Boca del Rio is a beautiful beach strip north of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, stretching from the over-the-water Palapa Bar and Grill to the channel of water dividing the town from north Ambergris Caye. The strip, initially a residential area, has now become an active commercial zone with several restaurants and bars shaping the favorite neighborhood into one of the most popular areas for partying and bar hopping. Along this beach stretch, you will have plenty to choose from, either during the day or night. Especially during the weekend, finding your nook will not be a problem. Here’s what you can expect if you’re bar hopping San Pedro’s Boca del Rio beach strip on Ambergris Caye, Belize!
Where to start
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- Sip cocktails (or buckets of beer) from Palapa Bar & Grill’s overwater deck or innertubes.
If you start at Palapa Bar and Grill, found at the beginning of the strip to the south, then indulge in good food and drinks while swimming off the dock. Many locals and tourists enjoy Palapa, especially during the day, for its easy access to swimming and lounging in an innertube. Enjoy a great time with family, friends, or even solo with the added bonus of in-water service, like Belikin beers by the bucket.
Grab a late lunch or dinner
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Before starting a night of dancing and bar hopping, if that is your plan, fill your belly first. Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant is a favorite spot for pasta, pizzas, wings, and drinks special.
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If you feel more like Central American cuisine with ceviche, salpicon, quesadillas, or chimichangas, hop over to NuPalm Island lounge next to Sandbar. This lounge not only has a well-stocked bar but features music videos until its 2 am closing time.
The bars to bounce between
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With a belly full, it’s time to head further north on this beach strip to enjoy the sea breeze as your first stop for a drink. Start by socializing or even dancing at the over-the-water Losers Bar and Grill. Or, the Playa Bar and Sandy Toes; these two establishments are found side-by-side on the beach and offer good entertainment. With an open bar and dining area, not only you can enjoy some snacks or just drinks, but dance to live music or depending on the day of the week, boogie to the beats of a DJ.
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Next, it’s time to get pretty at the Ugly Duck Sports Bar and Grill. This is usually your spot to unwind a bit before you continue on with exploring the rest of the beach strip. Follow up with the Nauti Crab known for its fun evenings including a cocktail of comedy, games, and even live music. On Tuesdays, indulge in a friendly wager with their famous hermit crab races.
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Wayo’s Beach Bar is just north of Nauti Crab and yet another over-the-water bar. Sit back to enjoy the tropical breeze, but don’t forget your dancing shoes!
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The weekly roster of entertainment includes DJs, live performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and special events on weekends such as birthday parties and charity events. You can’t go wrong at Wayo’s if you are looking for the ultimate in bar hopping on the Boca del Rio beach strip on Ambergris Caye. The last stop on the Boca del Rio beach strip is La Choza Bar & Grill, where you will encounter a more local vibe. Cap off your evening here with one of their signature frozen drinks, before you head south and start all over again. This last stop will also challenge your singing skills with their weekly karaoke sessions.
Header image via ROEming Belize.
