BZ
Placencia
A laid-back beach village at the tip of a long peninsula, with cayes, reef and jungle nearby
A laid-back beach village at the tip of a long peninsula, with cayes, reef and jungle nearby
Colourful wooden houses, beach bars and the narrow Sidewalk give the village its easy-going feel.
Photo: Sasha India, CC BY 2.0
Sandy beaches run up the peninsula through Maya Beach and Seine Bight, with calm water for swimming and kayaking.
Photo: Nagyman, CC BY-SA 2.0
About 45 minutes by boat, this tiny protected caye is part of the Barrier Reef World Heritage Site and good for snorkelling. Whale shark trips go to nearby Gladden Spit in spring.
Book whale shark trips in advance.
Photo: satanoid, CC BY 2.0
On the mainland, about 45 minutes away, this forest reserve was created to protect jaguars. Trails lead to waterfalls and swimming holes.
Jaguars are rarely seen; enjoy the forest.
Photo: Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh seafood, lobster in season, rice and beans, and Garifuna dishes such as hudut (fish in coconut broth).
Gelato and coffee shops line the Sidewalk.
Small planes fly from Belize City to Placencia’s airstrip. By bus, travel to Independence (Mango Creek) and take the Hokey Pokey water taxi across the lagoon, about 15 minutes.
Golf carts, bikes and taxis are used on the peninsula.
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), fixed at two to one US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted.
Beach, reef and jungle.
Walk the Sidewalk and relax on the beach.
Snorkel at Laughing Bird Caye.
Visit Cockscomb Basin for hiking and waterfalls.
Take a boat trip up the Monkey River for howler monkeys.
Plan around the March–June full moons.
June to November is hurricane season.
Use repellent at dusk.
Check whether prices are in BZD or USD.
Quick answers for planning time in Placencia.
By small plane from Belize City, or by bus to Independence and water taxi.
Usually March to June, around the full moon, at Gladden Spit.
A small protected island on the Barrier Reef, good for snorkelling.
It is a jaguar reserve, but sightings are rare.
February to May, the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Belize travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.