Belize Travel Archives - Page 3 of 7

Why I Love Laughing Bird Caye in Belize

Posted on August 9, 2024

A beautiful and stunning Belizean Isle, Laughing Bird Caye is located 11 miles from Placencia Village in Southern Belize and is an ideal base for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, almost all travelers who vacation in Placencia visit this gorgeous piece of paradise for a full day of diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and even picnicking.

Laughing Bird Caye got its name from the Laughing Gulls – the birds that once used to breed on the Caye, however due to a growing human presence, the colonies moved to a nearby undisturbed Caye for breeding. Presently, the Island is home to a number of exotic birds like the brown pelican, green heron, and melodious blackbird.

The island stands on an elongated ridge of reef known as faro which is an angular atoll on a continental shelf, also known as shelf atoll, and is an important part of the Belize Barrier Reef System.

Last year in August, I stayed at Chabil Mar, a luxurious and elegant resort in Placencia and took a day trip with Splash Belize to explore Laughing Bird Caye.

I departed Placencia Village around 9am and arrived at this beautiful island an hour later to be astonished by the natural beauty of the atoll. I discovered a white sandy beach, scattered coconut trees and mangroves and a number of interesting plants like the spider lily, seaside purslane, morning glory and black mangrove in the 1.4 acre island.

“This reserve was declared a protected area on December 21, 1991 and is managed by the Placencia based community, Friends of Nature,” announced our guide when we were stepping out of the boat.

“It is a snorkeler’s heaven and the uniqueness of its structure contributes to both the abundance and variety of coral habitats and marine life”, he added.

We learned that the park is divided into three zones – the recreational zone, buffer zone and the preservation zone which is also known as the bird restoration zone. It was also interesting to hear that the laughing gulls have started to return to the island due to the conservation efforts that have been instituted by the park rangers that live onsite.

Our guide concluded his presentation of the national park and we then headed to snorkel around the shallow waters of the island.

Sea turtles, sting rays, barracudas, moray eels, black groupers, grunts, lobsters, crabs and snappers were just a few of the many fascinating marine creatures that we encountered.

We were also amazed at the profusion of color and life that exists in the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Many of our wedding and honeymoon couples visit Laughing Bird Caye for a beautiful and romantic adventure. Chabil Mar offers concierge services to reserve the adventures of Belize on your behalf.

The Meaningful Belize Vacation: Don’t Just Visit; Immerse Yourself!

Posted on July 5, 2024

You’re not imagining things if the word “immersion” peppers conversations these days. It’s become the ultimate experience, a lesson not ignored by the travel industry eager to allow every traveler an opportunity to experience destinations like locals.

Immersive journeys go beyond the ordinary because tourists do more than visit; they come with the purposeful intent to absorb the culture. Folks eager to immerse themselves in Belize, say that these eight experiences do the job best!

1. Placencia Beaches. Considered the Riviera of Central America, Placencia beaches receive more ink than other Belize shorelines because beach fans can frequent the Caribbean and/or lagoon side.

2. The Belize Barrier Reef. While also affording fans of scuba diving opportunities to see a magical world below the surface, the reef is experiencing cutting-edge ecological restoration measures to keep this precious landmark vital for many generations to come.

3. Belize Nature Parks. There is a total of 17 throughout Belize, but if you can only immerse yourself in one, make it the Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve where the world’s only jaguar reserve exists.

4. Belize wildlife. How to immerse yourself if time is at a premium? A Monkey River tour treats visitors to birds, ocelots, giant iguanas, tapirs, deer, crocodiles, bats, and perhaps manatees. Black howler monkeys are the stars of the show.

5. Belize Cayes. Belize Cayes are perfect places for visitors more interested in wildlife than nightlife. Add Laughingbird and the Silk Cayes to your itinerary if you love tranquility.

6. Belize’s history. Once home to brilliant Maya societies, visitors still stand in awe of the 900 ruins, caves, and excavations within the nation’s borders. ATM Cave, Nim Li Punit, and Xunantunich are not to be missed.

7. Belize culture. You would be hard-pressed to find a nation this small offering so much diversity. If people of the world intrigue you, get to know some of the 417,009 people you’ll meet whose heritages include Mestizo, Creole, Maya, East Indian, and especially Garifuna.

8. Belize food. As a direct result of the amalgam of people who have called Belize home for centuries, Belize puts a new face on the concept of fusion cookery. Belize’s wine and beer industries are becoming world-renowned.

How to immerse yourself in every one of these during your 2024 Belize vacation? Sojourn at Chabil Mar Resort on Placencia where Belize vacation packages and specials remove the work of planning so you have time to focus on tours that not only cover all eight of these recommendations but go above and beyond them.

Chabil Mar management partners with the highest quality independent guides, so your experiences will extend beyond the ordinary. Said one wise fan of immersive travel so eloquently, “When we aren’t afraid to immerse ourselves in a new place, we discover things that few other people will.” If you’d like to count yourself among these fortunate travelers, why settle for an ordinary vacation when the memories you make during an immersive visit are so much more powerful?

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.

10 Reasons to Attend the 2024 Placencia Lobsterfest in Belize

Posted on November 5, 2023

In 2024, the Placencia Lobsterfest will commence on July 5th, and as we all know the festival is a grand celebration of the opening of the lobster season in Belize. Thousands of local and international visitors will attend this event which is organized by the Placencia BTIA and the Placencia Village Council.

Here are ten good reasons why you have to attend the Lobsterfest in Placencia in 2024:

1.) Because it is one of the biggest and best food festivals in Belize and the world, even MSNBC agrees: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22540834/#.U42yMnb6NHA

2.) Because lobster is one of the most delicious foods on earth

3.) Because it is the only time you can eat lobster in different forms: grilled, fried, stewed, and boiled

4.) Because the event commemorates Fisherman’s Day and serves as a fundraiser for community projects in Placencia

5.) Because the event shows that the locals have not forgotten their roots and heritage. Note: before tourism became the main source of revenue for Placencia, lobster fishing was the primary source of income for the residents.

6.) Because the Lobster Festival has something for everyone – not only great food but also great music!

7.) Because you can also enjoy Placencia beaches which have been rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean

8.) Because you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving on the second largest barrier reef in the world

9.) Because you can also stay at Chabil Mar, one of the best resorts in Belize

10.) Because the Lobster Fest event is only held once a year it will not disappoint you

This is the most popular event of the season in Placencia so we hope to see you there!

Copa Airlines Boosts Panama-Belize Flights: Unveiling a World of Adventure and Beauty

Posted on April 26, 2023

Expanded Flight Schedule for Easy Access to Belize’s Charm

Copa Airlines is set to make exploring the enchanting lands of Belize even more accessible for travelers from Latin America and beyond. Beginning this June, the airline will increase its service between Panama and Belize, adding flights on Tuesdays and Fridays.

This enhanced connectivity, combined with the excellent connections offered by Copa Airlines through its Hub of the Americas in Panama, will open up new opportunities for travelers from the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe to experience Belize’s unique charm.

Ready to embark on your Belizean adventure? Book your flights today at copaair.com. The new flight schedule is as follows:

Departs Panama (PTY): 3:10 pm, Arrives Belize City (BZE): 4:27 pm
Departs Belize City (BZE): 5:21 pm, Arrives Panama (PTY): 8:50 pm
Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700

Copa Airlines ensures passengers enjoy a comfortable journey on their Boeing 737-700 aircraft, equipped with modern amenities for a delightful flying experience.

Discover Belize’s Cultural and Natural Wonders

Belize, known for its captivating natural beauty, boasts the largest living barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and a diverse range of wildlife. A melting pot of cultures, the country offers a rich cultural tapestry woven with Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo influences.

With Copa Airlines’ increased service and seamless connections, exploring Belize’s wonders has never been easier. After immersing yourself in Belize’s cultural and natural marvels, we highly recommend travelers head to the idyllic Placencia Peninsula, where Chabil Mar awaits. This upscale haven offers unparalleled accommodations, service, and access to Belize’s breathtaking landscapes, creating the perfect retreat to unwind and revel in the beauty of this Caribbean gem.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Chabil Mar – book your dream Belize vacation now and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Placencia Named the Perfect Coastal Town for a Quiet Vacation

Posted on January 11, 2023

The travel magazine The Travel has listed Placencia, Belize, as one of its “10 Beautiful Coastal Towns to Enjoy Some Quiet Vacation.”

As the article says, “Placencia…graces visitors with plenty of white sand beaches and scenic forest areas. Placencia is a place where one can forget all their cares and just enjoy some luxury and scenery at one of the numerous beach resorts.”

Where Is Placencia?

Placencia sits on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula, a 16-mile curved coastline of stunning beaches.

Placencia has a slow, easy pace, and you’ll find yourself slowing down to match it. While you’re here, you’ll enjoy sun-soaked days and relaxing nights.

Take It Easy in Placencia

With white sand, swaying palms, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, Placencia is perfect for people seeking a quiet getaway. Placencia Village, the largest destination on the peninsula, is a short walk from the beachfront. You can stroll through it easily as you check out the dining spots, nightclubs, and shops.

Best Things to Do in Placencia

Some people choose to spend their Placencia vacation on the beach. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are plenty of other activities you should be sure to try while you’re here.

• Check out a beach bar: Placencia has some great beach bars to go with its wonderful beaches. Sit on a waterside dock while you enjoy a frosty tropical drink and watch the sunset.
• Try Belizean food: Food is fresh, affordable, and delicious in Belize. Be sure to try some local specialties like fry jacks, escabeche soup, and rice and beans with stew chicken or fry fish which are a national dish here.
• Enjoy the water: Kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and diving are all popular activities here. Placencia is world famous for the gorgeous marine life in its surrounding waters.
• Visit a wildlife sanctuary: Placencia is close to some of Belize’s most beautiful marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where to Stay in Placencia

At Chabil Mar, you’ll have everything you need for a blissful Belize getaway. Walking distance to Placencia Village, the resort offers private beachfront villas, two infinity swimming pools, on-site dining, and gorgeous landscaping. With tour offerings and great guest amenities, you’ll enjoy the best of Placencia.

For more information about 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 or WhatsApp us at +501-633-7547.