Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 06:27 pm
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On our way back from Paris in March, Luke and I were feeling down. We were looking at flights after getting home and before we knew it, we had booked a flight to Belize.Was it a good idea? Most likely not, and yet here we are, having just returned from an experience unlike any other.
We decided to stay in Placencia, Belize because the research indicated that it had the best beaches, although Caye Caulker was a close second.
Getting There
It was pouring rain when we landed in Belize. Tropical Storm Franklin was scheduled to hit that same day so I assumed that meant the whole week would be rainy. Luckily, in Belize, the rainy season meant it rained all night and was beautiful during the day. Not to mention, there were fewer people and we got a cheaper flight.
To get to Placencia from Belize City, we used Belize Shuttles. It was a little expensive, but there were no other passengers and our driver was incredibly knowledgeable of Belize. He bought us craboo and some cooked corn-on-the-cob that the locals were selling on the street. He also stopped at a local ice cream shop.
After a three hour drive, we arrived at our Airbnb, The Colibri House. This place was simple and beachy, conch shells leading up to the door. The view was stunning.
What We Did
The first thing we did, of course, was hit up Barefoot Beach Bar. Immediately we knew this would be a place to frequent daily. The menu was huge but simple, featuring tacos, burritos, nachos, and burgers, plus a Belizean staple called salbutes, which were fantastic. They also featured a huge drink menu, daily specials and live music several days of the week. If that is not enough, it’s right on the beach so you get a nice breeze and some great views. Check out some of my favorite restaurants in Placencia (spoiler: I loved all of them).
The next day we wanted to spend lounging. After a stroll around the village, we decided to grab some coffee at Above Grounds Coffee House and then head to the beach. The beach right next to our house was pristine.
The nearest beach-goers were about fifty feet away and there were only about five to ten people on the beach on any given day. The first day, the water was so calm I may have been in a lake in Colorado for all I knew, except that the water was a comfortable temperature. Several people down the beach from us had rented Stand-up Paddle boards and kayaks, which appeared very easy to master in the serene water.
We spent almost our entire first day swimming and then headed to Barefoot Beach Bar. After a couple of drinks we went to De’tach, a seafood restaurant right on the beach where I ate a huge lobster tail with coconut rice.
Our second day we spent snorkeling at Silk Caye. I highly suggest visiting this island! It is 22 miles off the coat of Placencia and is about 15 feet wide. The snorkeling here was amazing; we saw lionfish, crabs, lobsters, tiny (painless) jellyfish, and an array of corals and fish just off the shore. We then did a dive in the open water and swam with sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles. Of course, I forgot the underwater camera
The next two days we spent lounging on the beach under a palm tree because we were both too burnt to be in the sun. SPF 30 does not cut it in Belize, make sure you have a cute beach hat
The ocean had become choppy after the first day, but still nice. The storm had brought seaweed and jellyfish to the shore. I got stung by jellyfish three times during our trip and just narrowly missed a fourth time, before Luke pushed me out of the way. Luckily these conditions did not stick around and the ocean was calm again before we said our goodbyes.
We spent one day braving the jungle at Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and then visited Laughing Bird Caye on our last day to get our fill of snorkeling before heading home. While Laughing Bird Caye was also amazing, I preferred Silk Caye because the corals were denser and the water was shallower, making it easier to see in detail. But obviously, it was still beautiful.
Make sure you bring your underwater camera for this trip! Check out the easy to use and affordable camera
We also saw barracuda!
This only touches the surface of the adventures that await in Belize. Caving, waterfall repelling, Mayan chocolate making, monkey river, and even more snorkeling and diving are only a couple of reasons that Luke and I are planning to go back, not to mention the amazing food.
Bye for now, Belize!
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Shelby, this is wonderful reading your firsthand account of your trip, along with all of the great pictures! The beaches are beautiful and the water so clear. Makes me want to go too!