An American tale of a coastal fishing village turned luxury resort town is anything but surprising. The happily ever after being that the restaurant dishes are still a perfect catch. Located on the tip of the Placencia Peninsula gives off a misleading impression of peaceful island life, but no one is complaining. Hit the beach, libations in hand, or head out to sea.
If just arriving to Belize via Livingston, Guatemala, head to the strategically placed Punta Gorda bus station which lies a block away from immigration. Take the bus to Independence for about $9 B, followed by a taxi to the waterside for roughly $5 B. Finally, strap on your dancing shoes, and hop aboard the Hokey Pokey water taxi for about $9 B.
Places to Eat in Placencia
Belize Mexican Tacos
Has the sun drained you of any chefly desires? Indolent days are dangerous in Placencia for those on a budget. With street food categorized as fictional in this town, here lies your only option for cheap eats.
The Shak Beach Cafe
Head here for some basic beach cuisine and a seaside backdrop. As with most beach bars, an indecisive decorator was used as there is no clear color scheme. The only thing more numerous than the color count would be the number of milkshake flavors. No doubt, a non-discriminatory attempt to bring everyone to their yard.
Places to Drink in Placencia
Tiburón Rum Tasting Room
A new addition to the Belize rum ranks, stop in for a tasting and receive a souvenir shot glass for your dedicated debauchery.
J-Byrd’s Bar & Grill
Fancifully located right on the water, this is a no frills bar. A bucket of Belikins will have you challenging the locals to a game of billiards. The food does not impress, but then again most dive bars do not come with a rooftop.
Stay home on Thursdays if you are unable to carry a tune. The karaoke crowd will serenade you with their thanks.
Things to do in Placencia
Snorkeling / Scuba Diving
Curious about the daily grind of the Caribbean underworld? Splish, splash out your cash (or card) for this excursion at Go Sea Dive Shop. Explore the corralled depths of the Silk Cayes’ surrounding waters on top of having a totally tubular swim among sea turtles, nurse sharks, and manta rays. You can potentially add whale sharks to the crew if visiting between April and June.
For the snorkelers, forget the bucket and put the lotion on thick. Remember, it is the backside that burns.
Seahorses & Eagle Rays
Host your very own seahorse seashell party (be lenient with the invites). Gather around the mangroves outside the Evolution Beach Gym, located just past J-Byrd’s, for a game of I Spy. These camouflage artists redefine becoming one with nature. Small in size and branch like in complexion, a forgery of the tree’s offshoot tidal dance is performed by softly, swaying from the roots.
Soaring about the shallow waters, its fins slicing through the surface, an eagle ray makes its presence known. Although these rays carry a different name, contact with the tail still provides a painful sting. Luck prevails as the white speckled bodies are easy enough to spot.
Places to Stay in Placencia
Anda Di Hows Hostel
Tucked in amongst the shadows of the beachfront properties, this budget diamond awaits. The lockers are large and the kitchen is small (but sufficient). A tasteful bathroom includes showers decorated with mosaics along with a glass bottle butt wall. The kayak is free to use and a feasible drag to the waterfront for the meager muscled.
Camping spots and a single dorm room are both available. If camping, be careful of the coconut tree droppings.
