Welcome to Ambergris Caye: With a not so Secret Beach
Belize has become an annual tradition for us, whether it’s just the two of us or our blended families. Each trip brings something new, but our first visit to Secret Beach stands out the most.
I knew the name was just that—a name. The beach was anything but secret. It was lively, vibrant, and full of energy. That’s also when I met “The Mayor.” I won’t go into details, but he left an impression. After buying a bracelet from him, he handed me a 420 cigar, patted my shoulder, and walked away smiling.
For a second, it felt surreal. I even looked around to see if anyone noticed. That’s when it hit me—nobody cares. Everyone was there to relax, have fun, and be present. That moment sparked a thought—should I buy a place on the island?
That day, we had the best lobster tacos, played on the floating water park, and met people from all over the world. If you look west from the beach, you can even spot Leonardo DiCaprio’s private island.
Some fun facts:
- Not So Secret Anymore! – Secret Beach got its name because it was once a hidden gem, accessible only by rough, unpaved roads. However, it has since become one of Ambergris Caye’s most popular beach destinations. Follow our FB page for a twist on things.
- No Seaweed, Crystal-Clear Water – Unlike the eastern side of Ambergris Caye, Secret Beach is located on the west side, meaning it’s protected from sargassum seaweed, making it one of the best spots for swimming in clear, shallow waters.
- Man-Made Beachfront Paradise – The beach itself was not naturally sandy. Locals brought in sand and built beach bars over time, creating the tropical paradise visitors love today.
- Home to Some of the Best Overwater Bars – Featuring several overwater bars and restaurants, including the famous Blue Bayou and Pirates Not-So-Secret Beach Bar, where you can enjoy floating tables in the water.
- Incredible Sunsets – Since Secret Beach faces west, it offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Belize, with unobstructed views over the Caribbean horizon.
- No Electricity Until Recently – Until just a few years ago, Secret Beach had no electricity or running water, and businesses relied on solar panels and generators to operate.
- Great for Kayaking & Paddleboarding – The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating around on inflatables with a cocktail in hand.
- An Instagram Hotspot – From colorful beach swings to floating hammocks, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Belize.
- Amazing Snorkeling Just Offshore – While Secret Beach itself doesn’t have a reef, just a short boat ride away, you can snorkel around the Coral Gardens, which are teeming with marine life.
- Getting There is an Adventure – The only way to reach Secret Beach is by golf cart, or boat. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes from San Pedro over a bumpy, scenic road. They’ve begun paving the road between Secret Beach and the turn of to San Pedro. Only about a quarter of it is paved, but that’s another sign that the area is booming. We bought a property in West Caye and we’re really looking forward to building it out.