Secret Beach in Belize is located on the island of Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island and number one tourist destination. Secret Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, with sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. While no longer a true secret, it is still relatively secluded, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds and a laid-back atmosphere. The beach is located north of San Pedro Town on the west coast of Ambergris Caye, accessible by golf cart, taxi, or boat. Visitors can enjoy clear blue waters, calm seas, and a variety of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Island | Ambergris Caye |
Country | Belize |
Nearest town | San Pedro |
Beach type | Sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, calm Caribbean sea, no seagrass or sargassum |
Popularity | One of the most tourist-visited areas in Belize |
Beach access | Golf cart, taxi, or boat |
Beach facilities | Bars, restaurants, water sports, caves, beach clubs, sun loungers, picnic tables, tables and chairs, water playground, vendors, local food trucks, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes |
Beach vibe | Laid-back, peaceful, local party, busy, touristy, commercialised, crowded, loud music, spring break party |
Best time to visit | Earlier in the day, weekdays, avoid Sundays and weekends |
Beach clubs/bars | Pirate's Not-So-Secret Beach Bar & Grill, Blue Bayou, Happy Island Beach Bar, Bamboo Fence Swing Bar, Sunset Palace Beach Club, Secret Paradise Beach Bar, Aurora's Bar and Grill, Wet'n Wild Beach Bar And Restaurant, Secret Beach Waterpark Bar and Grill |
What You'll Learn
How to get to Secret Beach
Secret Beach is located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. The beach is north of San Pedro Town, which is the main town on the island.
To get to Secret Beach, you will first need to get to San Pedro Town. From there, you have a few options for how to get to Secret Beach.
Golf Cart
The most popular way to get to Secret Beach is by renting a golf cart. Golf carts can be rented through your hotel or from local companies, with rates typically around $70 USD per day. Driving a golf cart from San Pedro Town to Secret Beach takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
Once you have your golf cart, you will head north out of San Pedro Town. After about 4.5 miles, you will see a fork in the road with a big left turn, marked by signs for the bars, restaurants, and beach clubs at Secret Beach. Take this left turn and follow the road for another 2 to 3 miles. You will then arrive at Secret Beach, which will be on your left.
Taxi
Another option is to take a taxi to Secret Beach. This option is more expensive, with round-trip fares typically costing more than $100 USD. Make sure to ask the taxi driver if they know how to get to Secret Beach before you depart, and try to negotiate a final price if possible.
Boat
Finally, you can also get to Secret Beach by boat. You can either boat around the southern part of Ambergris Caye or go under the bridge just north of downtown San Pedro.
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Secret Beach's popularity
Secret Beach in Belize is no longer a "secret", with one source calling it the worst-kept secret. It is now the most popular beach destination in Belize. It is located on the west coast of Ambergris Caye, roughly seven miles from downtown San Pedro.
The beach's popularity has been driven by its turquoise waters, clear sand beaches, and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. It is a short drive from San Pedro Town, and its remote location, combined with the calm Caribbean Sea, makes it one of the best beaches in Belize.
The development of Secret Beach began in 2016, and since then, it has become one of the region's top destinations for tourism and investment. It is now home to dozens of beach bars, restaurants, beach clubs, boutique hotels, homes, and businesses.
The beach's popularity has led to more and more businesses catering to tourists opening up. Visitors can rent jet skis, try out water sports, venture out to the sandbar, or simply relax on the beach. There are also nearby caves to explore for those feeling adventurous.
During the high tourist season, the beach gets a "local party" vibe, with a quieter atmosphere on weekdays and a louder, more festive atmosphere on weekends.
Despite its increasing popularity, Secret Beach can get incredibly busy, and it is still worth visiting. Most people visit as a day trip from San Pedro, renting a golf cart to get there.
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Things to do at Secret Beach
Secret Beach in Belize is a great place to visit, with its stunning blue waters, laid-back atmosphere, and variety of activities. Here are some things you can do when visiting Secret Beach:
Relax and Enjoy the Beach
Unwind on the beach with a book or take a nap under the palapas (thatched-roof structures). The calm and clear blue waters are perfect for a relaxing swim. Just remember to be cautious as there is no lifeguard on duty.
Indulge in Food and Drinks
Treat yourself to delicious food and drinks from the local food trucks or nearby restaurants. You can also bring your own food, but if you want to enjoy your meal on the water lounge chairs, you'll need to purchase something from the local restaurants.
Try Out Water Sports
Rent jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes and explore the waters. If you're feeling adventurous, try out some watersports or venture out to the sandbar.
Explore the Surrounding Area
Take a walk along the beach and discover the nearby caves for a fun exploration. You can also stroll through the vendor market, where local artisans sell wood products, jewellery, and paintings.
Go Snorkelling
Bring your own snorkelling gear or join a snorkelling tour to explore the underwater world. While the beach has clear waters, there aren't many rock formations, so most fish can be spotted from the shore.
Visit at the Right Time
To avoid crowds, consider visiting Secret Beach during weekdays and earlier in the day. The beach tends to get louder and more crowded towards the evenings and during the high tourist season.
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Secret Beach's history
Secret Beach in Belize is located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island and its number one tourist destination. The beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, with turquoise blue water, calm seas, sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets.
Until recently, Secret Beach was challenging to access, requiring a boat to reach. However, in 2014, road infrastructure was put in place, making it more accessible to visitors. Despite its name, Secret Beach is no longer a true secret, and it can be easily reached by renting a golf cart or taking a taxi from San Pedro Town.
The beach offers a variety of attractions, including bars, restaurants, water sports, and nearby caves to explore. It is a popular spot for swimming, lounging, and enjoying tropical cocktails. The beach is often busiest on Sundays, followed by Saturdays, and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Secret Beach has something for everyone, from a peaceful and relaxed vibe to a lively party atmosphere. It is a must-visit destination for many tourists and a favourite spot for locals, especially on weekends.
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Secret Beach's accommodation
Secret Beach in Belize is located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, an island north of downtown San Pedro Town. While it is no longer a true secret, it is still a beach far enough from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Pedro that visitors can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and relax by the calm Caribbean Sea.
Off-grid Casita on the most popular beach area of Ambergris Caye
This accommodation is a cabin with an outdoor pool. It is located within a mile of Secret Beach and offers flexible bookings.
Stunning Ocean Views at Secret Beach, Steps from the Water
This bed and breakfast accommodation offers free breakfast, in-room WiFi, and a water park. It is located within a mile of Secret Beach.
Secret Beach Yellow Cabana
This bed and breakfast is just steps away from Secret Beach and offers free breakfast, in-room WiFi, and a water park. It is located within a mile of Secret Beach.
Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
This hotel is located in San Pedro, about 45 minutes away from Secret Beach by golf cart. It offers a relaxing environment and friendly staff.
Blue Bayou
Blue Bayou is a restaurant and bar area at Secret Beach known for its excellent food and laid-back vibe. It offers tables partially submerged in the crystal clear water, where waiters take your order.
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Frequently asked questions
Secret Beach is located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, north of San Pedro Town.
You can rent a golf cart and drive yourself, take a taxi, or go by boat.
You can rent jet skis, try watersports, visit the sand bar, or rent local paddleboards, kayaks or canoes. There are also caves nearby that you can explore.
Sundays are the busiest days, followed by Saturdays. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to go earlier in the day on a weekday.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray, be friendly but firm with hawkers, and take your time to find your spot on the beach. If you want to stay for sunset, it's a good idea to go once during the day to familiarise yourself with the route.