Planning to attend the 2024 Belize Lobster Fest? The country’s northern islands—Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker—both concluded their lobster celebrations this past weekend. And from July 19th to 21st, it will be time for two of the country’s most beloved coastal villages to shine. Both Placencia and Hopkins will be celebrating all things spiny lobster this weekend. For the ambitious lobster lover, we’ve crafted the perfect way for you to indulge at both locations without missing out on all the weekend’s highlights. Here’s the perfect itinerary for celebrating lobster fest in southern Belize with The Belize Collection.
Day 1: Base Yourself in Placencia for Lobster Fest Weekend
Photo courtesy of Umaya Resort & Adventures
Umaya Resort on the Placencia Peninsula makes the perfect base for your three-day lobster fest weekend. Flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and Placencia’s tranquil lagoon to the west, this Belize Collection Resort sits on the northern tip of the Peninsula. Offering a 30% staycation discount to locals and special summer deals for all travelers, Umaya invites all lobster lovers to come and celebrate in southern Belize with them. The official opening ceremony of the Placencia Lobster Fest doesn’t begin until 5:00 pm, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the resort and all it has to offer. That includes everything from a swim-up pool bar to a pristine stretch of golden sand beach.
Then, head down to Placencia Village proper and get in on the lobster fest action. Day one of Placencia’s three-day lobster fest weekend is set to feature live music, and of course, plenty of food vendors. Enjoy live entertainment courtesy of performers like Mime Martinez all night long.
Day 2: A Mini Lobster Fest at Hopkins (Plus Fireworks)
Photo by the Lodge at Jaguar Reef
For the third year in a row, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef in Hopkins will be hosting their Mini Lobster Fest & Artisan Market, which adds some fun and unique twists to the usual festivities. The drive from Umaya in Placencia to Jaguar Reef in Hopkins takes less than an hour, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the all-day fun at this luxurious beachside resort.
The Mini Lobster Fest & Artisan Market takes place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, July 20th. Get your fill of lobster for the day at one of the many food stations that will line the beach. Meanwhile, inside the resort’s onsite restaurant, The Paddle House, lovers of all things handmade will be able to get their shopping fix while supporting local artisans and enjoying live music. Plus, get to see who reigns supreme at The Belize Collection’s Battle of the Bartenders competition.
Similar: Here’s What to Expect from the 2024 Placencia Lobster Fest, Including New Dates
Leave a bit early to catch the beer-drinking competition and lobster toss over in Placencia at 3:00 PM. Or, stay a while and enjoy having a slow pace to your Saturday. If you’re not too tired by the time you get back to the Peninsula, be sure to head to Placencia’s point. Stick around until 8:00 for a fun fireworks display to end the day.
Day 3: Food and Fun on the Beach
Placencia Lobsterfest 2019. Photo by Kevin Quischan (Belize My Travels)
Day three will be all about family-friendly fun on the Placencia Peninsula. The Placencia Village Council has shared a long lineup of events for that day, ranging from boat rides to a Lobsterfest cookoff competition.
Photo by Umaya Resort & Adventures
Spend the day strolling along Placencia’s gorgeous coast. Enjoy musical entertainment courtesy of a diverse lineup of DJs. Or, participate in some of the festival’s favorite competitions, like the hot wings eating contest and the classic mechanical bull riding.
Be sure to soak it all in. After all, Lobster Fest only comes around once a year.
All photos courtesy of the Belize Collection unless captioned otherwise.
