Snorkelling, diving, and fishing opportunities in the pristine underwater ecosystems along the southern barrier reef and the hundreds of small cayes scattered along its edge, are just a short boat ride away from the shore. Meanwhile, the calm sea near the beach in Hopkins and in the Placencia lagoon is perfect to explore via a sea-kayak or to try your hand at some flats fishing. Jungle adventures are also at your fingertips from both Placencia and Hopkins. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - aka the Jaguar Reserve - is a massive jungle park about an hour from either location with miles of hiking trails to spectacular overlooks and waterfalls, and a chance to spot jungle animals. Adventurous sorts may enjoy the thrill of Belize’s longest zip-line and waterfall rappelling at Bocawina Mayflower. But if you simply want to relax, the idyllic setting and laid-back atmosphere of the comfortable beach resorts provide the perfect environment to kick-back and enjoy the breeze.

Reef and Sea

• Take a snorkeling or diving trip out to the Silk Cayes, Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, ro any portion of thesouthern barrier reef to see pristine coral ecosystems and an abundance of marine animals

• Get you PADI Dive Master certification

• Dive with the whale sharks at Gladden Split from April-June

• Go reef fishing and catch your dinner or try your hand at fly-fishing in the flats

• Go sea-kayaking in the lagoon to spot crocodiles and manatees or head off from the beach to explore nearby mangrove islands

• Enjoy a picnic on a remote island

• Take to the seas on a paddle board or hobie cat

Rest and Fun:

• Grab a bike and take a cruise along the Placencia peninsula or through Hopkins Village

• Bar hop in Placencia and catch some live music

• Experience Garifuna drumming in Hopkins

• Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and feel the sand between your toes

• Cool off in the turquoise Caribbean

• Catch a tan on the sand or a nap in the shade of a coconut tree

• Go bowling at Jaguar Lanes in Maya Beach

• Sample delicious seafood creations at the various local and gourmet restaurants

• Sample traditional home-cooked Garifuna food

• Lounge by the pool at a beach side resort

Jungle and Wildlife:

• Take a day trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can hike on miles of jungle trails that lead to scenic overlooks and fantastic water falls.

• Take a boat tour to Monkey River to see the Black Howler Monkeys and other forest animals

• Go kayaking in the mangroves in search of water birds, crocodiles, and manatees

• Go tubing on the South Stann Creek River at Cockscomb Basin

• Experience the longest zip-line in Belize and waterfall rapelling at Bocawina

• Go bird-watching in the coastal forest near the beach or take a trip to the inland jungles

Featured Accommodations on the Placencia peninsula >

Our featured accommodations on the Placencia peninsula offer a range of experiences and possibilities for you to explore and enjoy the region in your own personal style - whatever that may be. Whether you seek a resort experience with all inclusive amenities and want to lounge by the pool with a gourmet cocktail or whether you prefer an authentic sea-side cabana in an intimate setting offering you your own personal paradise beneath the shade of a coconut palm, Placencia is the right fit for you. Full-service luxury beach resorts and charming sea-side inns are available here and both offer visitors a relaxed beach experience with access to both marine and inland attractions.

Hopkins Beach Featured Accommodations >

The quiet Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins along the Belize Central boasts beautiful beach resorts that offer an ideal location from which to enjoy a range of marine activities on the southern reef, experience thrilling jungle adventures in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, learn more about Belize’s Garifuna Culture, or just kick-back and enjoy an intimate beach vacation. The resorts here are simply top-notch and provide everything you need for an idyllic beach vacation. This is the perfect place to get away from it all and simply unwind in a gorgeous beach location or enjoy a wide-range of amazing adventures.