Belize's Best Beachfront Stays

Belize is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, amazing water sports, a rich history, and a diverse culture. With its beaches, nightlife, snorkelling, scuba diving, delicious food, and friendly people, it is no wonder that Belize is a popular tourist destination.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Belize, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are some of the best places to stay depending on your preferences:

- San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: The largest island in Belize, offering stunning views, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving.

- Caye Caulker: A small island located off the coast of Belize, perfect for budget travellers and backpackers. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, turquoise waters, and a variety of water sports activities.

- Placencia: A gorgeous peninsula with white, palm-fringed sand beaches. It offers excellent facilities, making it a great choice for families. It also has a range of restaurants and great diving and snorkelling spots.

- Hopkins: A charming seaside village known for its Garifuna culture and pristine beaches. It offers exciting activities such as snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving, and jungle tours.

- San Ignacio: The second-largest city in Belize, located in the Cayo District. It is a popular jumping-off point for visitors who want to explore Mayan ruins, cave systems, and the rainforest. It also has a bustling market and a colourful historic centre.

- Corozal: A hidden gem and the northernmost district in Belize. It offers eco-tourism experiences and a glimpse into the local Belizean way of life.

- Belize City: The largest city in Belize, with a mix of colonial houses and seaside parks. It is a great place to experience local urban culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

Ambergris Caye

The island's only town, San Pedro, is a bustling hub offering delicious cuisine and sightseeing experiences. It's the perfect place to stay if you're looking for a mix of relaxed pubs and lively clubs. San Pedro is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with the ancient site of the Cerros Archaeological Reserve, the Shipstern Nature Reserve, and the Mayan ruins of Santa Rita Corozal all within easy reach.

When it comes to accommodation, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone. From smaller cabanas far from town to gorgeous modern condos, fantastic resorts, and private rental homes, there's something to suit most budgets.

• Victoria House Resort
• Ramons Village Resort
• Pelican Reef Villas Resort
• Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club
• Tranquility Bay Resort
• Marbucks Bed & Breakfast
• Blue Water Beach Villas

When it comes to dining, Ambergris Caye offers a variety of options, from fresh ceviche and conch fritters to stone crab and lobster. Here are some popular restaurants on the island:

• Mambo Restaurant And Bistro
• Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant
• Elvi's Kitchen
• Mesa Bistro San Pedro
• Maxie's Restaurant & Lounge
• Izzy's Smoothies Snacks & Juice Bar
• Hidden Treasure Restaurant

So whether you're looking for stunning beaches, exciting water sports, or a vibrant nightlife scene, Ambergris Caye is the perfect place to stay in Belize.

Hopkins

There are several accommodation options in Hopkins, including:

• Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
• Belizean Dreams Resort
• Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort
• The Lodge At Jaguar Reef
• Almond Beach Resort at Jaguar Reef

Placencia

The village is bordered on one side by a mangrove-lined lagoon and on the other by the Caribbean Sea. The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula 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 snorkeling and swimming, a white sand beach, and many palm trees.

The entire peninsula can be easily navigated on a beach cruiser bike or by golf cart. There are also taxis and car rental options available.

The best time to visit Placencia is generally considered to be from November/December to April/May, during Belize's dry season. However, this is also the high tourism season, so accommodations and tours may be more expensive.

San Pedro

Where to Stay

If you're looking for a beachfront location, the Mayan Princess Hotel is a great option, providing free Wi-Fi and luggage storage services. For a more luxurious stay, the Diamante Beachfront Suites offer sea views and access to a hot tub. The Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection, is another luxurious choice, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and barbecue facilities.

For those seeking a private beach, the Captain Morgan's Retreat is an excellent choice, featuring tropical décor, air conditioning, and an extensive garden. The Bella Vista Resort Belize is another fantastic option, located just a few steps from North Ambergris Caye Beach, offering free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden.

Things to Do

For nature lovers, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve known for its excellent diving. The Belize Barrier Reef is also nearby, offering unbeatable snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

If you're interested in art and culture, the Belizean Melody Art Gallery and the Belizean Arts Gallery feature original artwork and crafts from local artists.

Dining Options

For dining, the on-site restaurants at the aforementioned hotels are great options. In addition, Aji Tapas is highly recommended for its hot and delicious food. For pizza lovers, New Haven Pizza is a fun choice, located at the Truck Stop, which also features live music.

San Ignacio

Where to Stay

The Lodge At Chaa Creek, Maya Bella Downtown Hotel, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, and Cassia Hill Resort Belize are some of the most popular hotels in San Ignacio.

Where to Eat

Cenaida's Belizean Food is one of the most popular restaurants in San Ignacio, offering delicious local cuisine.

What to Do

When to Visit

If you're looking for budget-friendly options, consider visiting San Ignacio between June and August, when hotel prices are typically lower. Peak season generally starts between December and February, with higher prices.

Frequently asked questions