Sunny beach and turquoise waters in Hopkins, Belize

Things to do in  Hopkins

You better Belize it

This small seaside village in southern Belize offers a rustic beach vibe with mom-and-pop restaurants, bars, and shops. Considered the cultural center for the country’s Garifuna population, Hopkins and its residents continue indigenous traditions such as drumming, which they’re happy to share with visitors. Travelers are attracted to this quiet town because it doesn’t draw the large crowds that the northern regions of Belize do. From jungle adventures to snorkeling and scuba diving, there are plenty of things to do in Hopkins.

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Top 1 attractions in Hopkins

#1

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

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Howler monkeys swing through broadleaf forest in this southern Belize national park, a wildlife sanctuary whose winding trails lead to Maya ruins and lacy waterfalls. Top activities in Mayflower Bocawina National Park include hiking, swimming, ziplining, and waterfall rappelling, with options that range from laid-back to adventurous.More
Tours & Tickets

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Top activities in Hopkins

Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise

Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise

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25
From
$100.00
Thrilling Zipline Adventure at Bocawina Rainforest

Thrilling Zipline Adventure at Bocawina Rainforest

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43
From
$84.38
Barrier Reef Snorkel: Half Day

Barrier Reef Snorkel: Half Day

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40
From
$180.00
Cave Tubing at Saint Herman's Cave

Cave Tubing at Saint Herman's Cave

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13
From
$158.98
Cook Your Catch-Private Island Picnic

Cook Your Catch-Private Island Picnic

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12
From
$280.00
Xunantunich Maya Ruins & Cave Tubing - St. Herman's Cave

Xunantunich Maya Ruins & Cave Tubing - St. Herman's Cave

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16
From
$230.77
Extreme Waterfall Rappelling at Bocawina Rainforest - Antelope Falls

Extreme Waterfall Rappelling at Bocawina Rainforest - Antelope Falls

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10
From
$150.63
Private Tour Of Cave Tubing And Zip-line from Hopkins Village

Private Tour Of Cave Tubing And Zip-line from Hopkins Village

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1
From
$143.59
Monkey River Tour (with transportation from Hopkins)

Monkey River Tour (with transportation from Hopkins)

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3
From
$153.85
Barrier Reef Snorkel & Fishing Combo

Barrier Reef Snorkel & Fishing Combo

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30
From
$220.00
Hopkins Village to Placencia Transfer

Hopkins Village to Placencia Transfer

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7
From
$65.00
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Adventure

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Adventure

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5
From
$250.00
Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Blue Hole Combo Tour

Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Blue Hole Combo Tour

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2
From
$180.00
Jungle Canopy Zipline & Waterfall Rappelling - Bocawina Falls

Jungle Canopy Zipline & Waterfall Rappelling - Bocawina Falls

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22
From
$150.63
Extreme Waterfall Rappelling & Zipline Combo at Bocawina - Antelope Falls

Extreme Waterfall Rappelling & Zipline Combo at Bocawina - Antelope Falls

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7
From
$228.13
Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Cave Tubing from Hopkins

Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Cave Tubing from Hopkins

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2
From
$275.00
Tikal Mayan Adventure - 1 Day Tour

Tikal Mayan Adventure - 1 Day Tour

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5
From
$330.00
Xunantunich Maya Ruins

Xunantunich Maya Ruins

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8
From
$179.49
A.T.M Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) from Hopkins

A.T.M Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) from Hopkins

From
$290.00
Xunantunich from Hopkins

Xunantunich from Hopkins

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1
From
$179.49
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All about Hopkins

When to visit

The best time to visit Hopkins is from January to March, the middle of Belize’s dry season. The rainy season runs from June to November, but showers typically only last 1-2 hours. Most scuba divers travel here during the high season, but if you want to swim with whale sharks, visit from March to June. Every year in November, locals celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day with music, drumming, and food.

Getting around

Once you arrive in Hopkins via a local flight or by car or shuttle from Belize City, you can get around the town on foot, by bike, or with a rental car or golf cart. The town runs along the shore down one main road, so you can easily navigate it. There are bike rental shops, plus some hotels provide them to guests. Motorbikes are also available to rent.

Traveler tips

When in Hopkins, order the local Garifuna dish called hudut. It’s a coconut milk-based soup with onions, basil, and a whole snapper, served with mashed plantains or yams. Enjoy it with a pint of Belikin, Belize’s national beer. You can also experience native Garifuna drumming, an integral part of the culture, in some local restaurants.

Attractions
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Tours
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Reviews
285
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People Also Ask

Is Hopkins Belize worth visiting?

Yes. Unlike popular spots such as Caye Caulker, Hopkins gives you access to a pristine part of the Belize Barrier Reef, along with some of the best beaches in the country. It also offers an authentic look at Garifuna culture. The residents are happy to share their drumming traditions; some musicians offer lessons to visitors.

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How do you get around Hopkins Belize?

Since Hopkins is a small village—roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) long—it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. Motorbikes are also available for rent and some resorts give guests access to golf carts. The most convenient way to get to Hopkins is by renting a car; it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Belize City.

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Can you swim at Hopkins Beach Belize?

Yes. There is less seagrass here than in other areas of the country, making Hopkins Beach good for swimming. The barrier reef lies only 8-10 miles (13-16 kilometers) offshore, so you don’t have to go far to find good snorkeling spots. Visit between November and August for the best swimming and snorkeling temperatures.

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What is the history of Hopkins Belize?

First inhabited by the Maya people and then the Spanish, Hopkins eventually became the center of Garifuna culture upon their arrival in the late 18th century. This group of Afro-Caribbean people were descendants of enslaved Africans. The Garifuna residents have continued to work to preserve and promote Garifuna traditions and customs.

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What is Hopkins Belize known for?

Considered the center of Garifuna culture in Belize, Hopkins offers you an authentic indigenous experience through traditional activities such as drumming lessons. The quiet beach town is also known for outdoor activities like diving, fishing, and snorkeling, but it isn’t as crowded as other regions of Belize.

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Where do most Americans go in Belize?

Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, attracts the most American visitors, with many coming to dive and snorkel at the 407-foot-deep (124-meter) Great Blue Hole. Its only town, San Pedro, boasts plenty of restaurants and bars. Plus, Ambergris Caye is close to Belize City and the international airport, making it a convenient vacation spot.

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