Lobster Havens In San Pedro, Belize

If you're looking for lobster in San Pedro, Belize, you're in luck! The San Pedro Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest is a celebration of the opening of lobster season, which runs from June 15 to February 15. During this time, you'll find an abundance of lobster dishes to indulge in, from grilled lobster tails and lobster ceviche to lobster pizza and lobster fritters.

In addition to the Lobster Fest, there are also many restaurants in San Pedro that serve delicious lobster dishes all year round. Some popular spots include the Anglers Seafood Restaurant, Blue Water Grill, and Estel's Dine by the Sea. You can also find lobster at the Fishermen's Co-Operative, from individual fishermen, and at small fish markets. So, whether you're visiting during lobster season or not, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious crustacean in San Pedro, Belize.

Lobster hunting tours

About Lobster Hunting

Lobster hunting in San Pedro, Belize, is an exciting activity that offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster, also known as "crayfish," is a delicacy in Belize and plays an important role in the country's economy. The lobster hunting season typically runs from June 15 to February 15, with the official opening of the season marked by the highly anticipated Lobster Fest.

Lobster Hunting Tour Options

If you're interested in lobster hunting tours in San Pedro, one highly recommended option is Seakarus Tours. They offer a range of exciting activities, including lobster hunting, fishing, and snorkelling. Their guides, Manny and Clifford, are praised for their expertise, hospitality, and focus on creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.

Here's what you can expect on a lobster hunting tour with Seakarus Tours:

• Survivor Tour: This full-day adventure includes fishing, snorkelling, spearfishing for lobster, and a private beach island-style lunch. You'll learn how to build a fire and cook your catch over an open flame.
• Lobster Hunting and More: This excursion offers a mix of activities such as lobster hunting, swimming with sharks, snorkelling, and exploring a private beach. The guides will teach you about the history of the island and ensure you have a fun and memorable experience.
• Customisable Trips: Seakarus Tours also allows guests to customise their trip based on their preferences. You can include activities such as fishing, snorkelling, and exploring a private beach with a BBQ lunch.

Practical Information

When planning your lobster hunting tour, keep the following in mind:

• Lobster hunting season in Belize is typically from June 15 to February 15.
• Lobster Fest, a celebration of the opening of the lobster season, takes place in July and offers a range of festivities, including food booths, beach parties, and music concerts.
• Lobster hunting methods in Belize include the use of lobster traps and skin diving (free-diving).
• A fishing license is required before taking any marine product, including lobster.
• It is important to observe the closed lobster season and size limits. Only take lobsters that meet the minimum size requirement.
• Protect berried lobsters (those carrying eggs) and never remove eggs from a female's tail.
• Support sustainable practices by avoiding second-grade lobster, which is illegal and can result in steep penalties.

Lobster season in Belize

Lobster is a delicacy in Belize, and the country celebrates the opening of the lobster season with Lobster Fest. The lobster season in Belize usually opens on June 15 and closes on February 15. However, these dates are subject to change, and in 2023, the lobster season closed on February 28 and reopened on July 1.

Lobster Fest is one of the most popular gastronomic events in Belize, with festivities taking place in four parts of the country: Belize City, the northern cayes, and the southern coast, including Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia. The celebrations include outdoor food booths serving various lobster dishes, wacky beauty pageants, drinks, music concerts, and all-day beach parties.

San Pedro's Lobster Fest is one of the most extravagant, with many establishments offering free live music and discounted prices on drinks and lobster. The San Pedro Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest in 2024, for example, was a two-week affair from July 1 to July 13.

During the lobster season in Belize, lobster is widely available at restaurants and seafood markets, especially in San Pedro. Lobster can be purchased directly from fishermen or small fish markets, and the price per pound typically ranges from $17.00 to $20.00 Bze.

It is important to note that Belize has strict regulations regarding lobster fishing. Lobster traps are commonly used, and there are size limits and closed seasons to protect lobster populations. Additionally, there are penalties for possessing or selling undersized or "soft" lobsters.

Lobster Festival Block Party

The San Pedro Lobster Festival is an annual event held in celebration of the opening of lobster season in Belize. The festival takes place in the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, an island just off the coast of Belize.

The 2024 festival will take place from July 1st to July 13th, with a range of events and special dinners organised to celebrate the crustacean. Local restaurants and vendors will be serving up a variety of lobster dishes, from grilled lobster tails and lobster ceviche to lobster pizza and lobster fritters.

The Lobster Festival is known for its lively atmosphere, with beach parties, live music, and entertainment taking place throughout the week. The festival also features a Lobster Crawl, where participants can get their Lobster Fest Passports stamped at various locations around the island. The Crawl includes a mix of day and night events, with food, drinks, and dancing. The main Lobster Fest Block Party takes place on the Saturday, with the party kicking off at 4 pm and continuing into the night.

The San Pedro Lobster Festival is a great opportunity to indulge in delicious lobster dishes, enjoy the unique culture of Belize, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the island. With accommodation prices up to 40% cheaper in the summer, it's the perfect time to visit Belize and join in the festivities.

So, if you're a lobster lover, be sure to mark the San Pedro Lobster Festival in your calendar and head to Ambergris Caye for a week of food, fun, and entertainment!

Lobster dishes in San Pedro

San Pedro in Belize is a haven for lobster lovers. The lobster season in Belize is from 15 June to 15 February, and during this time, you can find an abundance of lobster dishes to indulge in. Here are some of the mouth-watering lobster delights you can savour in San Pedro:

Grilled Lobster Tails

The classic way to enjoy lobster is by grilling it. Many restaurants in San Pedro offer grilled lobster tails, often served with butter or a variety of sauces. This simple preparation method lets the sweet and delicate flavour of the lobster shine through.

Lobster Ceviche

Lobster ceviche is a refreshing and tangy dish that is perfect for the warm Belizean climate. The lobster meat is typically marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or lemon, and mixed with chopped onions, peppers, and spices. This dish is a delightful blend of sweet lobster and zesty flavours.

Lobster Pizza

For a unique twist on a classic, try lobster pizza. Local restaurants offer this creative combination, where the sweet and juicy lobster meat is paired with melted cheese and a variety of toppings on a crispy pizza base. It's a hearty and indulgent option for lobster enthusiasts.

Lobster Fritters

Lobster fritters are a delicious way to enjoy lobster with a crispy coating. Small pieces of lobster are mixed with a batter and deep-fried, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavourful interior. These fritters are often served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Lobster Thermidor

Lobster Thermidor is a classic French dish that elevates the humble lobster. The lobster meat is removed from the shell, mixed with a creamy sauce, and then returned to the shell before being grilled or baked. It's a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion.

Lobster Kebabs

For a more casual lobster experience, try lobster kebabs. Chunks of lobster meat are skewered and grilled, often with vegetables and other seafood, creating a smoky and delicious dish. This is a great option if you want to enjoy your lobster with a variety of flavours and textures.

In addition to these dishes, San Pedro also hosts the annual Lobster Fest, a celebration of the opening of the lobster season. During this festival, which usually takes place in July, you can sample a wide variety of lobster dishes, including some unique creations from local chefs. So, if you're a lobster connoisseur, San Pedro, Belize, is definitely the place to be!

Lobster fishing grounds

Lobster fishing in Belize is a traditional practice with cultural and economic importance. The lobster fishing grounds in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are a prime example of this. With the annual Lobster Fest, San Pedro celebrates the opening of the lobster season, which runs from June 15 to February 15. This festival is a major attraction for both locals and tourists, with its delicious lobster dishes, vibrant culture, and exciting events.

The lobster fishing grounds in San Pedro are primarily accessed through two methods: lobster traps and skin diving. Lobster traps are a traditional technique that has been adapted from the traps used in the north Atlantic. These traps are set in clear, shallow waters between the reef and the mainland, usually at depths of less than 20 feet. Each fisherman has their own territory, which can range from a few acres to over a hundred, and they carefully guard the secrets of their trap locations. The traps are checked every few days, and lobsters that are under the legal size or carrying eggs are released back into the water.

Skin diving, on the other hand, is a method favoured by fishermen in the south, where the sea body is different, with deeper and less flat waters. This method is more strenuous and is usually done by young men who dive to depths of up to 60 feet to catch lobsters using a hook stick.

The lobsters caught in these fishing grounds are mostly Caribbean Spiny lobsters, which are nocturnal and hide under ledges or in crevices during the day. They are caught using baited traps or by free-diving with a hook stick, a long stick with a large hook on the end. The lobsters are then sold to cooperatives, small fish markets, or directly to consumers in San Pedro.

The lobster fishing grounds in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, are not just a source of delicious seafood but also a testament to the hard work and traditions of the local fishermen. The annual Lobster Fest is a celebration of this unique way of life and a chance for the community to come together and share their culture with visitors.

Frequently asked questions