dip in the coastal waters, exploring the Serpon Sugar Mill, or discovering the wildlife and natural beauty of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park.

Hopkins is easily accessible by car or plane, with an increasing sense of intrigue as one travels through the dense jungle surroundings. The village has a laid-back and easy-going atmosphere, making it a great place to experience traditional Garifuna living and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Belize.

The Caribbean Sea

Hopkins Bay is a Muy'Ono Resort in Belize, situated at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The village of Hopkins is located on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize and is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant Garifuna culture. With its laid-back Caribbean vibe, Hopkins offers the perfect blend of beach and jungle experiences.

The climate of the Caribbean Sea is generally tropical, but variations exist depending on mountain elevations, water currents, and trade winds. The region experiences tropical rainforest and savanna climates, as well as arid climates in some areas. The northeast trade winds dominate the region, and tropical storms and hurricanes are a common occurrence during the hurricane season from June to November.

Ancient Maya sites

Hopkins Bay Belize is a Muy'Ono Resort located on the edge of Belize on the Caribbean Sea. It is situated in the heart of the Garifuna village of Hopkins, voted the friendliest city in Belize. Surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, Hopkins Bay is a great destination for those seeking adventure.

For those interested in exploring ancient Maya sites, there are several options to choose from. One popular ruin is Xunantunich, located about two hours from Hopkins. To access Xunantunich, you'll need to take a hand-crank ferry boat across a river, making for a unique and exciting experience. This site is often combined with visits to other places, such as Cahal Pech.

In addition to Xunantunich, there are other Maya sites within reach of Hopkins Bay. The village itself is surrounded by the Maya Mountains, offering a glimpse into the ancient culture. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located nearby, provides an opportunity to explore the natural environment while also learning about the Maya's historical presence in the area.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Maya history and culture, Hopkins Bay is an ideal starting point. The village is known for its cultural significance, particularly for the Garifuna population. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through drumming and dancing lessons, as well as culinary experiences featuring traditional Garifuna dishes.

With its proximity to ancient Maya sites and its cultural offerings, Hopkins Bay Belize serves as a gateway to exploring the rich history and natural wonders of the region. Whether you're interested in archaeology, culture, or adventure, Hopkins Bay has something for your inner explorer.

Hopkins' events and attractions

Hopkins Events and Attractions

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in southern Belize, known for its warm hospitality and rustic local beach vibe. With a laidback Caribbean atmosphere, it's a great place to stay for a combined beach and jungle vacation.

Events

• Mango Fest – Dates vary each summer.
• Lobster Season – June 15 to February 15.
• Belize Independence Day – September 21.
• Conch Season – October 1 to June 30.
• Garifuna Settlement Day – November 19.
• Belize Carnival – Held every September, this massive annual event features music, fashion, and dance that unites African traditions with Mayan culture. Expect street parades, stunning costumes, and Caribbean music performances.
• Lobsterfest – An annual celebration acknowledging the arrival of lobster fishing season. Expect festive community parties with food and beverages, live entertainment, and culinary competitions.

Attractions

• Glover's Reef Marine Reserve – A popular attraction in Hopkins.
• Putt-in-Belize MiniGolf – A unique mini-golf experience.
• South Water Caye Marine Reserve – A great spot for diving or snorkelling the Southern Barrier Reef.
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – A nearby national park offering hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
• Monkey River – A rustic, frozen-in-time village in southern Belize. Take a boat trip to spot crocodiles and see monkeys in the dense forest.
• Maya King Waterfalls – A day trip destination with a pavilion, toilets, and a deck overlooking a waterfall that's perfect for yoga and world-class hiking.
• Xunantunich Maya Ruins – One of the most popular and well-regarded Maya ruins in the country.
• Barrier Reef – The second-biggest barrier reef in the world, offering world-class snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
• Bocawina National Park – A park with world-class hiking, ziplining, and waterfalls for swimming.
• Chocolate Tour – Learn about the Maya culture and how to make chocolate.

Frequently asked questions