Nightlife

There are a handful of small bars scattered around town, some with pool tables, all with lots of booze. The best nightlife in Punta Gorda is at the Sports Bar (Main St., closed Mon.–Wed.). Karaoke nights are Thursday and Sunday (9 p.m.–2 a.m.); dance parties are Friday and Saturday until 4 a.m. Locals also gather here for PPV sports and dominoes tournaments.

Waluco’s (it means “son of the soil” in Garifuna) is right across from the ocean, a short walk north of town, and is usually a happening spot, especially during festival times and after soccer games at Union Field.

On Friday nights the Reef Bar has drumming. The Olympic Bar on Clement Street is re-opening soon.

Drumming Lessons

Ray McDonald (corner West St. and Cemetery Ln., “look for the sign by the mango tree and the coconut tree,” tel. 501/632-7701), a local musician, offers an introduction to Garifuna drumming class. Learn about the various rhythms, how to produce the correct sound, and then start jamming. Private lessons start at US$7.50 per hour. To continue your drum tour of Belize’s south, head up to Emmeth Young’s drum-making shop and school in San Pedro Columbia, in the upcountry villages.