In March, I decided it was time to revisit the beautiful country of Belize. My first trip about a year ago took me to San Pedro and San Ignacio, and I had an amazing time. While I was there, many people told me that if (or rather, when) I came back, I had to check out Placencia. So, this time around, that’s exactly what I did.
Getting to Placencia
Placencia is a small, laid-back beach town on the southern coast of Belize. It’s still a popular tourist destination, but it feels quieter and less commercialized than San Pedro or Caye Caulker.
There are a few ways to get there:
- Puddle-jumper flight: The fastest option (15–20 minutes) but costs over $100 USD one way.
- Private shuttle: Also around $100 USD, but takes several hours.
- Express or city bus: The budget option at only $3–5 USD, but it’s a long ride.
Since my flight arrived late and I only had four full days in Placencia, I opted for the quick flight to maximize my time. If I had been staying longer, I probably would have taken the shuttle or bus, as I did on my first trip to Belize.
Where I Stayed
I split my stay between two different accommodations to get a mix of experiences.
Royal Rat Hostel: A Relaxed, Social Stay
For the first part of my trip, I stayed at Royal Rat Hostel, located just north of Placencia in a quieter village setting. The name might sound funny, but it’s actually named after the gibnut, a well-known animal in Belize. The hostel itself is a cute, welcoming spot with a pool, hammocks (which I love), and plenty of communal spaces. They even have pizza nights where guests make their own pizzas in a brick oven, and they provide free bicycles for getting around.
The owners, a friendly couple from New Zealand, were super helpful and even booked my snorkeling tour for $100 USD, much cheaper than what I found online. The dorm-style rooms were spacious, and at only $20 USD per night, it was a great budget-friendly stay.
While there, I spent most of my time lounging in hammocks, biking to the beach (a 5–10 minute walk away), and checking out local food spots like Vern’s, where I had a delicious plate of chicken, peas, and rice for just $8 USD.
Lydia’s Guest House: Budget-Friendly Private Room in Town
For the second half of my stay, I moved to Lydia’s Guest House, located right in the heart of Placencia. It’s not a hostel, but it offers hostel-like prices.
I had a private room with a full bed for $30 USD per night, while still sharing a bathroom and common spaces like the kitchen and lounge areas.
Being in town meant I had easy access to restaurants, shops, and the beach, which was just a short three-minute walk away. The boardwalk connects most of the hotels and restaurants, making it easy to explore without having to walk along busy roads.
Things to Do in Placencia
Placencia is small, but there’s plenty to do if you want to stay busy or you can just take it easy and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Snorkeling & Marine Life
One of my favorite activities was snorkeling. The water in Belize is warm and clear, with beautiful coral, tropical fish, barracudas, stingrays, and even small sharks. While I didn’t see any sea turtles this time, the experience was still incredible.
Most snorkeling tours start early in the morning (around 8–9 AM) and take you to smaller islands that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. They provide all the gear you need, and after the first snorkel session, you get a lunch of chicken, rice, peas, and fresh fruit before heading out for a second dive. We got back in the mid-afternoon, making for a perfect half-day adventure.
Exploring Town & Local Eats
Placencia has a great mix of local restaurants and small shops. Some of my favorite food spots included:
- Wendy’s Creole Food – Amazing Creole dishes, generous portions, and great prices (less than $15 USD for dinner and dessert).
- Omar’s Creole Grub – Known for their seafood, especially conch dishes. I didn’t try it this time since I was traveling solo, but I heard nothing but good reviews.
- Street vendors & fruit stands – Fresh coconuts, tropical fruits, and cheap, delicious eats right from the street.
There are also plenty of beachside bars and cafés, perfect for enjoying a drink, reading a book, or just soaking up the relaxed vibe.
Day Trips & Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for more adventure, there are a few nearby options:
- Mayan World Destinations – A small nature park with a beautiful waterfall where you can swim all day for $10 USD. They also offer zip-lining, but you’d need a taxi or car to get there since it’s a bit outside of town.
- Lionfish spearfishing – An eco-friendly activity where you help remove invasive lionfish from the reef. Great for divers or marine biology enthusiasts.
- Biking around town – Placencia is small enough to walk, but I enjoyed biking around, stopping at fruit stands, and exploring at my own pace.
The Best Part: Just Relaxing
One of the best things about Placencia is how easy it is to just relax. The beaches are beautiful, and because all beaches in Belize are public, you can lay out anywhere without any issues.
The sunrises were especially magical. If you’re an early riser, I highly recommend watching one. The beach is nearly empty in the morning, making for a peaceful and unforgettable start to the day.
Placencia was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. While it’s a little more touristy than other parts of Belize, it still maintains a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
I loved my time there, and I was even told by locals that if I wanted an even more authentic experience, I should check out Dangriga or Hopkins next time. Those are now on my list for my next Belize trip because, honestly, this is a country I could keep coming back to over and over again.
