Exploring Belize: Directions To Maya Beach

Maya Beach in Belize is a small, quiet beach community on the Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District. It is located 130 miles (209 km) south of Belize City and is known for its serene and secluded atmosphere, making it a popular destination for beachgoers seeking a relaxing and tranquil getaway. The beach offers a long stretch of clean sand, beach loungers, wooden docks, and hammocks strung between palm trees. Maya Beach also has a small selection of beachfront hotels, guest houses, and beach cabanas, as well as some great places to eat and drink, including the Maya Beach Hotel Bistro, which has been awarded Restaurant of the Year by the Belize Tourism Board.

For those looking to explore the area, Maya Beach is a great starting point for outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. It is also close to several attractions, including the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Maya Mountains.

Whether you're seeking a quiet beach vacation or a base for exploring the natural wonders of Belize, Maya Beach is definitely worth considering as a destination.

Getting to Maya Beach by road

Maya Beach is located on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize, around 130 miles (209 km) south of Belize City. The road to Maya Beach was last renovated in 2008 and is currently in good condition. The beach is the first town you'll come across when driving south on the peninsula. It is also a good base for exploring nearby attractions in the Maya Mountains, such as the Cockscomb Wildlife Basin and the southern Maya ruins.

The distance between Belize City and Maya Beach is around 136 km as the crow flies, and the driving distance is about 217 km. The drive from Belize City to Maya Beach takes approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes.

If you're driving into Maya Beach from the north, you'll pass through a variety of thriving establishments, including the Belize Ocean Club and the Jaguar Lanes bowling alley. The road into Maya Beach is the only main road that extends across the entirety of the Placencia Peninsula.

Flying to Maya Beach

Maya Beach in Belize is a small, quiet, and serene beach community on the Placencia Peninsula. It is located 130 miles (209 km) south of Belize City. While there isn't much in the way of nightlife, Maya Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities, excellent dining options, and a peaceful atmosphere.

To get to Maya Beach, you can fly into the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA), which is the primary international airport of Belize, located in Belize City. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Placencia, which is located just 6 miles (10 km) south of Maya Beach. Maya Island Air operates daily scheduled flights to various destinations in Belize, including Placencia.

Once you arrive in Placencia, you can take a short drive or taxi ride to Maya Beach. The road between Placencia and Maya Beach was redone in 2008 and is currently in decent condition. Maya Beach is the first beach town you'll come across when driving south on the Peninsula, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions.

So, if you're looking for a tranquil beach getaway with stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, Maya Beach in Belize is an excellent choice. By flying into Belize City and then taking a domestic flight to Placencia, you can easily access this hidden gem on the Caribbean coast.

Where to stay in Maya Beach

Maya Beach in Belize is a small, quiet beach community on the Placencia Peninsula. It's a great place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the local seafood. There are a few beachfront hotels, guest houses, and beach cabanas to choose from.

Maya Beach Hotel

This beachfront hotel offers rooms less than 50 feet from the water, with comfortable and clean accommodations. It also has an on-site restaurant, Maya Beach Bistro, which was voted the top restaurant in the area by the Belize Tourism Board.

Umaya Resort & Adventures

Umaya Resort is located on the beachfront in Maya Beach and offers a wide variety of food options.

Ceiba Beach Resort

Ceiba Beach Resort is right on the beach and provides guests with concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, free WiFi, and a restaurant.

The Placencia, a Muy'Ono Resort

This resort is located in North Maya Beach and offers free WiFi access in the lounge area, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre.

Mariposa Belize Beach Resort

Mariposa Resort is located right on the beach in Placencia and offers an outdoor pool and a seafront restaurant. The rooms are beautifully decorated and spacious, and the staff are incredibly welcoming and accommodating.

Naïa Resort and Spa

Naïa Resort is located in Placencia Village and offers free WiFi throughout the property. It is described as peaceful and serene, with delicious food at its 1981 Restaurant.

Inn The Trees Cabañas

Inn The Trees provides garden views and is located in Placencia, offering a rustic feel and a good value.

Seabird Luxury Dwellings

Seabird Luxury Dwellings is located 1.2 miles from Seine Bight Beach in Placencia and provides access to spa facilities and wellness packages.

Bayshore Bijou Suites

Bayshore Bijou Suites is located in Maya Beach/Placencia and offers a clean, comfortable, and safe place to stay. It has a pool overlooking the river, as well as free bikes and kayaks for guests to use.

These are just a few of the many great options for accommodation in Maya Beach, Belize. Each offers a unique experience, from exotic and serene settings to friendly and accommodating staff, providing something for every type of traveller.

Dining in Maya Beach

Maya Beach in Belize is a small, quiet community on the Placencia Peninsula, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful stretch of beach. While Maya Beach offers a limited number of dining options, visitors can expect to enjoy fresh seafood and breathtaking views at the handful of restaurants in the area. Here is a guide to dining in Maya Beach:

Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro

The Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro is a highly acclaimed restaurant, having been awarded "Restaurant of the Year" by the Belize Tourism Board. It offers an exceptional wine list, fresh seafood, and a fine dining menu in a beautiful open-air setting. The restaurant encourages guests to come for happy hour and relax by the pool before dining. The Bistro is known for its delicious breakfast options, such as the duck sausage hash, and its seafood and coconut chowder for dinner.

Mango's

Mango's is a popular spot among expats and locals, known for its large menu of international and Belizean dishes. It is owned by American expat Frank DaSilva and offers a variety of local seafood options and custom-made pizzas. Mango's is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it is so popular that it often causes traffic jams on Wednesday nights as people search for parking spaces.

Bonefish Grille at Singing Sands Inn

The Bonefish Grille is located at the Singing Sands Inn and offers a tropical dining experience under palms and Belizean hardwoods. It provides a multi-level dining space, ocean breezes, soft music, and fine dining, making it one of the more upscale options on the peninsula. The menu features local seafood with an Asian influence, along with an open bar and an impressive wine list.

Other Options

While the above-mentioned restaurants are the top three dining destinations in Maya Beach, there are a couple of other options to consider. Beach bars serve tropical cocktails and cold beer, providing the perfect spot to cool off and relax. Additionally, the village of Maya Beach itself has a small main street with a few restaurants, which often see gridlocks of parked cars as people come to enjoy the food.

Activities and attractions in Maya Beach

Maya Beach is a small, quiet beach community on the Placencia peninsula in Belize. It is a great place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the local seafood. Here are some activities and attractions to enjoy during your visit:

• Explore the beach: Maya Beach offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere with its long stretch of clean sand, beach loungers, wooden docks, and hammocks strung between palm trees. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
• Water activities: The calm waters of Maya Beach are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. You can rent gear from the resorts on the beach and explore the colourful marine life. If you're looking for more wildlife, arrange for snorkelling or diving tours to nearby locations like Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve or Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
• Dining: Maya Beach is known for its delicious seafood. Enjoy a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Mangos, a favourite among locals, expats, and tourists. You can also try the Maya Beach Hotel Bistro, voted the top restaurant in the area.
• Bars: Enjoy a tropical cocktail or a cold Belikin beer at one of the excellent beach bars.
• Spectarte Belizean Art Gallery: Visit this art gallery to browse through a range of furniture, arts and crafts, and paintings by local artists.
• Jungle trekking: Book a tour to explore the nearby rainforest and engage in unique activities such as Mayan pyramid climbing, cave tubing, and jaguar spotting.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for tropical birds, pelicans, iguanas, dolphins, and manatees along the beach and in the surrounding area.
• Relaxation: Unwind in a hammock on the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the birds and gentle breezes.
• Nearby attractions: Maya Beach serves as a great base for exploring nearby attractions in the Maya Mountains, including the Cockscomb Wildlife Basin and southern Maya ruins.

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