Everyone can agree with me that when you’re on vacation, there isn’t anything quite like hanging out by the beach with a cold drink in your hand as you gaze into the horizon with the sun glistening over the ocean or sea. And if you’re into sunsets (aren’t we all?), the perfect beach bar during twilight is magical, simply magical.
I know a thing or two about the local nightlife and entertainment scene and I’ve decided to round up the best beach bars in Belize so that when you visit, you know exactly where to go to have a good time. So if you’re ever near any of the bars mentioned below, make sure you stop by and don’t forget to say that Lorenzo sent you. They’ll owe me a beer. 😉
The Top 5 Belize Beach Bars
1. The Lazy Lizard Bar, Caye Caulker
The Lazy Lizard is practically a landmark in Caye Caulker. It’s located at the world famous “The Split” which appears to serve as a magnet — no one can visit or live on the Caye Caulker and not end up there at the end of the day.
Funny story: don’t tilt the monkey statue when you’re there. The first time I visited the Lazy Lizard, the bartender tricked me into tipping over the monkey and a huge penis sprung out from underneath it…everyone laughed at me and I almost died from being so embarrassed. P.S. This is certainly the best place to catch sunsets in Belize.
2. Barefoot Beach Bar, Placencia
The vibe at this bar is no shoes, no shirt, no problem – hence the name Barefoot Beach Bar. An important thing to note is that Placencia is known to have the best beaches in Belize and Barefoot Bar sits right next to a lovely beach.
At Barefoot Beach Bar you can enjoy fantastic live music and extra cold drinks as you mingle with travelers from all over the world. I’ve heard that this is a great spot to pick up girls.
3. Palapa Bar and Grill, Ambergris Caye
The Palapa Bar is somewhat of an oasis that truly resembles being on a beach vacation since it’s perched on a dock over the Caribbean Sea. This beach bar is possibly everyone’s favorite bar in San Pedro and it is a great place to meet locals and expats. It’s also a perfect place to have a nice meal and drinks while you listen to live music performances or if you prefer, you can always watch the sunset over the Belizean horizon.
If you’ve been to Ambergris Caye before, you’ll know that the bar was formerly located in North Ambergris Caye but a few years back it relocated to where the old Wet Willy’s was. The good news is that the new location doesn’t disappoint, in fact, it’s even more convenient since it’s now closer to downtown San Pedro. Some people might be upset that I didn’t rank this place higher.
4. Wayo’s, Ambergris Caye
Located in near the Palapa Bar in downtown San Pedro, Wayo’s was originally on the beach but they moved to the dock in front of their old location.
The new Wayo’s is much bigger now and now they also sell bar food! Here you will find a great mixture of locals, expats and tourists. They have TV’s to watch the game and on Sunday nights they do live music. The staff are always friendly, which is definitely my favorite thing about Wayo’s!
5. Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar, Placencia
Tipsy Tuna is always filled with locals and has its own dancing area. I had a tough time not placing it a little higher on this list since whenever I’m in Placencia I end up there and have a blast. It’s actually right next to my favorite bar in Placencia (see number two). During the Easter holidays, stay clear if you don’t want to feel like you’re in Jamaica – it can get rowdy. Watch the video above if you would like to see what I’m talking about.
If you know of another bar that trumps any of these, I’d love to hear of your experience.
Geof Leibel says
tranquilobelize.com
Vicki Summers Jacobs says
Are there any Pub Crawls for an excursion? We'll be coming in on the Carnival Pride?
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Hey, there are bars at the Tourism Village in Belize City. As a local i’m not allowed so i can only tell you from what others have told me.
Sony Xperia Z1 Android GPS says
Beach isn’t complete without bars. They are the perfect combo for fun and having a blast during your stay.
Bums on da Beach says
Placencia – Barefoot Beach Bar & Yoli’s Bar & Grill
Caye Caulker – Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Lazy Lizard
Ambergris – Crazy Canucks Beach Bar & Fido’s
Dangriga – Pelican Beach Resort Bar
Charles says
You forgot Yolies bar in Placencia. I think the only bar in Placencia that is but over the water.
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
I’ve never been to Yoli’s. Where exactly is it?
beachlover says
What are your thoughts about what will happen to these great bars when the cruise ships start coming in??? Its a nightmare that I cannot begin to imagine.
Lorenzo Gonzalez says
Yeah that’s sad
Cozmo says
Most of the Cruise Ship people go to the mainland, and stay in the compound… never experience anything in the Country, which is more Sad… might just as well stay on the ship!