Palm-lined shores and crystal-clear waters look straight from a postcard, but this is everyday life on Ambergris Caye
Not too long ago, Secret Beach in Ambergris Caye was an undeveloped stretch of coastline known mostly to locals. Today, it’s becoming an increasingly popular locale in Belize, buzzing with a fair number of beach bars, eco-developments, and short-term rentals.
Secret Beach is definitely no longer a secret, and savvy buyers are taking notice.
However, unlike many saturated Caribbean markets, the area still offers relatively affordable waterfront real estate (not to mention inland lots that are just a few steps away from the beach).
While demand is still ramping up, now’s a great time to consider your real estate prospects here.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Secret Beach is attracting so much attention, what buyers should expect, and whether it’s a market that fits your investment appetite.
Where exactly is Secret Beach and why the buzz?
Secret Beach is on Ambergris Caye’s western coastline, about 45 minutes away from San Pedro Town and the island’s more developed east side. Once upon a time, this stretch of shoreline was pure nature. As Belize’s tourism industry grew, locals started opening small businesses and more tourists flocked to the area seeking authentic, off-grid experiences.
Until recently, Secret Beach was accessible only by boat or rugged trail. Between 2022 and 2024, the local government began taking more serious steps towards repairing and building better roads. As access improved, visitors began pouring in larger numbers than usual.
As a result, what was once a secluded coast is slowly turning into a tourist hotspot. From tiki bars and beach lounges to boutique resorts, a cluster of Caribbean-style businesses have emerged—a livelier scene when compared to years past, but still very much laid-back.
And with more tourist traffic and business activity comes serious real estate interest.
What’s fueling the real estate demand in Secret Beach?
If you’re wondering why Secret Beach is a booming real estate market in Ambergris Caye, it comes down to four key factors: scarcity, price, flexibility, and rental income. Let’s break it down.
Limited beachfront availability elsewhere on the island
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular island, but available beachfront land is becoming increasingly scarce. That fact is especially apparent in the well-developed east coast near San Pedro Town. Much of the prime coastline has already been developed into resorts, villas, or commercial properties.
Other popular areas like Placencia and Caye Caulker also offer beautiful beachfront, but face similar challenges: limited availability and rising prices due to tourism and development.
In contrast, Secret Beach still has some ground to cover. You can still find undeveloped land parcels in the area that are priced relatively low. It’s not unusual to still find 3,750–4,500 sq. ft. lots that fetch anywhere between US$50,000 to US$70,000.
As supply shrinks elsewhere in Ambergris Caye, smart buyers are setting their sights west.
Lower price points compared to San Pedro Town
You’ll get more bang for your buck when it comes to real estate in Secret Beach.
Take land parcels in Grand Belizean Estates (less than a mile from the shoreline), which can start as low as US$45,000. A listing at that price point can give you a 4,500 sq. ft. lot (60 x 75 ft), with 25% down payment and seller financing.
Compare that to a beachfront condo in San Pedro Town, where units in a gated development typically start around the US$170,000–US$200,000 range and can quickly climb to well over a million for luxury properties. Premium location, paved roads, and full utility access carry a steep price.
Flexible investment strategies
Buying real estate in Secret Beach gives you a bit of flexibility. You can either:
- Build immediately for personal use or short-term rentals;
- Hold and wait for appreciation as infrastructure and development continue; or
- Use seller financing to secure a lot now, while prices remain accessible.
There isn’t one right strategy since everything depends on your specific investment goals. If you’re looking for immediate income, building a turnkey rental might be the faster track. If you’re more comfortable playing the long game, simply holding land and waiting for appreciation can be just as rewarding.
For many buyers, the real advantage of Secret Beach is choice—you can enter at a price point that works for you and adjust your plans as the area grows.
High demand for short-term vacation rentals in Ambergris Caye
Belize’s vacation rental market is flourishing, driven in large part by prime real estate markets in Ambergris Caye (including Secret Beach, which is increasingly becoming a key part of that growth.
Rental occupancy in Belize hit 68% in 2024, up 10.9% from 2023, with early 2025 data indicating an increase to 71%.
The area draws a variety of travelers like:
- Adventurers and backpackers looking for rustic beach escapes
- Digital nomads attracted to Belize’s English-speaking environment and easygoing pace
- Eco-conscious couples seeking something more authentic than a big chain resort
- High-net-worth visitors who often find themselves considering property after experiencing the area firsthand
Unique beachfront stays near Secret Beach frequently command premium nightly rates, especially during high season—anywhere between US$295 and $450 is the norm.
As development and demand ramp up, investment in Ambergris Caye’s west coast will increase in the coming years. And in turn, that continued interest will solidify Secret Beach as one of the fastest-growing local rental markets in the Caribbean.
Development realities in and around Secret Beach
You won’t find paved highways in Secret Beach, but that off-grid lifestyle is part of the charm.
Secret Beach is increasingly a popular local real estate market in Belize, but it’s still very much an off-grid destination. The area’s rustic charm is part of its appeal, and a big reason why buyers are interested.
That said, if you’re seriously considering a real estate investment here, you’ll need to understand what you’re buying into. Here’s a clear-eyed view of what’s on the ground.
Roads and accessibility
Over the past few years, grading and road access improvements have ramped up, making it easier to reach Secret Beach. However, while the main access routes are now navigable (even by golf cart), many interior roads remain unpaved and require off-road vehicles. If you’re looking at land parcels in the area, expect varying road conditions.
Utilities: DIY is the norm
As of writing, there’s no municipal grid in Secret Beach, which means buyers must plan for self-sufficiency. This is the utilities situation on the ground:
- Power – Solar panels are the standard choice, often paired with backup batteries or generators.
- Water – Most homes collect rainwater into cisterns or install storage tanks.
- Waste – Septic systems remain the norm for handling wastewater.
- Internet –Wireless service is available, but speed and reliability can fluctuate.
For some buyers, this mostly off-grid setup is the whole point of Secret Beach. But if you’re looking to make things a convenient as much as possible, it’s best to plan ahead.
New developments are shaping the future of Secret Beach
As demand rises in and around Secret Beach, the market is shifting from pure land speculation to income-generating development.
New projects in the area hint at what’s to come: eco-forward communities that blend sustainability with convenience, and boutique residences offering multi-unit living just steps from the shoreline.
That said, there’s still more than a few raw land up for grabs. These undeveloped lots are prime locations for building a personal vacation home or an Airbnb/VRBO rental.
Together, these opportunities reflect a maturing real estate scene marked by stronger infrastructure, thoughtfully planned subdivisions, and a livelier tourist and commercial presence.
What to expect from an average land parcel
The development potential of land in Secret Beach is highly promising. But as of writing, much of the lots here will require a bit of work and a lot of vision and patience.
Take note:
- There’s little to no infrastructure in place. You’ll install a lot of utilities yourself.
- Minimal or no landscaping. Shade trees and aesthetic upgrades are DIY
- Graded roads may be nearby, but some lots remain hard to reach
- Surroundings may be undeveloped, so don’t expect neighbors right away
Building vs buying in Secret Beach
This is what your beach property can potentially look like in Secret Beach.
Buyers in Secret Beach often ponder on whether they should build from scratch or buy a finished property. Both paths offer advantages, but they also come with trade-offs. Which ones you should prioritize will depend on your goals, budget, and investor timeline.
Option 1: Building on land
The pros
- Lower entry cost: Land near Secret Beach can start around US$45,000 or lower
- Full customization: Design your ideal home, vacation rental, or off-grid retreat
- Higher future value potential: Early investors often benefit from long-term appreciation
- Flexible timing: Build now or hold the land until you’re ready
The cons
- Infrastructure challenges: Connecting your property to must-have utilities will be a tall task
- Time-intensive: Local permitting, design, and construction can take several months to over a year
- Project management: Unless you’re in Belize full-time, you’ll need someone trustworthy to oversee the entire construction process
- Lack of landscaping: Most lots in Secret Beach will require landscaping work from scratch
Option 2: Buying a turnkey property
The pros
- Move-in or rent-ready: Ideal for buyers who are after personal use or passive income
- Simplified process: Less coordination and fewer unknowns than building from scratch
- High occupancy potential: A turnkey property can be listed quickly on rental platforms
The cons
- Higher purchase price: Turnkey homes can start at US$250,000, with well-appointed properties often reaching well over US$350,000
- Less customization: There’s less room for changes and improvements, at least for the property’s major design elements.
Inventory is limited: Compared to unimproved land, there are much fewer resale or new construction listings
Our recommendation
If you’re new to Belize real estate, we highly recommend consulting local real estate professionals who know Secret Beach (and Ambergris Caye) well.
Professional guidance will help you craft a real estate strategy that aligns with your lifestyle aspirations and financial goals. Some buyers may prefer either option 1 or 2, but it’s also not unusual for buyers to do a combination of both.
Find out what works best for you. Book a free real estate consultation.
Is Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye for everyone?
Luxury amenities and modern convenience are things that Secret Beach still lacks, but if you want to invest early in its growing real estate market, now’s the best time.
This side of Ambergris Caye has a lot to offer in terms of real estate potential, but Secret Beach isn’t for everyone.
If you resonate with any of the following descriptions, buying property here may be a good idea.
- Adventurous: You’re drawn to places that are a little wild, a little off-grid, and still developing. You see potential, not inconvenience.
- Eco-conscious: You’re excited about living sustainably, relying on solar power, harvesting rainwater, and embracing minimal urban infrastructure.
- Forward-thinking: You’re comfortable buying land now and holding it indefinitely as the market matures over time.
- Short-term rental hosts: You see the vacation rental boom (68–71% occupancy rates) and want to tap into Secret Beach’s growing demand for unique, beachfront stays.
On the other hand, it may not be the right market for you if these things are top priority:
- Luxury amenities: If you’re expecting five-star resorts, paved sidewalks, or concierge service today, you’ll likely be disappointed.
- Modern convenience: Infrastructure is still catching up in Secret Beach, slowly but surely.
- High rental income: Secret Beach is still emerging. Rental income here isn’t comparable to the likes of San Pedro or Caye Caulker.
Risks to consider before buying real estate in Secret Beach
Secret Beach offers exciting real estate opportunities, but as with any emerging market, there are risks buyers should know before anything else. Investing here means doing your due diligence and working with professionals who thoroughly understand the local real estate landscape.
Here’s what to look out for.
Property title and land scams
Title fraud and misleading property listings can lead you astray if you’re not careful. This is especially the case in booming areas like Secret Beach, where excitement often gets the better of some buyers.
You’ll sometimes hear stories of people unintentionally purchasing untitled land or lots with disputed boundaries, resulting in costly delays or time-consuming legal battles.
What you should do: Work exclusively with reputable, licensed real estate professionals who conduct thorough title searches and confirm land surveys. Never buy land sight unseen or without legal review.
Environmental regulations and low-lying lot concerns
Many areas around Secret Beach are low-lying, and some may be subject to environmental zoning or development restrictions. These lots may require permits or additional advice from the proper local authorities.
What you should do: Ask about elevation, soil type, and drainage before purchasing. Get connected with experts who can guide you through Environmental Impact Assessments and regulatory compliance.
No municipal water or electricity
Secret Beach is mostly off-grid. While solar power and rainwater collection systems work well for many properties, they require ongoing maintenance and careful planning.
What you should do: Invest in utilities from day one and factor in ongoing upkeep costs. Highlight off-grid appeal to eco-minded buyers and guests when selling or renting out.
Lack of natural shade or landscaping
Most unimproved lots in the area are still bare, sun-exposed terrain. Without trees or natural shade, staying in your Secret Beach property may be an inconvenient experience.
What you should do: Don’t ignore landscaping, tree planting, and building shaded structures. Aside from introducing comfort, these improvements boost long-term livability and property value.
Buying property in Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye? Let’s talk.
We’ve watched Secret Beach grow from a quiet coastline into one of the most exciting real estate frontiers in Belize. And while the opportunity is real, so are a few challenges, which is why having seasoned professionals by your side makes all the difference.
Belize Coastal Real Estate is a full-service, independent brokerage with local agents who know the island—from San Pedrano-born professionals to expats who’ve made Belize home. If you’re looking to explore homes for sale in Ambergris Caye, we can help make the process less stressful.
Find the right Secret Beach property without a hitch. Call us at +501.226.5478 (Belize) or +1.512.549.2078 (U.S.) to get started. You can also send us an email.