Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007
  • Home
  • About Belize
    • My Move to Belize
    • Living in Belize
    • Belize Tourism Board
    • Blog Press
    • tacogirl.com testimonials
  • Flights to Belize
    • Flying in Belize
    • Flights From Belize
    • Duty Free Belize
    • Aerial Tours
    • World Nomads Travel Insurance
  • Belize Vacation
    • Vrbo Belize – A Paradise within a Paradise
      • Vrbo Ambergris Caye – Sunshine, Luxury & Fun
      • Vrbo San Pedro – Food, Fun, and Adventure
      • Vrbo Placencia – A True Getaway
      • Vrbo Hopkins Belize – Experience Culture
    • Ambergris Caye Accommodations by Price
    • Belize Resorts and Hotels
    • Pet Friendly Hotels
    • Belize Vacation Deals
  • Coupon Codes
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Fitness
    • Things to do in Belize
    • Belize Excursions and Tours
    • Voluntourism
  • Travel
    • Central America
    • Yucatan
  • Home
  • Belize Weather
  • Belizean Food
  • Restaurants by Price
  • Beach Bars
  • Nightlife
  • Discounts
  • Virtual Vacation
  • Belize Beach Webcam
Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

  • Home
  • About Belize
    • My Move to Belize
    • Living in Belize
    • Belize Tourism Board
    • Blog Press
    • tacogirl.com testimonials
  • Flights to Belize
    • Flying in Belize
    • Flights From Belize
    • Duty Free Belize
    • Aerial Tours
    • World Nomads Travel Insurance
  • Belize Vacation
    • Vrbo Belize – A Paradise within a Paradise
      • Vrbo Ambergris Caye – Sunshine, Luxury & Fun
      • Vrbo San Pedro – Food, Fun, and Adventure
      • Vrbo Placencia – A True Getaway
      • Vrbo Hopkins Belize – Experience Culture
    • Ambergris Caye Accommodations by Price
    • Belize Resorts and Hotels
    • Pet Friendly Hotels
    • Belize Vacation Deals
  • Coupon Codes
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Fitness
    • Things to do in Belize
    • Belize Excursions and Tours
    • Voluntourism
  • Travel
    • Central America
    • Yucatan

Then and Now Secret Beach

by tacogirl 21/10/2019
written by tacogirl 21/10/2019
Taking a boat tour Secret Beach northwest side of Ambergris Caye

Secret beach is one of those places where you cannot stop progress. I am glad that I was able to enjoy the experience long before it turned commercial. I will never forget my first trip up there, by boat because there were no roads yet. When it finally opened up to travel by golf cart we used to go picnic and explore The Cave Beyond Secret Beach. Then growth started exploding like Christmas firecrackers. The area filled up fast with a bunch of great businesses that came together to create a unique and fun Caribbean chill-out experience.

Underwater cave northwest Ambergris Caye Island

I, however, have had a hard time adjusting to the change. Living on a small island I believe it is important to be mindful and do personal growth work to help you weather all kinds of storms and growth. I have been practicing not creating my future based on my past and I recently realized that I am closer than ever to letting go with the right person and giving myself the Secret Beach tour through fresh eyes. 

Ones that would see the beauty in what is and the joy of getting there for the first time. After all, I do believe it takes a certain kind of person to end up on an island in Belize on roads and waterways less traveled to enjoy a super cool beach spot. Even though I have not been to Secret Beach in a few years, I recommend the place to travelers all the time.

For me, that line of thinking above is much more open than I was when reliving the past beach history. Instead of loving what was, and feeling sad that it got taken away along with the shock of the vast gap between what was and what is, I’ve chosen to be happy for what was and letting the sting finally heal. I’m also learning to appreciate what is through other people’s pictures and get in the right state of mind to go when the right opportunity arises.

I was so close to getting there recently, but a visiting friend had slated that adventure to do with the couple that was hosting him. So we did a fun leisurely six-hour drive everywhere but there instead. I took peace in knowing that I am closer than ever to finding my right time and person to go have fun at Secret Beach with. And I promise you the pictures and backstory will be really good 😀 For now, you can click through to see more of my pictures of the area when it was boat access only on Secret Beach and My Biggest Conflict About Blogging.

North Ambergris Caye beach

Looking for a slightly more off the beaten path breathtaking shallow-water Caribbean experience? Checkout Sea’s d Day houseboat tours by SEAduced by Belize – I can save you 10% on that or any of their tours. They go a bit north of secret beach to a nice private shallow water area.

Back in the day, before it got crowded, we used to bring my Swimways Papasan floats there but now I would bring my Monterey Water Hammock instead – super portable and versatile. My good friend Aimee turned me onto it. While there is good water seating, I still recommend packing your own float for the day, you will be glad you did.

I will leave you with someone else’s recent family fun vacation day at Secret Beach. My editor Shirlee, her daughter Paige, and their friends Blanca and Mark always go to Secret Beach at least once when Mark hits town as he loves kicking back and floating. Also thanks for potentially clicking and using my affiliate links in this write-up.

As you can see in the picture below the draw of secret beach gorgeous sargasso free water.

 Fun day at Secret Beach

We are experiencing so much development all over for such a small island – more care is needed so we do not overstress ourselves any further.

 Fun day at Secret Beach

Looking at the picture below it still seems like a whole other world up there.

 Fun day at Secret Beach

Since I have not been to Secret Beach since the days of packing our own picnics, I will leave Shirlee to give you an idea.

As tacogirl mentioned, whenever he visits Belize from Las Vegas, my friend Mark likes to go have some fun at Secret Beach, and his last visit was no different. I was a bit apprehensive about going without having eaten breakfast beforehand but decided to go ahead and see if the “not so secret” beach bars were too pricey for my liking. We decided to go to the far north portion of the beach area and to Secret Paradise Beach Bar (Now called Happy Island Bar & Grill). Although I cannot remember the exact total, after eating chicken fingers, fries, and ceviche, I do remember thinking that it wasn’t too bad. Sorry if that’s not much pricing help, but regardless, I do recommend visiting up there at least once if you’re on Ambergris Caye.
~ Shirlee. 🙂

Fun family vacation day at Secret Beach

Imagine parking yourself here and enjoying the view for a while.

Fun family vacation day at Secret Beach

I liked that Secret Paradise has a nice sign for Rickilee Response and Rescue (Triple R Response.)

Rickilee Response and Rescue (Triple R Response)

At Paco’s, you will find their famous coconut mojitos and juicy lucy burgers. Also on the menu: lobster bites (when in season), quesadillas, nachos and lobster and regular tacos.

 Fun day at Secret Beach

There is no shortage of lounge chairs, although it can get busy especially on weekends and holidays.

Enjoying the Beach North Ambergris Belize

Happy campers – Blanca Mark and Paige.

 Fun day at Secret Beach

I will leave you with one last image that was taken with my Nikon Coolpix L120 of how undeveloped Secret Beach was in 2016. That stick marks where the cave is in my picture above and this rocky beach area was a short distance north of the beach part.

Fun day at Secret Beach

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

previous post
5 San Pedro Town Traffic Hot Spots
next post
I Ate Bones and Recently Got Stolen From

You will also like

Finally, Something Good To Say And It’s Big!

21/12/2020

Mandatory Belize Travel COVID App and PGIA Reopening...

26/06/2020

Mini Shipwreck Adventure

19/06/2020

June Weather, Beach Pictures and Avocados

11/06/2020

Limited Economic Recovery of Ambergris Caye and Belize

05/06/2020

Two Great New Belize Books

26/05/2020

Happiness is Underrated

19/05/2020

It All Evens Out In The Wash

16/05/2020

Whose Handling The Food?

12/05/2020

Tropic Air Opens Passenger Flights

05/05/2020

4 comments

Kim Lawson 17/11/2019 - 8:29 am

Coining to the island threw foray well in February. We’ve been once before, but several years ago. We love to snorkel. What shouldn’t we miss?

Reply
tacogirl 18/11/2019 - 11:52 am

My Ambergris Caye Nightlife page will give you some good ideas it also includes a link to San Pedro Fun Finder. I would also catch a sunrise if you can do early mornings. Visiting a school and meeting the kids is also a fun thing to do. Taking a long drive north or south also a fun thing to do provided you do not mind a few potholes. I sometimes like to find a secluded place up north and picnic with a friend.

Reply
Jh 21/10/2019 - 7:08 pm

Oh, how I miss the “good ole days!”

Reply
tacogirl 22/10/2019 - 7:06 am

Agreed Jh, me too.

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search Belize by Category

Duty Free Discount

Trip Advisor Destination Expert

Tripadvisor logo

Get Social with tacogirl Belize blog

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Flickr Youtube

Get the latest posts by email

Search Belize by Month

Find tacogirl On Facebook

Find tacogirl On Facebook
tacogirl Belize blog
tacogirl Belize blog
5.0
Based on 16 reviews
powered by Google
Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
Next Reviews

THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

If you have any questions or want Belize discounts, Contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
  • Email

tacogirl.com San Pedro Belize © 2020 Content of this website may not be used elsewhere without permission. Sitemap


Back To Top