A quick note about this years Lobsterfests in Belize dates for anyone planning to travel and enjoy them.
The 2024/25 Belize lobster season is long over, ending – as it does every year – at the end of February. But now we’ve reached the end of May, it’s time to start thinking about all things crustacean again and look forward to the upcoming 2025/26 lobster fishing season, set to kick off in July. There’s a few weeks left to go, sure, but in Belize, lobster season always starts with a party, and parties often need planning to attend. So consider this a reminder as you start to salivate at the thought of barbecued lobster!
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Lobster-Themed Carnivals
As we said, in Belize, the spiny lobster fishing season always begins with a party or “lobsterfest”. Over the years, these Lobsterfests have become major dates in the calendars of beach and fishing communities, especially San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
Think of them as lobster-themed carnivals, where locals, tourists, and expats come together to celebrate the return of the fishing season, and the livelihoods of so many. That return of people’s livelihoods is, after all, the traditional reason for these celebrations. They allow communities to give thanks for the opportunity to work again after four months of lobster fishing prohibition.
Over the years, these communal celebrations have grown into some of Belize’s best parties, becoming tourist attractions in their own right. Hotels book out in advance and a festival vibe gets going (hence the name), as Belikin beers flow with the myriad of lobster dishes available. So if you’re a lover of lobster, then you’ll love Lobsterfest. And even better, Belize is a barbecue-based society, so you’ll find people grilling these delicious crustaceans on every street corner. You’ll find lobster kebabs, curried lobster, lobster burgers, and… and… well, anything else you can think of. It’s a true lobsterfest.
Lobsterfest Dates for 2025
This year, to get to the point of this article, the big three Lobsterfests in Belize get underway in July:
San Pedro Lobsterfest (June 29-July 12)
The San Pedro Lobsterfest on the island of Ambergris Caye kicks off with Lionfish Events on June 29 and 30, blending conservation with tasty lionfish dishes to protect local reefs. The main event runs from July 1 to July 12, featuring a “Lobster Crawl” where you hop between bars and restaurants, collecting stamps in a passport for a shot at a Grand Prize Raffle. Sample lobster ceviche, tacos, or even lobster pizza, then dance the night away at the massive block party on July 12, packed with live music and more lobster than you can handle.
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Placencia Lobsterfest (July 4-6)
And then there’s the Placencia Lobsterfest, running July 4, 5, and 6. This one’s famous for its massive beach parties, with food booths dishing out lobster tacos and chowder, plus steelpan music and games that make it super family-friendly. The whole peninsula turns into one big lobster bash, complete with dancing and local crafts. You can expect the town to be full across this weekend.
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Caye Caulker Lobsterfest (July 18-20)
Caye Caulker holds its Lobsterfest on July 18, 19, and 20. This is the original festival, kicking off back in 1994. Expect three days of island magic with beach parties, live music and DJs, lobster-themed pageants, and, of course lobster galore to eat,including dishes like lobster-stuffed jalapeños. It’s much shorter than San Pedro’s, but no less fun. If you’re not all lobstered out after San Pedro’s festivities, you can nip over to Caye Caulker for more. Make sure you have your accommodations booked in advance if you’re planning to visit Caye Caulker during these days.
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Hitting All Three Lobsterfests
Want to score the ultimate Lobsterfest hat trick? It’s easier than you think with a little planning. Start in Placencia for its early July beach bash before heading up to San Pedro to join the Lobster Crawl and hit the big block party finale (if you’re a true lobster enthusiast with more time, you could start in San Pedro at the end of June, head to Placencia, and then return to San Pedro). And then move over to Caye Caulker for your lobster finale. We’ve never heard of people actually doing all three lobsterfests but we’re sure it happens!
Either way, book your accommodations early for each spot, and arrange flights or ground transportation between Placencia and San Pedro, plus a water taxi for the short hop to Caye Caulker. It’s a whirlwind, but nailing all three makes you a true lobster legend.
Get Ready for Lobster Mania
So if you’re coming to Belize, take note of the 2025 Lobsterfests and enjoy into the ultimate crustacean celebration! San Pedro’s raucous parties, Placencia’s beachside feasts, and Caye Caulker’s island charm are calling. Book your accommodations now, pack your flip-flops, and gear up for a summer of sizzling grills, ice-cold beers, and Belizean party spirit!
James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.
