Belize Lobster Festival San Pedro

Updates as to date & Information:  Facebook Lobsterfest San Pedro
Lobster Festival in Belize
There is no better time to kick off summer with Belize Lobster Fest. Coinciding with the first lobster harvest that continues through February 15, this annual seafood revelry is a popular event throughout the country of Belize. Lobster fest is celebrated at three exquisite locations, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, for three to nine days, depending on which Lobster Fest you are attending.  San Pedro is by far, one of the better festivals to attend, simply due to the volume of local restaurants who participate, the increased number authentic dishes available, the many activities, live music, and block party held at the end of the week.  Many travelers (about this time of year), take advantage of the low prices to visit Belize. While lobster might seem to dominate the dishes at Lobster fest, you can also try lionfish and participate in many other activities.
How Many Belize Lobsterfests Are There?
The lobster fest is held in three main locations in Belize, each with its own unique festive environment. If you are ravenous for lobster and endless parties, then San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye) might be the best option for you. San Pedro is known for their raves, live music, and gatherings. Certainly, you can expect more people to engage in this type of activity, especially because San Pedro’s Lobster fest last for about a week.

The San Pedro Lobster Festival is a 10-Day festival (which started in 2007), and quickly became one of the most popular events in Belize.  Mid-June is when Lobster season opens up in Belize, and many of the locals have chosen to celebrate the event with a Lobsterfest.  This event quickly grew with each passing year, until now it has become one of the main festivals for the island of Ambergris Caye, and the entire country of Belize.  Many well-known local restaurants and chefs, all display their culinary skills with lobster dishes in every form at many of the booths set up at the festival. 
Agenda & Schedule of Activities
Day 1-4 - Lion Fish Hunt.  The lion fish is considered the second greatest threat to the coral reef and the Caribbean's ecological balance due to its voracious appetite and the lack of natural predators. In order to protect the marine ecosystem and their own livelihoods, fishermen and dive professionals hunt the lionfish at the beginning of lobster season each year.  The lionfish meat is tasty and has gained popularity in many local restaurants in Belize.
Day 5-9 - Taste of San Pedro (Lobster Crawl). During this time, you can visit any restaurant in San Pedro, and they all feature many entree' specials made with lobster.  Make your way around San Pedro and try something different in every restaurant.
Day 10 - Block Party.  Food booths featuring lobster dishes, live cultural music, food tasting, partying, live entertainment and dancing.
Is Transportation provided? No
If you find yourself on the mainland, and want to get to the island.  Take a taxi to Belize City water taxi terminal.  You can take either the (San Pedro Express or Ocean Ferry) to Ambergris Caye.  Once on island, you can either rent a golf cart to get around, take a taxi to and from Lobsterfest each day, or walk into town.  If coming from Corozal, you can take the Thunderbolt water taxi.  Check each of the water taxi websites (or Facebook pages), for schedules as to departure times.
Contact & Location Information
Email:
Facebook:  Lobsterfest San Pedro
Venue: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Address:  Beachside, Central Park San Pedro
District: Belize District
Haven't Tried Lobster?  Now's Your Chance!
The light wonderful hard-shell delicacies (a unique flavor), giving a twist to any authentic cultural dish. Not to mention, lobster makes anything its in absolutely delicious.  Experience the vibrant spirit of San Pedro as you meander through central park in the center of town.  Traditional displays, music, and other entertainment make for an amazing cultural event. Each day, there is something exciting to experience and taste in San Pedro.  On the last day of the festival is a block party, to include live music and entertainment.  It's an event you will not want to miss.
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Is it wrong to plan an entire vacation around one’s taste buds? Not if you crave an obscene amount of lobster! This delicacy is the superstar of Belize’s culinary scene beginning in mid-June, and since you can fly to Belize in just a few hours, envision yourself eating breakfast at home and feasting on lobster for lunch. No need to bring a bib if you make Lobsterfest your goal. Just pack wash and wear clothes and your favorite flip-flops and you’ll fit right in!

About Belize’s Lobsterfest
This annual seafood bacchanal is no ordinary celebration. Lobsterfest is an official summer kickoff event coinciding with the first lobster harvests that continue through February 15th. The wildly popular nationwide event turns Belize into one big homage to crustaceans celebrated in three areas: Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia. Bring your appetite. Is it possible to grow weary of eating this delicacy? No way.

Lobster festivals of Belize
Choose any of the aforementioned geographic areas as your lobster headquarters and prepare to party day and night. Meet lobster fishermen. Enjoy lobster-themed fun, like water sports, competitions, beach parties, live concerts and dancing. Be on hand to see the “biggest lobster” catch and you mustn’t leave until the Miss Lobster Festival winner is crowned.
Why is the Lobster Festival held?
The primary goal of the Lobster Festival is to promote the opening of the lobster season in Belize.  The  festival promotes the cultural and culinary uniqueness that both locals and tourists enjoy.  Proceeds go to fixing the infrastructure for each district (town or village) that it is held in.  This is done by featuring authentic foods and delicacies made from lobster for you to purchase.  There is live music, dancing, where you will find clean wholesome fun for the entire family.  
The San Pedro Lobster Festival is a fun family event that celebrates everything about the lobster, with good food and live music in a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. The festival provides an economic boost to the local businesses.
What Happens on the Festival Days?
Day 1-4 - Lion Fish Hunt.  The lion fish is considered the second greatest threat to the coral reef and the Caribbean's ecological balance due to its voracious appetite and the lack of natural predators. In order to protect the marine ecosystem and their own livelihoods, fishermen and dive professionals hunt the lionfish at the beginning of lobster season each year.  The lionfish meat is tasty and has gained popularity in many local restaurants in Belize.
Day 5-9 - Taste of San Pedro (Lobster Crawl). During this time, you can visit any restaurant in San Pedro, and they all feature many entree' specials made with lobster.  Make your way around San Pedro and try something different in every restaurant.
Day 10 - Block Party.  Food booths featuring lobster dishes, live cultural music, food tasting, partying, live entertainment and dancing.

10-Day Lobster Festival

San Pedro Lobsterfest in Belize - One of the most popular gastronomic events of summer in Belize kicks off when the official lobster season opens in June – Lobsterfest time. Lobster season in Belize opens on June 15 and closes February 15. There is so much lobster available during the summer that prices for this treat are at their lowest.  The Lobsterfest in San Pedro, is one of the biggest and more ostentatious event, with many establishments offering free live music and discounted prices on drinks and lobster.

The various Lobsterfest events are Belize’s savvy way of celebrating the opening of the lobster season. It’s held every year starting mid-June, in four parts of the country, Belize City, the northern cayes to the southern coast: Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia. The fun consists of three-day long weekends, (San Pedro’s fest runs a week which is really milking the poor lobster for all it is worth) with plenty of outdoor food booths with everyone´s favorite seafood prepared fresh every which way, from lobster on the grill, to lobster thermidor, to lobster ceviche (which is ideal as the conch season is closed in June),  lobster kebabs and even lobster chowder.  There are wacky beauty pageants (yes some contestants dress as lobsters) , drinks enough to drown a fish, reggae and Belizean music concerts, and of course, all day and night beach parties (some would say gastronomic debauchery)  and street fests.
Why Should You Attend Lobsterfest in San Pedro?
Lobsterfest is always a fun and exciting event for locals and travelers. There will be awesome beach parties with great prices on food, and drinks for this summer's Lobster Fest Season!  As your calendar creeps into summer, Belize’s tourist influx has begun to slow down.  Come mid-June Lobster season opens up for the entire country and they celebrate this with a week long block party.  Many of the restaurants (an chefs) on the island have food booths in central park, displaying their many lobster creations.  You can find anything from signature lobster dishes, to lobster ceviche, lobster rolls, grilled lobster, and the vast array of recipe twists will impress you. Grab your share of beach time and make new friends at the festival. If you long to escape stress, lobster-themed street fests, parties, concerts and “gastronomic debauchery” will put an end to your winter blues.
Lobster Festival Highlights
  • Beach Parties
  • Lion Fish Hunt & Competition
  • Signature Seafood Dishes
  • Multiple Food Booths with Lobster delicacies
  • Snorkeling
  • Live Music and Performances
  • Biggest Lobster Competition
  • Miss Lobster Fest Pageant
  • Block Party on the last Day w/ Live Entertainment
When is the Lobster Festival Held?
Lobsterfest in San Pedro is typically held in the middle of June.  Of the (3) lobsterfests in the country, San Pedro is said to have the most ostentatious, raucous Lobsterfest, featuring live music and endless parties.
Best Way to Experience Lobster Festival?
San Pedro holds a week-long event (in June of each year) that starts with a kick-off party and ends with a huge fiesta. Throughout the week, eat, drink and show up at as many bars and eateries as your constitution can handle.  Be sure to bring your appetite, because this is the time to get your fill of lobster in any form. 
What to do at the Belize Lobsterfest?
The Lobsterfest in San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye), is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to experience lobster in a unique and exciting way. To celebrate this local event, local artisans, chefs and fisherman bring their lobster catch and transform them into delicious unique dishes that will tantalize anyone's taste-buds.  You can’t miss this once-a-year event.

Be sure to arrive hungry as there are dozens of different lobster-themed dishes and other delicacies on offer during the festival. The festival also showcases key elements of the local culture, mixing music and food for a truly special experience. Along with all of the lobster delicacies, be sure to save room for dessert.
Where is the Lobster Festival Located?
There are three lobster fests held in the country between the months of June to July.  San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, is by far the best lobster festival of the three, simply because you have so many more choices when it comes to dishes, drinks, and entertainment.  
How Do I Get to the Lobster Festival?
If you are already in San Pedro (staying at Belize Budget Suites), you have three choices in getting to the event.
By Golf Cart - If you've rented a golf cart, simply drive into town.  Its about a 10 minute drive from Belize Budget Suites.
By Taxi - Simply take a taxi to the center of town, asked to be dropped off and then when you're ready to head back for the evening, simply take another taxi back to the hotel.  A taxi will cost you about $10.BZ or $5.USD for two people from the hotel to the center of town.
By Walking - You can walk to the center of town from Belize Budget Suites, it takes about 30 minutes.  Then at the end of the day (after you're belly is full and you've had a few drinks), we suggest taking a taxi back to the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-How can I get to Lobsterfest in San Pedro?
There are several options when traveling to your desired Lobster Fest destination. Depending on where you are, you can either travel by bus, private vehicle, golf cart, aircraft, speedboat and water taxi and/or rentals/charters/shuttles. Traveling from mainland to San Pedro or Caye Caulker would require you to take a drive to Belize City to one of the water taxi terminals.
  • Bus fare would depend on where you are departing and whether it is a regular or express bus, which would vary from $2 BZD to $15 BZD (one-way). From there, you would need to take a water taxi to San Pedro.
  • Boat Schedules
    • San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi: https://belizewatertaxi.com/schedule/
    • Ocean Ferry Belize: www.oceanferrybelize.com/
    • Nautilus Express Water Taxi: https://belizing.com/Nautilus-Express-Water-Taxi/ Nautilus Express Water Taxi can meet and greet you upon your arrival at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and take you directly to Caye Caulker or San Pedro.
    • Thunderbolt water taxi between Corozal and Ambergris Caye. Thunderbolt Exclusive Boat & Charter Service to the Islands only has two runs per day – Corozal to San Pedro at 7:00 a.m. and San Pedro to Corozal at 3:00 p.m.. The cost of a one-way ticket is $50 BZD and the cost for a roundtrip ticket is $90 BZD.
Q-Can I use my credit card to make purchases?
Yes, at restaurants and stores that have credit card machines. However; it is not guaranteed that everywhere will be accepting credit cards.

History of the Lobster

History of Lobster
In honor of National Lobster Day, check out these shell-shocking facts about one of America’s most beloved crustaceans.
  • When the first European settlers reached North America, lobsters were so plentiful that they would reportedly wash ashore in piles up to 2 feet high. Their bounty made them a precious source of sustenance during hard times—and gave them a nasty reputation as the poor man’s protein.• Native Americans used lobsters to fertilize their crops and bait their fishing hooks. They also ate the abundant crustaceans, preparing them by covering them in seaweed and baking them over hot rocks. According to tradition, this cooking method inspired the classic New England clambake.
  • At first, lobsters were gathered by hand along the shoreline. In the late 1700s, special boats known as smacks, which featured tanks with holes that allowed seawater to circulate, were introduced in Maine for the transport of live lobsters. The workers who operated these shellfish-friendly vessels were known as smackmen. It was not until the mid-19th century that lobster trapping, also first practiced in Maine, became a more popular way to collect the sea creatures.
  • Dirt-cheap because they were so copious, lobsters were routinely fed to prisoners, apprentices, slaves and children during the colonial era and beyond. In Massachusetts, some servants allegedly sought to avoid lobster-heavy diets by including stipulations in their contracts that they would only be served the shellfish twice a week.
  • The first lobster pound was established in Vinalhaven, Maine, in 1876. The town is still home to a thriving lobster fishery.
  • Lobster began to shed some of its negative reputation and gain a following among discriminating diners, particularly in Boston and New York City, during the 1880s. Prices immediately began to rise.
  • Because lobster was considered a delicacy by the time World War II began, it was not rationed. The booming wartime economy allowed wealthy cravers of crustaceans to consume them at unprecedented rates.
  • American lobsters—or Maine lobsters, as they are commonly known—can weigh more than 40 pounds and grow up to 3 feet long. The largest lobster on record was caught off Novia Scotia in 1988. It weighed in at 44 pounds and was 42 inches long. Scientists believe it was at least 100 years old—twice the lifespan of the average lobster.
  • The lobster, which has changed little over the last 100 million years, is known for its unusual anatomy. Its brain is located in its throat, its nervous system in its abdomen, its teeth in its stomach and its kidneys in its head. It also hears using its legs and tastes with its feet. One of the few things lobsters have in common with humans: They tend to favor one front limb, meaning they can be right-clawed or left-clawed.
  • When crowded into tight quarters such as store display tanks, lobsters tend to become cannibalistic. Sellers tightly band their claws to prevent them from feasting on their neighbors.
  • Though considered a rich and decadent food, lobster meat contains fewer calories than an equal portion of skinless chicken breast. It also boasts healthy omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and the vitamins E, B-12 and B-6.

History of Lobster in Belize
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster industry has a fascinating past and a direct link to the transformation of Ambergris Caye from sleepy fishing village to the tourist destination it is today.  We met up with Mr. Mito Paz, the coordinator for NICH (National Institute of Culture and History) and the San Pedro House of Culture to explain more.  Mito Paz, the coordinator of the SPHOC (San Pedro House of Culture), which falls under the umbrella of NICH, to explain more.

The Lobster Industry
The first few decades of the twentieth century brought the beginning of Belize’s spiny lobster industry. Belizeans had traditionally rejected lobsters as “trash fish” and made no effort to exploit them. In the early 1920s as the North American lobster industry was declining, an American and a Canadian founded cannery to process lobster tails for export to the US market. The fishermen who sold their lobster tails to them received only 1 cent per pound.

From these tentative beginnings grew a successful lobster industry that produced the country’s most valuable marine export from roughly World War II to present day. With the lobster fishery came the first freezer boat to purchase lobster tails directly from fishermen and transport them to the USA. After World War II, buyers sent more vessels with freezers and established processing and cold storage facilities in Belize City, thus permitting full-time, year-round lobster production.

The lobster industry had developed sufficiently by the late 1940s and 1950s to attract more full-time fishermen.  Lobster was sold to the freezer vessel Betty Jean and the Catalina seaplane, or “flying boat” for 5 cents whole and 7 cents for the tail, per pound. The lobster buyers bought on credit, paying the fishermen only when the lobster was sold in the USA. The last time the flying boat was seen in Belize, it was departing with 4000 pounds of lobster caught by the fishermen of Ambergris Caye, for which they have yet to receive payment.

Lobster was easy to catch in the early days of the industry. A skillful fisherman could catch 300 to 400 lobsters in one day within a mile (1.6 kilometres) of San Pedro. A catch of 1,000 to 2,000 lobster a week was common.

In the early 1950’s, buyers started to increase payment for lobster; eventually coming to Ambergris Caye to buy directly from the fishermen, paying them from $1.25 to $1.50 per pound.

By the late 1950’s it was becoming evident to Belizean lobster fishermen that the buyers were getting rich off the trade but that the fishermen were not. In 1960, the fishermen of Caye Caulker established the first fishermen’s cooperative in British Honduras (Northern Fishermen’s Cooperative Society). This first cooperative was quickly imitated and in 1963, the second cooperative to become operational was the Caribeña Producers Cooperative Society Limited of Ambergris Caye. Lobsters caught by coop members were delivered to the then beachfront home of Seferino Paz (in front of the site of today’s Fido’s Bar). Prisiliano “Nanito” Gomez and Seferino Paz would receive the lobsters, remove the heads, weigh the lobsters and then place them in coolers. Each fisherman delivering lobster was given a receipt redeemable at the Caribeña office, then located under the raised house of founding coop member Felipe Paz (where Cholo’s Bar is today). General Manager Octavio Alamilla and office assistant Elia Aguilar ran the office, made payments and maintained the books. Each Saturday, Seferino Paz transported lobsters to Belize City on his sail boat La Helen and returned with ice. The Caribbean Queen Company processed the lobsters at its plant in Belize City and exported them.

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