Southeast Coast

It’s the coast with the most.
By: Belize
Placencia Beach Huts

Placencia Beach Huts

Beach huts in Placencia, Belize

Photo by: John Crux Photography, Getty Images

John Crux Photography, Getty Images

Placencia, Hopkins and Dangriga are true fisherman’s villages with strong cultural pride. These eco-tourist regions feature exceptional natural amenities, a signature of pristine Belize. Plan to spend a few days in these areas and visit the world’s only jaguar preserve “Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary”. Water activities are among the best, enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, diving, saltwater fly-fishing, whale shark watching and just about any other “ing” that takes place in the water.

Placencia

Known locally as “Barefoot Perfect,” Placencia Peninsula is 16 miles of golden sand, the only golden-sand beaches on mainland Belize. After hanging out on the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving, head into town and get a feel for what a traditional Kriol (Creole) fishing village is like. There are also village restaurants, bars and art galleries. About the only thing Placencia doesn’t offer is stress. It’s just not allowed here.

Hopkins

Hopkins is one of those rare destinations, where nature and culture takes precedence and explorations are endless. Hopkins is known as the cultural center of the Garifuna community. Practice the traditional drumming and dancing while meeting the locals. Book a visit with the Lebeha Boys for a truly traditional dancing and drumming demonstration inches away from the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can meet some of the nicest people in the world, dance to the rhythms of the Garifuna's drumming, while indulging in tasty cultural foods. After that, check out the over 100,000 acres of preserved jungles, and rivers within the famous Maya Mountains or head to Hopkins Beach for a relaxing day. 

Dangriga

With a population of some 11,600 people, the vibrant Garifuna culture of Dangriga remains a unified community, offering visitors the opportunity to join in cultural dances, musical drumming, and exotic foodie-indulgences. While you're here, discover the preserved forests, marine tours, and annual traditions, such as the November 19th re-enactment of the 1800s Garifuna ancestors' arrival on Belize’s shores. 

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