What first comes to mind when you think of Belize? If you’re like most people, you would probably say crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich aquatic life that you can marvel at by diving. You can find all of these things in Placencia, once a sleepy village that has transformed into a tourism hub because of its rich natural beauty. The hospitality landscape here is diverse as you can even book stays in non-conventional accommodations such as Airbnb vacation rentals. Those who are looking to enjoy a hassle-free escapade can have the all-inclusive resorts near Placencia as a refuge. So you will know what to expect when you have a holiday here, check out this guide on the top things to do in Placencia, Belize.
1. Explore the jungle with Monkey River Eco Tours (from USD 120.0)
If you want a change of pace from the usual water-based activities offered by Belize, make like an explorer and enter the jungle to look for local wildlife. Expect to see black howler monkeys roving the area. Once you’ve had your fill of the jungle, hop on a boat and maneuver your way through a mangrove forest, where you can spot crocodiles, turtles, and manatees. Along the way, you will stop by a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional lunch (the price of the meal is exclusive of the tour package rate).
Monkey River Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch
Duration: 7 hours
2. Arrange a scuba-diving tour with Seahorse Dive Shop
Ask the locals what must-try activities in Placencia Belize should tourists try and you’ll surely hear scuba diving. Not seeing the rich marine life here is missing out on half of the fun and beauty that it offers. Thankfully, Seahorse Dive Shop is there to give you a crash course on diving so you can explore the depths and rich aquatic life of Belize. Instructors are patient to walk (and swim) beginners through the process.
The company also offers a seasonal package that will allow you to swim with whale sharks. There are other tours and activities as well, including non-water-based attractions such as caving and trekking.
Seahorse Dive Shop
Address: Main Street, Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, Belize
Website: Seahorse Dive Shop
3. See local artworks at Art n Soul Gallery
Just In! New selection of prints by Debbie Cooper, Nelson Young and Walter Castillo... This image from Debbie was one...
Posted by Art n Soul Gallery on Saturday, 2 June 2012
If you want to bring home a souvenir that’s uniquely Placencia, drop by Art n Soul Gallery and take your pick from the paintings, jewelry, tapestries, and tabletop accessories made by local artists. Many of the items are in bright colors, so they are sure to liven up a room. If you didn’t find what you are looking for, you can actually commission a piece from the gallery so they can look for a local artist to do it for you.
Art n Soul Gallery
Address: On the Famous Sidewalk, Steps from the Municipal Pier, Placencia, Belize
Facebook page: Art n Soul Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (on Sundays, knock on the door)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Have a sea-kayaking and camping adventure with Kayak Belize
Placencia may best be known for its water-themed activities, but did you know that there are camping grounds here as well? Camping enthusiasts will enjoy staying on one or more of the islands around the area. Staff from Kayak Belize can provide expert advice on where to set up camp, and you can rent the gear from them if you wish to go solo (make sure to bring your own food and water). If you want to experience the added thrill of sea kayaking, you can rent the proper equipment from them as well.
Kayak Belize
Address: Placencia, Belize
Website: Kayak Belize
Price: From 35 USD
5. See the best that Placencia can offer with Placencia Adventures
With so many activities that you can do in Placencia, it can get stressful to choose and organize the activities that you can do during your holiday there. Why stress yourself out when you can actually get the advice of experts who can help you in planning and organizing these trips. Placencia Adventures is owned by Ainsworth “Cubby” Leslie, a local who can give you the lowdown on what to do in town. Whatever your plans, be it snorkeling, diving, exploring Mayan ruins, trekking through the jungle, or even visiting a chocolate factory, Placencia Adventures can arrange your schedule for you.
6. Enjoy the view at Placencia Municipal Pier and Plaza
Its municipal pier and plaza is the heart of Placencia. Not only can you find boats docking there, but you can also drop by shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments situated in the area. If you’re looking for souvenirs, make your way here to find different knickknacks to bring home. You can take photographs at the pier for memory keeping too. There are bars here as well if you want to enjoy listening to music and dancing.
Placencia Municipal Pier and Plaza
Address: Placencia Sidewalk, Placencia, Belize
Opening hours: 24 hours
7. Check out the works of a local artist at Lola's Art Studio
12 X 18 FIVE FRIENDS 2018
Posted by LOLA'S ART GALLERY on Friday, 27 July 2018
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Placencia, Belize, consider supporting the local art community by visiting Lola’s Art Studio. It is a gallery owned and operated by the artist herself, Lola Delgado. Her works are bright and cheery, perfect for helping liven up an otherwise dreary room. Besides paintings, she also sells jewellery and tabletop accessories.
Don’t want to carry home your purchased items with you? Don’t worry, because you can actually order her works online.
Lola's Art Studio
Address: Seine Bight, Peninsula, Placencia, Belize
Facebook page: Lola’s Art Studio
8. Go tubing along a river and inside caves with Placencia Eagle Ray Tours
Tubing can be a fun and lazy way to spend the day. The experience offered by Placencia Eagle Ray Tours, however, is far from being lazy. After a scenic 2.5-hour drive, you will be taken to a jungle, where you can go tubing through caves and see awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites. For an additional fee, you can zoom down a zip line as well. The tour is inclusive of lunch, along with the services of a tour guide who will give you interesting information about the history of the Mayan civilization.
Placencia Eagle Ray Tours
Address: Placencia Sidewalk, Placencia, Belize
Website: Placencia Eagle Ray Tours
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
Price: From 140 USD
9. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at Dawn's Grill
Dawn’s Grill is one of the top restaurants, if not the best, in Placencia—a no-frills establishment that serves filling and flavorful food. Their specialties are meat and fresh seafood, all prepared from scratch. Their lobster offerings (tails, curry, creole, and fajitas) are must-tries, as well as the shrimp options. Carnivores, meanwhile, have steaks to choose from. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are also dishes offered here that fit right into your dietary preferences.
Dawn's Grill
Address: Placencia Rd, Placencia, Belize
Website: Dawn’s Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
10. Experience the Belize nightlife by living it up at J-Byrd's Bar
J-Byrd's bar from the dock. Nice and quiet, even when they're working on the new sheeting up the beach.
Posted by Bruce A Sardeson on Thursday, 17 May 2012
Don’t let its rustic facade fool you. J-Byrd’s Bar is one of the liveliest of its kind in Placencia, with both locals and tourists flocking to this hangout to enjoy the live music, play darts or billiards, have a few drinks, or just people-watch. It can get particularly packed on Friday evenings, so those looking for places to visit in Placencia, Belize, to dance the night away should arrive early.
J-Byrd's Bar
Address: Placencia Rd, Placencia, Belize
Facebook page: J-Byrd’s Bar
Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)
11. Experience sailing with Nautical Adventures Belize LTD
What better way to enjoy the famed sunset of Belize than to do so from the water? With Nautical Adventures Belize, you can enjoy sailing to Laughing Bird Caye National Park or a private island. Alternatively, you can arrange a sailing adventure at sunset for that added romantic touch. Meals or snacks are already inclusive of the rates, depending on the package that you avail, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The company also offers snorkeling tours.
Nautical Adventures Belize LTD
Address: Placencia Rd near the football field, Placencia Village, Belize
Website: Nautical Adventures Belize LTD
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 80 USD
12. Get tipsy at Tipsy Tuna
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Tipsy Tuna on Friday, July 29, 2022
Tipsy Tuna is a popular beachfront bar and restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and beach parties. Situated in the charming village of Placencia, Tipsy Tuna offers a laid-back and tropical ambiance where you can enjoy refreshing drinks, including fruity cocktails and ice-cold beers while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
The bar often hosts live music, DJs, and beach parties, creating a festive and entertaining vibe. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors to unwind, socialize, and dance the night away. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, enjoy some good company, or dance under the stars, getting tipsy at Tipsy Tuna promises a fantastic and unforgettable time in Placencia, Belize.
Tipsy Tuna
Address: 276 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045, United States
Website: Tipsy Tuna
Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)
13. Take a walk at the narrowest main street
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Placencia’s main street is famously known as “The Sidewalk,” a narrow, pedestrian-friendly path parallel to the beautiful Caribbean shoreline. Lined with colorful buildings, shops, restaurants, and local vendors, The Sidewalk is a vibrant and bustling promenade, allowing you to explore the town’s vibrant culture and laid-back atmosphere.
As you stroll along this charming street, you’ll encounter friendly locals, artisans, and musicians, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The Sidewalk is an excellent place to shop for local souvenirs, indulge in Belizean cuisine, or enjoy the breathtaking sea views.
14. Snorkel with turtles at Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (from USD 450.0)
At Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, you will be able to live out your childhood dream (don’t worry, we won’t judge) of being a mermaid. Visit this area to swim with turtles and a variety of fishes, as well as spot beautiful coral reefs while you’re in the water. Challenge yourself by attempting to catch lobsters or scavenge for conch shells to enjoy for your lunch. A tour package from Viator also includes complimentary scuba-diving lessons if you wish to see the local marine life up close.
Private Boat Charter for a Day at Sea
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
15. Take a private scuba-diving lesson (from USD 250.0)
Here’s another option for you if you’re interested in learning how to scuba dive while in Placencia. This package starts with a private instructor giving you an orientation on diving, coupled with practicing underwater maneuvers so you can get used to wearing the equipment and moving in the water. Once you’re comfortable, you are then taken to a shallow reef. After a short break for lunch, you will then be brought to a deeper spot so you can see more of the underwater life around Placencia. You’ll be accompanied by your instructor at all times, so don’t worry.
Discover Scuba Diving
16. Detox your body and senses at Champagne Island
Some people head over to Belize to party. However, if you want to go the other route and spend your holiday close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban living, Champagne Island may just have the solution for you. This travel company arranges quiet getaways to an eco-friendly and scenic spot in Placencia, Belize, for travelers who want to go back to a simpler and more peaceful time.
You will feel close to nature at this destination, as you will have the opportunity to see the endemic flora and fauna in the area. You will also have the chance to try local cuisine during your visit.
Champagne Island
Address: Lagoon, Placencia, Belize
Facebook page: Champagne Island
Peaceful holiday in Placencia
Placencia may have evolved into a resort town in the past years, but there are still traces of the sleepy village it once was. Use this article as a guide to help you come up with the most unforgettable Belize holiday in your lifetime.
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