How to get to Hopkins Belize?

Time

Time observed year round is the same as United States Central Standard Time.

Geography & Location

Belize comprises an area of 8, 867 square miles. More than 65 percent of the country is forested. There are over 150 offshore islands and Belize boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Population & Language

Total population is 321, 115. English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken by almost half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).

Currency & Economy

The official currency for Belize is the Belize Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately BZ$2 to US$1 and currency can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Most businesses accept US Dollars and Credit Cards (American Express, Discovery, Master and Visa Cards). The tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and most recently oil.

Passports/Visas

Visitors who travel to Belize require a valid passport and in some instances, an entry visa. US, British, and Canadian citizens do not require entry visas. However, visas are required for Belize travel by citizens from the following countries: China, Cuba, Columbia, South Africa, Taiwan, India, and Libya. It is always best to check with your travel advisor. Your passport should be valid for six months past your date of departure from Belize. Travelers to Belize are permitted to stay for 30 days. Extensions to stay longer can be processed through the Immigration Office in Belize City for a fee of BZ$25.00. The departure tax is US$ 39.25 per person paid at airport, and US$18.75 per person at northern or western borders.

Cell Phones

In order to have mobile cellular service in Belize, an unlocked GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) 1900 MHz cellular phone is required.

Prescriptions

When traveling to Belize, please remember to bring all your prescription medication with you. There is a small pharmacy located at the International Airport and in Dangriga.

Belize Driving

Driving in Belize is safe in the more populated areas as the roads are paved. For Belize adventure touring, it is recommended to get a four wheel drive vehicle if you are exploring a great deal of the country. The vast majority of the drive from Belize City to Hopkins is on the stunning Hummingbird Highway.

Belize Climate for Belize Tours

The climate is subtropical, with a cooling breeze from the Caribbean Sea. Belize has an annual average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer high temperatures seldom exceed 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows are rarely below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and August and the dry season is from February through May.

Casual Clothing for Belize Travel

Belize is an informal country, with a very casual lifestyle. Bring your shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits, as well as some comfortable shoes. Hopkins Bay Resort is barefoot luxury at its best! Other suggestions for your Belize adventure tours: A cap to protect your head from the tropical sun when you are boating or fishing. Loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes for exploring the mainland or trekking through the rain forest. A backpack, water bottle, snacks, camera and binoculars are also handy accessories for travel in Belize. Evenings can be cool in the winter seasons and a light wrap is suggested.

Check-In/Out

Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 12 noon.

Water

While the tap water is technically safe to drink, we do not recommend that you do so. We provide bottled water in all of our rooms.

Internet

Wireless internet service is available in all villas at Hopkins Bay Resort.

Electricity

Voltage is 110 like in the USA. Outlets are the same as in the USA.

Getting Here

There are 3 options/transfers to get to the resort:

Commuter Flight: You can board a 15-minute commuter flight from BZE to Dangriga (DGA) where we can pick you up. Roundtrip flights are US$152.00 per person while roundtrip road transfers from Dangriga to Hopkins are US$120.00 plus 21.5% Gratuity and Tax for up to 3 persons.

Road Transfer: Our road transfers are 45 minutes per way. We can pick you up at the International Airport and drive you to the resort. Road Transfers from the International Airport are US$275.00 plus 21.5% Gratuity and Tax for up to 3 persons, per way. Extra persons incur US$60.00 plus 21.5% Service Charge and Tax. Our road transfers are 3 hours per way.

Car Rental: The drive from Belize City to Hopkins is approximately 3 hours and is a scenic one over rolling hills and valleys and through orange orchards. We usually recommend Budget Car Rentals ( in Belize City.

Driving Directions

• Leave the airport and take a left unto the Northern Highway into the town of Ladyville.
• Look for the signs to the Bermudian Landing Bamboo Sanctuary or to Burrell Boom Village.
• Take a left turn off the highway towards Burrell Boom and proceed westward on the Burrell Boom road for approximately 10 miles until you exit unto the Western Highway.
• Take the first right at the roundabout in Hattieville and proceed on the Western Highway towards Belmopan City.
• Take a left turn off the highway into Belmopan City and proceed unto the Hummingbird Highway. Stay on this highway, past Citrus Groves and Maya Mountains, until you meet the intersection; turn right onto the Southern Highway.
• You will remain on this highway for approximately 10 miles until you see the green-signed turnoff on your left. You will remain on this road for approximately 4 miles.