Belizeans are known for having a colorful sense of humor which is why the local nickname for the green iguana is “bamboo chicken”. The largest species of lizard in the country, an adult bamboo chicken can measure nearly seven feet in length, although most of the length comes from its enormous tail. The flesh of the “bamboo chicken” is popular in Belize and used for many local recipes. Even more popular are the creamy eggs of the green iguana which are considered a true delicacy by local gourmands.

Once heavily hunted for its eggs and meat, today the green iguana is protected by law and the Belize Zoo now organizes several captive breeding programs throughout the country. The native habitat of the green iguana is on tree branches overlooking a river as the lizard will dive into the water when it is startled or threatened by predators.

Juvenile green iguanas spend a lot of time on the floor of the rainforests of Belize, hunting for insects, snails, worms and grubs. Once they’ve matured, adult green iguanas start climbing higher in the branches of trees to eat berries, fruits and leaves. On occasion, green iguanas will eat small mammals and birds.

For information about Belize’s flora and fauna , 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.

A beachfront paradise that offers a breathtaking view of the enchanting cayes and the immensely beautiful barrier reef, Placencia Village is a unique gateway to explore exotic Belize adventures.

If you are looking for ideas on what to do in Placencia, here are 5 tours we highly recommend.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest rainforest parks in Belize and offer visitors unforgettable attractions of impressive waterfalls, rushing rapids, unique wildlife, and lush vegetation. It is also home to the world’s first jaguar preserve and  chances of seeing a jaguar here are slight at best.

Large cat tracks in the Cockscomb Basin Nature Preserve in Belize. Photo by @theplanit

Laughing Bird Caye
This destination takes a boat to get to, but the bright turquoise waters washing up on the white sand beaches look absolutely great from any view. The Caye is perfect for snorkeling and beachcombing.

The immaculate beauty of Laughing Bird Caye. Photo by @Jeff Monuszko

Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks
Scuba diving or snorkeling with whale sharks is by far the most exciting and unique experience you will ever have in your life.

Prepare for a jaw-droppingly brilliant experience at Gladden Spit.

Fishing in the Belize Barrier Reef
Placencia’s location makes it an absolutely fantastic place to come for a Belize fishing vacation.

 Placencia Village is home to some of the best fishing in the world.

Monkey River Tour
Monkey River Tour is one of the best inland tours to do from Placencia and is not just a village or town, but also home to the Black Howler Monkey, which are also known in Belize as the “baboon”. They are also the largest monkey in the country and one of the largest in the Americas.

 Monkey River is the ultimate nature tour from Placencia Village

For more information about traveling to Placencia, 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.

Thanks to a combination of the reef, a white sandy seafloor, and crystal clear waters, Belize is one of the world’s best places to enjoy scuba diving.

Here are 10 reasons why you’ll love scuba diving in Belize:

Belize Blue Hole

Rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of his top 10 favorite dive sites in the world. Measuring some 300 meters across, the Belize Blue Hole sits above an enormous system of flooded caves and caverns. For experienced divers only.

Lighthouse Reef

The Belize Blue Hole lies in the center of Lighthouse Reef, but there are plenty of excellent dive spots around the reef itself, including Half Moon Wall, the Gorgonian Forest, and the Silver Cayes.

Gladden Spit

Located on the outer edge of the Belize Barrier Reef, Gladden Spit is part of a protected marine park. Measuring 15 miles by 6.5 miles, there are plenty of rewarding dive spots where divers can see unique species found nowhere else.

Whale Sharks

Every year during springtime, migrating whale sharks pass through Belize near Gladden Spit. The largest fish in the oceans, whale sharks pose no risk to humans, giving divers a truly unique opportunity to approach these gentle giants. To protect the whale sharks, only authorized tour operators are allowed to approach, and the number of divers in the area is strictly regulated.

Turneffe Atoll

One of the top diving spots in the country, the Turneffe Atoll has several islands and lagoons brimming with beautiful spots ideal for diving.

Silk Cayes

A national marine park, the waters of Silk Caye near Gladden Spit have some spectacular walls and holes for divers to explore.

South Water Caye

There is a natural cut in the reef near South Water Caye, giving divers an excellent opportunity to see diverse marine flora and fauna.

Laughing Bird Caye

Another one of Belize’s national parks, the island is known for its excellent snorkeling. But divers benefit from crystal clear waters and a kaleidoscope of marine life.

Long Coco Spit

Approximately three miles from Laughing Bird Caye, this formation is ideal for novice divers. Perfect for observing enormous schools of fish and black coral.

The Wreck of Miss Pamela

In 2002, the Miss Pamela was deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef. Clear waters and an abundance of huge barracuda feeding on schools of fish make this a rewarding dive.

For more information about scuba diving in Belize or Placencia,  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.

Save

Save

Chabil Mar is a multiple award-winning luxury resort located directly on the beach in Placencia, Belize. The resort features beautifully appointed villas, a lush tropical garden, gourmet restaurant, and a private seafront pier ideal for enjoying romantic candlelit meals under the stars.

If you’ve ever imagined an exotic getaway honeymoon to a gorgeous tropical destination, Chabil Mar is that dream come to life. From the moment you are greeted by the staff to your first glimpse of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean from the veranda of your luxury villa, you will know that you’ve arrived in a truly special place.

Some honeymooners love to curl up in a hammock strung beneath palm trees or take long walks along the beach. For more adventurous couples, Chabil Mar offers the free use of bicycles, paddle boards, and sea kayaks.

Each villa at Chabil Mar comes with Turkish robes, eco-friendly luxury bath products, 400 thread-count linens, a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a full-size kitchen. When you’re ready to step outside, you can enjoy lounging on the resort’s private beach or step into the Seaview Bar and Lounge for a delicious tropical cocktail. If you get hungry, you can eat at the renowned Cafe Mar restaurant that serves up a fresh-caught seafood and a wide array of local and international dishes.

Chabil Mar in the local Maya language means “Beautiful Sea,” and the resort is perfectly situated for excursions to the nearby islands on the Belize Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of stunning beauty, the clear waters and white sandy seafloor of the reef are ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.

On land, there’s lots to enjoy as well. Just minutes away is the enormous Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve, a pristine wilderness where jaguars still roam. Other top tours include boat trips up the well-named Monkey River, exploring ancient Maya pyramids and temples, and cultural visits to places like Dangriga and Hopkins where the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna people still enjoy their traditional foods, music, and distinctive drumming.

Whether you’re coming to relax in luxurious intimacy or want to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures with your new spouse, Chabil Mar is the best resort for your honeymoon.

Chabil Mar has a range of Belize honeymoon packages that include transportation, meals, and exciting activities so that you and your beloved can unwind and enjoy an unforgettable romantic vacation in Belize.

For more information about our honeymoon packages, 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.