If indulging in your favorite drinks while gazing at crystal-clear waters under a tropical sky is your idea of paradise, then San Pedro, Belize, should be at the top of your list for a relaxing getaway! The island is littered with bars, making it a focal point of our vacation, and I’m certain it’s the case for many who visit. Let me tell you a little about the drinking culture of San Pedro. Here, savoring drinks is a cherished pastime enjoyed by both locals and tourists. The island has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants, but let’s not discount the multitude of opportunities for day drinking as well.
Belikin, Belize’s national beer, takes center stage on the island, available in various styles, Belikin Lager, Belikin Stout, Belikin Premium, and Belikin Light. Many establishments offer Belikin specials during happy hours. One thing to note, however, about beer drinking in Belize: due to the high humidity in this tropical climate, beer caps have a tendency to rust. While this usually doesn’t pose any issues, it’s good practice to make sure your bottle tops are clean, just in case.
San Pedro also has its own signature cocktails, such as the “Panty Ripper” made with coconut rum and pineapple juice. The Panty Ripper is delicious and served nearly everywhere. These concoctions are perfect for sipping on the beach.
With its stunning coastline, San Pedro has many beachfront bars where you can unwind with a drink while watching the breathtaking Caribbean sunset. These spots often have a friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Some bars also feature live music, ranging from reggae and Caribbean tunes to local bands. It’s not uncommon to find impromptu jam sessions or dance parties, but I did not encounter any of these on my trip. Additionally, several hotels and condos offer swim up bars, and aside from Palapa Bar where you can drink in the Caribbean Sea, these are my favorite. I mean really, who wouldn’t want to be in the water in this tropical paradise?!
One aspect I particularly appreciate about drinking on San Pedro is the unique activities offered at some bars. For instance, on Monday nights, the Nauti Crab hosts crab races. This involves placing a bet on a hermit crab of your choice, with bets ranging from $1-2 BD (equivalent to between 50 cents and one US dollar.) Once all bets have been made and you have named your crab, the crabs are placed in the middle of the arena under a bucket, and the moderator names all of the contestants. While the race itself is the highlight, this, actually, is the longest and most entertaining part of the race. Then, a volunteer, usually a kid, will lift the bucket to release the crabs, and the race is on! The first crab to make it over the thick rope perimeter, thereby exiting the arena, is the winner. The races are a family-friendly event with a humorous twist as the moderator injects a healthy dose of adult humor that typically flies over the kids’ heads. Prizes are awarded for different rounds, and I had one of the lucky crabs that won first, much to my friend’s dismay at her loss.
Another fun event is the Chicken Drop at Wahoo’s on Thursday nights, which is essentially Chicken Shit Bingo. Similar to the crab races, you buy a ticket that assigns you a number on the giant bingo board, and you wait for a chicken to do its business on a number. It’s a hilarious and oddly suspenseful game that spans five rounds, providing hours of entertainment.
If you’re lucky, you may happen to visit San Pedro during one of its local festivals or events. These occasions often offer traditional drinks and celebrations unique to Belizean culture. Unfortunately, we left the day before Beer Fest at the beginning of August, featuring beer tasting contests, craft beer samplings, a rice and beans contest, BBQ, games by the ocean, and a live DJ.
Beer Fest is a one-day event, but the Lobster Festival is a two-week celebration at the beginning of July that involves a two-week lobster crawl with both day time and night time events, culminating in a block party and a beach party during the last two days of the festival. Music, food, a raffle, a lively atmosphere, and a shared appreciation for lobster make this a must-attend event if you’re in town.
For those interested in mingling with locals, neighborhood bars and lounges offer a more authentic experience and a chance to chat with the friendly Belizean residents. While my time was primarily spent at more touristy locations, I still encountered many friendly locals, although most were non-native residents.
Like any other place, San Pedro has laws against public drunkenness, so its best to enjoy your drinks in moderation, and it is essential to drink responsibly. While most visitors get around on golf carts, driving under the influence still is neither legal nor safe.
In summary, drinking on San Pedro is a delightful way to unwind and immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you prefer a cold Belikin on the beach or a creative cocktail at a beachfront bar, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your thirst while enjoying the beauty of this tropical paradise. Cheers to your San Pedro adventure!
