Secret Beach Belize: 5 Things You Must Know Before You Go
Alright, so this beach is not-so-secret anymore, and it can get incredibly busy. Despite its increasing popularity, Secret Beach Belize is still a lot of fun to visit and is one of the top things to do in Belize! Most will visit as a day trip from San Pedro. To make the most out of your beach adventure, there are 5 things you must know before you go.
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You’re Gonna Need a Golf Cart
Ambergris Caye, Belize is only 25 miles long from north to south and about a mile wide. Due to its small size, it is easy to get around and very hard to get lost. The main town of San Pedro is only 3 streets wide. One of the many things I love about Ambergris Caye is the main mode of transportation is by golf cart.
Unless you will be staying right at Secret Beach Belize, you will need to rent a golf cart to get there. They are so fun to drive! We rented a golf cart through our hotel, which is now the Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection.
Or you can shop around for the best price from local companies like Carts Belize. Rates run about $65 USD for the day or $266 USD for the week. Companies will usually offer pickup from the airport or even delivery to your hotel.
Our trusty golf cart in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Directions to Secret Beach Belize
Before giving you directions to Secret Beach, let’s get oriented first.
San Pedro is the main town of the island of Ambergris Caye. When people refer to the north or south part of the island, they are referring to the area north or south of San Pedro. The north and south parts of Ambergris Caye are connected by a bridge, which costs BZ$5 to cross.
Then you also have the reef side of the island (eastern part) and the lagoon side (western part).
To get to Secret Beach, drive NORTH of San Pedro town and then WEST (lagoon side). See the map below.
Directions to Secret Beach Belize
The streets are a mix of paved and dirt roads. As you drive out west, be prepared for a VERY BUMPY ride as you navigate the golf cart. But that’s half the fun!
It took us about 45 minutes via golf cart to get to Secret Beach from our hotel.
Several Bars All With Different Vibes
When you arrive at Secret Beach, several locals who act as security will try to entice you to a certain bar. I strongly suggest checking them all out to see which suits you best before settling in for the afternoon. Some bars will be more polished and expensive. Others are more rustic. And some will boast loud music and be more of a club scene.
Which bar did we pick?
If you are looking for a more relaxed laid-back vibe, good food, and chill music away from the club scene and spring breakers, this is your bar.
Blue Bayou Bar at Secret Beach Belize
They have tables partially submerged IN THE WATER with waiters who “wade” out to you to take your order. How fun! The super calm, crystal clear water is about waist deep. We did see a few tropical fish swimming under the tables. The bottom is nice and sandy. No sharp rocks.
Partially submerged tables at Blue Bayou in Belize
Staff is super friendly. Good cocktails and delicious shrimp tacos.
This is my kind of place.
Good cocktails and shrimp tacos at Blue Bayou in Belize
Have you heard of viper rum? The story goes local villagers make this concoction by bottling a LIVE snake in the rum. Yes, I said a LIVE snake. Gimmick for drunken tourists or really once part of Mayan culture? Likely the former. But comedian Zane Lamprey from the drinking travel show Three Sheets gave viper rum a try and reports it tastes like it smells. Reptile-y.
And no, I didn’t try it. Those that are more adventurous than me can try a shot at Maruba Beach Klub at Secret Beach.
Know When to Arrive and When to Leave
Tables fill up quickly. If your heart is set on hanging out on one of the tables in the water, get there early! It was suggested for us to get there by 11 am to secure a table. We did and had no problem. By the time we left around 2:45 pm, the tables were full.
You also need to know when to leave. The mosquitos are brutal. If you are like me and are a walking buffet for these little blood-suckers, leave well before dusk.
Plus, you do not want to be making that 45 minute bumpy ride back in a golf cart in the dark. We left a little before 3 pm, which worked out great.
Spending 4 hours at Secret Beach Belize was the perfect amount of time for us.
Blue Bayou was pretty busy when we left. Get there early for a table in the water.
Consider Avoiding Secret Beach Belize on Sundays
I had heard locals are off on Sunday, so bars are busier. We did not go on a Sunday, so I cannot personally vouch for that statement. But I can tell you we had no problem with getting a table and having good service when we arrived at 11 am on a Monday.
Final Thoughts on Secret Beach Belize
A day trip to Secret Beach is definitely worth it. Rent a golf cart, enjoy the adventurous ride, and pick the right bar for an incredibly relaxing afternoon on the beach.
Looking for more things to do in Belize? Don’t miss my top 10 things to do list below, which includes snorkeling with nurse sharks!
Have you been to Secret Beach? What was your favorite bar?
Let me know in the comments below!
What about the sea lice and how can you avoid them
Luckily, I never encountered sea lice (which are actually jellyfish larvae) while I was at Secret Beach. In general, the only way to avoid sea lice is to avoid the water during peak season.