30 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Placencia | Apr 2025
Snorkel and Island Experience at Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Laughing Bird Caye is a National Park and World Heritage Site. It is a long and narrow island known for its abundance of marine life and corals.
4.75 (71 reviews)
From $150.00
Private Cave Tubing & Xunantunich (Mayan Ruins) From Placencia
We will visit one of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Belize, Xunantunich! Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals.
4.91 (129 reviews)
From $250.00
PRIVATE Xunantunich Mayan Ruin & Cave Tubing adventure from Placencia
An excellent choice for all ages in your family. There is something for everyone to do and enjoy from the moment you are picked up; with unlimited sight-seeing until you are returned to your drop off point.
4.64 (11 reviews)
From $299.00
Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour
Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal.
4.89 (56 reviews)
From $175.00
Snorkeling at Silk and Moho Caye
Dive into the ultimate underwater adventure around the stunning Silk Caye! Swim with the friendly nurse sharks, graceful sea turtles, and sleek sting rays in their natural habitat.
4.88 (116 reviews)
From $140.63
Monkey River Tour From Placencia
Cruise on the Monkey River and spot Howler monkeys, toucans, manatees, giant iguanas, crocodiles, and other species that call this river their home.
4.71 (14 reviews)
From $135.00
Transfer in Placencia from/to Belize Airport BZE and Belize City
Our professional transportation services ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Book now for comfortable and timely transfers from Placencia to your destination, whether it's the airport for your departure or Belize City for your next adventure.
5.00 (10 reviews)
From $150.00
Snorkel the Perfect Tropical Isle Silk Caye with Turtles, Rays and Sharks
Silk Cayes is a marine reserve consisting of 3 small islands formerly known as the Queen Cayes. This Marine Reserve hosts over 25 species of reef fish, with a variety of coral and other marine life! The Silk Caye is one of healthiest areas in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System due to its location and protected status.
4.83 (96 reviews)
From $180.00
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
Hike up to witness the Cockscomb Waterfalls and ride inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River along with a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife at a nature reserve in Belize.
4.96 (54 reviews)
From $140.00
Half Day Snorkel to Laughing Bird Caye
Come explore the incredible marine life of Belize! From curious clownfish to majestic coral reefs, you won’t be disappointed.
4.63 (19 reviews)
From $123.75
Nim li Punit Mayan Ruin and The Living Maya Experience from Plancencia
The Living Maya Experience offers visitors hugely enjoyable, learning visits to two English-speaking Mayan homes in Big Falls village.
5.00 (1 reviews)
From $291.00
Private Tour to Xunantunich and Cave Tubing
Belize is rich in Mayan history and well known for its incredible caves system as well as the magnificent site of Xunantunich hosting the tallest building in Belize “El Castillo” once used by the ancient Maya, these are two of Belize's most popular attractions combined in one package, enjoy a full day exploring the Mayan world and underworld Xibalba, hiking, floating and being immersed in Mayan history! .
5.00 (5 reviews)
From $250.00
Mayan Chocolate Making & Waterfall Swimming From Placencia
This half day tour of chocolate making starts from the cacao tree and ends with a Mayan chocolate bar in your hands. you will visit a small cacao farm where the farmer gives you a complete history of his organic cacao farm and detailed explanation of how the beans are extracted from the pods.
5.00 (11 reviews)
From $120.00
Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw
Buckle up for an epic adventure as you embark on a scenic 100-mile drive through the lush hills of Belize. Your destination? Jaguar Paw, where you'll journey deep into the heart of ancient Maya culture.
5.00 (22 reviews)
From $174.38
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
You will be picked up from an agreed location in Placencia and taken on a drive to the Jaguar Preserve/Cockscomb basin. Enjoy either river tubing or swim at a waterfall or do both.
4.58 (31 reviews)
From $139.00
Private Xunantunich Mayan Ruins & Inland Blue Hole Tour from Placencia
This tour will leave you longing for more Belizean adventures; as you'll leave with memories you'll cherish for your lifetime.
5.00 (4 reviews)
From $280.00
Learn to Cook Mayan Style & Make Your Own Chocolate Bar
Leave Placencia at 08:30 am for a scenic drive to experience Maya culture first hand, participate in Mayan cooking and visit a Mayan cacao farm and processing factory.
From $250.00
Zipline at Bocawina
Head to Bocawina, home to Belize’s longest zipline. Extending 2 ½ miles across the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, you can observe the rain forest from a bird’s eye view.
5.00 (3 reviews)
From $195.00
Belize International Airport - Placencia PRIVATE SHUTTLE
Untame Belize specializes in punctuality and reliability and charges a fixed price for each route, meaning you can save a lot of money, especially if you’re traveling in bigger groups.
4.81 (16 reviews)
From $32.00
Horseback Riding in Hopkins
Embark on a horseback riding tour at a private ranch which even children can enjoy. These trained horses will take through the groves in the rainforest and to the river for a swim.
5.00 (6 reviews)
From $185.00
Jungle ATV Riding & Mayan Chocolate Farm tour from Placencia
This tour is designed to give guest the opportunity to get 2 tours done in one day, for one price. Look forward to experiencing deep Mayan culture with authentic traditional chocolate making practices.
From $249.99
PRIVATE Cave Tubing & Zipline Tour with lunch from Placencia
Travel privately with your group in a comfortable, clean and updated vehicle with enough space for each guest. This tour is definitely one of the most popular attractions for most visitors to Belize.
4.50 (2 reviews)
From $239.99
ATM Cave
Start with a drive through the beautiful countryside to the village of Teakettle. From there, head into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and pass through mahogany groves and orchards.
5.00 (2 reviews)
From $281.25
Monkey River & Manatee Watch
MONKEY RIVER & MANATEE WATCH The most popular tour out of Placencia! Take a 40-minute boat ride through the mangroves and Caribbean Sea to enter the mouth of Monkey River at Monkey River Village.
4.78 (100 reviews)
From $120.00
ATM Caves From placencia
ATM is the crown jewel of all of Belize’s archaeological treasure. This is one of the most unforgettable and adventurous underground tours you can make in Belize.
5.00 (14 reviews)
From $245.00
Xunantunich Half-Day Tour from Placencia with Lunch
A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel.
4.50 (4 reviews)
From $300.00
Fishing "like a native" & Island-Time Getaway Experience
Belize's aquatic ecosystem is rich with a diverse number of fish and excellent fishing and snorkeling grounds. We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in Belize’s culture and lifestyle and to embrace the life altering experience that only a Belizean experience can provide! The catch of the day will be cleaned and fillet for you to keep.
4.56 (9 reviews)
From $950.00
Mayan Ruins & Cave Tubing
A scenic 100-mile drive through the hills of Belize leads to a visit to El Castillo, one of the largest Maya temples in Belize.
4.97 (68 reviews)
From $256.42
Tikal Mayan Adventure - 1 Day Tour
Check out the most famous ancient Maya site ever discovered - Tikal which is located just across the western border of Belize in Guatemala.
5.00 (7 reviews)
From $330.00
Combine 2 of Belizes most popular activities into 1 great package from Placencia
We will visit one of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Belize, Xunantunich! Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals.
4.86 (29 reviews)
From $200.00
What activities can I do in Placencia?
1. Enjoy the Beaches: Placencia is known for its stunning white sand beaches. Spend your days sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the colorful coral reefs just offshore. 2. Visit the Placencia Sidewalk: Take a stroll along the famous Placencia Sidewalk, a narrow pathway that runs the length of the village. Along the way, you'll find charming shops, restaurants, and bars. Don't miss the chance to try some delicious local cuisine, such as fresh seafood and traditional Belizean dishes. 3. Take a Boat Tour: Embark on a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and cayes. Visit Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You can also go on a fishing excursion or take a sunset cruise to enjoy the breathtaking views. 4. Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Just a short drive from Placencia, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the world's first jaguar preserve. Take a hike through the lush rainforest, spot exotic birds and wildlife, and swim in the cool waterfalls and natural pools. 5. Go on a Monkey River Tour: Join a guided tour to Monkey River, located south of Placencia. Cruise along the river, spotting howler monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of bird species. You'll also have the opportunity to take a jungle hike and learn about the local flora and fauna. 6. Dive the Great Blue Hole: Placencia is a great base for divers looking to explore the famous Great Blue Hole. This underwater sinkhole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers incredible diving opportunities to discover unique marine life and stunning underwater formations. 7. Visit Mayan Ruins: Take a day trip to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun. These archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilization. 8. Experience Garifuna Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Garifuna culture by attending traditional drumming and dancing performances. You can also visit the Garifuna village of Seine Bight, where you can learn about their customs, traditions, and cuisine. 9. Try Water Sports: Placencia is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangroves or go windsurfing and kiteboarding in the Caribbean Sea. You can also go deep-sea fishing or take a boat tour to spot dolphins and whale sharks. 10. Relax at a Spa: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at one of the luxury resorts in Placencia. Indulge in a massage, facial, or body treatment while enjoying the tranquil surroundings and stunning ocean views.
When is the best time to travel to Placencia?
The best time to travel to Placencia, Belize is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers the most comfortable weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). The dry season also sees a decrease in rainfall, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring the nearby cayes. However, it's worth noting that this is also the peak tourist season, so the beaches and popular attractions may be more crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of November to December or April, when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists. The wet season in Placencia occurs from May to October, characterized by higher temperatures and more frequent rainfall. While this period can be less crowded and offer better deals on accommodations, it's important to note that some activities and tours may be limited due to weather conditions. Additionally, June to November is also the hurricane season in Belize, so it's advisable to stay updated on weather forecasts and travel advisories if you plan to visit during this time. Overall, the best time to travel to Placencia depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and activities.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Placencia
Placencia, Belize is a beautiful coastal village located in the Stann Creek District. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. The travel culture in Placencia is a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and immersion in the local way of life. One of the highlights of Placencia's travel culture is its laid-back atmosphere. The village is known for its slow-paced lifestyle, where time seems to move a little slower. Visitors can unwind on the pristine beaches, take leisurely walks along the famous Placencia Sidewalk, or simply enjoy the stunning sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. Placencia also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities. The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides excellent diving and snorkeling experiences. Visitors can explore the colorful coral reefs, swim with marine life, and even dive into the famous Great Blue Hole. Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy deep-sea fishing or fly fishing in the surrounding waters. The local Garifuna culture is an integral part of Placencia's travel experience. The Garifuna people are descendants of African slaves and indigenous Carib people and have a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Garifuna culture by participating in traditional drumming and dancing sessions, tasting authentic Garifuna cuisine, and learning about their history and traditions. Placencia is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. Visitors can explore local art galleries and craft shops, where they can find unique handmade souvenirs and artworks. The village hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Placencia Lobsterfest, showcasing the local seafood and culture. In terms of accommodations, Placencia offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury beach resorts to cozy guesthouses and eco-lodges, there is something for everyone. Many accommodations are designed to blend with the natural surroundings, offering a truly immersive experience in the beauty of Placencia. Overall, Placencia's travel culture is a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Visitors can experience the laid-back atmosphere, explore the stunning natural wonders, and connect with the friendly locals to create unforgettable memories in this charming coastal village.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Placencia
When visiting Placencia, Belize, there are several unique items that you can consider adding to your shopping list or purchasing as souvenirs. Here are some popular options: 1. Belizean Chocolate: Belize is known for its high-quality cacao, and you can find a variety of locally made chocolates in Placencia. Look for bars, truffles, or hot chocolate mixes to bring back the rich flavors of Belize. 2. Handmade Crafts: Placencia has a vibrant artisan community, and you can find a wide range of handmade crafts such as woven baskets, wood carvings, pottery, and jewelry. These items often showcase traditional Belizean designs and craftsmanship. 3. Belizean Rum: Belize produces its own rum, and you can find a selection of local brands in Placencia. Consider picking up a bottle of Belizean rum to enjoy during your trip or to take back home as a souvenir. 4. Garifuna Drums: The Garifuna people have a rich cultural heritage in Belize, and their traditional drums are a popular souvenir. These handcrafted drums come in various sizes and are often decorated with intricate designs. 5. Belizean Art: Placencia is home to many talented artists, and you can find galleries and shops showcasing their work. Look for paintings, sculptures, or prints that capture the beauty of Belize's landscapes, wildlife, or culture. 6. Belizean Coffee: Belizean coffee is gaining recognition for its unique flavors. Look for locally roasted coffee beans or ground coffee to take home and enjoy a taste of Belize every morning. 7. Local Spices and Hot Sauces: Belizean cuisine is known for its flavorful spices and hot sauces. Consider picking up some local spices or hot sauces to add a Belizean twist to your meals back home. 8. Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products: Placencia has a few shops that sell handmade soaps and skincare products made with natural ingredients. These make for great gifts or personal indulgences. Remember to check customs regulations and restrictions regarding the import of certain items, especially food and agricultural products, when bringing souvenirs back home.
Placencia travel review
Placencia, Belize: A Tropical Paradise Awaits Nestled along the stunning coastline of Belize lies the picturesque village of Placencia. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and abundant marine life, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a tropical paradise. With its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, Placencia offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all who venture here. One of the main attractions of Placencia is its stunning beaches. Stretching over 16 miles, the white sandy shores are a sight to behold. Whether you're looking to relax under the shade of a palm tree, take a leisurely stroll along the water's edge, or indulge in thrilling water sports, Placencia's beaches have something for everyone. The crystal-clear turquoise waters invite you to take a refreshing dip or explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling or diving. With an abundance of colorful coral reefs and marine life, including turtles, rays, and tropical fish, Placencia offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. Beyond its natural beauty, Placencia boasts a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its charming village. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll be captivated by the vibrant colors of the traditional Creole houses and the friendly smiles of the locals. The village is home to a diverse community, consisting of Creole, Garifuna, Maya, and expatriates from around the world, creating a melting pot of cultures that is reflected in the local cuisine, music, and art. Don't miss the chance to savor the mouthwatering flavors of Belizean cuisine, such as fresh seafood, coconut-infused dishes, and delicious street food. For those seeking adventure, Placencia offers a plethora of activities to satisfy your adrenaline cravings. Embark on a thrilling jungle expedition to explore the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world's first jaguar reserve. Hike through lush rainforests, swim in cascading waterfalls, and spot a variety of exotic wildlife along the way. If you're a water enthusiast, take a kayak or paddleboard tour through the mangroves, where you can encounter manatees and crocodiles in their natural habitat. And for the ultimate adventure, hop on a boat and head out to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for world-class snorkeling or diving experiences. Placencia also offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy eco-lodges, you'll find the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and breathtaking ocean views, or opt for a more immersive experience by staying in a traditional thatched-roof cabana. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, Placencia has it all. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and abundance of activities, this tropical paradise is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace the warmth of the Belizean sun, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in Placencia.