Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach is a publicly accessible stretch of beach stretching the length of Garifuna, a town of about 1,500 people. Traditionally a fishing village, many residents began to take jobs in the emerging hotel and tourism industries that are growing in the scenic coastal village. The town remains much smaller and less touristy than the nearby towns of Dangriga to the north and Placencia to the south.

While nearly all of the beach shore lies adjacent to private businesses and residences, Belize rules stipulate that the public is able to access any beach area within 60 feet of the water, including all docks. Although over time, storms have changed the waterline location in the village of Hopkins, it is still accepted that anyone can walk up and down along the shoreline. The public, however, is not able to use hammocks or chairs placed on the beach by adjacent residents or businesses.

As such, visitors to Hopkins can simply walk to the end of any road to access the shore. Scenic coconut palms sway over the sandy shores and fishing boats can frequently be seen hauled onto the sand. Hopkins Road, the main road into town from the country's Southern Highway, heads straight to a public dock and bisects the shoreline into north and south areas. A couple bars sit right at the intersection of Hopkins Road and the shore, while to the north lie mostly homes and local businesses that cater to locals. This would be the direction to head if you're in search of more authentic fare. To the south lie a growing number of cafes, hostels and hotels, and bars catering to a tourist and expatriate crowd.

The water is not especially clear, which is consistent with most of the water off of the mainland. However, it is warm, and those looking for clear water can book a tour to the Belize Barrier Reef, which lies about a half-hour boat ride from the mainland shore.

It is possible to continue walking down the coast past large resorts or up to the outlet of the river at an undeveloped area that locals used to refer to as Hawaii. However, the river water has lost clarity since the construction of a power plant upriver.

Hopkins Village is a quirky and friendly coastal town where the publicly accessible stretch of beach offers a scenic walk or a warm swim, although most of it sits adjacent to businesses and homes. Consider stopping into a bar for a drink and use their beach-side hammocks and chairs.