Reason 1 – Location, location, location

Location, location, location. Dangriga is the the only town in Belize that lives on a cuspate foreland – a triangular headland that extends out from the main coastline. Dangriga is actually further east into the Caribbean Sea than any other town or city in the country. The location of Dangriga on this headland allows the easterly trade winds to cool the entire town.

Through the center of Dangriga flows the North Stann Creek River, one of the 20 major rivers in Belize. Sediment carried by the river from the Stann Creek Valley helps build the coastline around the town and is probably the reason for the cuspate foreland shape.

The nutrients from the river empty just offshore town, feeding a healthy fishery which attracts large sea and wading bird populations.

Dangriga is located nearly in the middle of the Belizean coastline, equidistant between the northern and southern borders. This means Dangriga is also equidistant from the reefs and coral islands offshore to the east, as well as the tropical rainforests and numerous waterfalls to the west. Forty minutes by boat will get you to coral reefs and the magnificent, but little known South Water Caye. Thirty five minutes by car will get you to the world’s first jaguar reserve, the famous Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

To the north of Dangriga, one of the largest unbroken forests of mangrove stretches all the way to Belize City, 37 miles away. A 1995 study of bird populations found the highest diversity of species in the entire country here (during migration season).

To the south of Dangriga, a series of lagoons forms the Gra Gra Lagoon National Park, 1200 acres of wetland supporting thousands of wading birds. And just 8 miles further on is the resort town of Hopkins.

Centrally located, on the Caribbean Sea, cool breezes, wild habitats timing with life, and definitely uncrowded.

Stay tuned for more reasons why Dangriga should be on your list of places to visit in Belize!