Placencia is laid back and worry-free
Placencia hugs a narrow peninsula along the Belizean coast and has carved out a niche as one of the top seaside spots in Central America. Its laidback ambience and worry-free lifestyle has long been a magnet for foreign ex-pats, who come to retire along its sunny shores. If you've scored a waterfront Placencia vacation rental, you can spend your days swinging in a hammock while sipping on a freshly-cut coconut and reading a book, or head off for seafaring adventures in search of giant whale sharks and colorful corals. The perfect place for a little winter sun with the family.
Garifuna culture in Placencia
While Placencia doesn't have all that much in the way of historical attractions, it exudes Garifuna and Creole cultures in everyday life. There's no better place to experience their unique music, food and art than the charming village of Seine Bight, where old tradition and rituals are still present to this day. Lobsters are heavily regulated in Belize, with seasons for fishing defined and enforced. The start of the season always kicks off with Lobsterfest, a celebration of these delicious crustaceans. If you're a fan of seafood, hop on a plane and stay in a Placencia vacation rental in June where you can have your fill.
Swim with gentle giants in Placencia
First things first: it's unthinkable to vacation in Placencia without at least a day spent diving or snorkeling with an astonishing variety of colorful marine life. Look no further than the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where you can swim with sea turtles and other creatures of the deep. If you've scored a vacation rental between April and July, you're in luck. This is whale shark season and sees dozens of these gentle giants migrate into the warm Belizean waters. Anglers shouldn't forget their rods. You're not going to want to miss an exciting afternoon out at sea, reeling in kingfish and wahoo.
Escape the snows of winter in Placencia
Placencia vacation rentals get busiest between November and April, when the coast is dry and the skies are clear and bright. The beaches might be a little crowded, but that's a price worth paying for a near-perfect climate. Edging closer to rainy season, intrepid travelers might want to consider slipping into Belize to catch the start of lobster season and join in the festivities. If you don't mind the odd tropical downpour and would prefer to explore without the foreign crowds, book up a rental in September or October, when the prices take a nosedive. Just remember to pack an umbrella.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Placencia
Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, Placencia is a great place to get outside. Here are a few of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Placencia Beach (0.8 mi / 1.4 km)
- Maya Beach (6.1 mi / 9.8 km)
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park (12.3 mi / 19.7 km)
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (23.8 mi / 38.4 km)
- Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve (24.1 mi / 38.7 km)
- Hopkins Village Beach (25.7 mi / 41.4 km)
How to get to and around Placencia
The nearest airport is in Placencia (PLJ), located 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Independence and Mango Creek (INB), which is 4.9 mi (7.9 km) away.
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