Perched at the southern top of a long and sandy peninsula, Placencia has long had the reputation as ‘the caye you can drive to.’ This is truer today as the 27-mile road form the Southern Highway is now fully paved. How you wind up feeling about Placencia depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking to have a relaxed experience, numerous accommodations and some of the south’s best restaurants await you. If it is adventure you want, you can enjoy their sandy beaches, sunny skies and great seafood before you head off to those less trodden paths.
The village of Placencia occupies the southernmost mile of the peninsula. On the eastern side is a sandy beach, and between the beach and the road – which ends at a fuel station and a handful of piers – is a narrow pedestrian-only footway. Below are some of the most exciting things that you can enjoy in this beautiful village.
Diving or snorkeling – The Barrier Reef (the longest in the northern hemisphere) is a 45-minute boat rids off the Placencia coast. Laughing Bird Caye, a National Park and World Heritage Site, is even closer. On a typical dive, you may see turtles, eels, rays, barracudas, lobsters and even sharks. You can also go snorkeling in the clear shallow reef around the islands.
Sailing – Two of the largest charter fleets in Belize are established in Placencia. They offer day trips, overnight, or weekly charters with or without crews.
Fishing – Book either a private fishing trip or check out one of the tour operators. The guides are perfectly trained and licensed and will bring you out to the reef or nearby islands and do drop-hand-line fishing or fly fishing. You can catch snapper, grouper, jack, Snook, bonefish or tarpon.
Kayaking – Explore the lagoon or kayak to the nearby islands. In the lagoon, you might spot a manatee. You are also guaranteed of sightings of a lot of birds.
Tours – In the village, there are tour operators who will be happy to give you the necessary detail on all available tours. Also ask in your hotel. A must is a trip to one of the nearby Maya ruins. Jungle tours offer a safe and guided entrance into an amazing world of nature. The Cockscomb Basin Reserve, just a 45-minute drive from Placencia, is a perfect place to be part of the stunning flora and fauna or Belize.
Relaxing – The Placencia Peninsula offers the most beautiful beaches in Belize. The weather is mostly perfect with a slight breeze. Walk along the Sidewalk (which was once announced as the world’s narrowest street) and shop for some souvenirs to bring home.
High season in Placencia starts in the week before Christmas and lasts until late April. During the full moons of May and June, the town hops as whale sharks come to spawn in the nearby waters. Bargain hunters should be able to get discounted rates when the mercury rises. Visit Placencia and experience all the things that it has to offer!