Celebrated for its vibrant Garifuna heritage, grapefruit, oranges, and banana plantations, and Paranda and Punta music – Stann Creek District is one to explore as a relaxed corporate events destination. The Caribbean Sea, huge rainforest preserve, and the two highest peaks in Belize can be found within Stann Creek’s boundaries.

About Stann Creek District

Stann Creek District is on the eastern side of Belize. It shoulders the Belize District to the north, the Cayo District to the west, and Toledo District to the south. Stann Creek District’s eastern coastline is jewelled with palm trees, immaculate sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Stann Creek is the fifth most-populated of the six districts in Belize.

Dangriga is Stann Creek’s district capital. With a population of 11,000, it is a small, welcoming, and charming town sitting at the mouth of North Stann Creek, facing the ocean. 

Placencia, the most touristic and picturesque area in Stann Creek, is a fishing village on the Placencia Peninsula. It is one of the top destinations in Belize for 16 miles of the best Caribbean beaches, luxury resorts, and coral reefs.

Event Venues and Hotels in Stann Creek District

As one of the least-populated districts in Belize, Stann Creek has a smaller number of event venues and hotels than other districts. The majority of venues for meetings are located in the tourist area of Placencia. Dedicated conference halls in Stann Creek District:

• Ocean View Beach Facility, Dangriga

Options for corporate stays in Stann Creek District:

• Umaya Resort, Placencia (1 meeting room)
• The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Hopkins (1 meeting room)
• Naia Resort and Spa, Placencia (2 meeting rooms)
• Itz’ana Resort, Placencia (meeting facilities)
• Pelican Beach Resort, Dangriga( 2 conference rooms)

Internet in Stann Creek District

Satellite, fibre optic, and 4G Wi-Fi internet are available across Stann Creek District. You can enjoy the use of high-speed Wi-Fi as a guest at hotels and some restaurants. In remote areas, the internet may be interrupted.

Corporate Entertainment in Stann Creek District 

The south of Stann Creek is the most loved region for tourists and corporate groups. The luxury, high-end resorts offer half day and full day trips with guides, boating rides, water activities, and access to the most beautiful beaches you might ever see. Stann Creek’s jungle reserves are recommended sites for business tourists to visit, which are located to the north of the district. Top things to see and do include:

• Admiring the clear waters while standup paddle boarding
• River tubing, hiking, and spotting jaguars in the Cockscombe Basin Jaguar Preserve
• Watching the whale sharks at Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve during whale shark season (March – June)
• Sunset yacht charter on the lagoon
• Tasting traditional Garifuna dishes, learning about Garifuna culture, and enjoying a drumming session at the Palmento Grove Cultural and Fishing Lodge on Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island

Dining in Stann Creek District

Stann Creek boasts many fine dining restaurants as well as beach bars and casual bistros. Sample the exquisite local Caribbean and seafood, such as cassava bread, cashew wine, grilled jerk pork chops, grilled lobster, and fried snapper. These are a few of the best Stann Creek restaurants for corporate dining:

• Maya Beach Hotel Bistro, Placencia (Caribbean and international food)
• The Breezeway Oceanfront Restaurant, Placencia (Bar and seafood)
• Singanga Restaurant at Hamanasi Resort, Hopkins (Caribbean and seafood)
• The Coconut Husk, Hopkins (Caribbean and seafood)
• Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe, Hopkins (Caribbean and seafood)
• Coconut Grill, Dangriga(Caribbean and Seafood)

How to Travel to Stann Creek District

You can get to Stann Creek District by coach, taxi, hire car, ferry or by plane. Dangriga is 74 miles (1 hour 40 minutes driving) from Belize City, 156 miles (3 hour 40 minutes driving) from Chetumal at the Mexican border and 86 miles (2 hours 20 minutes driving) from Melchor de Mencos at the Guatemalan border.

Phillip SW Goldson International Airport

International and domestic flights run from Phillip SW Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, near Belize City. A shuttle bus is available between the airport and Belize City. 

Additional Airports in Stann Creek District

• Dangriga Airport (DGA)
• Independence Airport also known as Savannah Airport or Mango Creek Airport (INB) – flights from Independence and Mango Creek
• Placencia Airport (PLJ) – flights from Placencia
• Melinda Airport (MDB) – flights from Hope Creek
• Silver Creek Airport (SVK) – flights from Silver Creek

Travelling around the Stann Creek District

Visiting the different villages in Stann Creek District is the cheapest by bus. To explore the coast, you can organise a sailing charter, water taxi, or ferry. For large groups, it might be more cost-effective to travel by hire car or private coach.

Ferries from Dangriga ride to Belize City, Hopkins, Puerto Cortés in Honduras, the Belize Barrier Reef, and islands such as Tobacco Caye.