One of the most highly anticipated times of the year in Belize is lobster season, when seafood lovers can indulge in the fresh, succulent Caribbean spiny lobster. The 2025 lobster season officially opens on July 1st, 2025, and runs through February 28th, 2026.
During this eight-month season, visitors can enjoy freshly caught lobster in some of the best restaurants in Belize, experience lively lobster festivals, and even join a lobster-catching tour in Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker.
Why Visit Belize During Lobster Season?
Lobster season in Belize isn’t just about the delicious seafood—it’s a time of celebration, music, and culture! Each year, coastal towns host vibrant lobster festivals featuring:
✅ Mouthwatering lobster dishes—grilled, buttered, curried, and more!
✅ Live music, games & beach parties
✅ Lobster crawls & restaurant specials
✅ Friendly fishing competitions & cultural events
Whether you’re an adventurous traveler wanting to catch your own lobster or a foodie looking to try the best lobster in Belize, this is the perfect time to visit.
Top Lobster Festivals in Belize
Three main lobster festivals take place in Belize each year:
📍 San Pedro Lobster Festival (July 4–15, 2024)
📌 Best for: Foodies & party lovers 🍹🎶
San Pedro’s Lobster Fest kicks off with a week-long celebration leading up to an epic Block Party (July 15th) at Central Park. Enjoy live music, street food vendors, and delicious lobster specials at top restaurants. The festival wraps up with a beach party at Boca Del Rio Park on July 16th.
📍 Placencia Lobster Festival (July 12–14, 2024)
📌 Best for: Laid-back beach vibes & family fun 🌊🍴
The Placencia Lobster Fest is a must-visit for those who love relaxing by the beach while enjoying amazing seafood. Featuring lobster cook-offs, live entertainment, games, and local crafts, this festival is perfect for travelers looking for a mix of food, fun, and culture.
📍 Caye Caulker Lobster Festival (July 5–7, 2024)
📌 Best for: Island lovers & backpackers 🏝️🦞
Caye Caulker’s Lobster Festival is one of the oldest in Belize, celebrating over 30 years of tradition. Visitors can enjoy street food stalls, beach parties, live music, and the famous Miss Lobster Fest Pageant.
💡 Pro Tip: The festivals are extremely popular, so be sure to book your stay in advance!
Sustainability & Conservation: Why Lobster Season Closes?
While lobster season is an exciting time, conservation efforts are essential to protect the species. Belize enforces a closed lobster season from March 1st to June 30th each year.
During these four months:
🚫 Lobster fishing is strictly prohibited
🚫 Restaurants cannot serve fresh lobster
🚫 Lobster traps & diving are illegal
This breeding period helps maintain healthy lobster populations, ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations.
What About Other Seafood?
🐚 Conch season is closed from July 1st to October 1st, following similar conservation efforts.
Best Places to Eat Lobster in Belize
If you’re visiting Belize during lobster season, you must try a freshly caught Caribbean spiny lobster! Here are some of the best restaurants to enjoy lobster dishes:
📍 Placencia
✅ Rumfish y Vino – Known for gourmet lobster dishes & cocktails.
✅ Wendy’s Creole Restaurant – Serves delicious lobster in Creole sauces.
✅ Maya Beach Bistro – Famous for its unique lobster specials.
📍 San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
✅ Elvi’s Kitchen – Traditional Belizean lobster dishes.
✅ Blue Water Grill – Grilled lobster with ocean views.
✅ Hidden Treasure – A romantic spot for lobster lovers.
📍 Caye Caulker
✅ Enjoy Lobster Beach BBQs – Many local vendors grill lobster skewers right on the beach!
💡 Pro Tip: Try different lobster dishes! Belizean chefs serve lobster in many ways, including:
✔ Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter
✔ Lobster Tacos
✔ Lobster Curry
✔ Lobster Pizza
FAQ: Belize Lobster Season
1. When is lobster season in Belize?
Lobster season in Belize is open from July 1st, 2025 to February 28th, 2026.
2. When is lobster season closed in Belize?
Lobster season is closed from March 1st to June 30th to allow the species to reproduce.
3. What are the best lobster festivals in Belize?
The three main Lobster Festivals are:
- San Pedro Lobster Festival (July 4–15, 2024)
- Placencia Lobster Festival (July 12–14, 2024)
- Caye Caulker Lobster Festival (July 5–7, 2024)
4. Where can I eat the best lobster in Belize?
Some of the best restaurants for lobster include:
📍 Placencia – Rumfish y Vino, Wendy’s, Maya Beach Bistro
📍 San Pedro – Elvi’s Kitchen, Blue Water Grill, Hidden Treasure
📍 Caye Caulker – Beach BBQ vendors, roadside lobster grills
5. Can I catch my own lobster in Belize?
Yes! Many local tour operators offer lobster-catching excursions where you can snorkel, dive, and hunt for lobsters.
6. Is Belize’s lobster sustainable?
Yes! Belize has strict conservation laws to protect lobster populations, including:
✅ Enforcing a closed season (March–June)
✅ Banning undersized lobsters & egg-bearing females
✅ Sustainable fishing practices
7. Can I bring lobster back home?
Yes, but you must follow Belize Fisheries Department regulations. Check with your airline for import restrictions before traveling with seafood.
Where to Stay During Lobster Season?
If you’re planning to visit Belize during lobster season, stay at The Village Inn in Placencia for a beachfront experience close to the festivals, restaurants, and fishing tours.
🏡 Why Stay at The Village Inn?
✅ Beachfront Cabanas – Just steps from the sea!
✅ Perfect Location – Walk to Placencia’s best restaurants & Lobster Fest.
✅ Fully Equipped Kitchens – Cook your own lobster dinner!
✅ Authentic Belizean Hospitality – Family-owned since 2005.
📞 Call: +501 629-5953
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Book now: thevillageinnbelize.com
Final Thoughts on Lobster Season in Belize
Whether you’re joining the Lobster Festivals, dining on fresh seafood, or even catching your own lobster, this is one of the best times to visit Belize.
Don’t miss out on delicious food, vibrant festivals, and unforgettable beach experiences!
🌊 Plan your Placencia trip today & book your stay at The Village Inn! 🚀
