While Placencia is known for its golden beaches and turquoise sea, its beauty does not end at the shoreline. Beyond the coast lies a lush, untamed world of rainforest canopies, hidden waterfalls, and ancient Maya secrets waiting to be discovered. For travelers who crave adventure, jungle and waterfall tours near Placencia Belize offer the perfect balance of exploration and tranquility. And at Chabil Mar Villas, guests can experience it all with the comfort of returning each evening to beachfront luxury.
A Gateway to Adventure
Placencia is ideally located for travelers who want to experience both the Caribbean and the jungle without long transfers or crowds. Within a few hours of the resort, you can find yourself hiking through rainforest trails, swimming beneath cascading waterfalls, or spotting exotic wildlife in protected reserves. Belize’s southern region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders, where the jungle feels alive with sound and color.
The team at Chabil Mar can arrange private tours and guided excursions tailored to your interests, whether you are an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply someone who loves being surrounded by the beauty of the tropics. From gentle nature walks to more challenging hikes, each journey reveals a different side of Belize’s landscape.
The Waterfalls of Southern Belize
Few experiences capture the essence of Belize like standing beneath a waterfall deep in the jungle. The sound of rushing water, the cool mist in the air, and the sheer power of nature all come together to create something unforgettable.
One of the most popular destinations near Placencia is Bocawina National Park, located just over an hour away. The park is home to multiple waterfalls, including Bocawina Falls and Antelope Falls, which is among the tallest in Belize. Adventurous travelers can hike to the top for sweeping views of the forest canopy and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. For a little extra excitement, Bocawina also offers zip-lining through the jungle and rappelling down the waterfalls themselves.
Another favorite is the Maya King Waterfall, located less than an hour from Placencia. This breathtaking site is easily accessible and perfect for swimming. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded pools, it is a peaceful escape for couples and families alike. Many visitors enjoy packing a picnic and spending the afternoon here, cooling off in the cascading waters after a morning of exploring.
Exploring the Jungle
Beyond waterfalls, the jungles of southern Belize are filled with life. Guided tours take visitors through protected reserves where howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and even jaguars roam. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the world’s first jaguar preserve, is one of the most fascinating destinations in the region. Just a short drive from Placencia, this vast reserve features hiking trails, river tubing, birdwatching, and the chance to see Belize’s incredible biodiversity up close.
For those who love history, some jungle tours include visits to ancient Maya sites hidden among the trees. Ruins such as Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun provide glimpses into Belize’s past, with stone temples and carvings surrounded by tropical forest. Combining culture and nature, these excursions are among the most memorable experiences Belize has to offer.
Return to Comfort at Chabil Mar Villas
After a day of jungle adventure, there is no better feeling than returning to the comfort of Chabil Mar Villas. Guests can relax by the infinity pools, enjoy a soothing massage, or dine on fresh seafood prepared with local flavors. Each villa offers the privacy and elegance that make Chabil Mar one of Placencia’s most beloved resorts.
Whether you spend your day chasing waterfalls, zip-lining through rainforest canopies, or tubing down jungle rivers, you will find that the beauty of Belize’s wild landscapes stays with you long after you return home.
Book your stay at Chabil Mar Villas and discover the best jungle and waterfall tours near Placencia Belize. Adventure, beauty, and Belizean warmth await just beyond the beach.
Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
Placencia Belize is one of those rare places where luxury and natural beauty blend effortlessly. Stretching sixteen miles along the Caribbean Sea, this slender peninsula is home to pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and a relaxed charm that makes it feel both exclusive and welcoming. For travelers seeking the ultimate escape, Placencia offers a handful of beautiful resorts, but one stands above the rest for elegance, privacy, and authentic Belizean hospitality: Chabil Mar Villas.
The Allure of Oceanfront Luxury in Placencia
The beauty of Placencia lies not only in its golden sands and blue horizons but in its atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Unlike larger, crowded destinations, Placencia retains its sense of community and calm, making it the ideal setting for luxury travelers who want both privacy and connection.
Oceanfront resorts in Placencia allow guests to wake to the sound of waves and fall asleep under skies filled with stars. Whether you are seeking a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a peaceful solo escape, staying in a beachfront villa transforms your experience. You are never far from the sea, and the gentle rhythm of the tide becomes part of your day.
Chabil Mar Villas: Where Luxury Meets the Sea
Located just a short stroll from Placencia Village, Chabil Mar Villas captures the essence of what makes Placencia so special. The name “Chabil Mar” means “Beautiful Sea” in Maya, and it perfectly describes the resort’s setting and spirit. This award-winning, guest-exclusive resort offers 400 feet of private beachfront, two infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean, and villas designed with natural elegance and Belizean craftsmanship.
Each villa at Chabil Mar is individually styled with handcrafted furnishings, local art, and warm tropical woods. Spacious living areas, full kitchens, and private verandas make guests feel at home, while panoramic ocean views remind them they are somewhere extraordinary. Whether you are lounging on your veranda, dining on the beach, or floating in the pool as the sun sets, every angle of Chabil Mar celebrates the sea.
Guests love the resort’s balance of seclusion and accessibility. Chabil Mar feels like a private sanctuary, yet the lively heart of Placencia Village is only minutes away by foot, bike, or golf cart. This allows travelers to enjoy both worlds — a quiet beachfront escape and a vibrant local culture filled with music, art, and authentic cuisine.
Experiences that Define Luxury
At Chabil Mar Villas, luxury is not about formality; it is about feeling at ease. The resort’s award-winning staff are known for their warmth and attention to detail, ensuring every guest feels personally cared for. Whether it is a private beachfront dinner, a snorkeling trip to the Belize Barrier Reef, or a day exploring Maya ruins and jungle waterfalls, every experience can be tailored to your interests.
Dining is one of the most memorable parts of a stay at Chabil Mar. Guests can enjoy meals anywhere on the property: on the beach, by the pool, or on their private veranda. The menu features fresh seafood, tropical produce, and Belizean flavors prepared with creativity and flair. It is fine dining with the relaxed charm that defines the country’s culture.
Chabil Mar’s commitment to service and sustainability has earned it consistent recognition among the top luxury resorts in Belize. Its guest-exclusive model ensures tranquility, while its local partnerships help support community tourism and preserve the beauty of Placencia for generations to come.
The Perfect Ocean View Awaits
Placencia offers many ways to enjoy the Caribbean, but Chabil Mar Villas elevates the experience into something unforgettable. Here, every sunrise feels like a new beginning, every meal feels like a celebration, and every evening by the sea reminds you why Belize is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Discover the ultimate oceanfront retreat at Chabil Mar Villas. Book your luxury Placencia Belize vacation and experience where beauty, comfort, and Belizean warmth meet by the sea.
Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
If you’ve planned summer family vacations abroad, you know how much hype goes into resort descriptions that entice parents to bring their children. From Mexico and Costa Rica to Jamaica, parents are treated to all sorts of “camps” and child-focused activities that emulate experiences found at North American resorts.
Perhaps you’ve asked, “What’s the point of taking the kids “overseas” when resorts are using gimmicks to lure families into thinking that their programs are “authentic”? Wouldn’t you prefer a memory-building getaway that delivers a true cultural immersion? Discover Belize where genuine vacations reflect this nation’s heart and soul and where your children will thank you for years to come!
Discover the Best of Adventure and Relaxation
If you are looking for a family getaway that offers plenty of adventure and relaxation in one package, Belize might just be the perfect destination. With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and English-speaking environment, Belize is an ideal place for families with children of all ages.
One of the best places to stay in Belize is Chabil Mar in Placencia. This property caters to families with an attractive family package, designed to offer children an exciting and enjoyable vacation experience. Moreover, the resort provides a diverse range of activities that cater to children’s interests, including thrilling snorkeling and kayaking adventures, as well as leisurely biking and nature tours.
If your children love animals, they will never forget the Monkey River or Cockscomb Jaguar Nature Preserve tours, which provide a unique opportunity to observe Belize’s incredible wildlife up close. From monkeys to jaguars to exotic birds, Belize is home to a stunning array of animals that your children will love to see and learn about.
Of course, a family vacation in Belize is not all about adventure. The country also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation, including beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and delicious food. At Chabil Mar, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, with a comfortable, family-friendly environment that is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration and adventure.
So, whether you are looking for a fun-filled family adventure or a relaxing beach vacation, Belize has everything you need to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones . . . Belize Style. Book your family package at Chabil Mar today, where the on-site Concierge will customize it and get ready to experience the magic of Belize!
News you can use
United Airlines just announced a new service that parents will find invaluable: The carrier is “opening up more seats on aircraft to families traveling with children younger than 12.” If your destination airport offers United flights to Belize City, ask about “preferred” location seats when you book, so your family isn’t separated en route to Belize. Find your flight. Choose Chabil Mar for your upcoming vacation and make it a magical holiday that’s truly authentic and reflective of this fascinating nation.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
Belize, a country known for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and ancient Maya ruins, has long been a magnet for those in search of adventure and solace alike. But for couples seeking a romantic escape, Belize offers more than just picturesque landscapes. In the heart of Southern Belize lies the epitome of romantic destinations: Placencia.
Placencia: The Jewel of Romance
Nestled in the southern part of Belize, Placencia stands out as the romantic getaway of choice. With its 16 miles of golden, sandy beaches bordered by swaying palm trees, it’s a paradise that combines the tranquillity of the Caribbean with the passionate spirit of Central America.
Here are a few reasons why Placencia reigns supreme as the top romantic destination in Belize:
Secluded Beaches
Unlike the crowded beaches of more tourist-centric regions, Placencia offers couples a chance to bask in the sun, undisturbed. The long stretches of beach ensure privacy, making every moment feel intimate and special.
Enchanting Nature Walks
Step into a world of tropical flora and fauna as you take a stroll through Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or the Placencia Lagoon, both offering a chance to immerse yourself in Belize’s natural beauty.
Adventurous Water Activities
From snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef to kayaking through the peaceful mangrove channels, Placencia provides numerous ways for couples to bond over exhilarating experiences.
Cultural Exploration
Placencia retains its rich Garifuna heritage, allowing visitors to indulge in traditional drumming sessions, authentic cuisines, and dances that celebrate love and life.
Starry Nights
The low light pollution in Placencia ensures that couples can enjoy a blanket of stars every night, perfect for a dreamy evening under the sky.
Stay at Chabil Mar: A Lovers’ Paradise
If Placencia is the crown jewel of romantic destinations in Belize, then Chabil Mar is the shining diamond on that crown. Situated on the beachfront, this luxury resort is an ideal haven for couples.
Why choose Chabil Mar?
Private Villas
Offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort, the villas at Chabil Mar come with a touch of Belizean décor and modern amenities.
Infinity Pools
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort’s pools offer the perfect setting to unwind with your loved one.
Gourmet Dining
With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, the dining experience at Chabil Mar is both sumptuous and intimate. Opt for a private dinner on the pier, accompanied by the gentle lull of waves.
Personalized Services
From arranging a couples’ spa session to organizing a surprise proposal on a secluded beach, the staff at Chabil Mar ensures that your romantic escape is nothing short of magical.
Proximity to Adventure
Being in Placencia, the resort is a stone’s throw away from some of Belize’s best attractions, making it easy for couples to mix relaxation with adventure.
While Belize has a myriad of destinations for the romantic at heart, Placencia undeniably stands out as the best. And, when in Placencia, Chabil Mar offers the ideal blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty, ensuring that lovebirds leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Book your romantic escape now, and let Belize’s charm sweep you off your feet.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
Easily recognizable from space, the Belize Blue Hole, sometimes known as the Great Blue Hole, is one of the most iconic dive spots in Belize.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Belize Blue Hole:
1 – Size and Dimensions
The Belize Blue Hole is almost perfectly circular in shape, measuring 300 meters (984 feet) across and 108 meters (354 feet) deep.
2 – The Largest Sea Hole in the World
The Belize Blue Hole is the largest sea hole in the world. Sea holes refer to caves that were submerged when rising waters covered them. Most sea holes, just like the Belize Blue Hole, were submerged at the end of the last great Ice Age some 10,000 years ago.
3 – Location
The Belize Blue Hole is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) offshore of Belize City. The perimeter of the Blue Hole is Lighthouse Reef, a natural coral atoll.
4 – Stalactites and Stalagmites
Divers can explore thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that were formed when the Blue Hole was an aboveground series of caverns.
5 – Jacques Cousteau
Legendary French documentarian and marine biologist Jacques Cousteau visited the Blue Hole in 1971. He later described the Blue Hole as one of his top favorite 10 dive sites in the world.
6 – The Name
The name “Great Blue Hole” comes from British diver Ned Middleton who wrote a book about his career as a diver in 1988 named “Ten Years Underwater”. Although the Blue Hole was charted by the Spanish, no one is sure what name they gave for the region.
7 – Discovery Channel
In 2012, the Discovery Channel ranked the Belize Blue Hole as the #1 most amazing place on Earth.
8 – UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Belize Blue Hole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of a vast barrier reef that is the second-largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
9 – Charles Darwin
In 1836, on his around the world voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin visited the Belize Barrier Reef and declared it the “most remarkable coral reefs” in the entire Caribbean.
10 – Experienced Divers Only
Due to the challenges of diving the Belize Blue Hole, only divers who have completed at least 24 divers are allowed to explore the Belize Blue Hole.
About The Belize Blue Hole
Long a secret known only to Belizean fisherman, the Belize Blue Hole became famous in 1971 when legendary marine biologist and undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau visited the site.
Cousteau and his crew aboard the Calypso explored the depths of the Blue Hole, confirming that it had been created thousands of years ago when rising tides flooded a network of caves. Declared by Cousteau as one of the top 10 best diving spots on the planet, the Belize Blue Hole is located approximately 60 miles (100 km) from the coast of Belize.
A nearly perfectly circular body of water, the Belize Blue Hole is surrounded by the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Divers can use the shallow waters of the atoll’s lagoon to begin their descent to the now-flooded cave that contains stalactites and stalagmites up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length.The coral atoll surrounding the Belize Blue Hole has an inner ring of shallow, lighter colored water that forms a natural ring around the deeper sapphire waters of the flooded cave.
Thousands of years ago when the cave flooded, the Belize Blue Hole was formed, a vertical entrance over 980 feet (300 meters) across with a bottom more than 400 feet (125 meters) below the sea’s surface today.As divers descend into the Great Blue Hole, the dark waters start to become more clear, allowing for an impressive view of the flooded cave network that is home to a variety of marine life, including a few elusive hammerhead sharks.
Due to the complexity and depth of the dive, only experienced divers are permitted to explore the majestic underwater formations that make the Belize Blue Hole such a unique dive site.
The Blue Hole is located along the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.
An almost perfectly circular area of dark topaz water encircled by the Lighthouse Atoll on the Belize Barrier reef, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most intriguing and popular places to dive anywhere on Planet Earth.
Facts About The Belize Blue Hole
1.) The Blue Hole measures about 1,000 feet in circumference and is more than 400 feet deep. It is the largest natural formation of this type found anywhere in the world.
2.) The Blue Hole was formed at the end of the last Ice Age when rising seawaters flooded a series of enormous caverns. Geologists have determined that the caves first formed about 153,000 years ago and were completely submerged approximately 15,000 years ago.
3.) The Blue Hole is approximately 60 miles offshore from Belize City and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4.) In 1971, famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau visited the Blue Hole with his boat Calypso, declaring it one of the top 10 diving spots on the planet.
5.) The underwater caves of the Blue Hole are filled with giant stalactites, proof that it once existed above water.
6.) The Blue Hole is home to several species of sharks, including bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and the elusive hammerhead shark.
7.) In 2012, the Discovery Channel ranked the Blue Hole as #1 on its list of 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth.
8.) The Blue Hole is visible from space, easily identifiable by its unique circular formation and location within the midst of the greater Belize Barrier Reef.
9.) The name “Blue Hole” was coined by the British diver Ned Middleton in his book “10 Years Underwater” published in 1988.
10.) Due to the complexity of diving required, the Blue Hole is restricted to experienced divers only with a minimum of 24 completed dives.
What It’s Really Like To Dive The Great Blue Hole
The Mysterious Belize Great Blue Hole is a large underwater hole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 100 kilometers (62 mi) from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is perfectly circular in shape, over 300 meters (1000 ft) across, 3140 feet circumference and 125 meters (410 ft) deep.
It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period when the sea level was 400 to 500 feet below present time and was dry land. Last glacial period began about 120,000 years ago and end about 15,000 years ago. Reaching the maximum extension 26,500 years ago. At the end the ocean began to rise, the caves flooded, and the roof collapsed.
Believed to be the world’s largest feature of its kind, the Great Blue Hole is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The hole itself is the opening to a system of caves and passageway that penetrate this undersea mountain. In various places, massive limestone stalactites hang down from what was once the ceiling of air-filled caves thousand of years before the end of the last Ice Age 15,000 years ago. When the ice melted the sea level rose, flooding the caves. This process occurred in stages. Evidence for this are the shelves and ledges, carved into the limestone by the sea, which run the complete interior circumference of the Blue Hole at various depths.
The Blue Hole is a “karst- eroded sinkhole.” It was once a cave at the center of an underground tunnel complex whose ceiling collapsed. Some of the tunnels are thought to be linked right through to the mainland, though this has never been conclusively proved. Notable are the large population of sharks such as lemon, black tip, reef, hammerhead, and bull sharks.
Mysterious and legends always have been around the Belize Blue Hole.
This was the entrance to Xibalba?. It’s the kind of underwater geology that inspires speculation about aliens creating geometrically perfect anomalies, mermaids and monsters living in darkness.
I explored the bottom of the Blue Hole perimeter (3,140 feet circumference). To do this I dove down twice, reaching the depth of 375′ feet which took 4 to 5 hours of diving each day.
Video Music:
Start to 2:18 min. “Dawn From Four Sea Interludes” by Benjamin Britten 2:18 to 4:37 min. “300 Violin Orchestra” by Jorge Quintero 4:37 to End “Groove Armada” from Tomb Raider Soundtrack
Video and Blog courtesy of Ramon Llaneza
If you would like to explore the wonders of the Belize Blue Hole, the resort of Chabil Mar has a comprehensive scuba diving vacation package that includes a guided trip to the Blue Hole.
For more information about the Blue Hole or Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.
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