Is Belize famous for its beaches? The truth is, sandy beaches aren't really a thing at the most popular islands, but I'll give you the breakdown for the best ones.
While this list does include San Pedro and Caye Caulker, it won't include the remote islands. It will also include the most accessible beaches in Placencia & Hopkins located in Southern Belize.
The coastline and islands in Belize are vast and diverse. I haven't been to every beach out there but as a local, I've visited many and these stand out as my favorites.
All beaches in Belize are open for the public access, so you can walk and swim all along the beachside. The beach chairs normally require you to buy a drink to use.
Get ready to visit the absolute best beaches Belize has to offer.
My Top 3 Beaches In Belize 👇
- 🏖️ The Point, Placencia - Best white sand beach that easily accessible by land
- 🌊 The Split, Caye Caulker - Best beach for swimming and local island vibe
- 💨 Tranquility Bay Resort, San Pedro - Best snorkeling by the shore beach
Best Beach Destinations In Belize
Placencia
Placencia is by far the best white sandy beach along the coast. The end of the peninsula has a sandy beach perfect for families.
San Pedro
As the most popular island in all Belize, San Pedro is home to the best beach resorts that offer luxurious lodging and amenities.
Hopkins
Hopkins has clear & calm waters for the dry season with darker sandy beaches. The local Garifuna people make Hopkins special.
Accessible Inland Beaches
Best beach in Belize
The Point Beach, Placencia
- 🏊♀️ Swimmable Beach
- 🌅 Amazing Sunset
- 🏐 Volleyball Court
- 👶 Best For Families
Placencia Point is the bottom of the peninsula and has calm water perfect for swimming. This beach is by far the prettiest in Belize which speaks volumes. There are bars, restaurants and a volleyball court at the beach. It's a fun place to meet both locals and tourists.
If you can, schedule a visit for sunset which can be beautiful at Placencia Point.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Placencia
Off-The-Beaten Path
Cancuncito Beach, Sarteneja
- 🏊♀️ Swimmable Beach
- 🌴 Secluded Beach
Sarteneja is a true hidden gem and a lazy fishing village at the northern tip of the country. It's so tucked away that it almost never shows up in the marketing that the Belize Tourism Board does.
Visiting this beach is especially for those adventurous travelers looking for those special places very few tourists visit. Because there is not too much to do in the village, people-watching and walking the coast is one of my favorite activities here.
Getting to Cancuncito Beach, Sarteneja
Sarteneja Village is located in Northern Belize specifically Corozal District. It's approximately 1.5 hours away from the Mexican Border up north. Traveling by car rental is one of the easiest way to access the village but there are also a handful of village buses that run daily to the village.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Corozal District
Closest Beach To Belize City
Kukumba Beach, Belize City
- 🏊♀️ Swimmable Beach
- 🛝 Beach Waterslide
- 🏐 Volleyball Court
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 👶 Best For Families
Only 15 minutes away from Belize City is a hybrid man-made beach called Kukumba Beach — the creole world for Cucumber. The beach is within a museum/marina compound called Old Belize.
Entrance fee is $15.00 USD per person with children between 3ft-5ft charged only $5.00 USD. Mondays are closed.
Getting to Kukumba Beach, Belize City
Getting to Kukumba Beach is super easy by car rental. It's only 15 minutes away from the city which is approximately 5.5 miles (9km). Alternatively you can take a cab there or take the public bus going west towards the capital city of Belmopan. The site is literally by the highway.
Additional Info
- Price
- $15.00 USD
- Hours
- 10AM—5PM
- Location
- Belize City
Popular Island Beaches
Popular & Touristy Beach
Secret Beach, San Pedro
- 🏊♀️ Swimmable Beach
- 🏐 Volleyball Court
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 👶 Best For Families
Secret Beach is a hit or miss beach depending on what type of beach lover you are — albeit still extremely popular. If you enjoy an island adventure riding a golf cart for almost an hour and like spending time in a relatively crowded public beach with plenty of beach chairs, restaurant & bar choices, then this is your spot.
If you are a traveler that prefers truly secret beaches, this might not be your pick. In my opinion, it's just a replicate of the tourist-trap beaches in Cancun. Regardless, if you're on vacation, this might be the exact amenities you've been looking forward to.
This beach is popular because it has perfectly calm water with no threat of sargassum because it's on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. The water here is amazingly clear and you can walk out for almost a mile and not be under water.
If you plan on spending the day, the last call for drinks & foods is 4:30PM.
Getting to Secret Beach, San Pedro
The fastest and easiest way to get to Secret Beach is by renting a golf cart and driving there. The trip is around 40 minutes from the center of San Pedro Town which is approximately 8 miles (13km). A golf cart rental is approximately $40 USD daily.
Alternatively, there is now a secret beach shuttle which costs $20 USD one-way or $30 USD roundtrip. Tickets can be purchased at the Dream Catcher Dock in town.
Quick Helpful Tips:
- Have mosquito repellent if you plan on driving back late.
- Ensure your golf cart's headlights is working properly.
- Drive carefully and keep an eye out for bumps and holes.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- 10AM—5PM
- Location
- San Pedro
Perfect Island Vibe
The Split, Caye Caulker
- 🤿 Shore Snorkeling
- 🌅 Amazing Sunset
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
The Split is the absolute best beach and hangout spot on the island of Caye Caulker. The bar located at the Split is called the Lazy Lizard which has food and drinks for sale accompanied by lively music and Caribbean Vibes.
This is the spot to hangout all day and especially during sunset. Don't forget to grab your barbecue dish on your walk up to the Split.
Getting to The Split, Caye Caulker
The split is within walking distance from the center of Caye Caulker. It's at the very end of the northern tip of the island which can be crossed via a short ferry ride.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Secluded Lounge Beach
Bliss Beach, Caye Caulker
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 🌴 Secluded Beach
Bliss Beach is located in the north side of Caye Caulker across the famous Split hangout spot. The beach lounge is owned by French people so the menu and drinks reflect the cuisine. If you plan on securing a seat in the loungers, couches or beds, it's a good idea to get there earlier than later.
There is no fee to enter Bliss Beach but the expect guests to buy food & drinks.
Getting to Bliss Beach, Caye Caulker
The fastest way to get to the north side of Caye Caulker where Bliss beach is located is by taking the Split to Split Ferry which costs $2.50 USD ($5.00 BZD) and runs from 6AM—10PM.
The short ferry ride only takes a 1 minute. A bicycle can be crossed for free. After crossing, getting to Bliss Beach is about a 3-mile (5km) bike ride or walk after taking the ferry across.
Alternatively, there is a direct boat ride of only 10 minutes by North Side Ferry Service.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- 11AM–7PM
- Location
- Caye Caulker
Best Beach Resorts
Pool Bar Perfection
Placencia Beach Club
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 🌊 Beachside Pool
- 👫 Best For Couples
Located at the entrance of the peninsula, Placencia Beach Club is one of the most popular beach clubs with a beachside pool, poolside bar, beach chairs and hammocks for visitors. The food and staff is constantly praised as top-notch and there's even a Placencia Sign if you want to take that "sign photo."
The day pass includes beach & pool access along with a towel.
Getting to Placencia Beach Club
The two most popular ways of getting to the beach club and Placencia in general is by renting a gold cart or taking a taxi.
Additional Info
- Price
- $5.00 USD
- Hours
- 11AM–5PM
- Location
- Placencia
Friendly Local Staff
Hopkins Bay Resort
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 🌊 Beachside Pool
- 🪘 Friendly Local Staff
- 👶 Best For Families
Hopkins is recognized as the friendliest town in Belize. The staff at Hopkins Bay Resort uphold this. While this village coast doesn't have white sandy beaches, it is well-maintained and extremely accessible.
Given the resort is centrally located, it's also easy to access restaurants and meet locals.
Getting to Hopkins Bay Resort
Most travelers visiting Southern Belize opt to rent a car. After arriving the village, Hopkins Bay Resort is only a 6 minute drive away.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Hopkins
Picture Perfect Beach
Ramon's Village Resort
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 🌊 Beachside Pool
- 🪘 Friendly Local Staff
- 👶 Best For Families
Ramon's holds the well-deserved title as one of the oldest resorts in San Pedro Town. The beach is praised as one of the most well-maintained in town and easily accessible since the resort is literally located in front of the Airport.
The beach views here are post-card worthy. There is also an on-site restaurant — Pineapples serving fresh and delicious meals daily. If you have to spend a day at any beach and don't want to drive too far, this is your best choice.
Getting to Ramon's Village Resort
Located in front of the Airport, Ramon's village is easily accessible by foot or you can drop by on your golf cart rental.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- San Pedro
Best Beach Snorkeling
Tranquility Bay Resort
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 🤿 Shore Snorkeling
- ☀️ Day Trip Worthy
- 👶 Best For Families
Tranquility Bay Resort is located far up in Northern San Pedro. It's over an hour away from town by car but it's the closest to the reef as you can get. It's possibly the best location to do off-shore snorkeling right outside your door if you choose to stay here.
The beach at this resort is the closest you can get to a private island experience without leaving San Pedro. My biggest advice would be to check with the resort about sargassum before taking the long trip up there.
Getting to Tranquility Bay Resort
This resort is 1.5 hours away up north of San Pedro. The road is bumpy and the best way to reach is by golf car rental or taxi.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- San Pedro
Laid Back & Low Key
Orchid Bay Resort
- 🌭 Restaurant & Bar
- 👶 Best For Families
Located in Corozal District, this resort doesn't get much press unfortunately. The northern beaches in Corozal and Sarteneja are actually some of the most pristine beaches since they are the closest to the Yucatan area.
Actually, the only reason I found out about this beach is because my family visited it for vacation given we are based in Northern Belize. On a sunny day, the water is beautifully turquoise and clear.
Getting to Orchid Bay Resort
If you're crossing into Belize from the northern border, this is the perfect Beach stop. A car rental would be required since buses only travel to a nearby village called Chunox.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Corozal District
Watch Out For Sargassum In Belize
If you'd like to keep up with sargassum in Belize, I suggest visiting the main Sargassum Forecast Page.
You can also check the Village/Town Council Facebook Page for each of the popular beach destinations. They regularly post pictures of the beach cleanups which can give you a good idea of the current state.
Beaches In Belize Without Sargassum
In general sargassum plagues the reef side of the beaches. So any beach that is not on the reef side is likely safe from Sargassum. For example, in San Pedro, the lagoon side (west side not facing the reef) is normally free from sargassum.
Secret Beach, San Pedro has no sargassum which makes it very popular all year round.
Outside the sargassum-free zones, your best bet at finding a good beach is one where the resort maintains it daily. These are usually the popular resorts catering to luxury travelers.
Final Thoughts
While Belize beaches aren't the classic postcard images of endless white sand like our Mexican neighbors up north, we have a few hidden gems sprinkled around the country.
These beaches are just a handful found around the country and while I haven't been to all of them, these beaches are an excellent selection that reflect the beauty, accessibility, culture and luxury amenities the country has to offer.
Remember to keep in mind of the sargassum season and check the local updates to ensure your beach days are as perfect as they can be.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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