Getting here

Although there are many ways to arrive into the beautiful country of Belize, you'll likely be flying into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), so that's where we'll start our navigation...
We've included a detailed rundown from your flight right to our front door (below) and the different options of access as well,
but here's a Google maps link to the navigation as well for your convenience 

The journey from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is straightforward and scenic, taking about 2-3 hours by road. Many first-time visitors find it relaxing, with views of countryside, hills, and eventually the Caribbean coast.

Flight Arrival tips                                         

·       Ask your flight steward for immigration sheets for everyone in your party (one per person). This will save you time and hassle once you’re in the airport.

·        You’ll likely walk onto the tarmac and airport staff will guide everyone into the airport.

·        At the end of the hall you’ll need to grab and fill out immigration sheets for everyone in your party if you haven’t already (bring you own pens if possible).
Enter Phase 4, Lot 5, Hopkins, or Casa Playa Hopkins for the “where you’ll be staying” section of the sheet.

·       Once filled out, get in line with your party and once called hand your sheet(s) and passport(s) to the officer.

·       Next you’ll enter into the luggage collection section of the airport where you’ll collect your checked bags. There are a few duty-free shopping options, but the prices aren’t great and it just will cause you to waste time inside leading you to be in the back of the line at the car rental agency, which (worst case) can add hours to your wait.

·       You’ll get in one last line to carry your bags through customs to make any declarations as is appropriate, before heading out the front doors.

·       Once outside, there will be a lot of taxi drivers offering rides, and directly across the road and parking lot, you’ll see a building with a selection of rental car companies.

Quick  Transport Overview

·       Distance: Approximately 80–85 miles (130 km) by road.

·       Driving time: 2–2.5 hours (roads are generally good, including the Coastal Highway section).

Option 1: Rental Car (Recommended for Flexibility and Cost)

Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Hopkins, nearby jungles and beaches, restaurants, and attractions during your stay. Roads are drivable with a standard vehicle (4x4 recommended in rainy season for some side roads).
Drive on the right side of the road; signs are in MPH/ English.

·       Our Suggested Provider: Crystal Auto Rental

·       They have a convenient booth right at the airport (you can see it from the exit). Mostly reliable vehicles (make sure you check the windows, headlights, and date of insurance expiration), and great service for tourists. We have used them many times successfully. 

·       Website: crystalautorentalsbelize.com

·        Phone/ WhatsApp (+501) 223-1600, or US line (936) 307-1325 

·       Reservations: Highly recommended in advance, especially during peak seasons. They also offer shuttles/transfers if you prefer not to drive.

·       Other reputable options at or near the airport: Explore Auto Rental, Budget, or local companies. Compare rates and read recent reviews.

 **Before hitting the road, it’s a good idea to message Janette to let her know you’ve landed and are on your way.

o   661-7444 or WhatsApp +501-638-1011

Driving Directions (quickest route): 

1.     Exit the airport and head east on International Airport Rd towards Belize City; ~0.7mi 

2.     At the first roundabout, take a right onto John Smith Rd. Watch out for the first speed bump- it’s sneaky! ~5mi

3.     At the roundabout, make another right onto George Price Hwy.
(There’s a good Belizean curry road-side stand just before the roundabout, with Bob Marley painted on the side. Depending on the season, there’s a crocodile in the creek below that “begs” for your chicken bones😋)

4.     Stay on George Price Hwy for about 6.8mi until you reach another roundabout. (There are guys that sell sour plums on the roadside and a gas station soon after with an okay’ish bathroom)
Take the left out of the roundabout and continue on George Price Hwy for another 14.7mi

5.     Look for signs directing you to “La Democracia”, the Coastal Hwy, on the left, just after the Shell gas station.

6.     Take the Coastal Hwy for just over 36mi, winding through the hills and coastal marshlands. Watch out for the many speed bumps located near each village turn off along the way.

7.     Make the left through the roundabout at Hope Creek, onto the Hummingbird Hwy. Take it for about 2.5mi

8.     Look for the turn off to the Southern Hwy on the right, with a sign posted to Hopkins / Sittee River/ Independence. Make that right.

9.     Continue down the Southern Hwy for about 10mi until you see a sign for Hopkins Road. Make a left onto Hopkins Rd.
(You’ll see Watson Hardware, Puma Gas Station, and a local bus stop at the corner)

10. Continue down Hopkins Rd for about 4mi all the way into Hopkins!

11. At the first stop sign, make a right to travel through “The Village” (I believe this is called South Rd, but there may not be a street sign) for about a mile.
  There will likely be a lot of foot/ road/ bike/ stray dog traffic, so go slow, you’re almost there ☺️)
**If you haven’t already, this is also a good time to let Janette know that you’ve arrived in Hopkins.

12. At the end of Hopkins village, the road will make two slight curves and you’ll continue on what’s now Sittee River Rd into “phase 1”

13.  This is where you’ll need to stop briefly to meet with our property manager, Janette.
- She will be waiting at her shop Diversity Tours and Treasures with the keys for you:
It is on the right hand side of the road: Look for her shop by its mannequin accompanied deck out front, and golf carts to rent. It is just past Bahay Fiesta Restaurant & Bar (on the right) and just before Jaguar Reef Lodge (on the left).
You’re close now!!

14.

Now that you have your keys, you’ll continue on through Phase 1, bending around “False Sittee”/ “Coral Point” (after which the road turns to dirt), and through “phase 2”, at the end there’s a small zig-zag in the road, before you’ve arrived!!

You’ll see our Casa Playa Hopkins sign on the left.

When you arrive at the home, there may be a rope along the driveway acting as a gate.

Option 2: Private Shuttle or Taxi (Easiest for Relaxation; more expensive)

Door-to-door service is popular and stress-free after a flight. Great for those who don't want to drive.

·       Recommended Services

o   Julian Shuttles / Belize Ground Transfers: Reliable private options directly to Hopkins.

o   Belize Shuttle or William’s Transportation: Comfortable vans with airport pickup.

o   Crystal Auto Rental also offers transfers.

- Cost estimate: $150–300 USD one-way for a private shuttle (depending on group size/vehicle). Shared options may be cheaper.

- Booking: Arrange in advance via their websites or email. Provide flight details for meet-and-greet (drivers often hold signs at airport exit).

Search "BZE to Hopkins shuttle" for other current providers and reviews.

Option 3: Domestic Flight + Transfer (Fastest; most expensive)

For a quicker trip:

1. Take a short 15–20 minute flight from BZE to Dangriga (DGA) with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

2. Arrange a 30–40 minute shuttle/taxi from Dangriga to Casa Playa Hopkins.

Websites: [tropicair.com](https://www.tropicair.com/) or [mayaislandair.com](https://www.mayaislandair.com/). This can be more expensive but saves time.

Upon Arrival at Casa Playa Hopkins

- Local taxis or golf cart rentals are available in Hopkins for getting around the village. If you didn’t decide to rent a car from the airport, we definitely recommend getting a golf cart rental! So much fun to cruise around town in the ocean breeze.
Contact Janette to arrange a rental.

**Safety & Tips**:

·       Stick to main roads at night if driving.

·       Watch out for stray dogs and wildlife crossing roads, and for the occasional local along the way.

·       Belize is welcoming, but use common sense (as in any travel destination).

·       For turning Left in traffic: The expectation is, if there’s oncoming traffic and vehicles behind you, that you pull over to the right side of the road and wait for all traffic to pass before turning left.

·       You’ll notice that vehicles will pass you on the left, even if you’re going the speed limit, if your going around a blind corner or other situation where it’s not the safest option. Be patient and keep your eyes on the road for hazards.

Safe travels, and have an awesome time visiting Casa Playa Hopkins for sun, sea, and unforgettable Belize memories!