San Pedro or Placencia – Which of Belize’s Top Destinations Is Right for You?

For a relatively small country, Belize has a surprising number of unforgettable experiences and must-visit places.  Two of the country’s top tourist destinations, San Pedro and Placencia, offer visitors fun in the sun, tropical vibes, and access to the coral reef the country is famous for.  But which of these beach-y destinations is right for you?  Well, that all depends on what you like.  Here is a breakdown of the similarities and differences between San Pedro and Placencia so you can decide which one is paradise…to you!

Sun and Sand, Cold Drink in Your Hand

Both Placencia and San Pedro are wonderful destinations for vacationers looking to soak up some sun, do a bit of snorkeling or diving, and perhaps take a fishing excursion or two.  You’ll find a plethora of chill beach bars, a wide range of eateries, and a good selection of accommodation options for practically any budget in either location.  Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation and palm trees dominate the terrain.  If you live for Happy Hour and chatting with other travelers, you will find fun and new friends in both San Pedro and Placencia.  So how do you decide between the two?  Both places have their own unique allure.

San Pedro for Island Action and Underwater Attractions

San Pedro is the principal town on the island of Ambergris Caye and it has playfully been described as a dive town with a drinking problem; a humorous reference to the primary businesses on the island being dive shops (scuba that is) and dive bars.  Being a stone’s throw from the Belize Barrier Reef and some of the top diving spots in the region, San Pedro has long been a mecca for the scuba set.  Bucket list sites such as the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve are a quick and easy reach from San Pedro and even novice snorkelers can enjoy quick forays to the reef and encounters with sea turtles and nurse sharks.

Once a quiet little town surrounded by mostly uninhabited stretches of mangrove and marshland, San Pedro’s suburban sprawl has boomed with its popularity resulting in miles of villa and resort-dotted coastline.  Some purists lament the loss of the sleepy side of island life, but its safe to say that most visitors embrace the new amenities and energy recent decade of development has brought about.  Today, vacationers will be spoiled with entertainment choices on the island and if you’re looking for shopping or nightlife then there’s no better Belize destination to pick.  San Pedro has the reputation of having the party scene in addition to having the best access to marine tours and dining options.

Placencia- Quaint and Quiet

“Placencia” can refer to either the 15-mile-long peninsula as a whole or to the cute and compact village at the very end of this narrow swoop of sand and littoral forest.  Think of the peninsula and its sparsely populated communities as the laidback, hippie cousin of San Pedro.  Terminally casual and mostly quiet, Placencia can seem a real snoozefest after the hustle and bustle of Ambergris Caye but many people looking for a slower pace and a simpler life find it to be their paradise.  

Days start early on the peninsula, and nights out typically end before 10pm; entertainment options lean towards wholesome with horseshoes, bingo, and trivia being hot happenings.  While your boat ride out to popular diving and snorkeling areas will be longer, one of the things visitors to Placencia appreciate is the ability to drive inland for jungle trekking, Maya ruins, and cave adventures.  Though much smaller and less built-up than San Pedro, you’ll still find a great variety of private villas, high-end boutique resorts, and comfortable guesthouses or B&Bs.  Dining options, while not as numerous, run the gamut from humble roadside rice-and-beans to elegant seaside seafood bistros.  

Which Slice of Sand is Your Paradise?

Picking your vacation destination depends on the vibe you’re looking for and the experiences you want to have.  Does San Pedro with its bustling atmosphere and boatload of bar and restaurant options get you excited for a fun-filled island getaway?  Or does Placencia call your name with promises of a casual and relaxing seaside escape?  Only you can decide which of these two top tourist towns is your perfect fit.  I say, visit both and find out for yourself!