Discover Belize: Luxury Vacations to Belize's Central Coast

Discover Belize's Central Coast

Located on Belize’s central coast, the coastal towns of Dangriga and Hopkins pulse with Garifuna culture. The Garifuna (or Garinagu) are the descendants of West African slaves and Carib Indian populations who fled exile in the Lesser Antilles. These fiercely independent warriors reached Belize in 1802, playing a key role in both Belize’s development and national identity.

Today, Garifuna culture is expressed in energetic dügü drumming sessions, passionate punta dances, and fragrant delicacies such as sweet cassava pudding and lobster stewed in spiced coconut milk. Combine those elements with cashew wine, heartfelt hospitality, and Caribbean breezes, and you begin to get the picture.

Beyond the musical, cultural and culinary immersion, Belize captivates with wildly beautiful terrestrial and marine attractions. Dangriga, the capital of the Stann Creek District, abounds with waterfalls, wildlife, and dive sites.

Five Blues Lake National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, is honeycombed with caves and bursting with charismatic fauna. The park’s 4,000 acres of tropical forest is home to more than 200 bird species. Howler monkeys and all five of Belize’s wild cats also prowl these woodlands. Wildlife aside, this park’s centerpiece is Five Blues Lake—a stunning 10-acre cenote famous for its vivid blue hues; throughout the day, it’s cool waters shift from cyan to cerulean.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park, a forested park roughly half way between Dangriga and Hopkins, protects unexcavated Maya sites and five refreshing waterfalls. Birders flock here to observe three rare varieties of motmot, alongside toucans, parrots and nearly 200 other avian species.

This region’s offshore wonders are equally impressive. Favored destinations include:

Southwater Caye (idyllic beaches and shallow coral reefs)
Tobacco Caye (wall diving 300 feet from shore)
The Distant Glovers Reef Atoll (coral gardens, sea turtles, wall dives)

What to do in the Central Coast

On Belize’s central coast, guests are invited to explore a vibrant blend of culture, nature, and adventure. In Dangriga and Hopkins, drumming sessions, punta dance performances, and culinary experiences offer a joyful immersion into Garifuna culture.

Nature lovers can explore Five Blues Lake National Park, Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to explore caves, lagoons, and Maya sites. These parks also provide opportunities for birdwatching and sighting jaguar and other native wildlife.

Offshore, divers and snorkelers can explore coral reefs near Southwater Caye, Tobacco Caye, and Glovers Reef Atoll. saltwater fly fishing and sport fishing charters target marlin, tuna, and tarpon, while Gales Point visitors can observe nesting Hawksbill sea turtles from June to August, in addition to West Indian manatees and various other species. Cultural classes, like Garifuna drumming lessons, offer hands-on connection to local traditions. If you’re coming in November, try to arrive on the 19th, for the annual celebration of Garifuna culture.

Whether you’re seeking inland jungle adventures, wildlife sightings, or reef exploration, Belize’s central coast offers a richly varied escape.

What is the Weather Like?

The best time to visit Belize’s central coast is between mid-December and May, when the weather is typically warm and dry. Daytime highs range between 80°F and 88°F, with pleasant breezes off the Caribbean. March can bring stronger eastern winds. Hurricane season extends from June to November, with most major storms occurring later in the season. As weather patterns can shift, please check extended forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Dangriga can be reached by air from both Belize City airports in approximately 20 minutes. The drive from Belize City or San Ignacio takes around two hours. While road conditions are generally good on the scenic Hummingbird Highway from the Cayo District, the Manatee Road route can be rough. From Dangriga, the Southern Highway offers a well-maintained route to Placencia, approximately 50 miles south, with a drive time of about 90 minutes.

Start your journey today

LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Belize’s Central Coast.