The San Pedro Town Council is working to pave the rest of the road to Secret Beach. Here's what the council announced in October 2026, what it means for your drive right now, and how to make the trip by golf cart without surprises.
The Secret Beach road paving update
On October 15, 2026, The San Pedro Sun reported that the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is working to complete the paving of the Secret Beach road. Here are the key points:
- About six miles of road between the Belizean Shores area and Secret Beach are being paved.
- About seven months is the council's estimate to finish, depending on the weather. Heavy rain could delay grading, filling, drainage work and paving.
- Crews will grade, fill and pave the remaining sections. Some stretches are in worse shape than others and need extra repairs before they can be paved.
- Drainage is being added to carry water away from the road and nearby properties during heavy rain.
- Speed bumps are going in on sections shared by golf carts, other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
- The goal is one continuous paved road from the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge to Secret Beach.
SPTC Operations Manager Alex Ek asked drivers to obey traffic rules, be patient and take care around crews and unfinished sections.
How we got here
This has been a long project. Paving on the Secret Beach road started in April 2024, according to a July 2025 report in the Sun. Council crews have also graded roads, filled potholes with reef rock and compacted sections between Belizean Shores, Blue Dolphin and the Secret Beach junction to strengthen the base.
Rain is the big problem for the dirt sections. After heavy rain in November and early December 2023, the Sun reported that some areas of the north road became almost impassable. That's where the new drainage comes in.
What it means for your drive right now
Until the work is done, expect a mix of paved stretches, bumpy dirt and reef-rock sections, and active work zones. Slow down for new speed bumps, give crews and equipment plenty of room, and allow a little extra time.
How to get to Secret Beach by golf cart
The route
- Head north through town and cross the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge (also called the Boca del Rio bridge).
- Stay on the main road north, past the Truck Stop and resorts such as Grand Caribe and the Belizean Shores area.
- After about 4.5 miles (closer to 6 if you start south of town), turn left at the fork, following the Secret Beach signs.
- Follow that road west across the island to Secret Beach, on the calm, shallow lagoon side.
Distance and drive time
The Sun has described it as a seven-mile drive. Most guides put it at about 35 to 45 minutes by golf cart, depending on road conditions and traffic. Starting south of town puts you at the longer end. If you're staying north of the bridge, expect less.
The bridge
The Sir Barry Bowen Bridge connects town with the north of the island. It was rebuilt as a two-lane concrete bridge and formally inaugurated in June 2023.
There's a toll on the bridge, though golf cart rentals often include a bridge pass. Ask us at delivery how it works for your cart.
Fuel
There's no fuel at Secret Beach. Check your gauge before you head north and top up if you're low. Not sure where the nearest station is? Ask us.
Driving it in the green season
Belize's green, or rainy, season runs from June to November, and the Belize Tourism Board says September and October are the peak months for rainfall. That's when the unpaved sections are at their roughest.
What to expect after rain:
- Potholes get worse, and when they're full of water you can't tell how deep they are.
- Wet dirt and gravel get slippery, especially on corners.
- Standing water is a known problem. The Sun notes it has made travel difficult, especially in rainy periods.
A few habits help:
- Go slowly through puddles and take corners gently.
- Bring a towel for wet seats and wear sandals you don't mind getting muddy.
- After a big overnight storm, think about going later in the day, or WhatsApp us at +501 673-4454 to ask what we're hearing about the road.
Arrive early, leave before dark
If you want an in-water table at one of the beach bars, go early. One 2026 visitor guide suggests getting there before 11 a.m. Weekends are much busier than weekdays.
Plan to start back at least an hour before dusk. There's no lighting along the road, golf cart headlights aren't very strong, and the mosquitoes get serious around dusk.
One more thing: the Sun reported in August 2026 that weekend police patrols now reach Secret Beach, and joint police checkpoints are increasing. If your group is drinking, pick a sober driver.
What to bring
- Your driver's license (carry it whenever you drive)
- Cash (US dollars are widely accepted)
- Water and snacks
- Reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Swimsuit, towel and sandals
- A charged phone with our number saved: +501 673-4454
Parking at Secret Beach
Most places outside town have parking areas or roads wide enough to park safely. Take the key with you, lock up if you can, and don't leave valuables in the cart.
It's worth parking once, walking the strip and looking around before you pick your spot for the day.
Get a cart for your Secret Beach day
Our 4-seater starts at US$33/day or US$175/week (plus tax and insurance), and the 6-seater is US$75/day or US$400/week. We deliver and pick up free anywhere on Ambergris Caye. If anything goes wrong on the Secret Beach road, our roadside assistance is available 24/7.
Learn more on our Secret Beach golf cart rental page, or book your cart. Questions? Call or WhatsApp +501 673-4454.
Sources
- The San Pedro Sun: Town Council Works to Complete Secret Beach Road Paving (Oct. 15, 2026)
- The San Pedro Sun: Ministry of Tourism Says Infrastructural Improvements Coming to Secret Beach (July 12, 2025)
- The San Pedro Sun: Road Rehabilitation to Soon Start on Secret Beach Road (Jan. 8, 2024)
- The San Pedro Sun: Boca del Rio Bridge Officially Opened (July 3, 2023)
- The San Pedro Sun: Toll Fees Help Finance Boca del Rio Bridge Maintenance (Aug. 24, 2024)
- The San Pedro Sun: San Pedro Town Council Strengthens Traffic Safety Measures Following Rise in Accidents (Aug. 5, 2026)
- Thoroughly Travel: How to Visit Secret Beach & Blue Bayou from San Pedro
- Thoroughly Travel: A Concise Guide to Renting and Driving a Golf Cart in San Pedro
- Enriching Pursuits: Secret Beach Belize: 5 Things to Know
- Travel Belize: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Belize in the Green Season
