7 Reasons Placencia Is The Ultimate Vacation Spot In Belize

Placencia is a name that seems to evoke peace and tranquility, and there’s definitely an air of that in this small fishing village along Belize’s southern coast. But there’s a reason why Placencia draws travelers from all over the world in numbers far outstripping most of Belize’s other mainland settlements.

Here’s why Placencia is the perfect Belize travel destination for you.

The narrow peninsula on which Placencia is placed is 16 miles long but only about half a mile wide at many points, meaning that a beach is always right around the corner no matter where you are in Placencia.

It’s one of the best places to see whale sharks in the Caribbean. Whale shark migration patterns see them passing by Placencia from March through June, and you can even swim with these gentle giants if you time it right.

Placencia is home to two of Belize’s most interesting ethnic groups. Creole people are common in Placencia, and the nearby settlement of Seine Bight is the best place to interact with the Garifuna people.

The beaches may be the main attraction, but Placencia is home to the narrowest main street in the world. This pedestrian sidewalk may only be four feet wide, but it’s filled with colorful murals and a ton of local color in the form of quirky boutique shops and restaurants.

It’s still mostly a fishing village. While there are a decent amount of tourists who come to Placencia, it still maintains the sensibilities of a legitimate small fishing community. If you want a break from crowds of North Americans, it’s a far cry from Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye.

It’s ideally positioned for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef. Placencia is just a few miles away, providing visitors to the fishing village with snorkeling and diving opportunities that allow you to catch a glimpse of everything from sea turtles and manatees to dolphins and sharks.

Monkey River is about 10 miles away from Placencia proper, but it’s well worth a visit for anyone who hasn’t been. The river got its name from the large population of black howler monkeys who live along the bank, but chances are that you’ll see all types of indigenous life.

There’s no vacation destination quite like Placencia, and there’s no better way to explore Placencia than in the luxuriant resort of Chabil Mar. With different Belize vacation packages for any sensibility, we’re the premium choice for Belize travel accommodations.