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Placencia: Belize’s Premier Caribbean Beach
Placencia is the premier beach destination on Belize’s Caribbean Coast. Located at the end of a long, narrow peninsula, the town was originally known as Punta Placentia—“Pleasant Point”—a name that perfectly reflects its calm waters and mild weather.
Most visitors come to enjoy Placencia’s powdery beaches and nearby dive zones, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and South Water Caye Marine Reserve, just eleven miles offshore.
The town itself is tiny and relaxed—a collection of seafood restaurants and handicraft shops bordering the central sidewalk. Our favorite resorts are located farther up the peninsula, where development thins and coastal vegetation expands.
What to do in Placencia
Visitors to Placencia and the surrounding region can enjoy:
- Scuba diving at Laughing Bird Caye and South Water Caye
- Snorkeling and reef island exploration on island-hopping excursions
- Whale shark night diving at Gladden Spit (March to May; August to October)
- Fishing and sportfishing excursions
- Ultralight flights over the Caribbean coast
- Boat tours through the Monkey River mangroves, with opportunities to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, and colorful birds
- Privately guided wildlife tours to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguar, tapir, macaws, and toucans
- Guided visits to the Maya archaeological sites of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun
- Visits to Mayflower Bocawina National Park to observe Scarlet Macaws and pristine tropical rainforest
- Horseback riding
- Visits to crystal-clear waterfalls
- Exploration of an ancient Maya cave
- Ziplining and tubing adventures
- Cultural encounters in nearby Garifuna villages
- Visits to a nearby chocolate farm
What is the Weather Like?
Placencia enjoys a warm tropical climate, with average daytime highs in the mid-80s °F and nighttime lows in the 70s °F. The dry season runs from December through May, with March and April often bringing strong eastern breezes. Rainy season typically lasts from June to November, with the most intense storms arriving in late summer and fall.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Placencia can be reached in 35 minutes by air from Belize City. By land, the drive from Belize City takes approximately three hours.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Placencia.
How to combine Placencia
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
