The lobster season in Belize starts on July 1st and runs until February 28th of the following year. It is one of the main reasons July is a popular time to visit Belize.
See also: Conch Season in Belize
During the lobster season, locals and tourists can enjoy various community festivals, try many delicious lobster dishes, and participate in the harvesting of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
Lobster Festivals
The opening of Belize’s lobster season is celebrated with various Lobster Festivals held across the country. These community events provide a fantastic opportunity to savour the flavours of Belize’s renowned seafood and engage in fun games and activities.
Starting in Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Lobster Festival runs from July 4th – 15th. Day and night lobster crawl events lead to the big event which is a Block Party on Saturday, July 15th. And to close things off, a Beach Party is held on Sunday, July 16th at the Boca Del Rio Park.
This year, the lobster festivals in Caye Caulker and Placencia will take place over the long weekend of July 14th – 16th. Starting Friday and ending Sunday, you can expect tons of games and tournaments, business booths, and lots of delicious lobster dishes.
Lobster Fishing Rules
- Belize’s lobster fishing season is open from July 1st to February 28th.
- It is illegal to possess any soft shell (molting) lobster or female with eggs (berried). This includes lobsters whose eggs or spawn have been removed.
- The minimum lobster carapace (head and thorax) length is 3.25 inches and a tail weight of 4.5 ounces.
- Lobsters are caught using a trap or hook. No commercial deep-water fishing is allowed.
- Trap escape gaps should be 2 1/8 inches and are not allowed within 300 meters of any coral formation or beyond the barrier reef.
- Scuba gear cannot be used while taking lobster.
- No persons or establishment should have in possession fillet or diced lobster tail.
Illegal fishing activity should be reported to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development by calling 224-4552 or emailing: fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.
