What Everybody Ought To Know About The 2021 Belize Lobster Festival
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Belize you may want to read this guide. Here I explain why there’s actually never a bad time to visit Belize but I suggest visiting during the annual Belize Lobster festival.
The Belize Lobster Festival 2021 is one of the most popular events in the country starting the first week of every June as Belize kicks off the lobster season. Lobsterfest time!
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Lobster season in Belize opens on June 15, 2021, and closes on February 15, 2021. There is so much lobster available during the summer that prices are at their lowest which means you can have lobster in every way imaginable.
The various Lobsterfest events are Belize’s way of celebrating the opening of the lobster season which makes this the best time to travel to Belize.
Any local will happily tell you, it’s always a good time for an unBelizable vacation, and that’s true. Depending on your tastes, however, if you have not heard of the Belize Lobster festival keep reading I discuss what exactly is the Belize lobsterfest, how long the festival lasts, and the best luxury hotels in Belize.
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What Is the Belize Lobster Fest 2021?
The annual Belize Lobster festival is not your ordinary crustacean festival. The Lobsterfest is the kickoff of summer which happens to coincide with the first lobster harvests that continue through February 15th.
This annual festival turns Belize into one of the biggest celebrations of crustaceans. The Lobsterfest is held in four parts of the country, Belize City, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia.
You can eat as much lobster as your heart desires for three days each weekend so bring your appetite!
You can have lobster on the grill, lobster thermidor, lobster ceviche, lobster kebabs, even lobster chowder, and even lobster nachos!
Where is Belize?
Wedged between Mexico and Guatemala, the tiny country of Belize has become one of the most popular destinations in Central America for both adventure travelers and couples alike.
Belize is just a few hours by air from the United States and Canada so there is no excuse not to experience this wonderful country.
A Belize vacation will offer lush tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan cities, Lobster festivals, and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere are just a few of the reasons why tourists are flocking to Belize.
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When is The Best Time To Travel To Belize?
“Lobsterfest” is a great way for the community to come together to celebrate and share their culture with tourists. There is so much to do from raffles, fun contests, Dj’s, arts and crafts, and don’t forget cocktails of your choice.
Travelers are planning their entire vacations around the culinary scene of a destination which makes Belize the Ultimate Culinary destination.
Belize LobsterFest 2021
Bring your appetite because this festival includes multitudes of lobster so delectable that you might not be able to choose.
Imagine yourself eating lobster for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Imagine butter dripping down your arms and the soft sweet succulent lobster prepared every way imaginable. DO NOT MISS THE THE BELIZE LOBSTERFEST 2021!
Which Lobster Festival Should You Choose?
There are four Belize lobster festivals to choose from for your getaway that will leave your stomach full, your heart hungry to explore the more the culture and maybe get a little adventurous.
2021 Lobster Festival Dates:
Seafood Festival Is The Start of Summer In Belize
The various Lobsterfest events are Belize’s savvy way of celebrating the opening of the lobster season. It’s held every year starting mid-June, in four parts of the country, Belize City, the northern cayes to the southern coast: Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia. The fun consists of three-day long weekends with plenty of outdoor food booths with everyone´s favorite seafood prepared fresh every which way, from lobster on the grill to lobster thermidor, to lobster ceviche, lobster kebabs, and even lobster chowder.
Placencia Lobsterfest 2010!!!
Food is Placencia’s ultimate cultural immersion experience, and Lobsterfest is your chance to taste Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Caribbean, European, Asian and North American influences at the leading gastronomic party in Belize! (And for those not so keen on lobster, but still want to enjoy the party, no worries! Our diverse food vendors have you covered with many alternative options.)
San Pedro Lobsterfest
Mark your calendars now to join us for this year’s festival! The activities kick off on June 15th with the opening party. There will be daytime and night time events leading up to the Lobster Fest Central Park Block Party on Saturday, June 24th , featuring the musical talents of the Pannerifix Steel Band!
2020 Caye Caulker Lobster Festival
Caye Caulker the birthplace of Belizean Lobsterfest, puts on the best all around weekend entertainment. Prices are always better than San Pedro, and even the boat rides out to and from the island are heavily discounted. Caye Caulker just tries harder to please and it shows. Caye Caulker takes its Miss Lobsterfest pageant tradition very seriously. Teens showcase beauty and charm to win the coveted title.
Lobsterfest In Belize | Belize Lobster Fest Season 2020
Belize City’s Lobsterfest is held in July, usually the second week, at the famous Bird’s Isle in the southern part of the city. Birds Isle is an iconic but little-known island tucked away at the end of Albert Street. Not really a touristy place, it caters mainly to residents of Belize City who do not want to go out of town to get a bellyful of lobster.
- 1. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: June 11 – 20
- 2. Placencia, Stann Creek: June 26 – June 28
- 3. Caye Caulker: June 29 – July 1
- 4. Belize City: June 18 – June 22
San Pedro´s Lobsterfest is one of the biggest and more ostentatious with many establishments offering free live music and discounted prices on drinks and lobster.
Caye Caulker the birthplace of Belizean Lobsterfest, puts on the best all-around weekend entertainment. Prices are always better than San Pedro, and even the boat rides out to and from the island are heavily discounted.
Caye Caulker just tries harder to please and it shows. Caye Caulker takes its Miss Lobsterfest pageant tradition very seriously. Teens showcase beauty and charm to win the coveted title.
Belize City’s Lobsterfest is held in July, usually the second week, at the famous Bird’s Isle in the southern part of the city. Birds Isle is an iconic but little-known island tucked away at the end of Albert Street.
Not really a touristy place, it caters mainly to residents of Belize City who do not want to go out of town to get a bellyful of lobster.
Placencia holds its own Lobsterfest, which often is held the same weekend as Caye Caulker’s, and this event is judged by some to be better than either the San Pedro or Caye Caulker Lobster Fest.
Let’s face it, Placencia has the best beaches in Belize and you can drive or catch the bus if you do not like the puddle jumper aircraft or tend to get seasick.
I suggest attending Placencia Lobsterfest as it is known for its legendary beach party and has the largest crowd.
If you can’t decide which festival you should attend just try a different one each year and it will give you a reason to return.
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Top Things To Do In Belize!
The Islands of Belize
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and extends from the Belize Barrier reef to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. San Pedro is the island’s largest city, filled with restaurants, resorts, and some of the best views in the world.
Ambergris Caye offers diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, or kayaking.
Caye Caulker is a more laid-back island popular with couples who are just wanting to relax.
The Ultimate Guide To What To Do In Belize
Swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers will discover paradisiacal spots along the barrier reef like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole. Wildlife-seekers will marvel at Belize's magnificent jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, parakeets and keel-billed toucans at the Belize Zoo
Great Belize Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life including tropical fish and spectacular coral formations.
Belize Zoo - The Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo has become the first nature destination in Belize that is fully accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on wildlife conservation through wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. 52 Belizeans are currently employed at TBZ.
Belize Reef | TravelBelize.org
As the largest and most intact reef system within the Northern Hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef comprises seven (7) key marine reserve zones, over four hundred cayes (islands) and three (3) atolls. The reef’s crystal blue waters are a haven for its marine community and an enticing exploratory region for SCUBA divers and snorkelers.
Rainforest, Belize
Half of Belize is covered by dense jungle, and eighty percent of its rainforest remains under government protection, much of it unexplored. These tropical forests provide habitats for a wide range of animals including jaguar, puma, ocelot, armadillo, tapir and crocodile. The country is also home to 4,000 species of tropical flowers, including 250 kinds of orchids.
Belize Jungle Canopy Zip Line, Caving, Ancient Garden Trail, Tours, Travel Packages, Accommodations at Calico Jack's Village - A Jungle Resort
Calico Jack’s intimate and engaging full-service jungle resort is best known for its first-class personalized, exhilarating and safe zip line tours available to both daytime explorers and overnight guests. Calico Jack’s is acknowledged as a safe zip line, double cabled, and built to exceed conventional standards and offering a variety of zip line tour options. Calico Jack’s zip lines are inspected and certified independently. Calico Jack’s guides are trained and certified in zip lining and CPR.
Ancient Observatories: Chichén Itzá
The phenomenon that El Castillo is famous for occurs twice each year, at the spring and fall equinoxes. (In fact, the effect is viewable for a week before and after each equinox.) As the equinox sun sets, a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake that gradually undulates down the stairway of the pyramid. This diamond-backed snake is composed of seven or so triangular shadows, cast by the stepped terraces of the pyramid. The sinking sun seems to give life to the sinuous shadows, which make a decidedly snaky pattern on their way down the stairs.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system’s seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.
The Rainforest of Belize: The Animals & Plants There
Although tourists often flock to Belize to swim and dive in its warm Caribbean waters, those who venture inland can explore a lush rainforest densely populated with thousands of species of plants and animals. About half of this Central American country is covered by jungle. Several tours will take you into the rainforest to observe the flora and fauna.
The Best Mayan Ruins to Visit in Belize
Most of Belize’s Mayan population retreated into the Guatemalan highlands when Europeans came to colonize the country. In doing so, they left behind some stunning examples of Mayan city building. Today, these sites make for some of the best — and least visited — ruins in all of Central America.
Places to Stay During The Belize Lobster Festival
Belize has fabulous resorts for everyone including honeymooners, families, and couples who just need to reconnect.
My husband and I stayed on the opposite end of the Island at Ka’ana Belize, a boutique resort in San Ignacio. The resort was gracious enough to drive us to Placencia for the day to experience the lobster festival, explore waterfalls, and see the jungle.
The Best Hotels in Belize
Jungle cottages, romantic beachfront villas, tree houses in the rainforest canopy—there's no shortage of standout hotels in this laid-back Central American country. Here are 7 of the best hotels in Belize.
Home
Inspiration comes alive at Ka’ana, a luxe outpost where wandering spirits roam free. Nestled deep in the tropical jungle of western Belize, our boutique resort is an oasis of style, culture, personalized service, and modern amenities for well-seasoned adventurers and tastemakers alike. Our location on the doorstep of an ancient Maya city has inspired Ka’ana’s name, which means “Heavenly Place.”
Discover Hamanasi Resort | Award Winning Resort in Belize
Welcome to Hamanasi, your award winning eco resort on the Southern coast of Belize. Our guiding principle is delivering vacation experiences of a lifetime with gracious Belizean hospitality. Voted #1 small hotel in Belize by Tripadvisor.com. From Mayan pyramids deep in the rainforest to pristine reefs teeming with coral, with Hamanasi you’ll discover the best of Belize, on and offshore!
Placencia Belize Luxury Resort & Spa
Nestled within a private 200-acre reserve on the Placencia Peninsula, Naia is an intimate, natural playground that sets the stage for uncommon adventures and personal growth. Whether paddleboarding in the beautiful Caribbean Sea, indulging in a customized spa ritual, or relaxing among the resort’s secluded beach houses and swimming pools...
Hickatee Cottages, Southern Belize: Eco-Friendly Jungle Stay
Hickatee Cottages offers the best of both worlds: award-winning bed & breakfast accommodation in a lovely jungle setting, yet only a couple of miles from 'downtown' Punta Gorda (PG) in the Toledo District of Southern Belize. Intentionally small, and decidedly quiet, we have just six rooms, ranging in size and price from the Hickatee Den to our Honeymoon Suite.
El Secreto Hotel Ambergris Caye
El Secreto Hotel is a charming 5-star venue with 13 rooms to stay in. Operating in Ambergris Caye since 2012, this property features an Egyptian architecture and modern comforts. This venue provides a safety deposit box, a lift and a gift store and rooms include a comfortable decor.Unwind and embrace the ambiance of Ambergris Caye in the 24-hour restaurant onsite. The terrace bar is ideal for a relaxing drink.
El Secreto Hotel also offers bikes for rent.
The venue has a plunge pool, where guests can enjoy a poolside bar, a poolside snack bar and a hot tub. There are opportunities for windsurfing, snorkeling and sailing.
Weather During The Belize Lobster Festival
The best time to travel to Belize, in my opinion, is during the wet season. Belize dry season is from late November to mid-April and you will probably want to pass on visiting Belize during April and May when temps reach triple digits.
Expect occasional showers from June to mid-November and strong winds. If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don’t mind getting a little wet, go during the rainy season in September and October.
Conclusion of Belize Lobster fest 2021
No matter which of these destinations you select for your summer in Belize vacation, Lobsterfest time is an ideal reason to head to Belize.
You can tell your friends back home you had so much freshly prepared lobster in Belize you won’t go near a Red Lobster joint in a while!
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The Belize Lobster festival is the best time to travel to Belize. Are you interested in attending the Belize Lobster Festival or Planning to vacation in Belize?
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I’m allergic to lobster but my boyfriend would love this event. I would enjoy the live music though.
I would have to take one of those shots with me to prevent my throat from closing… I love seafood.
I’m so glad to have found your blog, your pictures are gorgeous! I love seafood too, so I know I would have had fun out there!
Thank you!! Thank you! Seafood is my favorite.. It doesnt matter what it is shrimp, crab legs, lobster, oyster, scallops.. I eat it all
The food looks amazing! The resort looks so relaxing and luxurious. Belize is definitely on my bucket list!
if its not it should be!! Belize is wonderful but Costa Rica is still my favorite.
Oh my that has got to be a seafood lovers paradise! I hate the smell of it so I’d be far away. Looks pretty though.
Can I go traveling with you?! I planned to go to Lobsterfest this year but I did not make it. You have confirmed that I need to make it happen next year for sure.
Belize is on my list of places to visit, actually. The food looks sooo good! I’ve developed an allergy to crab but not other crustaceans (which is weird) so I think I’d find something to eat at the Lobster festival lol!
Girl, this is the second post I read that you have on Belize. I am so sold to get there. The food alone makes me want to book my trip today!
The food was exceptionally good! but the best were the pupusas which I had never had and they were to delish
Lobster is my fav!!! The best I ever had was in jamaica where the man went out and got it out of the ocean and cooked it right there on this makeshift grill… Dear god! I never knew lobster like that before…
I am going to Jamaica in 2 weeks. I need to find him and get a repeat..
The food looks amazing even if the event was a bit of a bust. I wonder why they have so many festivals or the same kind so close together.
My stomach is growling and my mouth is drooling.
They have 3 differ lobster festivals all within one month of each other so it’s a guessing game on which one will be the best event. I wasnt too upset but because we had been on so many tours and just decided to go back to the resort and chill by the pool
Wow, I’ve never heard of a Lobster Festival, but I guess there’s a festival for everything. Too bad you were a bit underwhelmed but from the looks of these dishes, at least you ate really well LOL I would love to visit Belize one day!
Next on my food bucket list is the crab leg festival hopefully that will be better but I couldnt be too upset I was in belize staying in a wonderful resort with my handsome hubby.
My mouth is seriously watering over here. I would have been in heaven at that Lobster Festival. Happy you enjoyed it despite the lack of vendors and excitement.
Marching band vs. relaxing by the pool, I probably would have chosen the latter too! Everything looks like it is delicious!
I’ve never heard about this lobsterfest but sounds right down my belly’s aisle plus I’ve been dying to go to Belize. Oh, the photo of your hotel looks fab.
Hello The Placencia dates are not correct. It is June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The are always after San Pedro and before Caye Caulker. I confirmed this information with the Placencia Village Council
Thank you so much for the correction and I am correcting this now! Appreciate you taking the time to correct me
I absolutely LOVE lobster and I’ve never been to Belize so….gonna have to bump it up a few notches on the travel bucket list!!