Hidden Gems in Stann Creek Every Belizean Should Experience
When most people think of Stann Creek, Placencia often steals the spotlight. But Belize’s southeastern district has much more to it. Geographically diverse, rich in history and culture, and easily accessed via the Coastal or Hummingbird Highways, Stann Creek has a whole lot to offer Belizean Travellers. That’s especially true if you’re looking to step off the beaten path for a change. From exploring the Maya Mountains to venturing offshore, here are some hidden gems in the Stann Creek District to plan a Belizean Traveller vacation around.
For Nature & Adventure
Billy Barquedier National Park
Stann Creek is home to multiple national parks and reserves as well as waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for hidden cascades, scenic vistas, or easy hiking trails, take your pick and start planning a day trip (or overnight visit):
- Billy Barquedier National Park – Whether as a quick stop on a road trip down the Hummingbird Highway or an entire day trip destination, Billy Barquedier is perfect for an easy nature escape. Enjoy a brief heart-pumping hike followed by a refreshing dip near the park’s waterfall.
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park – Found just outside of Hopkins, Bocawina is great for for those craving a bit more adventure. It offers rainforest trails, waterfalls, and scenic views as well as thrilling ziplining and rappelling.
- Cockscomb Basine Wildlife Preserve – Known for its rainforest trails and wildlife, Cockscomb is one of Stann Creek’s most rewarding nature experiences. Spend the day hiking, river tubing, swimming, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Maya Mountains. Plus, you can boast that you visited the world’s first Jaguar Preserve.
- Davis Falls – Though not a Nature Reserve or National Park, Davis Falls is a must as far as off-the-beaten-path adventures in Stann Creek go. One of the country’s largest waterfalls, it’s not easy to access (and requires a tractor ride through rugged terrain ) but the view is certainly worth it.
For Culture & Cuisine
Southern Belize is the home of Garifuna and Maya culture and as such one of the perfect places to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. In Stann Creek specifically, options for cultural experiences are diverse, ranging from drumming lessons to chocolate making classes. Here are some ideas for where to go and what to do:
- Garifuna Drumming and Cooking in Hopkins – Immerse yourself in Garifuna culture with cooking class or drumming session in Hopkins. Perfect for learning more via hands on experiences are places like Palmento Grove Grove Garifuna Eco Cultural & Fishing Institute on Kalipuna Island, Kenima’s Garifuna Cooking Class sitting on the north end of the village, and the Lebeha Drumming Center.
- Maya Centre – Experience Belize’s living Maya culture at Maya Centre, found on the way to Placencia. Learn about the traditional art of Jippi Jappa weaving. Or, try you hand at chocolate making.
- Nice Cream – What’s better than ice cream? Local ice cream handmade with love, of course. Visit Nice Cream on the northern end of Hopkins Village, a Garifuna-woman owned ice cream shop with plenty of sweet treats (and beach views) to offer.
Offshore Adventure
Snorkeling at Silk Caye
The waters offshore Stann Creek are often hailed as some of Belize’s most beautiful waters. Explore it with a day of island hopping, snorkeling, or sailing.
Moho Caye Day Trip – A day trip to Moho Caye offers the classic island escape: clear water, white sand, and time to relax offshore. It’s a great option for groups looking to enjoy a beach day. The island even has its own website, complete with information that makes planning a trip easy.
Silk Caye Snorkeling – If you love marine life, make an effort to visit the Silk Cayes for some snorkeling. Expect clear waters, colorful coral, and the chance to spot rays, fish, and giant sea turtles.
Laughing Bird Caye – Less talked about than some of Belize’s other cayes, Laughing Bird Caye is a peaceful offshore escape. The island’s calm, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling, where you’ll find vibrant coral formations and an abundance of tropical marine life just offshore. After exploring beneath the surface, spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Unique Finds
Bioluminescense – Did you know you could experience the magic of Bioluminescence right in Belize? Anderson’s Lagoon is located on the Sitee River in Stann Creek and is the site most popular for this amazing natural phenomenon. It’s best experienced in the dry season and is the perfect unique tour for the Belizean Traveller craving something new and memorable.
Serpon Sugar Mill – Also in Sittee River, the Sepon Sugar Mill is a quick and easy experience for the Belizean history buff. The site preserves the impressive remains of a 19th-century steam-powered sugar mill, including towering iron machinery that once processed sugar cane.