Did you know that Belize was proclaimed one of the top destinations in 2017? Precisely this small tropical country is the place where shot real photos as a postcards.
Lush vegetation, jungles, misty mountains and the Caribbean Sea are certainly strong reasons to visit the hidden gems of the Caribbean – Placencia peninsula located on the southeastern shores of Belize. Hidden gem possesses miles long sandy beach and is only 30 minutes drive with small seaplane from the capital of Belize.
The Spaniards that traveled the southern coast of Belize gave Placencia its name. At that time Placencia was called Placentia, with the point being called Punta Placentia, or Pleasant Point. In the late 20th century it became a significant tourism destination, and is now referred to as Placencia Village, or simply Placencia.
The eastern side of the Peninsula is a long expanse of white sand beach and heavy mangrove in some areas; the western side is bounded by a long narrow north-south trending bay of the Caribbean Sea. A significant settlement on the peninsula is the Garifuna village of Seine Bight. This peninsula is in the Guinness Book of Records because it has the shortest main street in the world.
The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll that offers protected snorkeling and swimming, a white sand beach and many cooling palm trees for beach girls to cool off (it even has hammocks!).
Laughing Bird Caye is also a favorite camping site for reef kayakers who base their expeditions in Placencia. A hotel can also arrange deep sea or reef fishing trips, or day sailing on a 36-foot catamaran.
There are many places to stay in Placencia – from low-cost lodging to all inclusive Belize Resorts such as Chabil Mar Villas and others. Snorkeling is easily accessible from virtually any point from the beach. The waters are clear and shallow – often just a few steps from your hotel room to find an excellent snorkel spot.
High season in Placencia begins the week before Christmas and lasts until late April. During the full moons of May and June the town hops as whale sharks come to spawn in the nearby waters.