In Belize, seafood isn’t just delicious—it’s also protected. As a country deeply connected to the sea, Belize enforces seasonal fishing regulations to safeguard marine life and preserve its rich biodiversity for generations to come. These seasonal closures help ensure that iconic seafood like lobster and conch are harvested responsibly, giving marine populations time to reproduce and thrive.

Lobster Season

One of the most anticipated events on the Belizean calendar is the opening of lobster season on July 1st, which runs until February 28th. The closure from March 1 to June 30 is critical for the lobster’s breeding cycle. During the open season, you’ll find lobster on menus everywhere—grilled, in tacos, ceviche, or buttery tail form—and it’s celebrated with island-wide Lobster Festivals in July.

Conch Season

Beloved for its tender meat used in ceviche and fritters, queen conch is protected from July 1 to September 30 each year. The season typically opens in October and runs until June, or until quotas are met. This seasonal break supports the species’ long-term sustainability and helps ensure that travelers can continue enjoying fresh conch responsibly.