Placencia Belize: Dress For The Jungle

Placencia, Belize is a beach destination with a laid-back, beachfront lifestyle. The weather is warm to hot all year round, with average temperatures in the 70s to 80s °F (20s °C). The best time to visit Placencia is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when the weather is generally sunny and dry.

When packing for Placencia, it's important to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing that will protect you from the sun. If you plan to spend time at the beach, bring a bathing suit, a cover-up, and lightweight travel towels. Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and mosquito repellent are also recommended.

Lightweight, breathable clothing

When it comes to materials, look for light, breathable clothes made of either linen, cotton, or rayon. You'll want to stay away from jeans, as they are heavy, take a long time to dry, and are not the best option for Belize’s tropical climate. Instead, opt for lightweight cotton pants and shorts.

In terms of what to pack, bring enough tank tops to last your entire trip. Go for light, airy, and moisture-wicking options to help you stay cool under the warm Belize sun. Different styles like flowy tanks, cap sleeve t-shirts, or crewneck sleeveless tops will make dressing up diverse and interesting. Bring along lightweight shorts, as they are well-suited for Belize’s climate. Stylish shorts work for sightseeing and going out, while athletic shorts cover you for physical activities like hiking.

Having a pair of lightweight pants can be a great reprieve from the sun and bugs when needed. They come in handy for activities like horseback riding. A light jacket or cardigan can also help you stay comfortable, as it can get chilly in the mountains and during the evenings.

Don't forget to bring a bathing suit, as Placencia is known for its beaches and water activities.

Water shoes

Why Water Shoes are Essential for Placencia, Belize:

• Beach Days and Island Hopping: Placencia boasts 16 miles of sandy beaches, and with the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Placencia lagoon to the west, you'll want to spend plenty of time in and around the water. Water shoes will protect your feet from the hot sand, reefs, and any hidden creatures while swimming and snorkelling.
• Water Adventures: From cave tubing and exploring underwater caves to traversing jungle rivers, a good pair of water shoes will provide the necessary grip and protection for your feet.
• Snorkelling and Diving with Whale Sharks: Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities in Placencia, especially during the whale shark season from March to June. Water shoes with good grip will come in handy when entering and exiting the water at the beach or from a boat.
• Rainy Season: Placencia experiences its rainy season from June to November. During this time, having a pair of water shoes that dry quickly and provide good traction on slippery surfaces will be invaluable.

Choosing the Right Water Shoes:

When selecting water shoes for your trip to Placencia, look for the following features:

• Quick-Drying Materials: Opt for water shoes made with materials that dry quickly. This feature will come in handy during the rainy season or if you plan on spending a lot of time in and out of the water.
• Sturdy Soles with Good Grip: A durable sole with a strong grip will provide the necessary traction for walking on slippery surfaces and protecting your feet from sharp objects in the water.
• Secure Fit: Choose a design that stays securely on your feet during various wet activities. Adjustable straps or a snug-fitting design will ensure your water shoes don't come loose while swimming, snorkelling, or hiking through wet terrain.
• Toe Protection: Consider water shoes that offer toe protection. This feature will safeguard your toes from bumps and stubs, especially when exploring underwater caves or walking on rocky beaches.
• Breathability and Comfort: Look for water shoes with breathable materials to keep your feet comfortable, especially if you plan on wearing them for extended periods.
• Versatility: Pack smart by choosing water shoes that can handle a variety of activities. A sturdy pair of water shoes that are also suitable for light hikes or walks through the village will save you luggage space and give you more value.

Some popular brands that offer excellent water shoes suitable for Belize include Keens, Teva, Merrell, Salomon, and Chaco.

With the right pair of water shoes, you'll be able to comfortably explore all that Placencia has to offer, from its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to its lush rainforests and underwater caves.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Placencia, Belize is a gorgeous emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The average temperature is a balmy 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With such beautiful weather, you'll want to spend a lot of time outdoors, and if you're heading into the water, you'll need to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays with sunscreen. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and some can be harmful to the environment. So, when visiting Placencia, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the ocean life.

So, what should you look for in a reef-safe sunscreen? Firstly, check the active ingredients. Reef-friendly sunscreens will only contain non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which provide protection from UV rays without affecting coral reefs. These minerals form a physical block that shields your skin from absorbing any rays. When it comes to the size of the minerals, opt for micro-sized (or non-nano) options to avoid nanoparticles, as these smaller particles can be toxic to marine life in high concentrations.

In addition to the active ingredients, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a reef-safe sunscreen. Stick to lotions and avoid spray or misting sunscreens, especially those containing titanium dioxide, as inhaling these can be harmful to your health. Also, look for products that cut back on single-use plastic packaging by using reusable containers, high recycled content, or biodegradable plant-based materials like cardboard.

• Thrive Natural Care Body Mineral Sunscreen: This sunscreen feels like a luxe moisturizer, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a white cast or greasy residue. It's a bit pricey but well worth the investment.
• Maui Naturals Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30: This lightweight, creamy formula is made in Hawaii and is free of harmful chemicals. It absorbs quickly and is perfect for various outdoor activities, including swimming and surfing.
• Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50: This sunscreen has a milky, smooth texture and a delicious tropical scent. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any residue, making it an excellent option for the beach.
• Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: This scent-free sunscreen has a hydrating, watery formula and is ideal for dry skin. It uses smart-cap technology, turning the cap blue when there are harmful UV rays outside.
• Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: This mineral sunscreen defies expectations with its smooth, sheer application. It's designed to be gentle enough for babies and toddlers and includes natural ingredients like sugarcane-derived squalene and red gooseberry extract.
• Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50: This sunscreen is gentle and natural, making it perfect for the entire family. It comes in two 1.7-ounce travel-friendly tubes, providing ample coverage with a little product. It's a bit sticky during application and slightly chalky when dry, but it stays put in the water.

Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. By choosing reef-safe sunscreen, you can enjoy the beauty of Placencia while also protecting the delicate marine ecosystem.

Mosquito repellent

Placencia, Belize is a gorgeous emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The weather is balmy, with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate is tropical, so mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent. Here are some tips for mosquito repellent to ensure a comfortable trip to Placencia:

• Products with DEET are effective in repelling mosquitoes. However, a lower concentration of DEET (around 10%) is sufficient, and it's advisable to reapply as needed rather than using a higher concentration. DEET can melt plastic, so it's best to opt for a weaker concentration.
• Picaridin is another active ingredient that is effective against mosquitoes. It is less greasy, has a milder smell, and works as well as, if not better than, DEET. It is recommended to order products containing picaridin ahead of time, as they may not be available locally in Belize.
• For protection against sand flies, an oily barrier works best. Coconut oil or baby oil can be effective in preventing bites.
• For "botlass" or "battle ass" flies, which tend to concentrate on ankles and lower legs, an oily bug spray provides good protection. DEET is recommended for these aggressive flies.
• Doctor flies, also known as yellow flies, are larger than houseflies and have pointed abdomens. They are not deterred by repellents, so it's best to wear long pants and socks to avoid bites.
• Scorpions and fire ants are rarely encountered, but it's advisable to check shoes left outside before wearing them to avoid potential stings.
• Spiders, tarantulas, and snakes are present in Belize but are not commonly encountered and want to avoid humans.
• Bed bugs do not seem to be an issue in Belize, according to reports.

In addition to mosquito repellent, it is recommended to bring anti-itch lotion or spray for bites, such as natural tea tree oil, which is highly effective in reducing itching. It is also advisable to pack Benadryl or a generic equivalent for allergic reactions and anti-itch cream.

A hat

Placencia, Belize is a gorgeous emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The average temperature is a balmy 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Placencia is from November to April, which is the dry season. However, this is also the high tourism season, so accommodations and tours are more expensive.

If you are planning a trip to Placencia, be sure to pack a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be intense, especially during the dry season, so it is important to take precautions to avoid sunburn and heatstroke. A hat will help to shade your face and head, and it is also a good idea to wear sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.

In addition to protecting yourself from the sun, a hat can also be a fashionable accessory. If you are planning to spend time in Placencia Village, you may want to consider packing a hat that is both functional and stylish. The village has a laid-back, no-shoes ambience, so you can feel free to express your personal style.

There are many types of hats that would be suitable for a trip to Placencia. A wide-brimmed sun hat can provide extra protection from the sun, while a baseball cap or visor might be more comfortable for activities such as hiking or kayaking. If you plan to spend time on the water, a hat with a chin strap could be a good choice to prevent your hat from blowing off in the wind.

In addition to protecting you from the sun, a hat can also be useful in the event of rain. Although Placencia is known for its sunny weather, there can be brief rain showers, especially during the rainy season from May to November. A hat with a brim can help to keep the rain off your face, and a waterproof hat can help to keep your head dry.

Overall, a hat is an essential item to pack for a trip to Placencia, Belize. It will help to protect you from the sun and rain, and it can also be a stylish accessory. Be sure to choose a hat that is comfortable and suitable for the activities you plan to do, and don't forget to pack it before you head to this tropical paradise!

Frequently asked questions