Hopkins or Placencia – Which Belize Destination is Right for You?
TL;DR
In this blogpost, we answer the question: What is the nicest area to stay in Belize – Placencia or Hopkins?
We visited Hopkins and Placencia to compile a comprehensive travel guide answering the following questions:
- Is it worth going to Placencia and Hopkins?
- Should I Stay in Placencia or Hopkins?
- What to do in Placencia and Hopkins?
- What are the best tours in Placencia and Hopkins?
- Are Hopkins and Placencia safe?
- How amazing are Placencia Beach and Hopkins Beach?
- How to Get to Placencia and Hopkins?
What is the Most Beautiful Part of Belize?
Placencia and Hopkins are the two most popular beach destinations on mainland Belize. They are located in southern Belize and significantly less crowded than the popular islands Caye Caulker and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in northern Belize.
Additionally, they have the undisputed advantage of being connected to the attractions of mainland Belize via road making tours to caves, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins much easier.
Where is the Prettiest Beach in Belize
Nevertheless, you will be treated to amazing beaches. Placencia and Hopkins frequently make it to the top of the list of the best beaches in Belize. Additionally, you have access to a more untouched part of the Belize Barrier Reef and some unspoiled Cayes off the coast.
In contrast, the popular Caye Caulker is a bit of a shabby beach destination, to be honest.
Map of Placencia and Hopkins
Placencia vs. Hopkins Belize – What is the Coolest Area in Belize?
Is Hopkins Belize Worth Visiting? |
Is Placencia Belize Worth Visiting? |
| Yes! | Yes! |
What is Hopkins Belize Known for? |
What is Placencia Belize Known for? |
| Hopkins is best known for its Garifuna culture. | Placencia is world-renowned for offshore fishing, diving, and snorkelling |
Where is Hopkins? |
Where is Placencia? |
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Hopkins is on the South Central Coast of Belize.
2 hour 40 minutes drive from Belize City. |
Placencia is on the South Central Coast of Belize.
2 hour drive from Belize City. On a peninsula = further away from mainland excursions. |
Airport in Hopkins Belize |
Airport in Placencia Belize |
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The closest airport to Hopkins is in Dangriga.
Flights Belize City to Dangriga. |
Placencia has a domestic airport.
Flights Belize City to Placencia. |
Getting to Hopkins |
Getting to Placencia |
Shuttle to Hopkins:
Southern bus line
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Shuttle to Placencia:
Southern bus line
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Does Hopkins Belize Have Nice Beaches? |
Does Placencia Belize Have Nice Beaches? |
| Yes – there is less sea grass here than in other parts of the country. |
The peninsula is bordered by 18 miles of beachfront.
Bigger beach than Hopkins. |
Can you Swim in the Ocean in Hopkins Belize |
Is it Safe to Swim in Placencia Belize |
| Yes. | Yes. |
Things to do in Hopkins |
Things to do in Placencia |
Snorkeling Hopkins Belize |
Snorkeling Placencia Belize |
| The best snorkelling can be done at the barrier reef off the coast of Hopkins: | The best snorkelling can be done at the Cayes off the coast of Placencia: |
Diving Hopkins Belize |
Diving Placencia Belize |
| We found Happy Go Luckie Tours but we don’t have any personal experience. | There are plenty of dive shops in Placencia. Captain Jaks is one of the best-rated: |
Free Things to Do in Hopkins Belize |
Free Things to Do in Placencia Belize |
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Mayan Ruins near Hopkins Belize |
Mayan Ruins near Placencia Belize |
Some of the closer but smaller Mayan ruins are:
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Some of the closer but smaller Mayan ruins are:
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Is Hopkins Belize Expensive? |
Is Placencia Belize Expensive? |
|
It’s about the same price range as in the rest of Belize so not cheap.
Our average budget: 55$ per day. |
It’s about the same price range as in the rest of Belize so not cheap.
Our average budget: 55$ per day. |
Where to Stay in Hopkins |
Where to Stay in Placencia |
| Most accommodations in Hopkins are to the right of the road leading to Hopkins along South Road. |
If you want to walk around and have restaurant options to choose from, it makes sense to stay close to the tip of the peninsula in the south i.e. close to Placencia Sidewalk.
Most resorts are in the north of the Peninsula. |
Resorts in Hopkins |
Resorts in Placencia |
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Most budget-friendly: Hopkins Bay Belize a Muy'Ono Resort
Private beach: Almond Beach Resort at Jaguar Reef Private pool villas: The Lodge at Jaguar Reef |
Best location: Ocean Breeze
Best value for money: Umaya Resort & Adventures Private pool villa: Naïa Resort and Spa |
Hotels in Hopkins Belize |
Hotels in Placencia Belize |
| We stayed here and LOVED it: Latitude 17 |
Super cute huts: Placencia Villas
Sea view: Sea View Suites Most budget-friendly: Alan's Paradise Hotel |
Hostels in Hopkins Belize |
Hostels in Placencia Belize |
| Our sister (in law) stayed here and liked it: The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel | Anda Di Hows Hostel |
Is it Safe to Walk Around Hopkins Belize |
Is it Safe to Walk Around Placencia Belize |
| In general, Hopkins is a safe destination and we always felt safe. Avoid walking around at night as not much is going on this time of day. | In general, Placencia is a safe destination and we always felt safe. |
Where to Eat in Hopkins |
Where to Eat in Placencia |
We liked:
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We found the best Placencia restaurants around the soccer field:
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Nightlife in Hopkins Belize |
Nightlife in Placencia Belize |
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There’s not really nightlife in Hopkins.
Your best bet is Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack. There are also some low-key bars. We liked Windschief Beach Bar And Minigolf. |
Not buzzing but better than in Hopkins.
Check out the “Tipsy Strip”: Live music at Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar is nice (we suggest not eating here…). Parties at Barefoot Beach Bar. |
Whats Great About Hopkins |
Whats Great About Placencia |
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Who should pick Hopkins in Belize? |
Who should pick Placenia in Belize? |
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Hopkins or Placencia Belize – Our Personal Opinion
We personally would choose Hopkins. We loved the laid-back vibe, our accommodation at Latitude 17, and the Garifuna food and drumming.
For us, Hopkins Beach was the nicest we encountered on our Belize trip. It was clean, empty, and well-shaded.
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