Dangriga Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, local culture, and more in Dangriga, Belize, with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Dangriga

Dangriga is a small coastal town located in the Stann Creek district of Belize. It’s the cultural capital of Belize’s Garifuna community, which has a rich history of music, dance, and other traditions. Dangriga is also home to stunning natural attractions such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Reserve, and the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Dangriga has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Dangriga

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dangriga has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its many museums and historical sites:

  • Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery: The Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery features the works of renowned Garifuna artist Pen Cayetano and his family.
  • Gulisi Garifuna Museum: The Gulisi Garifuna Museum showcases the history and culture of the Garifuna people.
  • Saint John’s Cathedral: Saint John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Belize and features beautiful stained glass windows and a historic graveyard.
  • Kumar’s Art Museum: The Kumar’s Art Museum houses a private collection of Mesoamerican and Garifuna art.

Natural Attractions of Dangriga: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dangriga is also known for its beautiful natural attractions and outdoor activities:

  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve: This 128,000-acre preserve is home to Belize’s largest population of jaguars and is a prime location for hiking, bird watching, and river tubing.
  • South Water Caye Marine Reserve: The South Water Caye Marine Reserve is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
  • Tobacco Caye: Tobacco Caye is a small island located off the coast of Dangriga that is known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dangriga

Dangriga offers several hiking and biking routes for those who enjoy the great outdoors:

  • Hopkins to Dangriga: This 19-mile trail runs along the coast from the village of Hopkins to Dangriga.
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve: The sanctuary offers several well-marked trails for hiking and biking.
  • Mayflower Bocawina National Park: The national park offers several trails for hiking and biking, including the Antelope Falls Trail and the Waterfall Rappelling Trail.

Best Things to Do in Dangriga: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to keep you busy during your stay in Dangriga, including:

  • Garifuna Drumming and Dancing: Learn about the traditional music and dance of the Garifuna people with a local drumming and dancing class.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Take a boat tour to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve or Tobacco Caye for a day of snorkeling and diving.
  • River Tubing: Take a relaxing ride down the South Stann Creek River on an inner tube.
  • Bird Watching: Belize is home to over 500 species of birds, and Dangriga is a great place to spot many of them.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dangriga

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Dangriga, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore the town of Dangriga, visit the Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery, Gulisi Garifuna Museum, and Saint John’s Cathedral.

Day 3: Take a hiking or biking tour of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park.

Day 4: Experience the traditional music and dance of the Garifuna people with a drumming and dancing class.

Day 5: Take a boat tour to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve for a day of snorkeling and diving.

Day 6: Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve on a hiking or river tubing tour.

Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Tobacco Caye and enjoy the beauty of Belize’s coral reefs.

Food and Drink Scene of Dangriga

Must-Try Dishes

Garifuna cuisine is a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and indigenous flavors. Here are some must-try dishes in Dangriga:

  • Hudut: A fish and coconut milk stew served over mashed plantains.
  • Darasa: A traditional Garifuna dish made with coconut milk and ground rice, steamed in a banana leaf.
  • Sere: A fish soup made with boiled plantains and cassava.

Local Beverages

Belize has a wide range of local beers, rums, and other alcoholic beverages, including:

  • Belikin Beer: The national beer of Belize.
  • One Barrel Rum: A popular Belizean rum.
  • Seaweed Drink: A refreshing non-alcoholic drink made with seaweed, lime, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Dangriga: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dangriga has a range of accommodations to suit every budget, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses:

  • Chaleanor Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown Dangriga.
  • Pelican Beach Resort: A luxury resort located on the beach outside of Dangriga.
  • Bonefish Hotel: A mid-range hotel located in the center of Dangriga.

What to Buy in Dangriga: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dangriga has several local products and souvenirs that make great gifts or mementos of your trip, including:

  • Garifuna Art and Crafts: Visit the Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery or the Gulisi Garifuna Museum to purchase handmade art and crafts from local artisans.
  • Local Rum and Coffee: Belizean rum and coffee make great souvenirs to bring home.
  • Belizean Chocolate: Belize is known for its high-quality chocolate, and you can find a range of chocolate products in Dangriga.

Local Culture and Customs of Dangriga

The Garifuna people are known for their vibrant music, dance, and other cultural traditions. Visitors to Dangriga should take time to learn about and respect these traditions. The Garifuna Settlement Day Festival, which takes place on November 19th, is a particularly great opportunity to experience Garifuna culture firsthand.

Best Time to Visit Dangriga

The best time to visit Dangriga is from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season runs from June to November, and hurricane season runs from August to October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dangriga

Do:

  • Learn a few words of Garifuna, such as “Ugundani” (hello) and “Isienbai” (thank you).
  • Respect the culture and traditions of the Garifuna people.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing to cultural events or religious sites.
  • Take photos of people or places without asking permission.
  • Ignore signs or warnings about unsafe areas or activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dangriga

Dangriga is a safe destination, but visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling in a foreign country, such as avoiding dark or isolated areas at night and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Health in Dangriga

Visitors to Dangriga should drink bottled or purified water and take precautions against insect bites to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika and dengue fever. Medical facilities are limited in Dangriga and visitors should consider purchasing travel insurance before their trip.

Getting to Dangriga: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dangriga

The nearest airport to Dangriga is the Dangriga Airport (DGA), which offers flights to Belize City and other destinations within Belize.

Bus Stations Near Dangriga

Dangriga is easily accessible by bus from other destinations within Belize, including Belize City and Punta Gorda.

Other Options

Visitors to Dangriga can also rent a car or hire a private driver for transportation.

How to Get Around in Dangriga

Dangriga is a small town that is easily walkable, but visitors can also rent bicycles or hire a taxi for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Dangriga: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dangriga is a great jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in Belize, including:

  • Placencia: A small beach town located on the southern coast of Belize.
  • Belize City: The largest city in Belize, located on the east coast of the country.
  • San Ignacio: A town located in the Cayo district of Belize, known for its Mayan ruins and adventure activities.

Conclusion

Dangriga is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that is often overlooked by visitors to Belize. Whether you’re interested in exploring Garifuna culture, hiking through the jungle, or relaxing on the beach, Dangriga has something to offer everyone. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your next trip and get the most out of your visit to Dangriga.

Main street of the town Main street of the town