Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Sittee River is the gateway to one of nature’s breathtaking phenomena – bioluminescent or “burning wata” as the Belizeans call it. This night tour is seasonal. Conditions have to be just perfect in the Anderson Lagoon and it usually occurs in the driest months like February - April. Head out on the 5 minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE. Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line.
Available options
Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise
Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Landing and facility fees
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Head out on the 5 minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE. Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line.
Go through a tiny cut to get to the lagoon and you will be surrounded by the giant mangroves and then shoot out into the lagoon. It’s pitch black, the guide’s flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light and then he turns it off. The boat picks up speed and the wake glows. A blue light. As the boat pick up more speed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow. It’s absolutely unbelievable.
Our guide will stop the boat and you just stare into the water. Schools of fish or any marine life swimming through the lagoon create a phosphorescent trail which can look like a glowing cloud in the water. Hundreds of jelly fish pulsating in the water. They feed on the algae – it’s all along their edges and inside them.
Just moving your hand around in the water is miraculous.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off is an additional 7.50 USD per person round trip, Can be paid to driver
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
10 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
33 reviews
5★
32
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Hopkins
Hopkins is a charming coastal village in Belize known for its rich Garifuna culture and stunning Caribbean beaches. It offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure activities, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience.
Top Attractions
Hopkins Beach
A beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Garnett's Pastries and Bakery
A local bakery famous for its delicious pastries and bread, offering a taste of traditional Garifuna cuisine.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
A unique wildlife sanctuary and the world's first jaguar reserve, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting.
Nature
Full day
Moderate
Sockton's Pines
A local craft shop and art gallery showcasing traditional Garifuna art and crafts, including handmade drums, jewelry, and textiles.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget
Marie Sharp's Farm
A local farm and factory producing Belize's famous habanero hot sauce and other spicy sauces.
Food and Drink
1-2 hours
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hudut
A traditional Garifuna dish made with fish cooked in a coconut broth, served with mashed plantains.
Main dish
Contains fish and plantains, may contain allergens.
Johnny Cakes
Fried dough balls, often filled with cheese or sweet fillings, a popular local snack.
Snack
Contains flour and may contain dairy or sugar.
Coconut Buns
Sweet buns made with coconut, a popular breakfast item in Hopkins.
Breakfast
Contains flour, sugar, and coconut, may contain dairy.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Fishing
Wildlife spotting
Beach activities
Sunbathing
Swimming
Garifuna drumming and dance
Local craft workshops
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and lower humidity, ideal for beach activities and cultural events.
24-30°C
75-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Garifuna, Creole
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Belize Dollar (BZD)
Time Zone
GMT-6
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Hopkins is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Getting there
By air
- Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport • 130 km (80 miles)
- Dangriga Airstrip • 5 km (3 miles)
By bus
Belize City Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available to nearby towns but not within Hopkins itself. They are an affordable but less convenient option.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hopkins Village
Sittee River
Day trips
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
90 km (56 miles) • Full day
A unique wildlife sanctuary and the world's first jaguar reserve, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting.
Sittee River
15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day
A scenic river offering tours, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Dangriga
5 km (3 miles) • Half day
A nearby town with a rich cultural heritage, offering local markets, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
Festivals
Garifuna Settlement Day • November 19
Hopkins Seafood Festival • June
Pro tips
- Visit Garnett's Pastries and Bakery for a taste of traditional Garifuna pastries.
- Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a unique jaguar spotting experience.
- Try local seafood dishes, such as Hudut, at Innie's Restaurant and Bar.
- Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts at Sockton's Pines.
- Attend a Garifuna drumming and dance performance for an authentic cultural experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
