The Placencia Point, A Must-Visit in Southern Belize

by Megan Rodden

It’s a little swoop of golden sand at the very tip of the 15-mile-long Placencia Peninsula. To locals, it’s known simply as the Point (or Pint in Kriol), and if you’re looking for an authentic, laidback beach experience, it is the place to visit.  A favorite retreat for locals and visitors alike, the Point beach is both a gathering place for old friends and a spot to make new acquaintances.  Time seems to stand still here and worries melt away under the warmth of the Belizean sun.  Here’s why visitors to Southern Belize should make a point of visiting the Placencia Point.

A Haven for Locals

The 2019 Placencia Lobster Fest. Photo by Belize My Travels

The Point is the heart and soul of the Placencia Peninsula.  This picturesque beach is a vibrant gathering spot where locals come to unwind, swim, and enjoy picnics with friends and family.  Weekends here are a delightful blend of relaxation and community spirit.  Families lounge under shady palm trees while men might try their luck at catching lunch by casting a handline into the sea.  Children ignore the “no jumping” signs and cannonball from the end of the docks on the municipal pier to frolic in the calm, warm water. Friends share drinks, snacks, and laughs and the atmosphere can be quite lively but always incredibly casual.  It’s the perfect escape from the routines of daily life.

This is where the peninsula’s single paved road ends and where fishermen return each evening to clean their day’s catch.  The Point is the hub for activities and events that draw the whole village together.  Holiday parades like the Independence Day Road March or the Christmas Boat Parade always end at the Point and are typically followed by more music and festivities on the beach.  On any given weekend, you might find a volleyball tournament in progress or a barbeque fundraiser underway. The largest annual event, which draws visitors from near and far, is the Lobsterfest Weekend in July and features three days of entertainment and fantastic food.  

Impeccable Laidback Vibes

The true charm of the Point lies in its laidback vibes.  It is not the perfectly manicured beach of a resort with lines of lounge chairs and an army of servers bringing you pina coladas.  Bring your own beach towel and toss it down on the sand wherever you like. Pack a picnic or grab a refreshing smoothie from The Shak. Read a book cover to cover, or take a siesta under a palm tree.  Watch the coming and going of boats as they pass through the channel from sea to lagoon and be sure to stay for sunset to witness the sky’s spectacular transformation mirrored in the flat surface of the water.  Here, the pace of life is slow, and the only rush you’ll feel is the one you get from seeing such breathtaking scenery.

Similar: Learn to Slow Down With a Trip to This Beloved Beach Destination

The village of Placencia itself adds to this charm with its colorful cafes, bountiful fruit trees, and friendly residents.  The combination of the village’s quaint charm and the beach’s natural beauty creates an irresistible allure that makes it hard to leave.

Whether you’re looking to relax, join in the fun, or simply soak in the rustic beauty, this beach is a must-visit on your Belize vacation.  Pack your beach bag, grab your sunscreen, and discover the enchanting charm of Placencia’s Point.

Featured Photo by Duarte Dellarole

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