Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

17 Things to Do While Visiting Placencia Belize

Posted on April 2, 2025

Should you stay on mainland Belize or one of the islands? Do both by vacationing on the Placencia peninsula. Find 16 miles of beach, a lush lagoon surrounded by mountains, the traditional fishing Village of Placencia at mile 0 on the Peninsula, aka, “The Island You Can Walk To”, plus access to the Caribbean Sea and Placencia Village, if you stay at one of Placencia’s coziest resorts, Chabil Mar. With their help making arrangements, the following 17 ideas should just get you started.

1. Meet the people. Placencia residents have deep roots: English, Spanish, and Mayan, to name a few. They’re charming, helpful, eager and happy to introduce their communities, so walk about and get the lay of the land.

2. Rent a beach cruiser bike. It will take you further than your feet along beautiful landscape and vistas that amaze and inspire. Placencia was once a fishing village; you’ll spots lots of era reminders as you ride.

3. Meet the Garifuna people in Seine Bight. Learn about their lifestyle through their art, music, folklore and cuisine, and you won’t leave hungry!

4. Request a dive day tailored to your specific interests by asking Chabil Mar staff to explain your trip options. The reef is just 17 miles away; spot tropical fish species so vivid, the colors don’t seem real.

5. Go whale shark spotting when there’s a full moon if you visit between April and June or dive with these gentle creatures near the Gladden Spit if you’re looking to prove your prowess.

6. Try your hand at kayaking around Laughing Bird Caye. Pitch a tent here overnight for full access to the water day and night.

7. Ask Chabil Mar staff to book a 36-foot catamaran adventure that includes either diving or deep sea fishing. Even lunches are brought on board so you don’t starve.

8. Dine at a private restaurant. Placencia families set up little home restaurants on patios that stretch along a path between the lagoon and the beach. Order the specialty of the house: stewed chicken with rice and beans.

9. Make a wildlife pilgrimage to the Placencia lagoon. This unique breeding ground hosts endangered manatees, crocodile species, marine turtles and some types of rays within this nutrient-rich wetland.

10. Your Chabil Mar concierge will be happy to arrange a Monkey River Tour that includes sailing into lush jungle to spot turtles, fish, iguanas and other local wildlife.

11. Visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where jaguar, jaguarondi, margay, ocelot and puma—all five indigenous cats—roam the protected 128,000-acre jungle preserve.

12. Go bird watching, whether you’re a fan of the hobby or not. There are around 300 species in all, some not seen elsewhere in the hemisphere, like the brilliant Scarlet Macaw.

13. Climb a mountain or just stay at the base to observe water crashing to earth from some of Belize’s most photogenic waterfalls. You’ll be inspired.

14. Get wet riding a rubber inner tube while cave tubing, a sport that’s relaxing and exciting if you float into caves with prehistoric-looking interiors that also hold Mayan artifacts.

15. Take photos. Placencia sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, as are the jungles, wildlife preserves and natural wonders that never met a camera they couldn’t seduce.

16. Visit the Creole village of Independence by ferry to stroll fruit plantations. If you’re in town for Valentine’s Day, don’t miss the 50-artist Placencia Peninsula Arts Festival on Main Street.

17. Grab a map and see Placencia by bicycle. Where to get the map and the bike? From your friends at Chabil Mar. They’re so helpful, they might ride that bike to your room if you ask them to!

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Placencia and 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.

The Only Belize Weather Guide You’ll Ever Need In 2025

Posted on April 2, 2025

If it’s your habit to throw a dozen separates into a duffel bag and arrive at your airport departure gate just as the gangway is being removed, we salute you. You’re probably a spontaneous person who finds the process of packing tedious and bothersome. But let’s say you pack thoughtfully and you wouldn’t dream of choosing which articles of clothing to bring to Belize without first learning what temperatures to expect. We’ve got your year-round forecast, so packing for your tropical holiday will be a breeze.

Belize Weather in January

In case an infrequent shower at the end of the rainy season interrupts your Belize outings, relax. It won’t last long. Getting a little wet is part of the Belize experience as you think of friends battling snow and ice back home! Tote a light poncho and you’re good to go. January temperatures run about 70-degrees F at night and max out at around 80-degrees F by day.

Belize Weather in February

If you crave the same weather January visitors enjoyed—from 70- to 80-degrees F—you’ll love visiting in February. This month officially launches “the dry season,” so you can leave that rain gear home if you like and use the space in your luggage for more sunscreen, an extra pair of flip-flops, and a Valentine’s.

Belize Weather in March

If it rains in March, Belize weathercasters are quick to apologize because it’s not typical. Days and nights are usually crystal clear and slightly warmer, so bring clothing appropriate for between 74- and 83-degrees F temperatures. Nights are so delightful, you won’t need a sweater, but if you find a charming wrap at a local market, snap it up!

Belize Weather in April

Because Belize is a chill-out destination, it may come as no surprise that this time of year has several nicknames. Call it the “Green Season” or refer to infrequent showers as “Iguana Rains”—your call. Love puddle jumping? Do it fast, ’cause the sun will be back out in minutes. Temperatures in April, by the way, range from 76- to 85-degrees F.

Belize Weather in May

As spring settles in, you’ll notice a gradual temperature increase to between 79-degrees at night to 87-degrees by day in Belize. The rain gods are kind in May: The occasional nighttime thunderstorm or early morning shower will likely find you abed at Chabil Mar, where soft sheets, gorgeous suite appointments and a tropical breakfast get all five of your senses off to a relaxing day.

Belize Weather in June

There’s a smaller range of temperature fluctuations throughout Belize in June—between 82- and 86-degrees—so you can dress for the entire day in the morning. Enjoy easterly breezes on your Chabil Mar veranda. Afternoon showers could interrupt a plan or two, but if you’ve settled into a Belize state of mind, you’ll shrug them off—especially if you nab early season rate reductions.

Belize Weather in July

When your nearest and dearest complain about heatwaves back home, you may find it irresistible to let them know that Belize nighttime temperatures are around 79-degrees F. Morning rains are so cooling, they will help you transition into your plans for an outdoor adventure like diving the Belize reef. Wear as little as you like (within reason) during the month of July. You’ll find it liberating!

Belize Weather in August

Mother Nature is very predictable: she shifts those easterly sea breezes away from Belize in August, replacing them with drier winds, which is how the nickname “Little Dry” was picked to describe the month. If temperatures dip to 78-degrees F after an 86-degree F day, that lightweight wrap will come in handy.

Belize Weather in September

As the Green Season moves into September, temperatures dip to 77-degrees F at night, so dodging early morning showers is no big deal. Anticipate sunny days filled with fun and festivals as Belize celebrates its independence throughout September. Wear an outrageous costume at Carnival in Belize City to be an official part of the fun!

Belize Weather in October

Northerly winds bring bountiful rainfall and temperatures drop to 75-degrees F by night. Daytime highs of 84-degrees F are ideal for taking tours and outings. Should an unexpected storm blanket the Maya Mountains, repair to Chabil Mar’s Kaleidoscope Bar where a tightly-woven thatch roof, new friends, and the perfect Mojito will keep you dry and happy until the rain passes.

Belize Weather in November

This is the month dreams come true in Belize: Summer visitors are gone, there’s room to stretch out, and if you seek solitude on a budget, you won’t find more generous price breaks. Chabil Mar offers discounts in November and since the resort dresses up for Thanksgiving, come late in the month, reserve a large suite for your family and expect to find turkey on the restaurant’s menu!

Belize Weather in December

Temperatures? Heavenly. Crowds? Not if you come early in December. Swim or snorkel the day away in 80-degree F weather. Cuddle at night when temps drop to around 71-degrees F. Whether your goal is an unforgettable Christmas, you’re auditioning retirement locations or you want to see for yourself why Belize has become so popular, visiting in December will be the gift you give yourself.

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.

The Best Wildlife Encounters in Belize: Jaguars, Manatees, and Scarlet Macaws

Posted on April 1, 2025

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Belize is one of the best places in the world to get close to some of the most remarkable creatures on land and sea. It’s not just the lush rainforests or the warm Caribbean waters that make it special—it’s the thrill of spotting a jaguar’s paw print on a jungle trail, watching a gentle manatee glide past your boat, or hearing the squawk of scarlet macaws as they soar overhead. When it comes to unforgettable animal encounters, Belize delivers the kind of magic that sticks with you long after you’ve returned home.

Jaguar Territory: Into the Jungle at Cockscomb

Let’s start with the big cat—the jaguar. Belize is home to the world’s first jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a sprawling, protected area just a short journey from Placencia. While jaguars are elusive and mostly nocturnal, the thrill of knowing you’re walking through their domain is a feeling like no other. The sanctuary is also teeming with life—agoutis, howler monkeys, ocelots, and over 300 species of birds make every hike a feast for the senses. And if you’re lucky, you might even hear the distant growl of a jaguar as the jungle hushes.

Hiking here feels like entering a storybook jungle, with waterfalls cascading into hidden pools, vibrant orchids blooming on tree trunks, and every turn of the trail promising something new. It’s not just a nature walk—it’s an immersive experience in one of the most biologically diverse corners of the planet.

Gentle Giants: Spotting Manatees Near Placencia

On the flip side of Belize’s wildlife spectrum is the manatee—slow-moving, peaceful, and completely lovable. These “sea cows” are commonly found in the Placencia Lagoon, especially during the warmer months. Boat tours often include quiet drift sessions where you might see manatees surfacing for air or gliding under the boat, sometimes with a calf in tow.

Watching a manatee in its natural habitat is one of those rare travel moments that brings instant calm. They move with grace, floating just beneath the surface like ghosts in the water, munching on seagrass and occasionally popping up for a look around. Conservation efforts have made Belize a safe haven for these gentle marine mammals, and local guides ensure your viewing experience is respectful and non-intrusive.

Wings of Fire: The Scarlet Macaws of Red Bank

Between December and April, Belize’s Red Bank Village becomes the stage for one of the country’s most colorful natural spectacles. Dozens of scarlet macaws gather in the area to feed and rest, creating a scene straight out of a nature documentary. With their brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage, these birds are impossible to miss—and utterly captivating to watch.

Early morning tours offer the best chance to see flocks of macaws taking flight, filling the sky with a flash of color and a chorus of squawks. It’s a bucket-list experience for birdwatchers and anyone who appreciates the wonder of the wild. Plus, local guides from the community help you understand the macaws’ habits and the efforts underway to protect their dwindling populations.

Stay at Chabil Mar: Your Wildlife Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re tracking jaguars, scanning for manatees, or chasing the colors of macaws, your journey is best paired with a stay at Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort in Placencia. Our resort offers luxurious beachfront villas, personalized service, and the kind of quiet comfort that makes every wildlife-filled day end on the perfect note.

Let us help you plan your adventures—whether it’s a boat ride into the lagoon, a guided hike through Cockscomb, or a trip to Red Bank to greet the macaws. From ocean to jungle, Belize is full of creatures great and small—and with Chabil Mar as your home base, the wild is never far away.

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.

Discover Why Belize Is a Top Ecotourism Spot in 2025

Posted on April 1, 2025

If your 2025 travel goals include chasing waterfalls, snorkeling over colorful reefs, and wandering through ancient rainforests while spotting wildlife, Belize is calling your name. Compact yet bursting with ecological diversity, this country offers one of the most immersive nature-focused vacation experiences in the world. And nestled on the shores of Placencia, Chabil Mar makes for the perfect home base to enjoy it all—with comfort, sustainability, and style.

Reef, Rainforest, and Ruins—All Within Reach

Few places on Earth offer such easy access to so many ecosystems. In one day, you could swim with sea turtles in the morning and spot toucans in the jungle by afternoon. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is teeming with life and easily reachable from Placencia. At snorkeling spots like Silk Cayes and Gladden Spit, you’ll encounter parrotfish, rays, and maybe even a friendly nurse shark.

On land, ecotourism thrives in places like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where dense jungle trails wind through waterfalls, orchid-laced paths, and the elusive territory of jaguars. Want to walk in the footsteps of the Maya? Sites like Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun are just a day trip away, where moss-covered temples offer a glimpse into Belize’s mystical past.

Sustainable Travel Without Sacrificing Comfort

Belize has committed to keeping tourism low-impact and authentic. With a focus on conservation and local engagement, many destinations across the country are community-run or protected as reserves. At Chabil Mar, we embrace that same philosophy—while keeping your experience luxurious.

Our guest-exclusive beachfront resort was designed with Belize’s natural and cultural heritage in mind. Local hardwoods, artisan furnishings, and native landscaping create a sense of harmony with the surroundings. Meanwhile, our culinary offerings showcase the flavors of Belize—fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and spices that dance on your tongue.

From organizing small-group excursions to partnering with eco-certified tour operators, our goal is to ensure your adventures uplift the communities and landscapes you’re exploring.

Why Placencia Is the Place to Be in 2025

With its chill village vibe, 16 miles of golden beach, and location between reef and rainforest, Placencia hits the ecotourism sweet spot. Unlike overdeveloped destinations, this peninsula maintains its relaxed charm. Wander the famous sidewalk (yes, Placencia has a sidewalk and it’s delightful), grab a smoothie from a beachside shack, and watch pelicans dive for fish just offshore.

Chabil Mar puts you within easy reach of it all—while still feeling like your own private hideaway. Our villas offer space to breathe, views to daydream over, and a level of personalized service that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re heading out on a whale shark dive, birdwatching in the jungle, or simply soaking in the stars from your veranda, Placencia delivers the best of Belize’s natural world—without the crowds.

Eco-Adventures Start at Chabil Mar

If you’re dreaming of an earth-conscious, wildly beautiful vacation in 2025, Belize is it—and Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort is your gateway to experience it. We’ll help you plan the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with thoughtful touches and eco-friendly hospitality at every turn.

Book your stay and get ready to discover why Belize is a haven for nature lovers—and why Placencia might just steal your heart.

Five Hottest Best Things to Do in Belize for Easter

Posted on March 26, 2025

Easter Break is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Belize, with over 80% of the population identifying as Christian. It’s a time when schools and many businesses close, giving Belizeans the perfect opportunity to travel, explore, and soak in the natural beauty of the country.

With ideal weather, Easter is a fantastic time for adventure. It’s prime season for diving with whale sharks, snorkeling the turquoise waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, exploring the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, or climbing the majestic Xunantunich Maya Temples.

Travelers often head south to the stunning Placencia Peninsula to relax on white sandy beaches or journey inland to the Cayo District to experience the Cross Country Cycling Race—the biggest sporting event in Belize, held every Holy Saturday.

If you’re planning to be in Belize for Easter and wondering what to do, here are 5 unforgettable experiences to consider:

Watch the Cross-Country Cycling Race

The Cross Country Cycling Race is a one day cycling race that is held every Easter on Holy Saturday in Belize. It is the biggest cycling event in the country with an estimated distance of some 140 miles. The race has been going since 1928 and its origin has roots in the colonial era when Belizeans had to cycle from village to village to watch sporting events like cricket and football matches.

Visit Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

The ATM Cave is one of the most popular tours in Belize and visitors to this cave attest that the experience is not only breathtaking but also one of a kind. The cave is located in the karstic limestone terrain of Roaring Creek Valley in Cayo and is approximately 5 km long and contains a perennial stream that runs through it including a ledge with twostelae and a large chamber full of intact human remains and Maya pots.

According to Jaime Awe, Director of Archaeology , the ATM Cave was a sacred place to the Maya who utilized the cave during the classic period AD 250-909.

This Easter Break is a good chance to explore and learn more about the remarkable history of this cave.

Dive or Snorkel with Whale Sharks

Easter Break is an excellent time to snorkel or dive with the magnificent whale sharks at the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve near Placencia Belize. The giant whale sharks are attracted to this reserve by the spawn of the mutton and cuberra snapper which they enjoy eating.

For those who do not know, the whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and one of the largest creatures of any kind alive today. Despite their size, whale sharks are remarkably gentle and curious and thus swimming with them is a special treat for divers and snorkelers.

Spend a weekend in Placencia

Placencia was recently nominated as one of the best beach destinations in the Caribbean by Turopia, a popular travel blog in the world and is an ideal eco-destination to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, deep sea fishing, diving and even exploring Maya ruins.

ChabilMar, a guest exclusive resort is located right on the beach and can serve as a base to explore the natural attractions in Placencia and surrounding areas.

Visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins in Cayo District

Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins are the most visited Maya sites in the Cayo District.

Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above theMopan River and served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the late terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region. Xunantunich’s name means “stone woman” in the Maya language and “El Castillo”, the largest pyramid offers an impressive and panoramic view of the area.

Cahal Pech, one of the oldest recognizable Maya sites in Belize dates back to 1200 BCE and was home to an elite Maya family. The site consists of 34 structures with the tallest temple being about 25 meters in height which is situated around a central acropolis.

According to archaeologists, the site was abandoned in the 9th century CE for unknown reasons.

For more information about the adventures, tours, and excursions available to our guests from Placencia and Chabil Mar, chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.