10 Best Nightlife in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

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 hookah, karaoke nights, and a whole lotta charm.

This sizzling beachfront bar on North Ambergris is a sceney but casual place to sip a Shark Bite (light rum, coconut rum, Meyer's rum, mango, and pineapple) or knock back some housemade shots until late evening. Delicious shared plates are generous.

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 house-made banana liqueur). 

The island's best---albeit the only---casino has over 100 slot and video poker machines, plus live table games, poker tournaments, and a full bar with tapas and courtesy drinks. You can try for jackpot until 4 am. Captain Morgan's offers free evening boat transfer from Fido's dock.

Sooner or later you're sure to end up at Fido's (pronounced fee-dough's), sipping something cold and contemplating the sea views, under what the owners claim is the largest thatch palapa in Belize. If not the largest in Belize, it may at least be the largest on Ambergris Caye. This casual joint serves mediocre burgers, Caesar salad, tacos, and other bar food, but it's a good place to grab a beer and enjoy the near-nightly live music. It can also accommodate large groups.

Bring your swimsuit and dunk into the sea (inner tubes are at the ready) at this end-of-pier San Pedro favorite. The thatch roof and its saltwater backdrop are what draw crowds (although the pulled pork and ceviche aren't bad for bar food). After dark, the colorful lighting lends a festive air. Palapa Bar doesn't rock all night, though—it usually closes around 9, 10 at the latest.

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.

On the odd side of the nightlife spectrum is the Chicken Drop, held on Thursday night at the beachfront Wahoo's Lounge. Bet on a numbered square on a sort of giant bingo board, and if the chicken poops on your square, you win the pot. It's hugely popular.

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.