Dangriga is the largest town in Southern Belize, and the spiritual capital of the country's Garifuna people. Despite sharing a similar ramshackle appearance and funky coastal vibe with Belize City, Dangriga doesn't have a big-city feel and is generally a safe place to explore. This is a proud, festive town, one that does its best to make the most of its vibrant Garifuna heritage, but apart from a handful of worthwhile cultural sights it's not a tourist hangout like Hopkins or Placencia – most travelers are either changing buses or getting a boat out to the central cays.

The name Dangriga comes from a Garifuna word meaning 'sweet water' – the town's name having been changed from Stann Creek Town in the 1980s. This is the birthplace of punta rock (a fusion of acoustic Garifuna and electric instruments), and home to a number of notable Garifuna artists, artisans and festivals.