The beauty of Dangriga town Belize

The town of Dangriga is located in southern part of the wonderful Belize. Popularly known as Stann Creek town, the city is also the capital of the Stann Creek district of the Belizean nation and located off the Caribbean ocean at the mouth of the Stann Creek.

This town is also ranked as the largest in Southern Belize. There are an estimated 12,000 residents of the town, most of who are from the Garinagu community or the black Caribs, a name that dates back to the time when the British were present. Besides, there are people of the Mestizos and Kriols community as well.

Dangriga is the home to these Garifuna people and the town comes alive in November every year during the week-long festivities that culminate into the Garifuna Settlement Day.  These festivities are attended in large numbers by the community members from across the region. The popular attractions in the festival are a wreath-laying ceremony and a wonderful torch lit parade at the monument of the community’s patriot Thomas Vincent Ramos.

Besides, there are activities for the current generation as well, a very significant event is the Miss Garifuna contest and the Bike races. There are also special church services along with colorful parades.

In a nutshell, Dangriga is an ideal location to kick off a tour of the southern Belizean region, which is rich in natural resources for the world to explore. Besides, you can also make arrangements for day and night trips as well to the wonderful Cayes or small islands found in abundance here. Some of the major locations, frequented by tourists from around the world are listed below.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
This natural reserve is located in south central Belize and plays a crucial role in protecting the watersheds of a significant portion of the eastern slopes of the world-famous Maya Mountains. Besides, the sanctuary also preserves forests and the fauna. This sanctuary is a nature lovers delight and just imagine, you are surrounded with greenery all around you with huge mountains along with the splendid milk like waterfall. The reserve has all the makings for the ideal place to be.

The sanctuary, which came into existence in 1990 also, has a unique distinction of being the first wilderness sanctuary of the jaguar. There are two watersheds in the reserve and besides the normal tourists, the place is also frequented by environment scientists and the mode of transportation to reach the spot is a low intensity trail system. This place is known to be eco tourism place.

The floodplain thicket, tropical moist broadleaf forest, elfin scrub, and Pine forest form the main plant species of the reserve.

Mayflower Archeological Reserve:
This reserve is the place to be if you are a keen on historical events and love the sight of nature as well. There are three ancient ruins besides two beautiful waterfalls and the best part is you can view the Caribbean ocean along with the Hopkins town. The site covers the jungle-covered areas of the Mayan ruins.  Besides, there are hiking trails as well, famous for difficulty and distance. The two waterfall hikes attracts people from all around the world as a 2-3 hour hike leads you to the huge Antelope Falls, whereas a less tiring walks brings you to another beauty the Three Sisters Falls.

Some other attractions of the town areas are Hopkins & Sittee River and Gulisi Garifuna Museum.

The town of Dangriga may be tiny and not so cosmopolitan. Nevertheless, it has produced some eminent personalities over the years. Some of the noted people, who owe their roots to this wonderful place, are noted mathematician and astrophysicist, Arlie Petters, then there’s Chico Ramos, better known as the Godfather of Punta Rock.

Some of the personalities now resides overseas are Tamika Thomas, an author now residing in New York, Aaron “Bruno” Arana and Pen Cayetano.

Listed below are some questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach Dangriga?

Overseas nationals need to travel to the capital’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. This airport hosts flights from the US and other major countries. An easier option is to board the Maya Island Air and Tropic Air flights to Dangriga. These flights are reliable and regular. The only problem one needs to keep in mind is there are no taxis available at the Dangriga airfield. Hence, it is advisable to make prior arrangements with the hotels for your pick up and drop.

You may also reach Dangriga via bus, which connect Belmopan with the town through the Hummingbird Highway. However, the best and the most preferred way to get into Dangriga is to hire a car. Agree, the cash outflow may be there, however, you are assured of the best at your convenience.

Residents of the US and Canada can enter the country without a visa. However, visitors belonging to other countries have to compulsorily carry a visa.

Where do I stay during my Dangriga trip?

Some of the popular places to stay are the Jaguar Reef Lodge, Blue Marlin lodge and Pelican Beach Resort.

When is the best time to visit Dangriga?

The best time of the year to visit the town of Dangriga is the months of March, July and October. Each of the months has its own specialty and these times give a glimpse of the place during the various times in a year.

In conclusion, Dangriga is a wonderful place to visit. I can assure you that you will be more than satisfied after your visit as the town resembles cleanliness with a unique way of life. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and book your trip to this wonderful place.