Placencia is a 16 mile long peninsula off the coast of mainland Belize that feels like an island. With the stunning Caribbean Sea to the east and the Lagoon and Maya Mountains, to the west, it’s no surprise, you’ll wake up to the most beautiful sunrises, end your day with stunning sunsets while enjoying scenic beauty every hour in-between.
The name “Placencia” comes from Punta Placentia, the name the Spaniards gave to the peninsula in the 1800s. In English, it means Point Pleasant. Pleasant it is, once a fishing village, Placencia has maintained it’s charming, relaxed ambiance along with its cultural diversity.
The sub-tropical climate is also pleasant (pleasant to awesome that is) with temperatures averaging 80°F (27°C) with 83% humidity. The water temperature stays around 80°F (27°C) as well. The trade winds blowing across the coast add to the year-round comfort.
Known for white sandy beaches, vivid blue waters, and easy access to the southern barrier reef, cayes (islands), mainland jungles and the Mayan ruins, Placencia offers a geographical paradise with so much to explore. Wether by water; snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking and cave tubing or by land; hiking, zip lining, birdwatching, butterfly dancing, photographing wildlife and tropical flora . . . there is something for everyone.
Placencia’s sea-loving, laid back lifestyle coupled with the colorful Caribbean culture lends itself to great food, drink and events. But all that would not be possible without people. The people make Placencia. The locals are a mix of Garifuna, Maya, and Spanish descent and they welcome guests. You can experience their unique authentic traditions first hand with cooking classes, chocolate making and traditional drumming and dance.
Placencia gets bonus points for “Easy”:
- Getting to Placencia is a quick flight (30 minutes) from Belize City.
- As a former British colony, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.
- The currency exchange; $1 USD is equal to $2 Belize and US dollars are accepted everywhere. ATM’s are available.
You ask, “What’s all the buzz about?” Spend a week at Bella Sway . . . experience one sunrise, one day on the beach, one trip exploring and one dinner out . . . you’ll know.