As of May 25th, Belize’s Queen Conch Season has officially come to a close. Usually running annually from October 1st through June 30th, the season marks a time when this beloved mollusk is legally and sustainably harvested. During, you’ll be able to find it featured on plates across the country in all its delicious forms. Here’s everything you need to know about Queen Conch season in Belize.
What’s So Special About Queen Conch?
In Belize, seafood lovers look forward to Queen Conch (and lobster) season the way others anticipate summer or holiday celebrations.
Conch (pronounced “konk”) is a staple of Belizean cuisine and culture. Mild, tender, and incredibly versatile, it’s served in everything from ceviche and fritters to buttery garlic sauté and hearty conch soup. Locals have mastered the art of preparing it, and its flavor is as distinctly Caribbean as the turquoise sea it comes from.
Freshly caught, cleaned, and cooked just steps from the shore—there’s nothing quite like it.
Why the Queen Conch Season Matters
To protect conch populations and support sustainable fishing, Belize strictly regulates the harvest. This means that from July 1 to September 30, conch is off-limits. And sometimes, when the quota of conch caught for the year is met early, Belize’s Fisheries Department might declare an early closure to the season, like it did this year. It’s a break that allows the marine ecosystem to regenerate, ensuring future generations get to enjoy this treasured seafood.
Savor Conch at Casa Al Mar
If you missed this year’s queen conch season, fret not. It’s set to reopen this October. At Casa Al Mar, your private chef can whip up incredible conch dishes sourced from local fishermen, often on the very day it’s caught. Whether you’re craving citrusy ceviche or crunchy conch fritters paired with a cold Belikin, your meals here are more than delicious—they’re unforgettable experiences.
And since Casa Al Mar includes a boat, captain, and guide, you can even try your hand at catching your own dinner.
Want to be the first to get a taste when the season reopens? Book your stay at Casa Al Mar for October and experience the conch magic this fall.
