Things To Do in Placencia

The majority of activities involve the water here, or very active touring. For more on those, visit the "Active Pursuits" section of this online guide.

Guided Day Trips

While the ocean and outlying cayes are the focus of most activities and tours in Placencia, there are a host of other options. The most popular of these include tours to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mayan ruins of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit, and up the Monkey River. Day trips can run between BZ$100 and BZ$300 (US$50-US$150/£27-£80) per person, depending upon the distance traveled and the number of activities offered or sites visited. Almost every tour agency in town offers these trips, or ask at your hotel for a recommended guide or operator.

Special Moment: Sidewalk Fair

Most days, the Placencia sidewalk is a lazy affair. However, on the second weekend of February, it comes alive with the annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival. Local artists show their wares, and a host of restaurants set up outdoor booths. There are also games, events, and raffles. For more information, contact the Placencia Information Center (tel. 523-4045; www.placencia.com).

Simple souvenir shops are abundant in Placencia. Located just off the sidewalk near the center of the village, the Beach Bazaar (tel. 523-3113) is the best of the bunch. They've got all the traditional trinkets and souvenirs, as well as some higher-end ceramic, wood, and metal artworks.

If you're looking for some finer art, stop in at Art 'N' Soul (tel. 503-3088), which is on the sidewalk about 91m (300 ft.) north of the pier and features paintings and prints by local artists. Farther north, in Seine Bight, we highly recommend Lola's Art Gallery (tel. 523-3342), which features the colorful acrylic paintings of owner Lola Delgado, in a wide range of sizes and prices.

Tip: Be on the lookout for locally produced organic chocolate. Marketed under the brand name Goss (www.gosschocolate.com), these milk and dark chocolate bars are sold at stores around town. If you don't pick up any here, they are also on sale at the international airport.

Placencia is a quiet and remote beach destination, which is why my favorite late-night activity here is simply taking a stroll on the beach and stargazing. Still, there are a few bars in the village, and some of the larger resort hotels have lively nightlife scenes.

Two of the most popular spots in town are the Barefoot Beach Bar (tel. 523-3515) and the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar (tel. 523-3480), two neighboring establishments; I prefer the relaxed vibe and outdoor setting of the Barefoot Beach Bar, while the Tipsy Tuna is more of a late-night place, with pool tables and regular live music and karaoke.

You’ll also often find a lively scene at the Pickled Parrot.