Scuba Diving:
Placencia is home to some of the best scuba diving in Belize and the dive sites are less crowed than further north. Most dives from Placencia are boat dives and guided by a PADI Dive Master. When diving in Placencia you can count on warm water, beautiful corals and fish, wall dives, canyon dives or whatever else you are looking for, just ask your instructor or in one of the many dive shops. The Southern Barrier Reef is also well known for its Whale Shark Encounters.

Snorkeling:
You will find excellent snorkeling grounds just outside of Placencia on its many cayes. Boats with experienced guides take the snorkelers to the best sites.

Fishing:
Fishing in Placencia is a year-round sport. Inside or outside the reef, sea or lagoon, fly fishing, spin casting, trolling or deep sea fishing. Outside the reef a huge amount of different fish await: Yellowtail Snapper, Nassau and Red Grouper, Black, Yellow and Tiger Grouper, Barracuda, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Serra Spanish Mackerel, Cubera Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Black- and Yellow-fin Tuna, Skipjack Tuna and marlin. Another unique aspect of fishing in Placencia is the huge saltwater mangrove lagoon to the west of the village, as excellent for fly fishing as the flats on Placencias coast. This estuary stretches all the way down to Monkey River and is a prime breeding ground for tarpon and snook as well as a variety of other fish.

Sailing:
Tropical Discovery works with two yacht charter bases in Belize allowing you to cruise either northern Belize from its base in San Pedro or southern Belize from Placencia. Alternatively, extend your horizons with a one way charter north or south. Considered one of the world's most spectacular natural habitats, beautiful, ancient and mysterious, Belize always leaves you wanting to return to see more. With hundreds of unpopulated cayes, unlimited miles of protected sailing inside the barrier reef, and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing just outside of Placencia, it is truly a cruising paradise. Hire a local skipper and sail and dive the three pristine outer atolls (Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glovers), sail to see the Rio Dulce of Guatemala or the breathtaking Bay Islands of Honduras.

Laughing Bird Caye:
A marine reserve Laughing Bird offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving you'll find inside the barrier reef.

Buttonwood & Little Water Caye:
Both cayes offer a fine lee shore for anchoring in any wind.

Queen Cayes:
Located quite close to the reef, these three tiny coral islands offer great snorkeling all around and for some a Robinson Crusoe camping experience.

Ranguana & Tom Owens Caye:
Both right on the reef, these islands offer good anchorages for a few boats per night and more superb snorkeling all around.

The Sapodilla Cayes:
At the south end of the second largest Barrier reef in the world you'll find a string of palm covered islands that offer enough high ground to build a house or two. Franks Caye has a small resort and Hunting Caye is home to our Belize Maritime Wing who proudly defend our country. Lime Caye is a campground for several fishermen who keep a meal or two available in live traps for your dining pleasure.

Monkey River:
A 30-minute boat ride down the coast from Placencia will take you there. Passing through the thick mangrove forest you might also see one of the rare manatees living in the area. Your guide will point out an amazing amount of wildlife, which on any given day could include boa constrictors, green iguana, crocodiles, and wild deer. The vast amount of different birds that inhabit this region make this a birder's paradise. You are also sure to see some Howler Monkeys, which's screams can be heard for many miles within the jungle. On the way back to Placencia you might want to take a refreshing dip in the river or stop by at Monkey River Village - a true old style Creole fishing village - to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the village's family-run restaurants.

Mayan Ruins:
Belize, often referred to as the "Heart of the Maya" due to its high concentration of Maya sites, is part of the Mundo Maya (Maya World), an international program established to preserve the rich Maya culture. The program was developed by the countries that were once part of the Maya Empire; Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Dating back to as early as 1500 B.C., the Maya civilization, possibly the most sophisticated civilization in the ancient Americas, mysteriously and dramatically declined by the year 900. Experienced guides will for example take you on a journey to experience the glory and awe of Xunantunich ("Maiden Rock"). Located close to the Guatemalan border and overlooking the MopalRiver, Xunantunich is surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces, including El Castillo (The Castle). This historic ceremonial center is located on a natural limestone ridge, rising 135-feet, providing a panoramic view of the Cayo District.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world's only jaguar preserve. Ringed on three sides by the Maya Mountains and towering Victoria's Peak, the Basin's 120,000 acres is also home to margays, ocelots, pumas, deer, howler monkeys and tapirs. The park offers a wide variety of hikes, including to Ben's Bluff, which has a spectacular view of the entire Basin, and to a waterfall where you can dip in the refreshing waters. The knowledgeable guides identify the numerous plants, birds and fauna of the pristine rainforest. With over 290 recorded species of birds this park is ideal for birders. As jaguars and other cats are nocturnal, it is unlikely that you will see them, but you can spot fresh tracks. Bring your binoculars -- as you trek through this rainforest you'll see a plethora of birds and perhaps an elusive jaguar!