Placencia (PLJ)

The 16 mile (26km) long, Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize has some of the country’s best beaches and is also home to the communities of Maya Beach, and Seine Bight. Placencia village itself, boasts the narrowest main street in the world (according to Guinness World Book of Records) and has many of the country’s award winning restaurant and resorts.

Being a seaside town, activity centers around the sea. While fishing, snorkelling and diving are excellent year round, April and May see the arrival of the magnificent whale shark at nearby Gladden Split. Diving or snorkeling with these creatures during their visit to the annual snapper spawning site on the reef is a not-to-be-missed experience. From town, you can also explore Monkey River and the Cockscomb Basin, or sail to many of the southern cayes. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is just a short boat ride away.

Here too, reflecting the area’s fishing heritage, Lobsterfest has become a popular June celebration. In February, the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival takes place. The Easter season sees many beach activities to keep all entertained.

Tropic Air flies multiple times a day from Belize International and Municipal Airports as well as Dangriga and Punta Gorda.