Dangriga Belize
One of the most colorful and lively towns in Belize, Dangriga is widely known as the cultural capital of the nation. Home to a large Garifuna population, Dangriga has a thriving musical scene and is where the indigenous punta and punta rock genres were born.
Dangriga is a small town located in central Belize on the Caribbean coast of Stann Creek District. Dangriga is known for its traditional Garifuna drumming, active nightlife, numerous karaoke establishments, and delicious traditional Garifuna foods such as cassava bread, serre (fish boiled in coconut milk) and conch soup.
The name Dangriga means “sweet water” in the Garifuna language. Once the second-largest town in the country, Dangriga is now home to around 9,000 people. Many people consider Dangriga to be the friendliest town in Belize as the locals are renowned for their openness, warmth, and genuine hospitality. Originally founded by Garifuna families escaping persecution, Dangriga is just 90 miles from Belize City.
Many people come to Dangriga because of the rich abundance of pristine nature located close by, including the vast Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Measuring more than 150 square miles (400 square kilometers) in size, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to verdant mountains, lush wetlands, savannah, and coastal plains. The area is also home to the world’s first dedicated jaguar conservation project.
Other nearby attractions to Dangriga include the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of hundreds of offshore islands and coral atolls. The reef offers visitors world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing.
On land, Dangriga is also the gateway to other nearby Garifuna communities, including the village of Hopkins (perennially voted as the #1 friendliest village in Belize) and Seine Bight on the Placencia Peninsula. And just a short drive away is the world-famous Marie Sharp’s hot sauce factory.
In Dangriga proper, visitors can explore Pen Cayetano’s workshop and studio. Decorated by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music and the arts, Pen Cayetano is Belize’s greatest living artist. Other attractions include a large statue featuring the three traditional Garifuna drums. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Due to its size, Dangriga offers plenty of urban charm but without the big-city feel of Belize City.
Barefoot Rentals and Services has a modern fleet of vehicles available for rent for visitors who want to explore all the best that Dangriga and the surrounding area has to offer. For additional information about Dangriga, including the top sights to see and the best lodging, contact Barefoot Rentals and Services.