🦞 San Pedro Lobster Fest 2026
Eleven days of lobster dishes, live music, beachside parties, and the island's biggest block party. The festival runs as a passport crawl — visit each venue, collect stamps, and enter the Grand Prize Raffle.
Official 2026 Crawl Schedule
Each day has a day event and a night event at different venues around the island. Hit both to double your passport stamps.
| Date | ☀️ Day Venue | 🌙 Night Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | 303 Belize Over the Water | Estel's Dine by the Sea |
| July 2 | Mesa Cantina | Blue Water Grill |
| July 3 | Happy Island Beach Bar & Grill | Castaway Belize Resort |
| July 4 | Someplace South Cafe Bar | Elvi's Kitchen |
| July 5 | Pirate's Not-So-Secret Beach Bar | Toast Bar and Grill |
| July 6 | Playa de Sala | Nauti Crab Bar and Grill |
| July 7 | Caribbean Villas | Pineapple's on the Beach |
| July 8 | The Belize Chocolate Company | Angler's Seafood House |
| July 9 | The Belikin Store | Rain Restaurant & Rooftop |
| July 10 | Palapa Bar and Grill | The Truck Stop |
| July 11 | Travellers | 🎉 BLOCK PARTY @ Saca Chispas — 5pm |
Pro Tip: Get Your Festival Passport
Pick up a free passport at any crawl venue on July 1. Stamp it at each stop to qualify for the Grand Prize Raffle at the July 11 Block Party. A golf cart makes it easy to hit multiple venues in one night — book yours now so you're not scrambling during the festival.
🏖️ Top Spots to Visit by Golf Cart
Ambergris Caye is best explored at your own pace. Here are the must-see destinations within easy reach.
Secret Beach
The island's most popular destination — shallow turquoise water, beach bars, and a laid-back vibe. About a 25-minute cart ride north of town. Go early to beat the crowd.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
World-class snorkeling right off the coast — nurse sharks, rays, and reef fish. Book a guided snorkel tour from the water taxi dock in town.
Shark Ray Alley
Snorkel with friendly nurse sharks and southern stingrays in shallow, calm water. Usually combined with Hol Chan in a half-day tour.
Downtown San Pedro
Stroll Barrier Reef Drive for local restaurants, souvenir shops, and beach bars. The town is compact and easy to navigate by cart.
North Ambergris
Cross the Boca del Rio bridge (included in every rental) and head north for quieter beaches, jungle roads, and upscale resorts.
Boca del Rio Park
A local favorite for sunsets and weekend gatherings. Cross the bridge and you're in a quieter part of the island with stunning lagoon views.
🕳️ The Great Blue Hole
Just a short journey from San Pedro lies one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet — a near-perfect circular sinkhole, roughly 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, and the world's largest marine sinkhole. It's part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s.
By Scenic Flight
The only way to see the Blue Hole's perfect circle and the surrounding turquoise reef is from above. Flights depart from San Pedro and typically last about an hour, with sweeping aerial views of Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Turneffe Islands. Best option for that iconic postcard photo.
By Boat: Diving & Snorkeling
Boat tours from San Pedro run about 2.5 hours each way out to Lighthouse Reef. Certified divers descend along the dramatic wall to see ancient stalactites and reef sharks. Non-divers can snorkel the surrounding reef, teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral.
Book Flights Early
Seats sell out fast, especially December through April. Book your scenic flight at least one week in advance to secure a spot, and try to schedule it early in your trip so there's room to reschedule if the weather turns.
Plan a Full Day by Boat
With 2.5 hours by boat each direction, expect an 8–10 hour excursion. Most operators include two or three dive sites and lunch. Bring sunscreen, a hat, motion-sickness tablets if you're sensitive, and a change of clothes.
Diving Requirements
The Blue Hole dive descends to around 130 feet, so most operators require Advanced Open Water certification. Snorkelers and newer divers can still enjoy nearby Half Moon Caye and the Aquarium reef site as part of the same trip.
Capture the Moment
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro for the boat trip, and reserve a clean window seat for the flight. Ask us at OJ Golf Cart Rentals for trusted local operator recommendations — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
🍽️ Where to Eat, Drink & Explore
Our hand-picked list of the island's best spots — the same recommendations we share with every guest. Tap any name to visit their page.
☕ Morning Coffee
🍴 Restaurants We Love
- Mambo at Matachica
- Liv AgaveBarrier Reef Drive
- Maxie's Restaurant & Lounge
- Purple PelicanAsian fusion with Belizean options · reservations recommended on weekends
- Gonzalo and the PrincessUpscale dining for special occasions
- The Truck StopGreat food, games & live music after 6 PM
- Jyoto DowntownSushi & ramen
- El FogonAuthentic Belizean cuisine
- Caramba RestaurantFresh seafood · reservations recommended on weekends
- Elvi's KitchenBelizean classics · reservations recommended
🏖️ Secret Beach
- Stunning beach clubs where food and drinks are served right on the sand — or at tables in the water. Our favorite:Blue Bayou Restaurant & Bar
🌙 Nightlife
- Sunset LoungeRooftop bar · open until midnight
- Sandy ToesBeach bar · open until midnight
- Maxie's Restaurant & LoungeOpen until 2 AM
- NuPalm Island LoungeOpen until 2 AM
- The Verse AllureNightclub · open until 2 AM
🎣 Excursions
- Message us for personal contacts & recommendations. Popular options:
- Fishing KingFull-day trip to Caye Caulker with fishing, snorkeling & swimming with sharks
🧭 Helpful Travel Links
- ‼️ E-Declaration FormRequired for entry into Belize
- Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi
- Tropic Air
- Maya Island Air
🛺 Getting Around San Pedro
Golf carts are the primary mode of transport on Ambergris Caye. Here's what you need to know.
Golf Carts
The go-to option for exploring the island at your own pace. OJ delivers to your hotel, the airport, or the water taxi — cart is ready when you arrive.
Fuel & Range
Carts run on gas. Fill up at the gas station near town. A full tank covers the entire island and back with ease — most guests never need to refuel.
Boca del Rio Bridge
The toll bridge connecting downtown to North Ambergris. The bridge pass is included in every OJ rental — no need to carry extra cash.
Getting to San Pedro
Fly into Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, then take a 20-min domestic flight to San Pedro (SPR) via Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, or the water taxi from the marine terminal.
💡 Visitor Tips
Straight from locals who live and work on the island.
Currency
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged at 2:1 to USD. Most businesses accept USD directly. Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Best Weather
Peak season is December–April with dry skies and calm seas. July is warm and lively with Lobster Fest — some afternoon showers but rarely all-day rain.
Bug Spray
Pack DEET-based repellent, especially for evenings near the lagoon side. The beach and cart rides have natural breezes that keep most bugs away.
Connectivity
DigiCell and Smart offer local SIM cards. Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi. Coverage is strong in town and decent up north.
Island Time
Things move at a relaxed pace — embrace it. Book your cart in advance during Lobster Fest and peak season (Dec–Apr) as availability fills up quickly.
Insurance
All OJ golf carts include liability insurance. Note: full coverage insurance for golf carts is not available in San Pedro — this is standard across all rental providers on the island.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about renting or visiting? Here are the ones we hear most.
What is included in the rental price?
All rentals include tax, liability insurance, the Boca del Rio bridge pass, free delivery and pickup island-wide, and 24/7 roadside assistance. The price you see is the price you pay — no surprise fees at pickup.
Is full coverage insurance available for golf cart rentals?
No — full coverage insurance for golf carts is not available in San Pedro, Belize. This is standard across all rental providers on the island. All OJ rentals include liability insurance as required.
How much does a golf cart rental cost?
4-person carts start at $45 USD/24hr. 6-person carts are $75 USD/24hr. Decoration add-ons (birthdays, bachelorettes, anniversaries) are $40 USD extra. Multi-day discounts are available — WhatsApp us for a quote.
Do I need a driver's license?
A valid driver's license is recommended but not required to rent. You must be at least 18 years old to operate a golf cart in San Pedro.
When is the best time to visit San Pedro?
December through April is peak season with the driest weather. July is fantastic for Lobster Fest. The island is beautiful year-round — shoulder months (May–June, September–November) offer great value with fewer crowds.
How do I get from Belize City to San Pedro?
From Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), take a 20-minute domestic flight with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air to San Pedro (SPR). Alternatively, take a taxi to the marine terminal and board the Belize Express or San Pedro Belize Express water taxi — about 75 minutes.