DIVING/SNORKELING: The second largest barrier reef is just a few miles off the coast of Placencia. The local dive centers have comfortable boats and will take you to the numerous dive sites in just 30-45 minutes. Usually they offer 2 tank dives with a lunch brake on an island in between. The lunch consists of chicken, rice, beans, soft drinks, fruits and while doing your surface interval you will enjoy the beautiful white sandy beach. On an average dive you can see turtles, rays, moray eels, barracudas, lobsters and if you are lucky you might spot a hammerhead shark, Caribbean Reef Shark or Sail fish.If you havenât dove before all the dive centers offer PADI Open Water Courses as well,or you just go snorkeling in the clear shallow reef around the islands.
Between March and June around the full moon whale sharks will pass by. These huge gentle giants, feeding just on plankton, are pretty much guaranteed to see on a spot called Gladden Spit. Make sure you arrange your spot upfront.
SAILING: Two of the largest charter fleets in Belize are established in Placencia. They offer day trips, over night 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 you can do drop-, hand-line fishing or fly fishing with or without your own gear. You can catch Snapper, Grouper, Jack, Permit, Tarpon, Snook and Bonefish.
KAJAKING: Explore the lagoon or kayak to the nearby islands. In the lagoon you might spot a manatee and guaranteed are sightings of a lot of birds.
TOURS: In the village are tour operators who will be happy to give you all the necessary details on all available tours. Also ask in your hotel. A must is a trip to one of the nearby Maya Ruins - explore this amazing old culture which is still vibrant when strolling through the large areas of ruins. Jungle tours offer a safe and guided entrance into an amazing world of nature. See howler monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, anteaters and more. If lucky you will see footprints of a Jaguar. They are nocturnal and very shy. The Cockscomb Basin Reserve, just a 45 minutes drive from Placencia, is a perfect place to be part of Belizeâs stunning flora and fauna.
RELAX: The Placencia Peninsula offers the most beautiful beaches in Belize. The weather is mostly perfect with a slight breeze. Stroll along the Sidewalk once announced as the world narrowest street and shop for some souvenirs.
Explore also the nearby villages Seine Bight 6 miles and Maya Beach 8 miles by bus, golf cart or ride your bicycle. Seine Bight is a Garifuna community and a very gifted artist calls it her home. Visit Lolaâs Art just passed the football field. In Maya Beach shop at Spectarte Art Gallery.
