PLACENCIA:
Until recently a sleepy little fishing village on the southern coast of Belize, now a newly discovered tropical jewel. Placencia, population 750, lies at the end of a 15 mile long peninsula. It has a great natural harbor and is centrally located to some of Belize’s most beautiful reefs and cayes. This is why it is fast becoming the new sailing capital of Belize. Placencia is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and a large mangrove lagoon system to the west providing diverse habitat for a wide variety of tropical plants, birds, mammals and marine life. Placencia has a most colorful history involving pirates, escaped slaves, European sea captains and local Indians. Most of the inhabitants are a mix of these early visitors. You will see striking combinations of rich dark skin and blue or grey eyes. This is the recipe for Belize Creole which is a people as well as a language.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
The peninsula has several new resorts, bed and breakfasts and beach front cabanas. Placencia village itself has a few small hotels and guest houses. Charter guests often elect to spend days ashore in Placencia before and after sailing. Prices range from $40- $200 U.S per night based on double occupancy.

FOOD:
You will find a variety of interesting dining options including local Creole, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian and Mexican. There is no place you can’t go barefoot but you may want to wear nice evening casual for some spots. Don’t miss Tutti Frutti for real Italian gelato. Street foods include tamales, local baked goods, bar-b-q meats and rice and beans. Seine Bight village 5 miles north of Placencia has genuine Garifuna, west African descendants, food. You can also find opportunities to dine in local homes, always a memorable experience.

ENTERTAINMENT:
There are several beach bars, mostly local establishments, laid back and very comfortable. Live music is usually played a few nights a week at one of the local clubs. Native, Garifuna drumming and dancing is also often available. Some beach front resorts have weekly beach bar-b-q, reggae music and even coconut bowling!

ACTIVITIES:
Placencia is famous for its’ world class fishing. Whether fly fishing, spin casting, trolling or bottom fishing Placencia can’t be beat. You will find an abundance of top notch guides available as well as experienced instructors. SCUBA diving is also available and Placencia is famous for its whale shark population, great walls and coral gardens. Experienced local Belizean tour guides can take you birding in the nearby lagoons or up the Monkey River to view manatee, reptiles and primates.

TRANSPORTATION:
The easiest way to reach Placencia is by air. A new municipal airport offers several fights a day to and from various destinations in Belize including the international airport making it possible to have breakfast at home and dinner in Placencia. You can also drive to Placencia by rent-a-car or shuttle bus from points north. The ride from Belize City takes about 4 hours. All but the last 20 miles of road is paved and well maintained.