4 Best Bars in Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, The Cayes and Atolls

Background Illustration for Nightlife

San Pedro has the most active nightlife scene in Belize, but, still, don't expect Miami’s South Beach. A few in-town spots such as Fido’s have live music. At Jaguar’s Temple nightclub, the action starts after 10 or 11 and often goes until almost daybreak. (Be careful going back to your hotel in the middle of the night after sampling rums—take a taxi if possible.) There are plenty of spots just to have a cold one, including some classic beach and pier bars like BC’s, Tackle Box, Wet Willy’s, and Palapa Bar, or tonier spots like Rojo Bar. There’s a small casino at Captain Morgan’s on North Ambergris. Many hotels have bars that mostly draw their own guests, but anyone, staying there or not, is welcome. Among the better resort bars are those at Victoria House, Banana Beach Resort, Spindrift, Pedro’s Hotel, Mata Rocks, Matachica, and Ramon’s Village. Karaoke is big in Belize, and some bars and clubs in San Pedro have karaoke nights, which are as much for locals as visitors. In late January and early February, singer Jerry Jeff Walker holds "Camp Belize," two weeklong events in San Pedro during which Walker puts on shows for his loyal fans.Don't let your taxi driver pick up an extra passenger at night, a common practice that is unsafe. Don't walk on the beach alone at night—it's unlit and can be dangerous.

Island's Jungle Restaurant and Bar

Fodor's Choice

What makes this outdoor bar special, aside from the wicked cheap local rum, is the thick tangle of jungle---fan palms, palmettos, and other flora---that most establishments have cleared. Island's Jungle has bingo, karaoke nights, and a whole lotta charm. 

Sea Grape Dr., Ambergris Caye, Belize
626--1669

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Rum Dog

Fodor's Choice

Rum Dog is a notch above other island watering holes, with its Belizean Two-5 craft beers on tap, well-kept pier, and beautiful palapa overlooking the Caribbean. It also offers a menu of impressive bar snacks and cocktails (think Rangoon nachos and homemade banana liqueur).

Sandbar Beachfront Restaurant

In daytime you can read under an umbrella and sip something blended, while at night you can join the (sometimes rowdy) crowds and play board or drinking games. Fun usually lasts until midnight, but it's island-flexible.

7 Boca del Rio Dr., Ambergris Caye, Belize
226--2008

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Wayo's Beach Bar

Wayo's is a salty place to nurse a few drinks and shoot the breeze with folks you met 20 minutes ago. It's easy to lose track of time at this overwater dive, which is known for its tropical cocktails like coconut mojitos.