Dangriga - city in Belize

Dangringa is a funky Garifuna town in Stann Creek, Belize. It looks a bit rough around the edges, but is home to some of the friendliest people you're likely to meet. If you are exploring Belize in any depth you're likely to come through here at least once en route to the south or to the southern cayes. Spend a night if you have the time.

Get in

By plane

• Dangriga Airport (IATA: DGA Pelican Beach Airstrip), 16.9825°, -88.258611°. The small airport is served by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air several times daily, with flights heading north to Belize City and beyond, and south to Placencia and on to Punta Gorda.

By car

The Hummingbird Highway is the main route to Dangriga from Belmopan. The Hummingbird Highway is the only highway that cuts through the Belizean mountains and it is known for its scenic beauty. Completely paved along its length, it is a short and easy drive with opportunities for short hikes and swims along the way. Almost anyone who drives from Belize City or the Cayo District to the south (Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, or Punta Gorda) will use this highway (there is an alternative coastal route from Belize City but the road is terrible) and it is worth factoring in a few hours extra to stop along this highway for hiking, swimming or caving. Stops alongbthe way include Blue Hole National Park, Barquidier Waterfall, Kropf's Bakery, and Casita de Amour.

Buses ply this main highway too, to all major destinations in the area.

By boat

Boats depart from the main dock across from the River Front Cafe to just about anywhere you're willing to pay to go, or with frequent service to Tobacco Caye, etc.

Get around

Central Dangriga is small and walkable, but you may want to grab a taxi (BZ$10) if you're headed to or from the airport or the north end of town.

See

Do

• Visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Buses leave every two hours or so from Dangriga to the Mayan centre (40 min). Bus at 5:30AM and 7:45AM at the bus station. Getting a guide at the Mayan Centre will be difficult in low season. Try to arrange one from Dangriga. Guide recommended for finding wildlife and safety. Julio can take you up to the head quarters from the bus stop. His house is second on the row at the Mayan Centre. Look for the taxi writing on his house. Lodging and camping possible at park headquarters. Bags can be dropped at HQ also if you plan to continue on to Punto Gorda by bus.

Eat

• Riverside cafe. Simple menu. Stays open in low season.

Drink

Sleep

• Chaleanor Hotel. Excellent small but well presented hotel 5 minutes walk from the centre. Economic (Double BZ$36, Sep 2010) and standard rooms (approx BZ$100) available and a rooftop terrace for relaxing.
• Jungle Huts, 4 Ecumenical Dr. (2 blocks upriver from the main bridge(south side)), +501 522-0185, junglehutsresort@gmail.com. Nice clean, Quiet local hotel, within walking distance of downtown and the market. Restaurant on side, but in low season only on request. Owner Phil is very friendly, as is the other crew. Very welcoming setting. Wifi available, no computers. US$31 & up

Go next

• Hopkins (Belize)
• Tobacco Caye - play volleyball and snorkel away from everyone. Accessible via private boat.