The Southern Coast Itineraries

If You Have 3 Days on the Southern Coast

Base yourself in Placencia. On your first full day, walk the Sidewalk in Placencia Village, hear the latest gossip, and get to know a little of village life. Hang out on the beach at your hotel and get on Belize time, then have drinks and dinner in the village, perhaps at Rumfish y Vino, Secret Garden, or La Dolce Vita. If you still have energy, have some Belikins at the Barefoot Bar or Tipsy Tuna, both directly on the beach. On your second day, take a snorkel trip to Laughing Bird Caye or another snorkel area, or, if you dive, do a full-day dive trip to Turneffe or Glover's atoll. On your final day, drive or take a guided tour to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to stop at the Maya Center craft cooperative for gift shopping. If there's time, also visit the Mayflower/Bocawina National Park, with its Mayan sites and waterfalls. End the day with dinner at The Bistro at Maya Beach Hotel, one of the best restaurants in Belize.

If You Have 5 Days on the Southern Coast

Drive or fly to Dangriga (the closest airport to Hopkins). While in Dangriga, stop by the Garífuna Museum, then proceed by taxi or rental car to Hopkins to stay at one of its beach resorts such as Hamanasi, one of the top beach resorts in Belize, or in a luxurious beachfront suite at Villa Margarita. On your first full day, take a walk on the beach in the morning, then tour Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and hike the jungle trails. Be sure to stop at the Maya Center craft cooperative. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants in Hopkins Village such as Innie’s or at Chef Rob’s. On your second full day, get an early start and visit the Mayflower/Bocawina National Park with its small Mayan sites and big waterfalls, perhaps doing the zip line at Bocawina Rainforest Resort. Return to Hopkins and spend the late afternoon napping and recovering on the beach. On your third day, rise early and drive (or go by taxi) to Placencia. If the weather's good, take a snorkel trip. Have dinner in Placencia Village (don’t miss gelato at Tutti-Fruitt) or at the Bistro at Maya Beach Hotel. End the evening with a drink on the beach at Tipsy Tuna. On your fourth day, if you dive, do a day dive trip to Turneffe or Glover's atoll. If you’re there April to June around a full moon, consider doing a snorkel or dive tour to see the huge but gentle whale sharks at Gladden Spit. Alternatively, you could go fishing for tarpon or permit, and if you catch a snapper or something else edible, have one of the local restaurants prepare it for you for dinner. Or simply spend a lazy day in a hammock at the beach and around the pool. On your final day, if you're interested in Mayan sites, do a day trip to Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit near Punta Gorda, or go on a boat tour to Monkey River. You're guaranteed to see howler monkeys, crocs, and lots of birds.