Garifuna Immersion & Jaguar Night Hike

7 Hours
  • 1 - 6
  • 1–6
  • The Garifuna meal you cook
  • English, Garifuna
  • Year-round
  • Our family, then a Maya guide in the sanctuary
  • Moderate — night hiking on forest trails

About this day

The Garifuna Immersion & Jaguar Night Hike is a seven-hour experience: Garifuna culture with our family on Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island in Hopkins, Belize, followed by a night hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary with a Maya guide.

The first half is ours — drumming, dance, storytelling, and hudut cooked the way it has always been made here.

After dark you enter Cockscomb Basin, the first jaguar sanctuary established anywhere in the world, with a Maya guide who knows the forest at night.

You may not see a jaguar — they're elusive, and most visitors don't. But the forest after dark is a different place, and your guide will show you what's moving in it and explain how the sanctuary protects jaguars and the ecosystem around them.

What you'll do

  • Garifuna drumming, dance and storytelling with our family
  • Cook hudut over the open fire hearth
  • Night hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Guided by a Maya guide who knows the forest after dark
  • The story of the world's first jaguar sanctuary

What's included

  • Free pickup from your hotel within Hopkins
  • Kayak crossing to and from the island
  • Cultural attire to change into
  • The Garifuna cultural and culinary experience
  • Guided night hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • All cooking ingredients and instruction
  • The Garifuna meal you cook

What's not included

  • A boat crossing instead of the kayak — available at extra cost
  • Transport from Placencia, San Ignacio or Belize City — add a transfer
  • Tips and gratuities — not included in the price

Questions guests ask

Planning your day

How long is the experience?

About seven hours, finishing after dark.

Will I see a jaguar?

Possibly, but most visitors don't — jaguars are elusive. The night forest is full of other life, and your guide will show you what's moving in it.

How hard is the night hike?

Moderate — walking forest trails in the dark with your guide.

I'm vegetarian, or I can't eat fish. Can I still join?

Yes. Tell us when you book and we'll prepare a vegetable option for vegetarians, or an alternative such as chicken instead of fish.

Where do we meet?

On the northern side of Hopkins, at the estuary where the lagoon meets the sea — locals call it Hawaii. If you're staying in Hopkins, we'll pick you up from your hotel for free.

How do we get to the island?

By kayak — a short, calm paddle across Fresh Water Creek Lagoon, included in the price. If you'd rather not paddle, a boat crossing is available at extra cost.

What should I bring?

Insect repellent (we also have natural repellent), sun protection for the day, light clothing, and shoes that can get wet and dry quickly. We provide cultural attire to change into for the cultural part of the day.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel 30 or more days before for a full refund minus a 10% processing fee, or 15 days before for a 50% refund or full credit toward a future booking. Cancellations less than 7 days before are non-refundable. The full policy is on our Terms page.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If we cancel because conditions are unsafe, you'll receive a refund, minus a 10% processing fee for card payments.

Are tips included?

No. Tips aren't included in the price. They're never expected, and always appreciated by the people who host you.