Tours & Activities in Hopkins

Cook your catch on the beach! What’s better than a full day trip of snorkeling, fishing and beach cooking on a secluded beach in Southern Belize? It’s intimate, fun, tasty and very inexpensive. You are taken out on this adventure trip on one of our boats to the southern barrier reef for snorkeling and fishing.

Private Transfer from Hopkins Village to Belize International Airport or Belize City water taxi terminal. Our transfers to Belize City are affordable, safe and reliable, riding with our experienced drivers they will point out interesting places along the way. This shuttle can be booking from Hopkins Village, Sittee Point and Sittee River.

Depart for a day of Mayan historical adventure to see some of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. Xunantunich is located in the Cayo District across from Benque Viejo Road near the village of San Jose Succotz just a few miles from Belize’s western border with Guatemala. At the village of San Jose Succotz, we cross over the Mopan River using a hand-cranked ferry. From the other side of the river, it’s a mile uphill to the site, which can be accessed on foot or in a vehicle. Xunantunich Mayan ruin, also known as the “Maiden of the Rock” is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. The largest pyramid, El Castillo stands 130 feet high above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Cayo District, Guatemala, and the Mopan River. The site has been largely excavated and has a well-appointed educational museum. Experience an authentic Belizean lunch in the immediate area of the ruins.

The ATM Cave is one of the most historical sights in the world. It is an incredibly beautiful underground world filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.

Check out the most famous ancient Maya site ever discovered - Tikal which is located just across the western border of Belize in Guatemala. This collection of ancient ruins (temples, pyramids) will let know the story about the Mayan Empire!

Embark on a horseback riding tour at a private ranch which even children can enjoy. These trained horses will take through the groves in the rainforest and to the river for a swim.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most popular and impressive Maya ceremonial caves ever found. ATM was in use during the early classic period, which dates to around 300-600AD. The caving part of the tour, takes you through a subterranean river, over (and under) more than a few rocks and into the main chamber. The ATM Cave is a wet cave – you swim into the mouth and then wade through ankle to chest high water before climbing to a intricate passageways of dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 metres in length and 50mteres wide and filled with artefacts and sacrificial remains. After this another climb takes you to the stone chamber where the Crystal Maiden lies, this is the skeleton of a teenage girl who was sacrificed and left in the cave. Over thousands of years her remains have been covered by a layer of diamond like limestone. The Mayas sacrificed humans in the hopes of appeasing the gods and bringing fertility to the land.

Embark on the ultimate adventure in Belize with a combination tour of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw! Prepare to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations and immerse yourself in the wonders of the underground world. Journey back in time as you explore the impressive Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the towering pyramid, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Marvel at intricate carvings and glyphs that provide insights into Mayan culture. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and legends that bring this ancient site to life. After Lunch, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping cave tubing experience at Jaguar Paw. Float along underground rivers, surrounded by awe-inspiring limestone caves.

Benefit from expert local indigenous guides who provide in-depth knowledge about Garifuna culture, history, traditions, pulsating music and unique cuisine throughout the entire experience. Engage in fun-filled, educational and interactive cultural activities where you get hands with Traditional Fishing, Cooking and Drumming thought by passionate and knowledgeable hosts. You'll learn traditional techniques and knowledge that can be used for life. Guest gets the opportunity to catch their own fish, harvest fresh organic herbs for the herbal garden on site, process coconuts to make coconut milk, cook a traditional meal over a traditional stove and enjoy the delicious food of their labor. The experience is topped off by learning how to play the Garifuna drums. We are glad to host guests with special dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance.

Authentic Garifuna Gastronomic Experience in Hopkins Village, Belize offers the most interactive hands-on opportunity to cook with a Garifuna Ambassador in an enchanting Garifuna village replica located on Kalipuna Heritage Island. Learn about the indigenous flavors and cooking techniques that makes Garifuna meal tasty. The cooking experience is punctuated by informative conversations about the culture, history & people and spiced with laughter. Guests explore the herbal garden on the island and harvest organic ingredients to be used in meal preparation. The art of Coconut processing is always a highlight and includes husking, cracking, grating & making coconut milk. Learning how to cook over a traditional stove and prepare the most delicious traditional afro-indigenous lunch is sure to be fun. Guests with special dietary needs are equally catered for however advance notification is appreciated.

Rappel down the Actun Loch Tunich also known as the Mother of all Caves, which was initially formed from a sinkhole. Enjoy this unforgettable experience and see the massive rainforest canopy growing of this sinkhole, on your way down.

Belize has long been a birder’s best-kept secret. In fact, some people say that if you’re not a birder when you arrive in Belize, you’ll be one by the time you leave. Almost half of the land in Belize is managed as reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and protected habitats. Many are managed by the Belize Audubon Society and these protected areas provide a rich diversity of natural ecosystems where birds thrive.

Head to Bocawina, home to Belize’s longest zipline. Extending 2 ½ miles across the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, you can observe the rain forest from a bird’s eye view.

You will visit the Mayan center of Xunantunich which sits on an impressive hilltop just near the border of Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the classic period.

See more, explore more caves than tubing allows, Kayak on the Caves Branch River passing thru a series of caves, pickup and drop off at the hotels, water taxi, airport

One of the best Mayan sites in Belize, Caracol, is deep in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The reserve is located at the base of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District in Western Belize. Covering an area of nearly 25,000 acres, Caracol is one of the largest Mayan sites. Impressive not only in size, it also has an immense agricultural field system and elaborate city planning. Caracol is one of the most pristine and well-kept Maya sites in Belize. If you want to see an incredible piece of our history, head to Caracol in Belize. Numerous carved monuments establish that Caracol was a major player in the geopolitics of the Maya civilization. Caracol was an ally of Calakmul in Campeche, Mexico and engaged in several wars with neighboring polities, such as Tikal, Naranjo and Ucanal in Guatemala.

The UNESCO listed the Great Belize Barrier Reef as one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world made up of over 100 coral species and home to some 500 species of fish and hundreds of invertebrates. Travel on a short boat ride with our experienced guide as you journey to the many fishing spots along the Belize’s southern barrier reef. Belize’s Southern Reef is an angler’s paradise with an abundance of marine life. Whether reef trolling or perfecting your skills on the flats, you will have an unforgettable fishing experience.

Cave tubing and zip line combination tour is for those looking for an adventure of a lifetime. There is nothing like the thrill of flying free like the birds or sitting back to enjoy being carried lazily through mysterious caves and under the shade of nature’s lush canopy. Considered one of the hottest new adventure sports and rated number 1 in Belize, the cave tubing and zip line excursion allow you to embark on every traveler’s dream adventure.

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. You’ll depart from your Hopkins where our guides will meet you before your drive to this temple. You'll know you're arriving when you spot the little falls of the Mopan River winding alongside the road through the village of San Jose Succotz. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors will get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby.The temples are nestled in between lush rainforest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized internationally as the world’s first jaguar preserve. It is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, nature trails, and rich diversity of over 290 species of birds. The tracks of wildcats, tapir, deer, and other wildlife are often seen on hiking trails. The trip begins with a stop at the traditional village of Maya Center which is at the entrance of the preserve. Here, you will find Mayan arts and crafts are for sale. The park offers a wide variety of hikes of varying lengths and difficulty, including to Ben’s Bluff, which has a spectacular view of the entire Basin, and to a waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

The UNESCO listed the Great Belize Barrier Reef as one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world made up of over 100 coral species and home to some 500 species of fish and hundreds of invertebrates. Our snorkeling tour takes you on a 30-40 minutes boat ride to the Southern Barrier Reef which offers several different snorkeling sites within the reserve for beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Hike up to witness the Cockscomb Waterfalls and ride inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River along with a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife at a nature reserve in Belize. You will be greeted by magnificent landscapes and vegetation during your hike here.

Depart for a day of Mayan historical adventure to see one of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. Xunantunich Mayan ruin, also known as the “Maiden of the Rock” is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. The largest pyramid, El Castillo stands 130 feet high above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Cayo District, Guatemala, and the Mopan River. The site has been largely excavated and has a well-appointed educational museum. Experience an authentic Belizean lunch in the immediate area of the ruins. Now we make our way to Cave Tubing @ St. Herman's Cave. This is a combination of cave exploration and cave tubing to explore this incredible river cave system. Imagine the excitement as you drift downriver, your body tucked in an inflated inner tube, your fingers trailing in the crisp clear river and up head is the vine-draped opening of mysterious cave.

Dive into the most interactive, fun and educational Garifuna Cultural & Culinary Experience in Belize. Visit Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island a unique destination designated for the preservation of Garifuna Culture and share and learn from passionate and knowledgeable afro-indigenous advocates by participating in hands on cooking classes learning authentic & traditional Garifuna recipes and cooking methods. Chit chat about Garifuna History with knowledgable elders. Explore the lush herbal garden and learning about herbs used for both recreation and medicinal purposes. Savor the fruits of your labor as you enjoy a mouthwatering Garifuna meal. Every bite tells a story, connecting you to the flavors of this vibrant culture. Cultural dishes can be customize so that guests with special dietary restrictions can also enjoy. Conclude your day with a mesmerizing Garifuna drumming session led by our master drumming instructor.

The Sittee River is the gateway to one of nature’s breathtaking phenomena – bioluminescent or “burning wata” as the Belizeans call it. This night tour is seasonal. Conditions have to be just perfect in the Anderson Lagoon and it usually occurs in the driest months like February - April. Head out on the 5 minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE.  Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line.

Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.

Ride with friendly experience and knowledgeable drivers. Julian's Shuttles and Transfers operates a fleet of modern, fully equipped vehicles that are perfectly suited to the highways of Belize. All of Julian Shuttles vehicle have air conditioning, and room for luggage.

Enjoy the hike up Antelope Falls, rappel down the face of the waterfall and swim in the restful pools below. Hike back to the lodge for lunch and finish the day with tree time on an exciting Zipline Adventure. Recommendations: Although bookings can be made later we like to set off at 9 am to avoid hiking in the midday sun. Items to bring: Bug repellent, long pants, t-shirt, bathing suit, sneakers (you will get wet but will dry quickly). You should be fit enough for the 1½ hour* hike to the top of the falls some of which is on steep terrain. Tie up your hair for the Zipline. Minimum weight 100lbs.

Get the most bang for your buck with our fishing and snorkeling combination trip! Start your trip off by catching fresh bait with cast nets near the mangrove formations then spend the morning fishing along the barrier reef.

Climb to the top of Antelope Falls with your trusty harness, then let gravity take over as you descend 250 feet down the falls clipped into a rope system operated by one of our experienced guides. Recommendations: Bring bug repellent, long pants, t-shirt, bathing suit, sneakers (you will get wet but will dry quickly). You should be fit enough for the 1½ hour* hike to the top of the falls some of which is on steep terrain. Minimum weight 100lbs.