Belize's Best Beach Destinations

Belize is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with pristine white sand and azure waters. The Placencia Peninsula is a popular choice for beachgoers, boasting a long stretch of golden sand and tranquil waters. For those seeking seclusion, the beaches of the offshore islands, such as South Water Caye, offer the perfect escape. Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, is also a favourite among tourists, with its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Hopkins Village Beach, known for its vibrant Garifuna culture and friendly locals, is another great option. With its diverse landscape, Belize offers beach lovers a range of unique experiences, from the lively San Pedro to the secluded and serene.

Ambergris Caye

If you're looking for a more secluded spot, head to the far north of the island, where you'll find the crowd-free Tranquility Bay. This beach is most easily reached by boat, but it can also be accessed by car down a dusty beach track. Grab your snorkel and explore the underwater world from the shoreline before heading to The Tacklebox Sea Bar for a rum cocktail.

If you're looking for a beach that's a little more lively, head to Secret Beach, a formerly local spot that has been developed into a popular and accessible beach destination. Renting a golf cart is the best way to get there – it's 4.5 miles north of San Pedro. Once you've navigated the pockmarked road that winds through the swamp, follow the sound of music to the right to find the party scene. Grab a chair and a piña colada at Pirate's Not-So-Secret Beach Bar & Grill, or at one of the other bars along the beachfront. It's free to visit Secret Beach, but there is a charge for using the various amenities.

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize. With 16 miles of golden sand and emerald-hued waters, it is a laid-back beach resort destination. The beach stretches across three villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia Village. All of these beaches are public.

Placencia Village has several bars and restaurants along its golden sandy coastline, while Maya Beach and Seine Bight offer quieter, fine, white sand beaches. Placencia is also known for its top-notch food, accommodations, and nightlife, as well as its mix of travellers and locals.

The Placencia Peninsula is a great choice for those looking for a variety of beach experiences. Maya Beach, at the northern end of the peninsula, is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for snorkelling, diving, and swimming. It is also close to the Laughing Bird Caye National Park for those seeking adventure.

Placencia Village, on the other hand, offers a lively atmosphere with its colourful shops, restaurants, and bars. The Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar and Barefoot Beach Bar are two popular spots located directly on the beach. Placencia Village is a great place to interact with locals and experience the culture of this tiny town.

For those seeking a more private and luxurious experience, Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn, located just up the peninsula, offers an inventive, high-end property with its own beautiful beach.

In addition to its beaches, the Placencia Peninsula also offers the opportunity to charter boats for diving, fishing, or visiting a deserted beach on an outlying cay. A cruise through the mangrove swamp to Monkey River is another popular activity, where visitors can spot howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village itself is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant Garifuna culture. The village has a rustic local beach vibe with many small restaurants, bars, and gift shops. Over 1000 residents call Hopkins home, and they work in fishing, farming, and the growing hospitality industry. The village is divided into two main areas: the Northside (Baila) and the Southside (False Sittee). It is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland and the Caribbean Sea along its shore.

For those seeking clearer waters, the Belize Barrier Reef is just a half-hour boat ride away. Visitors can also explore the Maya ruins, dive or snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, fish in the Sittee River, or venture into the surrounding jungles and caves. Hopkins Village Beach truly offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.

South Water Caye

Belize has a magnificent coastline that hugs the Caribbean Sea, with over 200 offshore islands. Many of its beaches remain a well-kept secret, discovered only by divers and anglers. One of these hidden gems is South Water Caye, a tranquil island escape that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.

Located in Southern Belize, South Water Caye is a mere 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga Town, in the Stann Creek district. This secluded island is situated atop the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Northern Hemisphere, and is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, one of Belize's largest marine protected areas. The caye is home to a diverse array of marine life, with hundreds of species of fish and coral, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

The island itself is only 15 acres, offering a peaceful and intimate experience for travellers seeking solace and a break from the crowds. It is capped on both ends by two resorts, Pelican Beach Resort and Blue Marlin Lodge, each offering its own unique amenities and charms. The resorts provide the perfect setting for those seeking a blend of comfort and adventure, with easy access to the beach and the surrounding marine reserve.

A typical day on South Water Caye might include snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the nearby marine reserve, or simply relaxing on the beach and soaking in the sun. For those seeking more active pursuits, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching are also popular activities. As the day turns to night, guests can unwind in a hammock with a book and a glass of rum punch, or marvel at the starry night sky from the comfort of their veranda.

Getting to South Water Caye is easy, with day trips available from Hopkins and Dangriga. For those planning a longer stay, the primary mode of transportation is by chartered boat from Dangriga Town, with boats taking approximately 40 minutes to reach the island.

Glover's Reef Atoll

The best time to visit Glover's Reef Atoll is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, to take advantage of sunny days and clear blue skies. Transportation to the atoll is usually provided by hotels or tour operators and typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by boat from Belize City, Hopkins, or Dangriga.

For accommodation, there are a few options available, including dorms, thatched cabins, and camping sites. The Glover's Atoll Resort on Northeast Caye offers thatch beach cabins and over-the-water cabins, providing easy access to swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and diving spots. The resort also offers fishing licenses for those interested in reef fishing.

Frequently asked questions