'''Hopkins''' is a city in Stann Creek in Belize. It is a quiet, laid-back fishing village with a long white-sand beach.

Get in

Hopkins is located 4 miles east of the Southern Highway. If coming by bus, you have three options to get into town. The first is to walk the long, hot, dusty road to town, and then more walking to find a place to stay. The second is to wait at the corner for a couple of hours until a bus turns in. The last option is to hitch a ride into town, most likely on a truck (this is the fastest).

Get around

  • Rent a bike or be prepared to walk. The town is about 3 miles north to south, and about a quarter mile wide.
  • See

  • On Weekends, watch traditional music at the drumming center. Tipping is mandatory, at $10Bz as of July 2007.
  • Do

  • '''LeBeha Drumming Center'''. Take drumming lessons.
  • '''Diving at Glover's Atoll''' It's cheaper here than in other parts of Belize. This is also the cheapest place to get certification in Belize.
  • Day trips to '''local parks and wildlife sanctuaries''' (Such as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary) are possible.
  • A '''snorkeling''' operation run by local fishermen.
  • '''Windsurfing and kayaking''' are also possible, e.g. at http://www.windsurfing-belize.com.
  • At nearby Sittee River, there is excellent '''birdwatching and canoeing''' -- including guided night trips up Boom Creek.
  • '''Marie Sharp's Tour''', The factory for Marie Sharp's is just north of Dangriga off of the highway. A reasonable day trip from the town.
  • '''Belize Fishing and Charters''',[http://www.belizefishingandcharters.com]. The only sports fishing charter operator in central and southern Belize. Belize Fishing and Charters provides world class fishing and cruising around and beyond the world's second longest barrier reef, home to one of the most diverse marine populations in the world. Explore deserted cayes, secluded beaches, untouched reefs, and virgin fishing areas. Enjoy 3, 4 and 5 day all-inclusive Belize adventure charters, as well as half and full day Belize fishing trips.
  • Buy

    There is an internet cafe, grocery store, tire repair, gas station (which doubles as a liquor store).

    Eat

  • A local dish called '''hudut''' is served here. It is a coconut milk based soup with onions, basil, whole snapper, and unknown ingredients. Mashed plantains are served on the side. It is eaten mid-day and is quite filling.
  • '''Marva's''', on the beach on the north side of town. Serves the Belizean standards. On Sundays, go in early to around 10AM and request Hudut or Tapado and it will be prepared in a couple of hours.
  • '''Kismet''', near the north end of town, across from the cemetery. A local guesthouse and restaurant serving vegetarian food.
  • Drink

  • '''Windschief''', on the beach, with hammocks and chairs. A bar run by expats. Good place to while away the afternoon.
  • If dancing is desired, ask where the local '''Punta Rock Club''' is and embarrass yourself trying to dance like the locals.
  • There are assorted local bars in town. Look at the Belikin signs.
  • Sleep

    Belize Vacations Sinsonte Beach Hotel. North Hopkins. Six private cabanas. Some with kitchenette. Prices from $30 BZ for a thatch cabana to $100 Bz for an upscale beach cabana with cable TV and kitchenette. http://www.webelizeyou.com
  • Hopkins Bay Resort. O Box 49, Dangriga, Belize. tann Creek District. oll Free 1.800.456.7150. A southern Belize resort, ideally situated on the Caribbean Sea near the Garifuna village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District, Hopkins Bay Resort is close to it all.

    As the closest mainland Belize property to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, we offer you unparalleled access to some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing in the world. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, canoe or kayak on a jungle river, go birding in the rainforest, or just relax in a hammock on the beach. At Hopkins Bay Resort adventure abounds.

    Our private five-star Belize villas offer the ultimate luxury oceanfront villas in a lush tropical paradise. Nowhere else on Belize_fs mainland can you experience such a supreme level of comfort and luxury. http://www.hopkinsbayresort.com</sleep>

  • '''LaBeha Drumming Center''', on the north side of town. There are three rooms here. One with a single bed, one with two beds, and one with a private bath. The two with the shared bath were $30Bz a night. Hammocks and Book exchange. The drumming center is located on the property.
  • '''Windschief''' - two rooms here, located on the beach. http://www.windschief.com
  • '''Kismet''', on the extreme north side of town.
  • There are a number of resorts to the far south of town. There are also assorted other guesthouses located throughout the town.
  • Get out

    To the south of Hopkins are a couple of self-contained resorts, such as Hamanasi and Jaguar Reef. Some of these may be able to book you on tours or dives.

  • A bus to Dangriga will come into town in the morning at 7AM. Everyday except Sunday it makes doorstop pickups. If heading south, take this bus to the Southern Highway, and switch there. Check with your guesthouse if a similar bus to Punta Gorda comes into town.