Placencia vs San Pedro Lobsterfest - Which One to Attend in Belize?

There’s no better way to experience the flavor, culture, and coastal charm of Belize than during its famous Lobsterfest celebrations. As the country kicks off the start of lobster season each June, two coastal towns – Placencia and San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye) turn into seafood-loving hotspots with food, music, and fun in the sun. But if you’re planning to attend Belize Lobsterfest 2025, you might be wondering: Which one is better?

This guide compares Placencia and San Pedro’s Lobsterfests in depth to help you pick the one that fits your travel style, whether you’re craving a laid-back beach party or a full-on week of lobster-fueled nightlife.

What Is Lobsterfest?

Lobsterfest is Belize’s annual celebration of the opening of lobster season, which begins in June. What started as a small local tradition has grown into some of the most anticipated events on the Belize tourism calendar.

Expect:

Fresh lobster dishes prepared in every imaginable way
Live local music and drumming
Dance parties and cultural shows
Beach games, raffles, and family activities
Endless opportunities to enjoy the coast and meet travelers from around the world

The two main Lobsterfests are held in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Placencia, each with its own vibe and loyal fan base.

Placencia Lobsterfest 2025 Highlights

Tucked away on the southern coast of Belize, Placencia is a charming fishing village that turns into a cozy party destination during Lobsterfest. Placencia Lobsterfest is expected to take place July 4-6, on the beachfront near the village’s pier.

What to Expect in Placencia:

Family-friendly atmosphere: It’s more of a community celebration, organized by the local tourism board and NGOs.
Delicious, authentic food: Expect traditional Belizean dishes like grilled lobster tail, lobster fritters, stews, and rice-and-beans cooked by home chefs and local vendors.
Games and contests: Tug-of-war, kayak races, and lobster cook-offs make this more than just a food festival.
Live Garifuna drumming and Punta dancing in the evenings give the event a rich cultural flavor.
Local vendors and craftspeople sell handmade jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

The entire village gets involved. It’s casual, it’s welcoming, and it’s a great way to get to know the real Belize.

San Pedro Lobsterfest 2025 Highlights

San Pedro’s Lobsterfest is a full-blown week of events called the “Lobster Crawl”, leading up to a massive block party. For 2025, the San Pedro Lobsterfest is expected to run from July 1–12, culminating with the grand finale on July 12.

What to Expect in Placencia:

Lobster Crawl Passport Program: Each day, a different bar or restaurant hosts an event with live music, food, drinks, and lobster specials. You get your passport stamped at each stop, and those with the most stamps win prizes.
Creative gourmet dishes: Think lobster sliders, lobster sushi rolls, lobster ceviche, lobster pizza—you name it.
Crowd energy: San Pedro draws a lively international mix of travelers, digital nomads, divers, and partiers.
Nightlife: The grand finale features DJs, bands, dancing on the beach, and fireworks.
Lively beach bars like Palapa Bar and Truck Stop keep the energy going late into the night.

San Pedro’s Lobsterfest is bigger, louder, and built for those who like to go out and celebrate every night of their vacation.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature	Placencia Lobsterfest	San Pedro Lobsterfest
Vibe	Local, relaxed, community-run	Party-focused, high-energy
Duration	3 days (weekend)	9 days (full week)
Best For	Families, couples, culture seekers	Groups, solo travelers, party lovers
Food Style	Traditional, local home-cooked	Gourmet, creative restaurant dishes
Entertainment	Drumming, games, cultural shows	DJs, concerts, bar crawls
Crowd Size	Smaller, more intimate	Large, festival-scale crowds
Cost	Budget-friendly	Slightly more expensive
Accessibility	Domestic flight or road travel	Quick flight or ferry from Belize City

When & How to Get There

Getting to Placencia:

By Plane: Local airlines like Tropic Air fly from Belize City to Placencia (about 40 minutes).
By Shuttle/Car: About 3–4 hours from Belize City via Hummingbird Highway—scenic and relaxing.

Getting to San Pedro:

By Plane: The fastest way is a 15-minute flight from Belize City to San Pedro.
By Ferry: Take a water taxi (90 minutes) from Belize City—affordable and popular with backpackers.

Make sure to book early, Lobsterfest is one of the busiest times of the year in both towns.

Accommodation Tips

Placencia Lodging:

Budget: Anda Di Hows, Lydia’s Guesthouse
Midrange: Sea Spray Hotel, Miramar Apartments
Luxury: Turtle Inn, Chabil Mar Villas

Placencia offers beachfront cabanas, guesthouses, and boutique resorts. Many are just a short walk from the festival grounds.

San Pedro Lodging:

Budget: Sandbar Beach Hostel, Hotel Del Rio
Midrange: Ramon’s Village Resort, Mayan Princess
Luxury: Alaia Belize, Victoria House Resort

San Pedro has more resort-style options and is better suited for those looking for nightlife, pools, and proximity to tours and nightlife.

Which Lobsterfest Is Right for You?

Still deciding between Placencia vs San Pedro Lobsterfest in 2025? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Choose Placencia if…

You prefer local vibes over big crowds.
You want a mellow trip with relaxing beach time.
You’re traveling with family or older adults.
You want to connect with Belizean culture and community.

Choose San Pedro if…

You want to party and meet other travelers.
You’re looking for variety in food and nightlife.
You like hopping from beach bar to beach bar.
You’re already planning to dive, snorkel, or stay in Ambergris Caye.

Either way, you’ll get plenty of fresh lobster, warm hospitality, and unforgettable beach vibes.

Tips for Enjoying Belize Lobsterfest

Arrive Early: Both towns get booked up fast. Reserve flights and hotels in advance.
Bring Cash: Most food stalls and local vendors don’t take cards.
Try everything: From grilled to stewed to curried lobster, the flavors are endless.
Dress Light: Belize is hot and humid in June—think breathable clothes and sandals.
Hydrate & Pace Yourself: Especially at San Pedro’s Lobster Crawl, there’s a lot of rum.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dancing under the stars in San Pedro or enjoying a beachfront BBQ with the locals in Placencia, Belize Lobsterfest promises delicious food, fun events, and unforgettable moments.

So, which one will you attend – Placencia or San Pedro? Let us know in the comments and follow us for more Belize travel tips and guides.