Hopkins: A Tropical Belizean Paradise

Hopkins is a small, Garifuna village on the coast of Stann Creek District in Belize, known as the coast with the most in Belize. The village is separated into two parts: the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). Hopkins is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore. It is also very close to the Sittee River. Hopkins was established in the 1940s after a nearby village was devastated by a hurricane, and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its beach, adventure, culture, and food.

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village in the Stann Creek District of Belize

The Garifuna are the descendants of an Afro-indigenous population from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. In the 17th and 18th centuries, ships carrying enslaved Africans to the Caribbean wrecked off the coast of St. Vincent, and the survivors intermarried with the indigenous Kalinago (Carib) population. This led to the development of an Afro-indigenous culture known as the Black Caribs or Garifuna. The Garifuna resisted European colonisation for over a century before being exiled to the Honduran coast in the late 18th century. They later moved to Belize, where they settled in several villages, including Hopkins.

Hopkins is known for its rich Garifuna culture, including music, dance, and cuisine. The village hosts cultural celebrations such as Garifuna Settlement Day, which is celebrated on November 19th with drum ceremonies and traditional food. Hopkins is also a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering access to the Southern Barrier Reef and nearby jungle attractions. The village has a range of resorts, local restaurants, beach bars, and gift shops.

Some of the top things to do in Hopkins include exploring the Southern Barrier Reef, learning about Garifuna culture through cooking, drumming, and dancing lessons, and visiting nearby national parks such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Hopkins is a great destination for travellers interested in experiencing Garifuna culture and exploring the natural beauty of Belize.

Hopkins is divided into two parts: Northside (Baila) and Southside (False Sittee)

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize. It is considered by some Belizeans to be the cultural centre of the Garifuna population in the country. The village is divided into two parts: Northside (Baila) and Southside (False Sittee).

The Garifuna people make up the majority of the population in Hopkins, with 70.2% of residents identifying as Garifuna in the 2010 census. The village was established in 1942 after a hurricane devastated the nearby village of Newtown. Since then, Hopkins has grown, but it has retained its coastal charm and is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant community. The village boasts a rustic local beach vibe with many small restaurants, bars, and gift shops.

The Northside (Baila) and Southside (False Sittee) of Hopkins are surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore. The village is also very close to the Sittee River. The natural environment provides a wealth of water and nature activities for visitors, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, and exploring the nearby jungle attractions.

In addition to its natural attractions, Hopkins offers a unique cultural experience. The village hosts its own community holiday, Hopkins Day, and welcomes visitors for the cultural celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day, complete with drum ceremonies that last until the early morning hours. Visitors can also learn about Garifuna culture through cooking, drumming, and dancing lessons. The residents of Hopkins are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and they welcome visitors to their village.

With its beautiful natural surroundings, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant community, Hopkins is a unique and captivating destination in Belize. The village offers a range of activities and experiences that cater to those seeking a quiet coastal getaway with a touch of adventure and cultural exploration.

Hopkins has a population of 1,610, with a high concentration of Garifuna people

Hopkins, a village on Belize's coast, has a population of 1,610, as recorded in the 2010 census. The village is divided into two parts: the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). It is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range, with the Caribbean Sea on its shore.

Hopkins has a high concentration of Garifuna people, with 70.2% of its population identifying as such. The Garifuna are a people of mixed free African and Amerindian ancestry, originating in the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent. They are the descendants of indigenous Arawak, Kalinago (Island Carib), and Afro-Caribbean people. The Garifuna language is an offshoot of the Arawak language, with French, English, Dutch, African, and Spanish influences.

The Garifuna are considered the founding population of the Central American diaspora, with communities in Honduras, the United States, and Belize. In Hopkins, the Garifuna culture is celebrated through drum ceremonies and the community holiday, Hopkins Day. The village is known as an eco-cultural destination, attracting travellers interested in learning about Garifuna traditions, exploring the Southern Barrier Reef, and accessing nearby jungle attractions.

Hopkins was established in 1942 after a hurricane devastated the nearby village of Newtown. Fishing and farming used to be the primary sources of income, but today, tourism is the main industry, with Hopkins offering upscale resorts, local restaurants, beach bars, and gift shops. The village has retained its coastal charm and is known for its warm hospitality and safe environment.

Hopkins offers a range of accommodation, from backpacker-style to upscale beachfront resorts

Hopkins, Belize is a coastal village in the east of the country, with a population of 1,610 as of the 2010 census. It is considered by some to be the cultural centre of the country's Garifuna population.

For those seeking a budget stay, Buttonwood Guest House offers modest condo-style rooms, while White Horse Guesthouse is another great-value option, with comfortable rooms, suites, and bungalows. The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel is another good budget option, with spacious private rooms and a good social atmosphere.

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, the award-winning Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort offers beachfront rooms and treehouses, along with its own on-site 5-star PADI dive centre. Almond Beach Resort at Jaguar Reef is another popular choice, with a private beach area, spa facilities, and an outdoor pool. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is also a great option, with beachfront bungalows and villas, two outdoor pools, and an on-site restaurant.

Other notable mentions include the eco-friendly Bocawina Rainforest Resort, the beachfront Coconut Row Resort, and the family-friendly Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort.

Hopkins is known for its authentic culture, including Garifuna drumming and dancing

Hopkins is a village on the coast of Stann Creek in Southern Belize. It is known for its authentic culture, including Garifuna drumming and dancing.

The village is considered by some to be the cultural centre of the Garifuna population in Belize. The Garifuna are a mix of West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak peoples. Hopkins hosts its own community holiday, Hopkins Day, and welcomes visitors for the cultural celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day, which is marked by drum ceremonies that can last until the early hours of the morning.

The Lebeha Drumming Center is a popular attraction in Hopkins. Visitors can watch, listen, and participate in dance and drumming, learning about the Garifuna culture through music and movement. The centre was started in 2002 by drummer Jabbar Lambey and Canadian Dorothy Pettersen. It offers local children the chance to learn drumming, dance, and cultural heritage, and also provides group or private lessons for visitors.

In addition to drumming and dancing, Garifuna food is also an important part of the culture in Hopkins. Visitors can take a Garifuna cooking class to learn how to transform cassava, coconuts, plantains, and fish into traditional dishes like hudut or a warm cup of sahou.

With its laid-back Caribbean vibe, Hopkins offers a unique travel destination—a great place to stay for a combined beach and jungle vacation in Belize.

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