Maya Beach: A Tropical Paradise

Maya Beach in Belize is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil beach getaway. Located on the Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District, this small and serene community offers a clean strip of sand, beach loungers, and hammocks strung between palm trees. Visitors can relax, sunbathe, and indulge in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. Maya Beach also provides opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary offer a chance to explore diverse wildlife and natural habitats. With beachfront hotels, guest houses, and authentic beach cabanas, Maya Beach is an ideal place to unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of Belize.

Explore the Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is a gorgeous emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the charming Placencia lagoon lies to the west, looking towards the Maya Mountains on the mainland. Placencia is divided into two parts: south of the airstrip and north of the airstrip. The entire peninsula can be easily navigated on a beach cruiser bike.

The northern portion of Placencia includes the Garifuna village of Seine Bight and is less densely populated. The water here is clean and clear, and the trade winds gentle and cooling. The beaches are narrow and long, with toast-coloured sand.

The southern part of the peninsula is busier and has a greater concentration of coffee shops, bistros, internet cafes, the harbour, guest houses, taxi and bus stations, banks and local restaurants.

Placencia has a small fishing village feel, but it is now a major tourist destination. The peninsula has a wide range of restaurants, some of which are set up in the patios of private homes along the path between the beach and the lagoon. There are also several small gift shops, a post office and some nightlife.

The peninsula is a great spot for tourists interested in a beach and jungle vacation. It is near many top jungle attractions and sits only 20 miles (32 km) west of the southern part of the Belize Barrier Reef. This makes Placencia ideal for diving and snorkelling. The waters off Placencia are famous for drawing whale sharks every year.

There are many places to stay in Placencia, from low-cost lodging to all-inclusive resorts.

Villages on the Peninsula

North to south, the villages on the peninsula include Riversdale, Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia. Maya Beach is a very small and quiet beach community with a long, clean strip of sand, beach loungers, wooden docks jutting out over the sea, and hammocks strung between palm trees. It is a great place to sit in the sunshine, kick off your shoes and admire the view of the nearby Maya Mountains.

There are some excellent beach bars in Maya Beach where you can cool off with a rum-based tropical cocktail or a cold Belikin beer. Maya Beach Hotel Bistro, which was voted the top restaurant in the area by the Belize Tourism Board, is a great choice.

Maya Beach has a small number of beachfront hotels, guest houses and comfortable beach cabanas. There isn’t much nightlife, but there is plenty for the outdoorsy type to do. A fun way to explore the area is by kayak or beach cruiser, and many of the hotels have these available for rent.

Snorkelling directly off the coast of Maya Beach is possible, but wind and waves can result in poor visibility. If you're looking to see lots of wildlife, arrange for snorkelling or diving tours out to Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve or Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where there is more abundant marine life.

Getting to Placencia

Placencia doesn’t have an international airport, so you’ll need to fly into the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. From there, you can take a domestic flight, taxi, shuttle or rent a car to get to Placencia. You can also take the local bus from Belize City, which takes about 6 hours.

Go snorkelling or scuba diving

Belize is known for its world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, and there are plenty of opportunities to do both in and around Maya Beach. The nearby cayes are great for snorkelling and diving, and the calm waters around the peninsula are perfect for taking a dip.

If you're looking to see lots of wildlife, you can arrange snorkelling or diving tours out to Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve or Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where there is an abundance of marine life. Many of these tours depart from Placencia Village, a short distance south of Maya Beach.

For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Gladden Spit between March and June to dive with whale sharks. These harmless creatures are the largest species of fish and love feeding in the Southern Belize waters east of Placencia. While not guaranteed, a shark sighting is probable for divers, and even snorkelers can enjoy seeing them as they feed near the surface.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a living coral reef described as solid mounds of submerged limestone and is the richest and most diverse habitat in the ocean. It is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The underwater landscape structure, tropical latitude and sea ocean currents make Belize the proud home of the largest living coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.

The Blue Hole is probably Belize's most famous dive site. It is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole measuring 400 feet, with caves, ledges and stalactites that were studied by Jacques Cousteau. While it is not for beginners, it is a feather in the cap of any experienced diver.

Other popular dive sites in Belize include Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Atolls.

Visit the Laughing Bird Caye National Park

The Laughing Bird Caye National Park is a small, unspoiled island that sits on an ancient faro reef shelf formation. It is named after the Laughing Gull, which used to breed on the island, and is home to a variety of other bird species, including the Brown Pelican, Green Heron, and Melodious Blackbird. The park is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving due to its rich marine life and diverse coral habitats.

The island is located 11 miles off the coast of Placencia and can be reached by boat in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather. There is no built infrastructure on the island, but it has restroom facilities, a small gift shop, and a picnic area with grills. No overnight stays are allowed, but visitors are welcome to spend the day snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. The park rangers provide a briefing about the island and offer educational insights about the reefs.

The Laughing Bird Caye National Park is a protected area, and visitors are advised to follow responsible visitation guidelines to help preserve the Belize Barrier Reef for future generations. It is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Belize and enjoy the wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef.

> "This UNESCO Heritage protected site is an absolute gem! The ranger provided a comprehensive briefing about the island, its history and park regulations. The reef area was beautiful - our guide Martin showed us large crabs, lobsters, pufferfish, Blue Tangs in crystal clear water... Best snorkel we had on the island - perfect weather as well!"

> "A gorgeous island with a sea saw!? What more could you ask for? My husband and two teen-aged daughters spent the day relaxing on Laughing Bird Caye. It is a quintessential island paradise and I highly recommend a trip to visit. We snorkelled right from the shore. This is a great place for beginning snorkelers and even young kids!"

Try the local seafood

Belize is known for its fresh seafood and bold local flavours. As a coastal country that boasts the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, it is no surprise that seafood is a speciality in Maya Beach, Belize.

Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro, which has been awarded "Restaurant of the Year" by the Belize Tourism Board, serves up fresh seafood with a tropical twist. The bistro offers a unique dining experience, with an open-air restaurant and poolside dining. The menu features an exceptional wine list, fresh seafood, and a fine dining experience. The seafood and coconut chowder comes highly recommended.

For a more casual dining experience, Mangos is a beach bar that is a favourite hangout of locals, expats, and tourists. It offers a large parking lot and a menu with an emphasis on local seafood and custom-made pizzas.

Another great option for seafood lovers is the Bonefish Grille at the Singing Sands Inn. This tropical setting, under the palms and Belizean hardwoods, creates a picture-perfect dining experience. The restaurant features an open bar, an impressive wine list, and a menu that showcases local seafood with an Asian influence.

If you're looking for a true taste of Belizean seafood, be sure to try the local specialities like rice and beans, duck sausage hash, conch fritters, and ceviche.

Take a canoe or kayak trip

If you're looking for a fun way to explore the area, consider taking a canoe or kayak trip around the peninsula. The water is calm, making it perfect for a leisurely paddle and a dip in the sea. You can rent kayaks and canoes from many of the local hotels.

The nearby cayes are also great for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. If you're looking to explore further afield, you can arrange snorkelling or diving tours to Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve or Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where you'll find an abundance of marine life.

If you're interested in a longer canoe trip, consider the annual La Ruta Maya Belize Canoe Race. This endurance race covers 170 miles over the course of four days, starting in San Ignacio Town Cayo District and ending in Belize City. It brings together paddlers from Central America, North America, and Europe, and is a major public and tourist attraction.

Frequently asked questions