Discover Southern Belize
Southern Belize is the home of diverse cultures, societies, and ecologies. As travelers head south, they can witness the transition from citrus orchards and flat savannah land to the forested slopes that are home to modern Maya villages and ancient Mayan ruins. Lovely villages like Placencia and Hopkins offer a laid-back lifestyle, where local fishing and artesian traditions are still kept alive.
For visitors in search of adventure, there is plenty to explore in the jungles of Toledo District, replete with luxury resorts hidden in the remote corners of the rainforest. Offshore, the numerous cayes (islands) and atolls near the Belize barrier reef offer unparalleled fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities, a great chance to escape the crowds and higher prices found on the cayes in the northern part of Belize.
Top Places to Explore and Visit in Southern Belize
- Garifuna culture – Southern Belize is the home to a unique people who still make a living fishing in small boats, working in small-scale agriculture, or handcrafting goods and art. Friendly and welcoming, Garifuna culture is also renowned for their love of dancing and music. The center of Garifuna culture is the town of Dangriga, with other iconic villages located in Hopkins, Placencia, and Sittee River.
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve – Home to the last surviving native jaguars of Central America, the Cockscomb Wildlife Preserve is also a great place to watch tropical birds in their native habitat.
- Mayan Ruins – The Ancient Mayan Empire once ruled all of Belize, and today visitors can visit the ruins at Nim Li Punit or Lubantuum in Toledo District, or go on day trips from Placencia to see the mysterious Blue Creek Caves, also in Toledo District.
- Placencia – Measuring 11 miles long, the Placencia Peninsula is a truly tropical oasis, with refreshing trade winds, and pristine beaches fronting the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
- The Belize Barrier Reef – Just a short boat ride away lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world. Kayaking, diving, fishing, and snorkeling opportunities are unparalleled in this uniquely rich and diverse marine habitat.
Where to Stay in Southern Belize
In the ancient Mayan language, “Chabil Mar” meant “beautiful sea”. Today, the Villas as Chabil Mar live up to that name, with beautifully appointed villas on the gorgeous Placencia Peninsula, all facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Located just steps away from the picturesque Placencia Village, Chabil Mar has an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a private beach with plenty of room to soak in the rays of sun in this special corner of paradise.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on southern 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.
