The Best Bars in Belize

The Central American country of Belize is known for its beautiful beaches, superior dive spots, and mish-mash of multiple cultures. But it also has one of the region’s best nightlife scenes, with everything from lively beach bars to more refined wine bars. Toes in the sand—or legs in the water—is a common theme for bars here and the live music scene, whether it’s drumming or reggae or rock, is always on point. Partying usually starts in the afternoon and many bars, especially beachfront ones, close at 10 p.m. but a few remain open late. So grab your Belikin (the favorite local beer) and hit these best bars in Belize.

01 of 10

Palapa Bar & Grill

Perched on a dock overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this overwater bungalow bar is surrounded by turquoise waters and beloved by locals, ex-pats, and tourists. On sunny days, you can float in inner tubes beside the dock, ice-cold drink in hand. There’s often live music and it’s the perfect place to watch sun go down in San Pedro. The food is also great—try the ceviche and fried pickles.

02 of 10

Blue Bayou

Address

Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 620-3584

Guests can enjoy sipping on Belikins and munching on ceviche and jerk fish from the comfort of half-submerged picnic tables in the clear blue water of Ambergris Caye. Opened in 2018, Blue Bayou was the first bar to open at Secret Beach and quickly became popular, thanks to the ability to drink the day away from the comfort of your table in the water—just try not to spend all afternoon here.

03 of 10

Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar

Address

Placencia Sidewalk, Placencia, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 523-3089

Web Visit website

This lively beachfront bar in the middle of Placencia often hosts live reggae, soca, and punta music (a local Garifuna music). There’s a spacious dance area along with karaoke, billiards, and multiple TVs showing sporting events. You might even catch a game of beach volleyball in-person. Sip on a coconut basil mojito or melon mango punch. It can get rowdy sometimes though, especially during spring break, so plan accordingly.

04 of 10

The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill

Address

Front Street, The Split Caye Caulker, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 226-0655

Web Visit website

This beachfront swim-up bar in Caye Caulker is located right at the famous Split, where the island divides into two, with a waterway running through it. There are beach cabanas for rent and it’s known for its super-strong Green Lizard Juice and fresh fish tacos. Come in the afternoon and stay until sunset—this is a particularly beautiful spot to see it.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

I&I Reggae Bar

Address

Luciano Reyes Street, Belize

Get directions

Web Visit website

Quite possibly the most happening spot once the sun sets on Caye Caulker, the three-level I&I Reggae Bar is like your best friend's house party—every night. The late-night club is open until 2 a.m. and it's known for its pulsing reggae music and bumping dance floor. But if you need a break from your dance moves, there’s a section with swings, while the top floor has hammocks and cozy nooks that make up a “chill-out zone.”

06 of 10

Barefoot Beach Bar

Address

Placencia Sidewalk, Placencia, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 523-3515

Web Visit website

This beachfront bar in Placencia is known for its friendly staff, colorful atmosphere, live music, and tasty burgers. Check the chalkboard for tropical drink specials like strawberry margaritas or pineapple strawberry daiquiris. There's usually a shot special, too. And of course, go by the name and enjoy your toes in the sand.

07 of 10

Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack

Address

Seafront, Hopkins, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 664-6611

Web Visit website

This 10-year-old beachfront bar in Hopkins is known for its pizza, cold Belikins, and vibrant social scene. The bar hosts live music most nights and every Tuesday night there is a Garifuna drum band. Weekends bring specials like a Bloody Mary and michelada bar and beach barbecues.

08 of 10

Fido's Beach Bar

Known as one of the largest palapa bars in Belize, this beachfront bar in San Pedro is also the town's oldest bar. Popular with locals, ex-pats, and travelers alike, Fido's has live music every night at 9 p.m. and happy hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m. Best of all, guests have the appealing option to enjoy their drinks from inner tubes floating on the water.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant

Dock and sunset over the water at Stella's Sunset in belize — Courtesy of Stella's Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant

Address

1 Mile North of the Bridge, Lagoon Side, San Pedro, Belize

Get directions

Phone +501 602-5284

For a classy but unpretentious scene, grab a table at Stella’s, which is nestled in a lush garden on the edge of the San Pedro Lagoon. There’s about two dozen bottles of whites and reds on the wine list and a menu of pizza, hamburgers, and Caribbean cuisine. Go in the afternoon and reserve a table to watch the epic sunset—there's a reason it's in the name.

10 of 10

Rojo Beach Bar & Lounge

It’s hard to leave the infinity pool and its cushy red loungers at Rojo, a casual beach bar on North Beach in Ambergris Caye. Sip rum punch, frozen mojitos, and of course, ice-cold Belikins while you lounge in the pool or under the palapa. You can also snorkel off the dock or try your hand at Jenga and cornhole. Don’t forget to say hello to the friendly resident parrot.