Belize Ocean Club To Placencia: Transportation Options

Placencia is a charming fishing village located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. It is easily accessible from the Belize Ocean Club, which is now known as Umaya Resort & Adventures. The village boasts a range of luxury beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars. Getting to Placencia from the resort is a simple process, with a variety of transportation options available.

The most direct option is to take a domestic flight to the Placencia Airport, which takes approximately 25-30 minutes and costs around US$120. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or shuttle service, which takes about 3 hours with an estimated price range of US$150-300. Renting a car is also an option, and it will cost approximately US$125 per day. For a more economical choice, you can take the local bus from Belize City, which takes around 6 hours and costs about US$15.

Placencia, with its picturesque beaches and laid-back atmosphere, is a popular destination for those seeking a combination of beach and jungle vacations. The village offers easy access to the southern barrier reef, cayes, and mainland jungles, making it a prime spot for tourists interested in maritime activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. The nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park also provide incredible hiking opportunities.

Fly to Placencia Airport from Belize City

If you're looking to get from Belize City to Placencia, flying is a great option. The flight time is only around 25 minutes, and there are direct flights available daily. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that service this route, with over 20 flights in and out of Placencia's airstrip each day.

The cost of flights varies depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. One-way flights can be as cheap as $95, while round-trip flights typically range from $190 to $263. It's worth noting that the price can also depend on the number of stops the flight makes, with non-stop flights being the most expensive option.

When booking your flight, you'll have the choice of departing from either of Belize City's two airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or Belize City Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA). Flights from Belize City to Placencia Airport (PLJ) are a quick and convenient way to get to your destination, with the added bonus of spectacular views along the way.

Keep in mind that the propeller planes used for these domestic flights only have a maximum capacity of 14 passengers, so book in advance to secure your seat!

Take a taxi or shuttle

If you're staying at the Belize Ocean Club, now known as Umaya Resort & Adventures, and want to get to Placencia, you can take a taxi or shuttle. This is a good option if you want a more direct and comfortable journey, as it will take approximately 3 hours one way and cost between $150 and $300.

Umaya Resort & Adventures is located on the Maya Beach in Placencia, a lush 18-mile-long peninsula in southern Belize. The resort spans the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon, with the Maya Mountains as its backdrop.

Placencia is a charming, low-key fishing village located at the southern tip of the peninsula in southeastern Belize. It is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, giving it the look and feel of an island. The village has a range of shops, cafes, seafood restaurants, and an airfield. The main street in Placencia Village is a pedestrian-only sidewalk, recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest main street in the world.

When travelling to Placencia by taxi or shuttle, you will drive through scenic landscapes. The road into Placencia Village is bordered by the lagoon and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, ending at the southern tip of the peninsula. Along the way, you will pass by the Maya Mountains, which provide a stunning visual backdrop to your journey.

Taking a taxi or shuttle is a convenient option if you are travelling with a group or have limited time, as it allows you to travel directly to Placencia without having to make connections. It is also a good choice if you prefer a more private and comfortable journey. The taxis and shuttles in Belize are typically well-maintained and driven by experienced drivers who are familiar with the local roads.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the best time to visit Placencia is from November to April, during the dry season. This period offers beautiful days with clear blue skies, but it coincides with the high tourism season, so accommodations and tours tend to be more expensive. However, there are often discounts available, especially during the offseason from May to October.

Rent a car

Renting a car is a great option for getting to Placencia from Belize Ocean Club. Here's a detailed guide to help you with the process and provide useful information for your journey:

Renting a Car:

• The drive from Belize Ocean Club to Placencia takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. It's a straightforward and scenic route, but it's recommended to avoid driving after dark due to limited street lighting.
• Car rental agencies are available at the Belize City airport, making it convenient to rent a car upon your arrival. Crystal car rental is mentioned as a straightforward option by a traveller.
• The cost of renting a car is typically around $125 per day. This option becomes more economical if you have at least four people in your group, as it can be cheaper than flying.
• All the main highways are paved, well-signposted, and suitable for regular vehicles. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to venture off the main roads.
• Insurance is mandatory when renting a car in Belize. Make sure to review the rental company's policies and ensure you have the necessary coverage.
• Be aware of the driving conditions and road hazards. The paving material can make the roads slippery, especially in wet conditions. Keep an eye out for unmarked speed bumps, pedestrians, and cyclists using the highway.
• The route to Placencia will take you through some scenic areas. You'll head west on the George Price Highway (formerly known as the Western Highway), passing the Belize Zoo.
• Around Mile 50, you'll reach the turn-off to Belmopan and the Hummingbird Highway. Follow the signs to the Hummingbird Highway and continue on to Placencia. This portion of the drive is particularly scenic, so take your time and enjoy the views.
• After about an hour on the Hummingbird Highway, you'll reach the Dangriga turn-off. Follow the curve to the right onto the Southern Highway. If you want to visit Dangriga, you can turn left at this point.
• Continue along the Southern Highway, following the signs to Placencia. Along the way, you'll pass the turn-off to Hopkins, another village worth exploring.
• The rental company will likely provide you with a map, but it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the route using Google Maps or Google Earth in advance.
• An alternative route, the Coastal Highway, is a gravel road that runs from the George Price Highway to the Hummingbird Highway near Dangriga. However, this route is not recommended as it's not paved, and there are no services or attractions along the way. Some rental companies may not allow their vehicles on this road.
• When navigating to Placencia from the airport, you'll first turn left onto the Philip Goldson Highway towards Orange Walk and Mexico. After about 5 miles, turn left onto the Burrell Boom Road, which will lead you to the George Price Highway. Turn right onto the George Price Highway and follow it to Belmopan.
• Keep in mind that driving in Belize requires extra caution due to speeding buses and drivers who may not use lights or reflectors at night. Be cautious when approaching towns and villages, as there may be unmarked speed bumps.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Belize at your own pace and make stops along the way. It's a cost-effective option for larger groups and provides the convenience of having a vehicle for inland excursions during your stay in Placencia.

Take a local bus from Belize City

To get to Placencia from Belize Ocean Club by bus, you'll first need to get to the Belize City bus terminal. If you're already in Belize City, you can take a cab to the bus terminal for around $25. However, if you're flying into the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE), you'll need to get from the airport to the bus terminal. The airport is located near Belize City, so you can take a cab directly from the airport to the bus terminal.

Once you're at the Belize City bus terminal, you can take a local bus to Placencia. This bus journey will take approximately 6 hours and costs about $15. The bus will drop you off at the Placencia bus station, from where you can take a taxi or walk to your destination.

Placencia is a charming seaside village located on the tip of the Stann Creek's 16-mile-long Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize. It is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and easy access to the southern barrier reef. The peninsula is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side and a mangrove-lined lagoon on the other, providing a picturesque setting for your journey.

Placencia has a lot to offer, including world-class restaurants, lively beach bars, and a variety of water activities such as diving, snorkelling, and fishing. The village also serves as a gateway to mainland tours and attractions, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park, which offer incredible hiking opportunities.

The best time to visit Placencia is during the dry season, from December to April, when you can expect clear blue skies. However, this is also the high tourism season, so prices for hotels and tours tend to be higher. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the offseason, which is during Central America's wet season. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid travelling during a tropical storm.

Travel by boat

If you're staying at the Belize Ocean Club Resort, you're in luck—the resort is located on the beachfront of Maya Beach, just a 20-minute drive from Placencia. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from Placencia Village at scheduled times, but space is limited, so be sure to confirm your ride in advance.

If you're looking to travel by boat specifically, one option is to take a water taxi. Hokey Pokey Water Taxi provides regular service between the gas station dock behind M&M Hardware in Placencia Village and the landing at Mango Creek. The trip costs $5 one way and takes about 15 minutes as you traverse through bird-filled mangrove lagoons.

From Mango Creek, you can continue your journey to Placencia by bus or taxi. Bus connections to all points are coordinated with the 10 am and 4 pm boats from Placencia, so you won't have to worry about missing your connection. The last bus to Punta Gorda leaves at 8 pm, and the last ride to Dangriga and Belize City is at 5:30 pm.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more scenic route, you can opt for a boat tour that takes you up the Monkey River. This route allows you to learn about native wildlife and plants while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Keep in mind that water transportation may be influenced by weather conditions and seasonal changes, so it's always a good idea to check for updates and confirm schedules before your trip.

Frequently asked questions