DANGRIGA AND THE SOUTHERN COAST

The cultural center of Belize’s Garinagu (or Garifuna) population, the town of Dangriga makes an unassuming base for exploring the surrounding islands and a handful of national parks in the nearby Maya Mountains. There’s not much to see in Dangriga Town except a typically multi-ethnic array of Belizeans going about their daily lives and occasionally dancing the night away. Still, many travelers are glad they chose to spend a night in ’Griga on their way to or from Tobacco Caye, Southwater Caye, or Glover’s Reef. Many also bump down the coast to lazy Hopkins and Sittee River, farther south to one of the many accommodations along the Placencia Peninsula, or stay in a tent in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is Stann Creek District, and you can easily spend a week or more here, especially if you make it out to the cayes, where there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing.

Tobacco Caye: Sitting right atop Belize’s Barrier Reef, Tobacco Caye can be as much a social gathering of world travelers as it can an isolated, island experience, depending on the time of year. (read more)

Hopkins: This village is on an ultra-tranquil stretch of beach and, along with nearby Sittee River Village, can serve as an uncrowded base for canoeing, diving, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and other trips. (read more)

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Go for a nature hike and river float in this extensive reserve, famous for its multitude of birds, jaguar tracks, and other jungle critters. Stay overnight or do it as a day trip from anywhere in the area. (read more)

The Sidewalk Strip: In Belize’s most up-and-coming low-key tourist hang, Placencia, check out the world’s narrowest street—it’s 4,071 feet long and 4 feet wide. Walking its length offers ample opportunities for shopping, eating, and getting a sense of village life. (read more)

Monkey River: A pleasant half-day outing from Placencia, the boat trip up Monkey River to the village of the same name is excellent for bird-watching as well as seeing crocodiles and monkeys. (read more)