Belize's Best Beach Destinations

Belize is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. With over 200 offshore islands and cays, it's no surprise that beach-goers are spoilt for choice. The Placencia Peninsula is a popular choice for those seeking a mix of vibrant village life and pristine beaches. Hopkins Village Beach is another favourite, known for its friendly Garifuna culture and five-mile stretch of quiet coastline. For those seeking seclusion, Southwest Caye and the private island of Lime Caye offer crowd-free beaches and abundant sea life. Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, boasts tranquil resorts and calm waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming. And for a truly unique experience, Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye offers a lively party scene and calm, clear waters. So whether you're after vibrant culture, serene nature, or lively entertainment, Belize has a beach to suit every taste.

Ambergris Caye

The caye is about 25 miles long but is never more than a few miles wide. It is home to San Pedro, the island's only town, which is also the top tourist destination in the country. San Pedro has a lively, energetic downtown area with a central park, shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation on the island, and the preferred way to get around San Pedro.

The island has three distinct parts. North of San Pedro, there are resorts, beach bars, and restaurants, with development exploding in recent years. This area has a tropical feel and is less crowded than downtown, making it a popular destination for visitors. South of San Pedro is more affordable and offers a mix of local and North American culture, with a more walkable feel.

The island has a diverse hotel scene, with options ranging from ultra-luxe resorts to budget guesthouses. There are also fantastic restaurants and lively nightlife, with free live music and festivals on the beach.

One of the most popular beaches on Ambergris Caye is Secret Beach, located on the west side of the island. This spot has calm, crystal-clear waters and is packed with beach bars and restaurants. It is accessible by a bumpy golf cart ride through the middle of the island.

Overall, Ambergris Caye offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a sophisticated, yet casual, beach lifestyle.

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is a gorgeous emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The beaches are often described as "toast-coloured" or "golden", and the peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize.

The peninsula is divided into two parts: south of the airstrip and north of the airstrip. The northern portion includes the Garifuna village of Seine Bight and is less densely populated, with more expensive resorts. The southern part is busier, with a greater concentration of coffee shops, bistros, internet cafes, the harbour, guest houses, taxi and bus stations, banks and local restaurants. The entire peninsula can be easily navigated on a beach cruiser bike.

The beaches of Placencia are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll that offers protected snorkelling and swimming, a white sand beach and many palm trees.

Placencia is a laid-back, no-shoes, no-shirt kind of place, with a "barefoot perfect" beach. It is also a great hub for those who want to investigate the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, beachcombing, scuba diving, sea kayaking or trekking to the nearby Maya Mountains, the jaguar preserve and Maya Ruins or bird-watching and photographing the rich wildlife of the interior.

The peninsula is also a great destination for those interested in history and culture. The Maya Mountains are visible to the west, and the village of Placencia, a Creole village at the southern tip of the peninsula, was once a fishing village. The name "Placencia" is a contraction of "Punta Plasencia", which was given to the peninsula by Christopher Columbus and the Spaniards when they discovered and sailed along the coast of Belize in 1502. At that time, Plasencia was famous as the healthiest place in Spain, and in English, it means "Point Pleasant".

The northern part of the peninsula is home to the Garifuna village of Seine Bight, where the Garifuna people, descendants of African slaves, settled in 1832 and remain to this day. A trip to this village offers the chance to taste Garifuna cooking and listen to their native music.

Hopkins Village Beach

The beach itself is an uninterrupted, tranquil 5-mile stretch of coastline, lined with swaying coconut trees, colourful guesthouses, and the occasional local eatery. While the water may not boast the vibrant Caribbean turquoise hues, it remains clear and inviting, providing a refreshing escape from the tropical climate. The beach is publicly accessible, allowing visitors to stroll along the shore, take a refreshing swim, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant local culture.

Hopkins Village is renowned for its thriving Garífuna community, a unique blend of Afro-Amerindian heritage. Immerse yourself in their traditions by indulging in local delicacies like hudut, a delicious coconut fish stew served with mashed plantains, or try your hand at drumming lessons at the Lebeha Drumming Center. The village also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of its approximately 1,000 residents, many of whom work in fishing, farming, and the burgeoning hospitality industry.

The beachfront is dotted with small bars and restaurants, each with its own unique character. Visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, ranging from traditional Garífuna cuisine to a fusion of Garífuna, Maya, Mestizo, and Creole flavours. The village also boasts a range of accommodation options, from colourful guesthouses to growing cafes, hostels, and hotels catering to a diverse range of travellers.

For those seeking adventure beyond the beach, Hopkins delivers once again. Guests can explore the nearby Maya ruins, dive or snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, or try their hand at various fishing techniques in the reef, flats, or the Sittee River. Nature enthusiasts can also venture into Belize's jungles and caves via kayak, tube, zip line, horseback, or ATV. Hopkins provides free bikes to its visitors, encouraging exploration and discovery beyond the beach.

Secret Beach

To get to Secret Beach, you can rent a golf cart, take a taxi, or go by boat. The golf cart is a popular option, with a 40-45 minute drive from San Pedro, offering sights of mangroves, lagoons, birds, and even crocodiles along the way. The taxi is the most expensive option, costing over $100 for a round trip. Going by boat involves boating around the southern part of Ambergris Caye or going under the bridge near downtown San Pedro.

At Secret Beach, you'll find calm, clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming and walking. There are several beach clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from, each with its own unique vibe and offerings. You can expect to find lounge chairs, cabanas, and other amenities at this well-developed beach. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during busier travel times.

The beach has a mix of quiet and lively areas. During the high tourist season, it takes on a more "local party" vibe, with a quieter atmosphere on weekdays and a livelier atmosphere towards the weekends.

Overall, Secret Beach is a beautiful and well-worth destination in Belize, offering a mix of relaxation and fun for all ages.

South Water Caye

For accommodation, South Water Caye offers the Pelican Beach Resort and the Blue Marlin Beach Resort. The Blue Marlin Beach Resort is a family-owned property, operated as a fishing and diving lodge for three generations. It provides personalised service and authentic Belizean hospitality. The resort offers private cabanas and rooms with stunning sea views, as well as easy access to the beach and reef.

Getting to South Water Caye can be done through day trips from Hopkins and Dangriga. For longer stays, the primary way to reach the island is by chartered boat from Dangriga Town, with boats taking approximately 40 minutes to reach the island.

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