Cruise Ship Arrivals In Placencia, Belize: A Frequent Occurrence?

Placencia, Belize, is a popular stop for cruise ships, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has its own pier on Harvest Caye, a private island located near Placencia, which offers an array of exciting excursions for cruise passengers. While the exact frequency of cruise ship arrivals in Placencia is unclear, sources indicate that it is a regular occurrence, with NCL cruises docking at Harvest Caye and offering sanctioned ferry services to Placencia Village. Placencia is also listed as a port of call in cruise itineraries, indicating that cruise ships do arrive there, although the specific frequency is not specified.

Ferry services from Harvest Caye to Placencia

If you're looking to get from Harvest Caye to Placencia, you can take the ferry. This ferry service operates from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village in southeastern Belize. Tickets cost $20-25 USD for a round trip and can be purchased onboard cruise vessels or at the information booth on Harvest Caye.

The Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile-long stretch of golden sands on the Caribbean shore in southeastern Belize. Placencia Village, known as the "capital" of the peninsula, is a charming village with cafes, restaurants, shops, and dive centres. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the smallest main street in the world, a 1,000-foot-long pedestrian-only sidewalk that measures just four feet across.

The ferry service is capped at fewer than 400 people per day, so it is recommended that you purchase tickets ahead of time, either onboard your ship or at the information booth on Harvest Caye. You are supposed to take the return ferry three hours after you arrive, which gives you enough time to eat lunch, enjoy the beach, and do some souvenir shopping.

Placencia is a popular beach town that is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. The beach has white sand and clear water, and there are places to rent chairs. Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a small island 11 miles from shore, is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving excursions. You can also rent bikes, golf carts, or sea kayaks to explore the area.

In Placencia, you'll find small beach bars, cafes selling local cuisine, art galleries, and souvenir stands selling local jewellery, crafts, and rum. You can also book land excursions, but keep in mind that the roads in Belize are not built for swift travel, so it may be challenging to fit these into a short time frame.

Excursions in Placencia

Placencia, Belize is a great destination for cruise ship passengers looking to explore more of the country. A ferry operates from Harvest Caye to the Placencia Peninsula, a 16-mile stretch of golden sands on the Caribbean shore. Placencia Village, the "capital" of the peninsula, is a charming village with cafes, restaurants, shops, and dive centres. Here are some excursions to consider when visiting Placencia:

Explore the Village

Placencia Village is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the smallest main street in the world—a 1,000-foot-long pedestrian-only sidewalk that measures just four feet across. Despite its small size, the village has a laid-back charm and offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as dive centres for expeditions to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.

Hike in the Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve

The Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve is a pristine vastness of nature that is home to all five of Central America's big cat species. It offers hiking trails where you can learn about the local plants and animals, and it is a great place to spot jaguars and other exotic wildlife.

Boat Safari on the Monkey River

The Monkey River is a great place to spot wildlife, including birds, iguanas, snakes, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. You can take a boat safari through the mangroves and stop for a local lunch at Monkey River Village.

Explore Ancient Maya Ruins

Placencia is home to several ancient Maya ruins, such as Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. These ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilisation.

Beach Activities

The Placencia Peninsula boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and sapphire waters. You can go swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving in the Belize Barrier Reef, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sun.

Zip Lining and Water Repelling at Bocawina National Park

For those seeking adventure, Bocawina National Park offers zip lining and water repelling. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tapirs, jaguars, and howler monkeys.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Placencia offers a range of cultural and culinary experiences, such as the Garifuna Cultural and Culinary Tour, where you can learn about the local culture and taste traditional Belizean cuisine.

These are just a few examples of the many excursions available in Placencia, Belize. With its rich history, diverse nature, and cultural offerings, Placencia is a great destination for cruise ship passengers looking to explore and experience the local culture.

Cruise ships in Placencia

Placencia, a village in Belize's Stann-Creek District, is a popular stop for smaller-sized cruise ships. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundance of wildlife. With a permanent population of around 3,500, Placencia offers a charming village atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, shops, and dive centres.

Cruise ships visiting Placencia often dock at Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line located a few miles offshore. From there, passengers can take a ferry to Placencia Village, a colourful beach town popular with tourists and locals alike. The ferry ride takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased onboard the ship for around $20 to $25 USD round trip.

Placencia offers a range of exciting excursions and authentic local experiences for cruise passengers. The village is known for its captivating snorkelling opportunities, with popular destinations including the Silk Cayes, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Lark Cayes. For fishing enthusiasts, the Fish and Snorkel excursion offers a combination of bottom fishing and trolling, followed by a grilled lunch of the morning's catch. Nature lovers will enjoy the Monkey River Tour, a river cruise through mangrove tunnels where they can spot wildlife such as crocodiles, manatees, and howler monkeys.

Placencia also boasts a rich history and culture. The area was once inhabited by the Mayans for salt production and trade before being settled by English Puritans in the 17th century. Today, Placencia is a thriving tourism destination, known for its eco-tourism and exciting festivals, including Lobsterfest in June and the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival in February.

For those seeking relaxation, Placencia's beaches offer pristine white sand and sapphire waters, while the village itself provides a laid-back atmosphere with a charming, pedestrian-only sidewalk listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest main street in the world.

Overall, Placencia offers cruise ship passengers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting adventures, making it a memorable destination in the Caribbean.

Placencia's cruise port schedule

Placencia Cruise Port Schedule

Placencia, a village in Belize's Stann-Creek District, is a popular stop for smaller-sized cruise ships. The village is known for its golden sands, cafes, restaurants, shops, and dive centres. The Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile-long stretch of beach on the Caribbean shore in southeastern Belize.

Cruise ships typically dock at Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, located a few miles offshore from Placencia. From Harvest Caye, cruise passengers can take a ferry to Placencia Village. The ferry ride takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and tickets cost around $20 to $25 USD for a round trip.

Placencia has two marinas with docking facilities for pleasure boats and yachts: Placencia Marina, which has 20 slots, and Roberts Grove Marina, which has 7 slots.

In 2021, Placencia was included in the cruise schedule of the company UnCruise Adventures, which offered a 7-night "Belize and Guatemala Wonders, Rivers, Reefs and Cultures Cruise" itinerary departing from Belize City. The cruise included stops at various destinations in Belize and Guatemala, including Placencia, where passengers could explore Paynes Creek National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Monkey River.

While the exact frequency of cruise ship arrivals in Placencia is unclear, the village is a popular destination for smaller cruise ships seeking to access the natural and cultural attractions of the region.

Placencia offers a range of attractions and activities for cruise passengers, including snorkelling, fishing, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. The village is also known for its laid-back charm and hosts several popular festivals throughout the year, including Lobsterfest in June and the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival in February.

Placencia's history

Placencia, a small village in the Stann Creek District of Belize, has a rich history that dates back to before the European colonization of the Americas. Here is a brief overview of its history:

Pre-Colonial Era

The Placencia Peninsula was originally inhabited by the Maya. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Maya in this region produced salt and traded it with other settlements along the coast.

17th Century

In the 17th century, Placencia was settled by English Puritans from Nova Scotia and Providence Island. However, this settlement did not last and eventually died out during the Spanish-American wars of independence in the 1820s.

Late 19th Century to 20th Century

In the late 1800s, Placencia was resettled by several families, and it soon prospered and became a village, relying on the sea for its livelihood. The village was named Placencia by the Spaniards who travelled along the southern coast of Belize. Over time, Placencia became a significant tourism destination, known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions.

Hurricane Iris in 2001

On October 8, 2001, Hurricane Iris struck southern Belize with winds of 145 mph (233 km/h), causing severe damage to nearly 95% of the buildings in Placencia. This natural disaster led to a surge in real estate development, and Placencia has since experienced consistent growth and rising property values.

Today, Placencia is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions and activities such as hiking, snorkelling, diving, fishing, and exploring ancient Maya ruins. It is known for its laid-back charm, vibrant festivals, and natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world.

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