7 Days / 6 Nights

This package will take you to a secluded beach resort for a week. You'll also get to snorkel the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, hike the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve and kayak through a jungle river. Just south of the tiny Garifuna village of Hopkins, there are several miles of beaches surrounded by jungle. Although not your typical white sandy beaches, the light brown sand is still very appealing. The attraction of this area is that it offers easy access to several sites in the jungle as well as at sea. So you get the best of both worlds, jungle and sea, from one location. Just offshore is the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve a massive 62 square mile marine park that encompasses part of the Barrier Reef and several coral and mangove islands along with their fringing reefs. The coral and marine life are wonderful and make for great snorkeling (included in this package). You'll also get to visit the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, a 155 square mile reserve originally established to protect the jaguar. It’s not very likely that you will spot this elusive cat, but there is always a possibility. The day trip to this park usually includes some early morning birding, hiking along the lush jungle trails as well as a refrshing swim under a waterfall. Several important rivers drain from the Maya Mountains, across this landscape and out to sea. Kayaking is a great way to explore these rivers. In this trip you'll also kayak along Sittee River where you'll be able to see a variety of birds and wildlife along the banks. During your free days, you can relax on the beach or explore Hopkins Village, where you can learn about the Garifuna culture. Garifuna are known for their traditional dancing and drumming shows. Overall this destination offers a relaxing atmopshere as well as great adventures into the jungle and sea.

Read more about Hopkins, Dangriga & Southwater Caye

Itinerary & What's Included:
-  You will be welcomed at the International Airport by a representative of DiscoveringBelize.com
-  The transfer from the Airport to Hopkins is not included. Your options include taking a public bus, rental car, private transfer by SUV or a puddle jumper flight. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
-  6 Nigths Accomodation at Hamanasi Resort, about 3 miles south of Hopkins Village along the beach. Your room includes continental breakfast everyday.
-  Cocksomb Basin Jaguar Preserve Tour - includes lunch, drinks and park fee.
-  Jungle River Kayaking or Canoeing Tour - includes snacks and drinks.
-  Snorkeling at South Water Caye Marine Reserve with stop at the bird sanctuary, Man-O-War Caye: includes snacks, drinks and park fee
-  After your stay, the transfer back to the Airport is not included. Your options include taking a public bus, rental car, private transfer by SUV or a puddle jumper flight. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
-  The smile on your face at the end of the trip is free

Doesn’t Include:
-  Departure Tax
-  International Flight
-  Transfers within Belize as specified above, but we can easily arrange these for you.

Rates are per person and in US Dollars
Low Season: May 24- Dec 19, 08 (except Nov 22-30, 08)
High Season: Jan 5 - Feb 15, Apr 5 - May 23 and Nov 22-30, 08
Peak Season: Feb 16 - Apr 4, 08

Hamanasi Resort located south of Hopkins Village along the beach

This boutique-style resort offers a very homey atmosphere. The rooms are nicely decorated with verandahs overlooking the nicely maintained grounds and over to the sea. Shady coconut trees and foliage, particularly plum trees (called hamanasi trees in the native Garifuna language) dot the sandy property. The pool is just steps from the beach, lined with beach chairs. It offers a tranquil backdrop to relax after a day of adventure and great service.

Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve Tour

This 155 quare mile reserve spawls below the jagged peaks of the Maya Mountain Range. If you have the energy to climb to Ben’s Bluff lookout you will get a spectacular view of the mountain range and Victoria Peak, the highest point in the country. The reserve was originally designated to protect the jaguar. The majority of sightings occur on the dirty road leading into the reserve, so keep your eyes open when driving in. Additionally, the reserve harbors many other animals and birds, as well as a couple of nice waterfalls and rivers. The tour takes a full day.

Jungle River Kayaking or Canoeing Tour

The Sittee River flows from the Maya Mountain Range out into the sea. You will set off on kayaks from one of its tributary creeks and then into the main river. Paddling along its banks you will get a chance to see a variety of birds as well as the occasional iguana or crocodile. It’s a calm and smooth ride, where you can enjoy the wildlife and fauna along this river. The guide will point out wildlife and explain the forest ecology as you move along. This tour lasts about 2-3 hours.

Snorkeling at South Water Caye Marine Reserve with stop at the bird sanctuary, Man-O-War Caye

The Southwater Caye Marine Reserve is a UN World Heritage Site, composed of several mangrove and coral islands. It’s protected status and location right along the Barrier Reef make for great snorkeling. Because this area is not dived as much as the reef off of San Pedro, the coral are healthier and there is more marine life. You will stop at several snorkeling sites with your guide leading the way. One nice highlight, is Man-O-War Caye, a tiny mangrove island that is home to hundreds of frigate and booby birds. This tour lasts about 4-5 hours.