Hopkins Kayaking & Cooking Adventure

6 Hours
  • 2 - 12
  • 2–12
  • English, Garifuna
  • The estuary on the northern side of Hopkins ("Hawaii") — free pickup within Hopkins
  • The Garifuna meal you help prepare
  • Easy — a calm-water paddle

About this experience

The Hopkins Kayaking & Cooking Adventure is a six-hour Garifuna experience in Hopkins, Belize, led by the Palmento Grove family, starting at 8:30 AM or 3:30 PM.

The day begins on the water. We take you on a guided kayak tour of Fresh Water Creek Lagoon before anyone picks up a knife, so you arrive at the kitchen already knowing the place the food comes from.

Then you cook. You prepare a Garifuna meal alongside us and hear the history of how our people came to this coast, and why these dishes are still made the way they are. The day finishes with your hands on the drums.

If you have less time, our four-hour Garifuna Cultural & Culinary Adventure covers the culture and the kitchen without the lagoon tour.

What you'll do

  • A guided kayak tour of Fresh Water Creek Lagoon
  • Cook a Garifuna meal alongside our family, then share it
  • The history of the Garifuna people and of Hopkins
  • A drumming session to close the day
  • Morning (8:30 AM) or afternoon (3:30 PM) start

What's included

  • Free pickup from your hotel within Hopkins
  • Guided kayak tour of Fresh Water Creek Lagoon
  • Cooking session and the meal you prepare
  • Drumming session

What's not included

  • Transport from Placencia, San Ignacio or Belize City — add a transfer
  • Gratuities

Questions guests ask

Planning your day

What time does it start?

You can choose 8:30 AM or 3:30 PM. Both are the same six-hour experience.

How is this different from the Garifuna Cultural & Culinary Adventure?

This one adds a guided kayak tour of Fresh Water Creek Lagoon before the cooking, and runs six hours instead of four.

Can you cater for vegetarians?

Yes — tell us in advance. If you don't eat fish, we'll prepare vegetables or an alternative such as chicken, also with advance notice.

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.

What should I bring?

Sun protection, insect repellent (natural repellent is available on site), light clothing, and shoes that can get wet and dry quickly.

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.