A fast-developing but still ultralow-key beach area on the coast between Dangriga and Placencia, 80 mi/130 km by road south of Belize City, Hopkins maintains the feel of a friendly Garifuna village. It's a great place to learn about the culture.
In addition to the handful of budget options, several upscale hotels have opened in the area.
Primarily inhabited by the Garifuna people, Hopkins is split into two parts by the water: Baila on the northern side and False Sittee on the southern side. The town makes a good base for explorations to the cayes, reefs and islands to the east, and the jungles and the Maya mountains to the west.
Hamanasi Resort has a PADI-certified diving operation on-site. https://www.hamanasi.com/belize-diving.