Planning a trip to Placencia Belize? You’ve come to the right place! With over 15 years in the tourism industry and extensive local knowledge, we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to help you navigate your Belize adventure. From entry requirements to top attractions, this guide will serve as the launch pad to your Belize adventure. It covers everything you need to know for a memorable trip from when to visit, to where to stay, eat, and more!

Belize is home to beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, ancient ruins, and a vibrant culture. Whether you are looking to relax on a beach with a drink, spend all-day deep-sea fishing, or climbing Mayan pyramids, Belize has something to satisfy any traveler. With direct flights from the USA as well as English being the language primarily spoken in Belize, travel to this paradise is safe, and has options available for every budget.

1. Best Time to Visit Belize

Belize enjoys a tropical climate, ensuring relatively consistent temperatures year-round. As such, the country experiences just two main seasons: the Dry and the Wet. This predictable weather pattern makes Belize an ideal destination for travelers at any time of the year.

Dry season runs from November into April and is when you can expect the sunniest weather, larger crowds, and potentially higher prices. It is also when you can experience the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival, End of the World Marathon, and Garifuna Settlement Day.

Late April through the first part of June is when the weather begins to shift from the dry season into the rainy months of June through October. The weeks in between are a good balance of not too hot and not too rainy with smaller crowds and typically lower prices than the dry season.

Lastly, June through October is when you can expect frequent but often brief periods of heavy rain with an occasional thunderstorm, but don’t let that scare you. This also means the lush vegetation of our beautiful country is on full display, leads to our smallest crowds, and is generally the best opportunity for saving money. It is also home to two of the most popular local events, Placencia Lobsterfest in July and the Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament in September.

We have a detailed guide on best time to Visit Placencia Belize.

2. Where to Stay

Whether you are looking for the life of a luxury resort in Placencia, a chance to live like a local while spending your day fishing, or something in between, there are options for everyone in Placencia. Working remote and tired of looking at your front yard? Properties also provide high speed WiFi!

Sirenian Bay – Nestled along the beautiful beaches of Placencia, Sirenian Bay offers luxurious beachfront bungalows and villas with breathtaking ocean views. Stays are available with non and all-inclusive stay options, however a wide variety of activities including kayaking, bicycles, pickleball, and much more are complimentary for all guests.

Captain Jak’s – If your primary objective when you travel is to go on a grand adventure, Captain Jak’s very well might be the perfect place for you. With one and two bedroom options available as well as having an option for virtually any activity you can imagine while visiting our beautiful country, Captain Jak’s gives you an opportunity to live among the locals. Offering both nightly rates as low as $109 and extended stays up to 60 days for as low as $69/night, we offer a unique opportunity for you to dive into the local culture.

3. What to Do

Captain Jak’s Tours is considered by many as the gateway to a world of adventure. Captain Jak’s is a full-service tourism company in Placencia Belize. They help dive (some pun intended) into the spectacular marine life of the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef through tailored snorkeling and diving trips designed to enchant every underwater enthusiast.

If you’re more of a land person, their land tours take you to the verdant rainforests with expert guides for an exhilarating zip-lining experience or a serene hike through lush trails.

If you’re looking for historical landmarks, you can step back in time with visits to ancient Mayan ruins, where you’ll gain insights into the rich historical tapestry of the region.

Captain Jak’s Tours also offers a variety of water sports, including serene kayaking journeys and competitive fishing expeditions. Conclude your day with a breathtaking sunset sail, ensuring your Placencia getaway is filled with unforgettable moments.

If you’re looking for events, check out the many events available to our tourists, from Lobster Fest to End of the World Marathon and More!

Learn more about our what to do category here: What to Do

4. Where to Eat

If food is more your “taste” ;) – then you came to the right place. Placencia Belize offers an array of dining experiences. Start at Inky’s 19th Hole, perfect for a relaxed meal, a drink, a fun round of Minigolf where you’ll find a taste of traditional Belizean cuisine, featuring classics like stewed chicken and rice and beans, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage mixed with American and Tex-Mex favorites.

For a sophisticated evening, visit the Three60 Martini Bar across the street from Inky’s 19ty Hole. The martini Bar is known for its creative cocktails and panoramic views. This spot offers a unique blend of local ingredients with international culinary techniques. Across all these venues, you’ll enjoy vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that showcase the diverse cultures of Belize. Whether savoring the freshest seafood or a hearty stew, the culinary delights here are unforgettable.

5. How to Get Around

When flying into Belize, you will land in Belize City which is approximately 115 miles from Placencia. From there you have the option of either a short 30-minute flight directly to Placencia Airport with shuttles available to help you reach your resort of choice, or a ground transfer which takes around 4 hours depending on stops.

Once you arrive in Placencia, you can navigate around the area via bicycle, golf carts, or taxis. Captain Jak’s is your place for all things golf cart related with rentals available for anywhere from 4 hours up to 4 weeks for extended stays. Other resorts such as Sirenian Bay provide complimentary ground transportation to locations on the peninsula, including trips to Placencia Village in addition to other locations in the area.

6. Travel Requirements

A valid passport and return ticket are necessary for entry to Belize for visits of less than 30 days, and a visa is not required in most cases. While there is no entry fee for Belize, non-Belizeans are required to pay departure fees of approximately $75 that is generally included in your airfare. This departure tax is then used to continue building travel related infrastructure across the country as well as conservation efforts across the country. Learn more about what you need to travel to Belize on our Before You Go.

7. Health and Safety Tips

Placencia, Belize is known for its safety and stability, making it a favorite destination. While traveling anywhere involves some risks, using common sense can mitigate these. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary valuables, lock your doors, use the in-room safe for valuables, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Tap water in Placencia comes from a deep artesian well on the mainland and is safe to drink, however bottled water is always readily available if preferred. No special vaccines are required to enter Belize. The risk for insect born diseases such as Zika are also not a significant concern when visiting, however it is advisable to use mosquito sprays containing DEET, especially after rain, at dusk and dawn, and while in the jungle. While no vaccines are required, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider prior to any extended stays internationally, especially if you intend on spending a significant amount of time on jungle excursions.

For additional information regarding travel safety, we have prepared a guide that will help answer any other questions you might have.