Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Placencia, Belize
Belize is such a great place to vacation, especially if you live in the US. It’s like visiting the Caribbean before it got overpopulated and touristy. Placencia is the perfect amount of local, beach life with a dash of the Caribbean in Central America. It’s easy to get around town, easy to jump around to other islands, the locals speak English, the US dollar has great value, and the temperatures are always warm! Plus flights to Belize are cheap!
- Where is Placencia
- Where To Eat in Placencia
- Things To Know
- What To Do In Placencia
- Photos To Inspire You To Visit Placencia
Where is Placencia
Placencia is a small peninsula measuring about 1 mile across and 16 miles north and south attached to the southeastern corner of Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize. Due to its unique geography, the Placencia Peninsula offers visitors two very different terrains. On the landward side, the peninsula is bordered by several mangrove-lined lagoons, known for their rich abundance of fishing opportunities. The seaward side fronts the Caribbean and offers spectacular vistas and easy access to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. The beaches of Placencia Peninsula are renowned for their pristine beauty.
We stayed at Laru Beya in Placencia, rented a golf cart, and went out to explore Placencia. It was so much fun! I would highly recommend doing that regardless of what resort you stay at. Save up to 50% on Beach Accommodations all over the world! No booking fees ever.
Grab a bike, golf cart, or scooter and head to the end of Placencia where the pier is. You can park there and take the “sidewalk” through town. There are tons of restaurants and shops to pop in. The “sidewalk” is renowned as being the narrowest main street in the world and is noted in the Guinness World Book of Records. There is also a beach at the end where you can hang out by the water. Mind the sign that says, “don’t feed the crocs”.
Where to eat in Placencia
Recommended restaurants:
- De Tatch – nice beach setting
- Rum Fish y Vino – cozy lively atmosphere
- La Dolce Cita – romantic real Italian food
- Yoli’s Bar & Grill – nice setting on the end of the dock with views of the many yachts anchored close by
- Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar – air conditioning eating
- Tutti Frutti – for the best ice cream in Belize! Amazing flavors
- Barefoot Beach Bar & Tipsy Tuna – Every local I asked said to visit here. Beachside bars known to party!
- Maya Beach Bistro – friendly service
Things to Know
Supermarket:
-Top Value Supermarket
-Publics Store
The pharmacy is situated above Wallen’s Hardware.
Weather:
Like the rest of Belize, the Placencia Peninsula enjoys warm temperatures all year-round. The green season runs approximately from May to November, with heavier rains usually found in September and October. Daytime temps average between about 70F (21C) to 83F (28C) and nights range from about 70F (20C) to 77F (25C).
Banks: (all have an ATM machine)
-Scotia Bank
-Atlantic Bank
-Belize Bank
Gym:
-Tony’s Gym and Paddle Boarding
Golf Cart Rental:
4 hrs – $35 US
8hrs – $50 US
24hrs – $70 US
Taxi:
$10 US for 2 people to go into town from Laru Beya which is above 4 miles away.
Ritchie’s Bus
The local bus charges $1 US one way
What To Do In Placencia
Here’s a list of things to do in the Stann Creek District which includes Placencia, Hopkins, and the capital Dangriga. The Stann Creek District contains diverse tourist experiences: the beautiful white sandy beaches of Placencia (and inviting offshore cayes), rugged Maya Mountains, the lush jungles of the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, and both the Garifuna art, music, cuisine and culture and, in certain areas, Maya Culture. The Stann Creek district is also a major banana, citrus and other fruit-producing region.
- Take a day trip to Offshore Islands – Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird National Park
- Snorkle the Silk Caye and South Water Caye Marine Reserve
- Explore Hopkins Village and Placencia Village on bike
- Shop along the Placencia Sidewalk
- Enjoy beachfront walks
- Take the “Bunches of Fun” Banana Farm Tour
- Go birding on the Sittee River
- Visit Belize’s historical reserve, Serpon Sugar Mill near the village of Sittee River
- Spot wildlife on the Monkey River Boat Ride
- Visit Gulisi Garifuna Museum
- Kayak at the Glover’s Reef Atoll
- Jungle Hike, Zip-line and waterfall Rappel at Mayflower Bocawina National Park
- Hike Victoria Peak
- Explore Davis Falls on ATV
- Dive with Whale Sharks (between March-June)
- Try the Sere, a favorite Garifuna dish
- Enjoy beer and curry night every Tuesday at Belize Ocean Club
- Charter a boat
- Come for Lobsterfest (June)
How you wind up feeling about Placencia really depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s laid-back ambience, varied accommodations and some of the best restaurants in Southern Belize, this beachfront paradise may well prove to be your personal Margaritaville. If it’s off-the-beaten-path adventure and cheaper living you’re after,Placencia might serve better as a way-station. Come on down for a few days of sandy beaches, sunny skies and great seafood before heading off to less trodden paths. – Lonely Planet
Photos to Inspire You To Visit Placencia
