fishing trips placencia belize

Meet Captain Roland Alford

I grew up in the Sarstoon area; which is the river that divides Belize and Guatemala, however, I am a born Belizean.

From a very young age, I was introduced to fishing by my father who taught me to be optimistic, hardworking, and humble at the same time.

FISH BELIZE

We consider fishing a lifestyle. One that keeps you on top of the life. From beginner to experienced fishermen, we guarantee that you will have an exciting and fun time fishing with us from Placencia, Belize.

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TOP OF THE LIFE FISHING

THE BEST PLACENCIA SPORTS FISHING CHARTER SERVICE

Our placencia fishing charters.

Heading out beyond the Belize Barrier Reef, we search for Marlin, Wahoo, Dorado, Deep Drop, Grouper, Tuna, Sailfish.

Reel action on the deep waters.

Deep Sea Fishing

Depending on what you would like to do: with light tackle fishing, the calm protected waters inside the reef offer a fantastic variety of fish species to target.

Target a variety of species

Inner Reef Fishing

HIGH SPEED ACTION

Wahoo is the Fast and Furious of the Caribbean Sea. High-speed chase, the Wahoo is a prized game fish species.

the fast and furious of the sea

Wahoo Fishing

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Outer Reef Fishing

Inner reef fishing.

Island Hopping

Spearfishing

SUNSET CRUISE

Snorkelling/Island Hopping
Sunset Cruise

experience the beauty of belize

PRIVATE FISHING & BOATING CHARTERS IN PLACENCIA BELIZE

Belize's premier water experience

Welcome to Belize Reef Charters, your premier destination for fishing charters and ocean adventures in Belize. Based in Placencia, we are dedicated to excellence, offering modern boats, seasoned crews, and top-quality fishing gear. Our committed guides go the extra mile to land you on that dream fish. Whether you're targeting wahoo, tunas, billfish, groupers or snappers, or just want a relaxing day exploring the beautiful reef - we've got you covered!

Our Adventures

Why Belize?

Fishing in Belize is an angler's dream, with the world's second-largest barrier reef, stretching over 190 miles, right at your doorstep. Whether you're a novice or deep-sea fanatic, Belize offers diverse marine life from bonefish to wahoos, dorado (mahi mahi) and billfish.

It gets better...Belize is not just about fishing; it's a paradise for snorkeling and island hopping. With 450 exquisite islands in warm Caribbean waters, you can explore vibrant underwater ecosystems.These islands also host fantastic resorts and bars, ensuring an enjoyable day that’ll make you never want to leave!

Tailored Boating Experiences

We understand that everyone's idea of a perfect adventure is unique. That's why we offer a selection of boats, each tailored to cater to different needs, activities, and preferences. Whether you're seeking a leisurely cruise or an exhilarating fishing charter, we have the perfect boat to match your vision of the ideal Belizean adventure.

Grady White

Check out our listed activities below! Want to combine activities or have special requests? Complete our contact form, and let us craft your perfect adventure.

Snorkelling & Island Hopping

Let's Go Fishing!

WHAT’S BITING?

Fishing chart, dorado (mahi mahi).

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tel: +501 622-5265 -::- email: [email protected] Monkey River Village, Belize

Belize Monkey River Tour & Fishing Trips

Private Local Belize Tours in the Southern District of Toledo of Belize. Experience the Rich Jungle Habitat & Abundant Sea life with Monkey River Totally Wild Tours .

Up-close with Nature!!!

Whenever you are doing our monkey river tour. Placencia or where ever we pick up from, it’s normally where the excitement starts with an early morning boat ride through or near a narrow mangrove path, by our competent captains. With the early morning trade winds blowing through your hair, the recent sunrise and calm sparkling waters, arriving to beautiful monkey river village on the coastline, at the mouth of the Monkey River, will make you feel like you’re in a wonderful dream.

100% Belizean Tour Operator

Better yet, see us in person! We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

Monkey River Totally Wild Tours Belize Monkey River Village, Toledo, Belize

Call: +501-669-5278 or Email: [email protected]

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PERSONALIZED TOURS BY EXPERT GUIDES Monkey River Village, Belize

Local Barrier Reef
Whale Shark
Glover's Reef
South Water Caye
Laughing Bird Caye
Silk Cayes and Moho Caye
Inner Reef Fishing | Snorkeling
Discover Scuba Diving
Open Water Certification
Open Water Referral
Refresher Course
ReActivate Course
Advanced Open Water
Rescue Diver Course
ul > li > a.menu-item.menu-item-29-a"> Inner Reef Fishing
ul > li > a.menu-item.menu-item-30-a"> Outer Reef Fishing | Deep Sea Fishing
ul > li > a.menu-item.menu-item-31-a"> Inner Reef Fishing | Snorkeling| Beach BBQ
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Fly Fishing
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Monkey River Tour
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Cockscomb - Jaguar Preserve
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> ATM Cave ( Actun Tunichil Muknal)
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Jaguar Paw Zipline and Cave Tubing
ul > li > a:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour
li:not(.tcb-excluded-from-group-item)"> Packages
li.menu-item.menu-item-24"> Contact Us

World-Class Fishing Charters

Fish and Explore the Waters of Placencia, Belize

Excellent fishing can be found in Placencia all year-round. Our guides, once commercial fishermen, are well experienced and completely familiar with the waters and the fish in the area. They are willing and eager to take you to play in their backyard. With the variety of different species sought and the tackle used, Placencia offers a selection of activities for both the novice and the expert fishermen.

Introducing "Little Blue"

Our Fishing Charters

Outer reef fishing | deep-sea fishing, inner reef fishing | snorkeling | beach bbq, inner reef fishing, fly fishing.

Placencia Fishing Charters

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Fishing/snorkeling/island Time

Inner Reef Fishing

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Placencia Fishing Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

You Can Reach Out To Us Globally!

📞Call BZE#: + (501)610-1079 or US#: 1-469-716-3739

Speciality Tours
Fishing + Snorkeling
Snorkeling + Island-Hop
Resort Island Getaway
Hook & Cook
Eco Tourism
Inland & Culture Tours
Adventure Fishing
Online Booking
Cancellation Policy
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BAIT FISHING, FLY-FISHING, BAIT CASTING, SPINNING, & TROLLING

Fly fishing, reef fishing, off-shore fishing, river/flats/lagoon, half-day fly fishing.

Half-day Trips are 4hours Duration. Targeted species are: Bone Fishing, Tarpon or Permit either inside reef on the flats or in the lagoon depending on what's in season.

Full-day Fly Fishing

Full Day Trips are 8hours Duration. Enjoy a full day at testing your fly fishing skills for the opportunity to target one or all three of the catch and release species such as: Permit, Tarpon and Bone Fish. Book A few days charter and aim for the grand slam!

Spear Fishing, Light & Heavy tackel, hand-line & Electric Re

Halfday inner reef/lagoon fishing, full day inner reef/lagoon fishing.

Optional to start your day at 8am to 1pm. Half day trips are 4hrs duration and depending on your targeted catch for the day you will be fishing either Inner Reef or in the Lagoon! Targeted species inside the reef are: Snappers, Jacks, Baracuda, King Mackerel. Other targeted species in the lagoon are: Snooks, Goliath Grouper, Tarpon etc... Fishing Techniques on this trip is usually trolling or bottom fishing. A portion of your catch is cleaned and filleted for you to take back home.

Full Day Trips are 8hrs duration. Your day normally starts at 8am and you're back by 4pm. Targeted species on full day trips inside the reef are: Snappers, Jacks, Baracuda, King Mackerel. Other targeted species in the lagoon are: Snooks, Goliath Grouper, Tarpon etc... Fishing Techniques on this trip is usually trolling or bottom fishing. A portion of your catch is cleaned and filleted for you to take back home.

Outer Reef + Inner Reef Fishing

Reef Fishing is an excellent option for Anglers who want a target a specific fish or test thier skills focusing on one or various fishing technique in one day's experience. On this trip you will have the opportunity to fish under the reef area, near some islands and flats. Depending on your preferred fishing technique our Captian will be prepared to do some Trolling, Spin Casting, Bottom Fishing-Deep Drop, or Spear Fishing. A portion of your catch is cleaned and filleted for you to take back home.

Deep Sea Trolling + Deep Drop Electric Reel

Fish both inside and outside the reef in one day's experience! On this trip you will have the opportunity to fish half-day outside the reef targeting pelagic species and after lunch work your way in, to continue fishing inside the reef. This is an excellent trip for those looking for a first time off-shore fishing experience but not necessarily a hardcore deep sea fishing experience but in for the thrill of the chase for an opportunity to bring back a mix variety of fish for dinner.

Deep Sea Trolling

Sign up and join our experienced Captains and Local guides on an adventure of a life time. Fishing is our speciality and its what we do and the reason we are in this business. Enjoy a full day out on the blue waters chasing the big catch! Enjoy the thrill of the chase and look forward to some tight lines! Targeted Deep Sea Species are: Tuna, Dorado, Marlin, Sail Fish Etc...

On this trip you will have the opportunity to do some trolling and electric reel deep drop fishing outside the reef. Look out for some tights lines from below 1000+ft of water. Targeted Deep Sea Species are: Tuna, Dorado, Marlin, Sail Fish, Champagne Snappers, Queen Silk etc... A portion of your catch is cleaned and filleted for you to take back home.

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Placencia Fishing Charters

Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek District Belize C.A.

BZE#: + (501) 610-1079 (Call,Text,WhatsApp)

+501 631-9777

A day at Sea-Combo Tours

Fishing & Snorkeling combo

Are you looking for a fun and memorable way to spend a day with your family? Then join us for our fishing and snorkeling combo tour! You’ll get to experience the thrill of catching your own fish, whether it’s a barracuda, a mackerel or a jack, using different techniques like trolling, bottom fishing or spin casting.

Then we’ll take you to a beautiful nearby island, where our guide will cook your catch in a delicious beach BBQ. You’ll also have time to relax and enjoy the scenery, before we head out for some snorkeling . You’ll be amazed by the colorful and diverse marine life that lives under the water. Don’t miss this chance to have an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones. Book your tour today!

Fishing and Snorkeling combo tour sheet

Included: Guide, gears, island/park fees, lunch, bottled water, refreshment

Departs: 9am Returns: 3pm (times are flexible)

What to bring : Towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, rash guard, camera.

Fish species: snappers, groupers, mackerels, king mackerels, barracudas and maybe even get lucky with a dorado or wahoo

Style of fishing: Trolling, spin casting or bottom fishing

Simply let us know your pleasure and our guys will get you on the FISH!

Spearfishing & Snorkeling Combo (Catch & Cook)

Live like a modern fisherman for the day and go spearfishing in Belize!

Have you ever hunted for your own food? Do you love seafood? If yes, then this is your unique opportunity to go snorkeling for lobster or conch if they are in season using a pole-spear to catch fish or hook-stick to catch lobster. Your guide will be on the lookout and once they spot something good to eat, you will be alerted to catch it. These catches will be prepared for your lunch on the island. Its also to perfect opportunity to just escape it all- sunbathing or go snorkeling when you’e ready.

We will be hunting for various, large fish, lobsters and conch. If we go deep enough we maybe able to catch a crab or two. The equipment we will be using is mask, fins and snorkel along with pole spear or hook-stick. This is free-dive spearfishing in Belize, so some kind of experience is neededl

Catch & Cook tour sheet

Includes: guide, gears, island/park fees, lunch, bottled water, refreshment

Departs: 9am Return: 3pm (flexible)

What to bring : Towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, rash guard, camera.

Lobster season: July 1- Feb 28 Conch season: Oct 1- June 30 Let’s Go Hunting!

Snorkeling & Diving combo

Are you a certified diver but your family and friends are not and want to have a mixed Snorkel and Scuba day out for a trip on the reef? Then we have the package for you! If you want to do a refresher during your tour, let us know so you can all dive together. We’ll tailor your trip so no one is left out!

Snorkeling & Diving tour sheet

Departs: 9am Return: 3pm (flexible)

Type of Dive: Either a Wall or Canyon dive

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Phone: +501 631-9777

Email: [email protected]

TRIPS OFFERED

Click for Covid-19 Info Belize’s Tourism Health & Safety: The Gold Standard for Belize Travel

Fishing in Placencia, Belize

For many people who practice professional fishing, commercial fishing, fly fishing or sports fishing; the most important factor is where to fish. In Belize, our 180 mile barrier reef makes offshore a first-class view for fishing enthusiasts. Chase a grand slam in Placencia for fly-fishing like no place else on earth.

Fly-fishing in Placencia, Belize

Placencia is a beautiful beachside village in Stann Creek, with 16 miles of golden sand beaches lining its shores. Every resort in Placencia offers fishing for both experienced and inexperienced fishers. Available are various ty pes of fishing tours for you , including reef fishing, fly fishing, or catch and release. You are sure to have a great fishing experience as all the guides are experienced and know the waters inside and out.

Fish Species and Habitats

Whether fishing in the mangrove lagoon, flats, or near the barrier reef; there are a variety of gamefish species for you to discover. These fish species would include barracuda, snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, and tuna. While near the reef you can find sailfish, wahoo, marlin, and dorados. In the flats, there are grouper, snapper, bonefish, and tarpons. However, different species are found more in certain months; for example , lobster and conch.

Fly Fishing

For those with a preference for fly fishing, there is an area called “Permit Alley”. Here you can find plenty of snook and tarpon throughout the year. Schools of permits are normally around the flats and sandbars. Bonefish can be easily found all year round , but they are found in larger numbers from April to October in lagoons and flats.

Fishing Policies & More

In order to fish in Belize, you’ll need a fishing license, which can be ordered online and prices range from $10-$25. However, fishing here comes with some restrictions when it comes to the species of fish. Conch and lobster are only during their open season. Tarpon, permit , and bonefish are only intended for catch and release fishing or sports fishing.

Placencia can be your perfect fishing destination, as there are a number of fishing and adventure tours for you to choose from. The guides are friendly and willing to make this the ultimat e experience for you!

Written by Reyann Garcia

McNab Editorial Team

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CHARLIE LESLIE FLY FISHING

wide angle shot of fly fisherman casting his fly on the flats in Belize

FLY FISHING

Charlie leslie.

Where Mother Nature Crafts Dreams for Fly Fishermen

Generations on the Flats: A Fly Fishing Legacy in Placencia

Charlie is the story of how fly fishing came to one family in Placencia, Belize and the pastime of guiding passed down from one generation to the next.

Expert Fly Fishing Services from Placencia

Spin fishing.

fly fisherman standing in a flats fishing boat waving his two hands, and a rod in his right hand

Loved By Our Guests

Every permit is the fish of a lifetime, but you never forget your first. Thanks Charlie."

Fraser C. Heston

The Best Permit guide I've ever met. Thank you.

Mel Krieger

Charlie is a legend and that reputation is well deserved.

Clinton Bybee

About charlie leslie iii, son of belize fly fishing legend, charlie leslie sr..

Charlie Leslie 3rd was born into the world of flats fishing in Belize. His father Charlie Leslie Sr. was one of the original guides to explore this fishery with new eyes, focused on catch and release fly fishing for permit, Tarpon and bonefish. The family’s introduction to saltwater fly fishing came from none other than Lefty Kreh. In the early days before Belize was a go to saltwater fly destination, Lefty arrived on a scouting trip and left a fly rod behind in the hands of Charlie Leslie Sr. “That’s when Lefty said, this is a gift to you guys. But you better learn how to use it, because this is going to be the next big thing that will take off. And the quicker you guys get into this, the better it will be.” In later years, Mel Krieger came down and imparted some casting lessons on Charlie Leslie Sr, which he was then able to pass on to the upcoming guides. This film tells the story of how small acts by the fly fishing luminaries of 50 years ago went on to influence the trajectory of one country’s relationship to its fishery and one family’s history on these coveted flats.

Charlie Leslie III posing with a client who just caught a permit fish

Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters from Belize City or Placencia

The most common methods to experience fishing in Belize : Fly Fishing, Spin Casting, Live Bait, Bottom Fishing, River & Trolling.

Belize has no shortage of expert fishermen & fly fishing guide, each unique in their own way. Many own their our guide service, delivering excellent fishing charters to Anglers and fishing enthusiasts. Fisher folks and families love Belize for its many fish species, particularly the game fish.

Nauti by Nature Fishing and Fishing Guide Jermaine in Placencia, does some of the best fishing charters in Belize. Jermaine a third generation fisherman known January is best for snook fishing or that in May your or more likely to hit the Grand slam catch of a Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon. Thinking of the best time to deep sea fish in Belize, ask Jermaine, He will tell you. Also he will tell that Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo and Marline awaits your arrival.

Fly Fishing

Fishing is great all year round in Belize, this could mean only one thing! Fly Fishing is Good all the same, hitting good times and bad during a season. Anglers from all over the world sort of Belize for its luring pemit fishing. This is specie of fish is responsible for the explosion of anger flocking to Belize. So much so that Belize has been recognized has the top destination for permit fishing.

But fly fishing is not all about permit of course, Bonefish and Tarpon are also great hunting. OH Yeah, just like that you can catch yourself the Grand Slam . Other species of fish you may find on the Flats, Mangroves, Channels, Reef and rivers are Barracuda, Jacks, Snapper, Snooks.

Our Fly fishing charter leave at 6 a.m. and returns 4 p.m., It includes gears, lunch and various refreshments included.

Our meeting point is at the MnM service station, who you can arrange for us to pick you up at your Resort or some AirBnb.

Belize Fishing Charters Man holding a Dorado

Deep Sea Fishing

Bottom / Live Bait Fishing

One of the best types of recreational fishing in Belize is bottom fishing / Live bait fishing. Nauti by nature fishing charters can arrangement a fishing to either the inner reef or outer reefs, either produces a wealth of fish on heavy spin tackle. The fish species include Snappers, Groupers, Jacks, Barracudas, and Mackerels. When live bait in otter reef there’s a good chance of catching pelagic species: Dorado, King and Queen Fishes.

Our live bait fishing charter leave at 6 a.m. and returns 4 p.m., It includes gears, lunch and various refreshments included.

Our meeting point is at the MnM service station in Placencia Village. You also can arrange for us to pick you up at your Resort or some AirBnb’s.

Trolling is a personal favorite Jermaine and most Belizean. Trolling most fishermen do when they want to catch something quick to eat. Its also a great way to catch yourself a good fight with a fish. Trolling the inner reefs on light tackle for species like Snappers, Barracuda, Jacks, Mackerels, and Groupers. The Outer reefs are where you will find King and Queen Fishes to add to that list and up the ante.

Our Trolling fishing charter leave at 6 a.m. and returns 4 p.m., It includes gears, lunch and various refreshments included.

Our meeting point is at the MnM service station in Placencia Village. You can also arrange for us to pick you up at your Resort or some AirBnb’s.

Belize City Fishing Charter

On January 2020 Nauti by Nature launched a one of a kind fishing charter in Belize. This charter lets you fishing almost immediately after your flight in Belize and lets you stay at sea for a minimum of 3 days before reaching the main.

Nauti by Nature Belize fishing Charter lets you fish almost the entire coast of Belize. Starting from Belize city we would make our way done to Placencia. Our nights would be spent at the island resort along the way. This opportunity opens the door to night fishing as well as island hopping or camping.

Fishing Charters from Belize City requires 3 days booking minimum. Captain and Guide Jermaine will meet you in Belize City, ready for your charter.

Belize Fishing Packages Available for Novice Anglers !

Go Fishing / Charter a Boat

Charter Fleet

Nauti by Nature Fishing Charters has a fleet of 3 boats.

A 23 footer Mexican skiff custom equipped with a 50hp 4 stroke Yamaha used for all flats, river and light tackle fishing.

To accommodate larger groups and more serious blue water expedition, we added a 31 footer to the Nauti fleet. This vessel is a locally built vee-hull with twin 100’s for stroke Yamaha used for Charters, Chase, and Trolling outer reef and for your peace of mind.

All our fishing charters in Belize are carried out with the finest in fishing tackle and techniques. Traditional methods and safety is our guidelines in which this company was built.

All fishing and safety gears are always on board.

NAUTI BY NATURE CHARTERS

Established 2011 - 20+ Yrs Guiding Experience
Call: +501 604-2945
Email: [email protected]
www.nautibynaturebelize.com
Belize City & Placencia Village

Alluring Fishing in Belize

Guide & Captain
Charter Rates
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Useful Info

Bonefishing Belize
Belize fishing license
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Where is Belize? Why Fish Here?

DK Fishing Adventures and Tours

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed, discover our tours, cave tubing & maya ruin tour from placencia belize, monkey river tour/ manatee watch, private fishing with the family in placencia belize, private full day snorkel the mesoamerican barrier reef in belize, private grand slam fishing experience in belize with lunch, snorkelling & lobster fishing.

DK Fishing Adventures and Tours specialize in Marine and Terrestrial Tours, fishing, snorkelling, cave tubing, maya ruin tours and much more. With our liscense and professional tour guides, we can guarantee you the best rates while maintaining your safety and meeting your every expectations.

Reviews from Tripadvisor

Contact info, +501 6280158, [email protected], main st, placencia, belize, useful links.

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The Fishing Trip of a Lifetime Awaits in Placencia, Belize

The thrill of the catch, the whisper of the sea breeze, and the dazzling colors of tropical fish flashing beneath clear waters – for many, these elements comprise the ultimate fishing vacation . If you count yourself among the ardent anglers of the world, then Placencia , Belize, must occupy a prime position on your travel wish list. This unique destination, coupled with our luxurious accommodations at Chabil Mar Resort, creates an unforgettable haven for fishing enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Placencia: An Angler’s Paradise

Placencia Peninsula , a 16-mile stretch of golden sand along Belize’s southern coast, offers access to a remarkable trifecta of saltwater fishing experiences. The expansive, reef-protected flats teem with the legendary “Grand Slam” trio of bonefish, tarpon, and permit, making Placencia an irresistible destination for the avid fly-fisher . Just beyond the flats lies the Belize Barrier Reef , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where an underwater kaleidoscope of colorful reef fish awaits. This vibrant environment provides an ideal setting for trolling, bottom fishing, and even exhilarating battles with majestic sailfish. Finally, venturing into the deep blue waters beyond the reef, experienced anglers engage in clashes with the giants of the sea: marlin, tuna, wahoo, and more.

The geographical diversity of Placencia is a major factor in its appeal, but there’s another element that transforms a great fishing trip into a truly luxurious experience: choosing Chabil Mar Resort. We go beyond simply providing a place to rest after a thrilling day on the water. Instead, Chabil Mar elevates the entire adventure with unmatched accommodations , unparalleled service, and dedication to making your fishing dreams a reality.

Our spacious, beautifully appointed villas welcome you back to comfort and relaxation each day. The impeccable hospitality of our staff means every detail is attended to, leaving you free to focus on enjoying all Placencia has to offer. Our experienced guides and customizable fishing packages cater to both novice anglers and seasoned veterans. Whether you crave the challenge of the elusive Grand Slam or aspire to battle a behemoth in the open ocean, we personalize your experience to surpass your expectations.

Of course, even the most passionate angler deserves a break from the rod and reel. Placencia delivers both adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this area by exploring nearby Maya ruins like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum . Embark on an exhilarating jungle hike, filled with encounters with exotic wildlife and even the possibility of swimming beneath a cascading waterfall. Experience the vibrant Garifuna culture through traditional foods, music, and dance. Or, simply indulge in the tranquil beauty of Placencia’s beaches and let the gentle waves wash away any lingering stress.

To make the most of your Placencia fishing getaway, remember a few key points. While Placencia is a year-round fishing destination , specific seasons enhance your chances of targeting your dream species. Pack wisely, including ample sun protection, light layers, and insect repellent. Be mindful of Belize’s emphasis on sustainable tourism by practicing catch-and-release when possible. Lastly, booking early ensures you secure your desired dates, particularly at our sought-after resort. Allow our dedicated staff to curate every detail of your trip, so you can revel in the excitement of this angler’s paradise.

Your Belize Fishing Adventure Starts Here

From the first tug on the line to the final, luxurious sunset at Chabil Mar , Placencia delivers an unforgettable fishing adventure for anglers of every level. Immerse yourself in the unmatched beauty of this Belizean gem, and create memories that will keep you longing for your return.

Don’t let this dream trip stay a dream – visit our website or contact Chabil Mar today to start planning your ultimate Belize fishing vacation!

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email , or call US/CAN Toll-Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation .

Sun, Sand, and Unforgettable Adventures: Your Ultimate Summer Getaway in Placencia, Belize

EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and EQUIP our YOUTH

Victory youth athletic center be a part of the process.

Chabil Mar is a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few inches of space in your suitcase and take supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local, Placencia, Belize children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects.

Questions About Booking? | Request Rate & Availability Info

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The Finest Fishing in Belize is in Placencia

A narrow stretch of golden sand beaches along the Caribbean measuring 16 miles long but just half a mile wide, the Placencia Peninsula is one of the best places to enjoy some fishing in Belize.

Whether you prefer a quiet spot on the flats to attempt a Caribbean Grand Slam or prefer some spin casting out on the reef, the Placencia Peninsula and nearby area are positively brimming with gamefish. Species such as tarpon, bonefish, snook, and bonefish thrive in the warm waters in and around Placencia, so much so that many anglers are able to get their Grand Slam or Super Grand Slam on the first day.

Other fish species that are found year-round in the waters in and around Belize include grouper, snapper, jacks, barracuda, ladyfish, and lionfish. You’ll need a fishing license to fish in Belize, but you can order one online ahead of time via the Coastal Zone Management Authority . The current price for a sport fishing license is $10 for one day or $25 for a week. Certain species such as conch, parrotfish, lobster, and sharks are all heavily regulated or prohibited, but anglers will never complain as there are vast schools of gamefish available for the taking.

Placencia is an ideal place for anglers due to the sheer diversity of good fishing spots in and around the region. The western side of Placencia is a lovely, mangrove-lined lagoon ideal for some productive fishing from the flats. And with the Belize Barrier Reef just a couple of miles offline, Placencia is perfect for anglers who want to try out some reef fishing.

Due to muddy conditions in shallow areas, most fishing in and around Placencia is done from a skiff. Using light tackle, anglers can easily reach great spots along the Placencia Peninsula to land species such as jack caravelles, tarpon, bonefish, snapper, and grouper. The deeper waters around the reef are also great for trying your hand at landing bigger species such as dorado, wahoo, king mackerel sailfish, and mahi-mahi.

If you’d like to enjoy some of the finest fishing in the world, be sure to stay at Laru Beya . Located just steps from the beach on the beautiful Placencia Peninsula, Laru Beya offers a wide variety of fishing tours , including trips to troll and spin cast on the reef and fly fishing from the flats. All tours are led by English-speaking fishing guides with extensive knowledge about the area.

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A Guide to Fishing in Placencia Belize

Belize has a 180-mile barrier reef that offers first-class fishing. Whether you would prefer to fish by spin casting or trolling, you can expect to do it all from here. You will see fly fishing here unlike anywhere else on the planet. The Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize has a wide variety of fish that you can target, and some of the available varieties include:

Fly Fishing

Whatever resort you visit, they will usually offer fly fishing opportunities. Check with your accommodations, and if they don’t offer it themselves, they will know someone who does. You can participate in several types of fishing here. Southern Belize has become a first-rate spot for saltwater fly fishing, however. Most of the fish caught here will weigh 10 pounds at least. Locals call anything over 30 pounds a trophy fish.

Know the Laws

You can catch bonefish, tarpon, and permit, but Belizean law dictates that you can only practice catch and release on those species. Also, please practice responsible fishing. While no laws exist on snook, many locals only recommend that people take one for eating. Responsible fishing practices will keep the sport healthy for years to come.

Belize requires a fishing license, which means that you must pay anywhere from $10 to $25.

Fishing in Placencia: Why It’s So Much Fun

Placencia allows you to fish in a variety of settings. You can go to the mangrove lagoon, near the barrier reef, or the flats. The fish diversity means that you can fish for a variety. You may see some species here more during certain months.

For example, May and June usher in a growing number of fish like barracuda, cubera snapper, bonefish, jacks, and permit. The permit fish will reach their maximum size around the summer season.

The best time to go fishing in Placencia is between July and August. From December to April, tourist season kicks off and greater pressure exists on fishing in general. Visiting at any time will offer an unforgettable fishing memory.

For anyone who would like to visit Placencia on a fishing trip, you may want to check out Mariposa Beach Resort . For those who don’t know, Mariposa in Spanish means “butterfly.” Boasting miles of white sandy beaches, the Placencia Peninsula in Belize has a reputation as “Barefoot Perfect” and is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure .

Best Fishing Spots & Seasons in Belize (Complete Guide)

There are some incredible fishing opportunities in the predominantly English-speaking country of Belize. This gorgeous Central American country offers world-class saltwater fishing but also some dynamite freshwater action as well.

The best fishing spots in Belize are Ambergris Cate, Turneffe Atoll, Caye Caulker, Punta Gorda, Bulkhead Reef, Laguna De Boca, and Abalone Caye. The best fishing seasons in Belize are May through July.

Whether you’re fishing in mangroves, lagoons, the deep blue sea, or inland you will find that there is plenty of fish off the coast of this nation. Let’s see what all the hype is about and explore the diversity and location of a few fish species found in her glistening waters.

Recommended Fishing Charters in Belize

If you want to catch fish in this country, I recommend booking a fishing charter with one of the following charters. These have all gotten great reviews from anglers and clients. If you click on the respective hyperlink below, you’ll be taken to that charter’s profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, view photos, and book your charter for the lowest prices anywhere.

Uprising Tours Fishing (San Pedro, Belize)
Nano Guerrero (San Pedro, Belize)
Reel, Grill & Chill Belize (San Pedro, Belize)
Freedom Tours – Trolling Passion (San Pedro, Belize)
Waata Daag Fishing Adventures (Placencia, Belize)
Placencia Fishing Charters (Placencia, Belize)
Belize Tarpon Fly (Sarteneja, Belize)

Saltwater Hot Spots (Belize)

Ambergris caye.

Location: Island in Belize (81.2 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Note: Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are catch-and-release ONLY.

Species in this location include : Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Jack Crevalle, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Barracuda, Kingfish, Amberjack, Sailfish, Wahoo, Queen Snapper, Swordfish

Turneffe Atoll

Location: SE of Ambergris Cay e (51.8km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Bonefish, Permit, Horse eyed Jack, Jack Crevalle, Snapper, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook

Fishing tips: Anglers typically use heavily weighted fly and fast sinking lines.

Caye Caulker

Location: Small island off the coast of Belize (51.km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Permit, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Bonefish, Tarpon

Punta Gorda

Location: Village in Belize (265.2km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Snook, Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit

Location: Village in Belize (130.6km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include: Goliath Grouper, Permit (C&R), Snapper, Tarpon (C&R), Bonefish (C&R)

Placencia

Location: Village in Belize (180 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Permit (C&R), Bonefish (C&R), Tarpon (C&R), Snapper, Tuna, Wahoo, Snook, Mahi Mahi (Dolphin), Amberjack, Grouper, Sailfish, Marlin, Jack Crevalle

Abalone Caye, Port of Hondurus Marine Reserve

Location: Toledo District Belize (234.2km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include: Goliath grouper, Silk snapper, Mutton snapper, Snook, Dog Snapper

Laguna De Boca

Location: Belize, Belize (116.1km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Crevalle Jack, Mangrove Snapper, Permit (C&R), Garfish, King Mackerel, Tarpon (C&R), Great Barracuda, Yellowtail Snapper

Fishing Tips: Anglers report using saltwater flies to catch Permit fish.

Bulkhead Reef

Location: Belize, Belize (14.5km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Bonefish (catch & release), Crevalle Jack, Tarpon (catch & release), Great Barracuda, Cobia, Red snapper

Additional tips: Fly fishing common in this area.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Best Season to fish in Belize

Belize is one of those top fishing locations where you can fish all year round; however, locals say the “best” time to fish is in May, June, and July. Based on the migration and spawning times, you will see better results. Remember to pay close attention to the migration and spawning patterns of the species of fish your after.

Belize supports and enforces wildlife and fishery laws, so check out the local fishing regulations and fishing license requirements. Some local charters recommend you book at least a year in advance (yikes), but the cold fronts can slide through the country and disturb your dream of catching a tarpon.

Let’s face it, no one can predict the weather. Just be mindful of anything that can ruin your vacation. Local anglers suggest using sunscreen as some fishing vessels don’t have tops on them for shade.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 st to November 30 th, with the Rainy Season from September to October. In the past, there have been storms that have wreaked havoc on this beautiful country, but don’t let that deter you from booking your next memory maker. You have Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish available May through the early part of September.

January is the dry season. Bonefish, Reef fish and Tarpon

February Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Wahoo, and Reef fish. Fishing on the flats is recommended during this time, and most fish will be catch and release.

March windy this month Reef fish, Tarpon, Permit, Bone Fish, Wahoo

April fishing in the flats is popular this month as it’s the start of the prime flat fishing season. Permit, Reef fish, Bonefish, Tarpon, King Mackerel

May Tarpon will be near the reefs and mangroves, Reef Fish, Bone Fish

June Snappers. Reef fish, Tarpon, Bonefish

July lobster season this month Larger Permit, Larger Tarpon, Bonefish fishing the flats are popular

August Larger Permit, Larger Tarpon, Bonefish

September Larger Permit, Larger Tarpon, Bonefish

October Jack Crevalle, Larger Permit, Larger Tarpon, Snook near the flats

November Bonefish, Large Wahoo Jack Crevalle, Marlin, Tuna Tarpon and reef fish-this month is famous for deep-sea fishers

December Groupers, Reef fish, Jack Crevalle, Lady Fish, Snappers, Barracuda-busy time of year as tourism is at its peak this month

Top 10 Species Targeted in Belize

Best spots: The flats around Placencia or near a lagoon

Tips & tactics: Jigs, Live bait, lures, fly fishing

Best Season(s): May, June, July can be found year-round in smaller sizes; the best Permit fishing can be in fall without a cold front

Best spots: The flats near Glovers Reef found near creeks, channels, lagoons & rivers around the country of Belize

Tips & tactics: 11-12 weight fly rod/intermediate fly line

Best Season(s): May-August a migratory fish

Best spots: flats of Turneffe Atoll

Tips & tactics: Live shrimp bait crabs best lures are skimmer jigs 1/8 or ¼ ounce heads should be horizontal flat to support the hook

Best Season(s): May-October allowed Season is April thru October

Mahi Mahi (Dolphin)

Best spots: Placencia, San Pedro, Belize City

Tips & tactics: lures, trolling live bait, plastic jigs (soft)

Best Season(s): excellent fishing in June July good fishing April, May, August, Sept, Oct

Marlin (blue and white)

Best spots: outer reefs Ambergris Caye deep sea fishing

Tips & tactics : Natural baits Mackerel, Mullet, Ballyhoo, lures

Best Season(s): January-June November-December

Snapper (Cubera)

Best spots: Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Atoll, Placencia

Tips & tactics: Larger iron jigs live bait (Tuna)

Best Season(s): all year round

Grouper (Gag)

Best spots: Ambergris Caye

Tips & tactics: best to bottom fish anglers have used fish finders trolling diving plugs in shallow reef has good results

Best Season(s): Feb March December best months

Tuna (Yellowfin)

Best spots: Deep sea Punta Gorda, San Pedro, Placencia

Tips & tactics: Anglers report using live bait with good results

Best Season(s): all year round

Best spots: deep water, reef fishing, Punta Ycacos Lagoon

Tips & tactics: Fly-fishing Deep-Sea Spearfishing

Best Season(s): available throughout the year, the best time is January to December

Best spots: Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef, Glovers reef

Tips & tactics: troll lures at 14, 16, 20 knots

Best Season(s): Excellent January- March November-December Good April-October

Freshwater Hot Spots (Belize)

Rio grande river .

Location: starts from the Toledo district of Belize (234.2 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Bonefish (catch & release), Snapper, Tarpon-river mouth (catch & release), Crevalle Jack, Snook, Permit (Catch and release)

Fishing tips: Fish for Tarpon with trolling lures, live bait, flies, or jigs. This is a brackish water fishery.

Belize River

Location: East of San Ignacio, Belize (119 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Firemouth cichlid, Blue-eyed cichlid, Bay Snook, Jack Dempsey, Blackbelt cichlid, Redhead cichlid, Yellow Jacket cichlid, Mangrove snapper

Manatee River

Location: (85.9 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Cubera snapper (locals call it river rhino), Crevalle Jack, Tarpon (catch & release), Bonefish (catch & release), Snook, Yucatan Goby

Punta Negra Lake

Location: (143km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Snook, Tarpon

Additional tips: Mangrove trees surround the lake. Spin casting and fly fishing all fish caught in the lake are catch and release only.

Sibun River

Location: (130.1 km from Philip S.W Goldson International Airport-BZE)

Species in this location include : Belize Anchovy, Mayan catfish, Southern Sheep’s head, Lyre Goby, Yucatan Goby, Northern Checkmark cichlid

Should you Book a Fishing Charter in Belize?

I strongly recommend looking into booking a fishing guide in Belize. You may have kicked around the idea of fishing without the assistance of a local captain or fisherman. Your needs vary, so just knowing you have options can help you make the most out of your vacation. If you have considered hiring an experienced captain, it is always a good idea to check out reviews and proximity to your lodging.

A common theme among anglers that embark on a fishing charter is peace of mind. Many have developed lasting friendships with locals, a nice perk when returning to the island. Experienced anglers will tell you how valuable having knowledge of the area is—you want the most experience for your money.

With COVID, many have experienced financial setbacks—maybe this trip is just a quick getaway, and you don’t want to break the bank since some guides charge upwards of $500 per person for an 8hr excursion. Don’t get too discouraged just yet consider taking a half-day trip instead or explore charters who are willing to work with you.

Having a guide can be extremely helpful when wanting to gain insight into the area without the stress of navigating in an unknown body of water. Sometimes fishing tips alone are worth their weight in gold. Having a mutual understanding of what you want to fish for can assist your local captain with making the best use of your time.

Hiring someone to take you around in their “back yard” can be rewarding and increase your anglers network. How much are you willing to pay for good information? If your time is money? If you want the most experience for your money, chartering a fishing boat may be for you.

Most captains speak English, and the local currency is the Belize dollar. US dollars are accepted country-wide, but it’s always good to have smaller denominations if you decide not to exchange currency. The consensus from local charter reviews is the guide service is worth the money.

Anglers have reported hiring highly experienced guides that put them on fish right away until the tour was over—making memories—is ALWAYS worth the money. If you’re into fly fishing, consider hooking up with a local guide to navigate the rather complex mangroves.

Speaking of service if you’re US, Canada, or Belize military, there are various discounts with local hotels & resorts through an online search. You may even find a charter that offers discounts to servicemembers (Thank you all for your service!) Another good value is that they provide the rods, reels, tackle, and fly fishing gear on most charters.

With fishing year-round in Belize, you have options with your travel, but keep an eye open for the busier months in high Season ( best time to visit Late November -Mid April); you may find the charters are busier.

If you plan to do a lot of fishing, it may be good to book lodging near the flats to minimize your travel time. So off you go!—What are you waiting for?-Your anglers paradise awaits -don’t forget to pack your SPF, sense of humor, and a huge smile!

I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really cut my teeth fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level.

Placencia, Belize: A Coastal Oasis For Relaxation and Adventure Seekers

Ananya panchal | may 7, 2024.

Hidden along Belize’s southeastern coast lies the charming peninsula of Placencia. This slender city stretches just one mile wide and 16 miles in length, and is a highly-cherished destination for anyone seeking both relaxing and adventurous travel.

Placencia’s story begins with the arrival of the Garifuna people in the 19th century. The descendants of Afro-Caribbean and indigenous groups infused the town with a long-lasting vibrant culture that visitors can experience today through live music in town centers and the delicious aroma of traditional seafood dishes.

Originally a fishing village, Placencia has blossomed into a sought-after tourist destination, thanks to its pristine sandy shores, welcoming waters and laid-back pace of life.

Placencia has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging as a leading destination for beach vacations and ecotourism within Belize. The surge in tourism has sparked investments and more development, all contributing to a diversified economy in parallel with increased interest and need for environmental conservation, sustainability and preservation.

The town of Placencia is renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship, with local artisans skillfully crafting intricate woven baskets and exquisite wood carvings. These historically inspired crafts not only serve as beautiful souvenirs for visitors but also play a crucial role in supporting the local economy and preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

Best places to stay

Itz’ana Resort , where rustic charm meets modern comfort.

Naia Resort & Spa , which offers a tranquil sanctuary amidst lush tropical gardens.

For more intimate experiences, consider Sirenian Bay , Ellysian Boutique Hotel or Turtle Inn .

Must-visit bars and restaurants

Salty Dog , where fresh seafood and tropical cocktails are served with a side of stunning ocean views.

Rumfish y Vino beckons with its eclectic menu featuring Belizean fusion cuisine paired with an impressive selection of wines and spirits.

For authentic local dishes, head to Wendy’s Creole Restaurant , a local favorite known for its hearty stews and seafood specialties.

Unwind at Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar , where live music, cold drinks and delicious pub fare create a lively atmosphere.

End your evening at Barefoot Beach Bar , where sand-in-your-toes dining and refreshing cocktails set the stage for unforgettable sunsets.

Best activities and experiences

Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling or diving at the Belize Barrier Reef.

Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , a nature reserve established to protect the forests, fauna and watersheds of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains.

Immerse yourself in Garifuna culture through through music performances, traditional drumming and delicious seafood dishes.

Embark on a tour of the Monkey River, known for its abundant wildlife sightings, tarpon fishing, jungle walk tours and howler monkeys.

Soak up the scenery and unwind with friends or family through sailing or a sunset cruise.

Local shops and galleries

Browse artwork by local artists at Art n Soul Gallery and Above Grounds Coffee House , savor ocean views at The Shak Beach Café and Gallery , or shop for authentic Mayan handicrafts at Nim Li Punit Gift Shop . Treat yourself to locally produced gelato and sorbets at Tutti Frutti , a vibrant and colorful ice cream shop near the water.

Wildlife and nature

Placencia boasts a diverse array of wildlife, from colorful marine life thriving in coral reefs to tropical birds flitting through mangrove forests. Encounter West Indian manatees, iguanas, crocodiles and various species of snakes amid the lush landscapes.

Must-visit beaches

Laughing Bird Caye, Silk Cayes, Tobacco Caye and Moho Caye are ideal beach settings for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.

How to get to Placencia

From the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, visitors can take another 20 minute domestic flight to the Placencia Airport, or rent a car and drive for about 2 1/2 hours.

Best time to visit

Placencia has a favorable climate year-round. Belize only has two seasons: dry from December to May and rainy from June to November.

Packing essentials

Essential packing items include sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking or water shoes, swimwear and comfortable clothing suitable for various activities.

The 10 best all-inclusive resorts in Belize for your next tropical getaway

When you close your eyes and think of Belize, visions of a dreamy, tropical vacation likely dance through your mind. Think: sugary shores, brilliantly blue water, bright green palms and thick, verdant jungles. Maybe throw in a luxury villa or a palapa-topped bungalow, for good measure. What you're not likely thinking of is an all-inclusive resort .

As it happens, though, Belize is actually home to a handful of excellent all-inclusive resorts. While not as large or flashy as resorts in the Caribbean or other tropical destinations, Belize's all-inclusive resorts swing much more boutique, small-scale and low-impact. We think there's an all-inclusive resort in Belize for every taste, whether you're budget or bougie, traveling with the family or looking to make it a romantic retreat .

Check out these beautiful all-inclusive resorts in Belize and prepare for an idyllic tropical getaway.

Found off the coast of central Belize, Coco Plum Island Resort enjoys 16 acres of private island paradise. This all-inclusive Belize resort features 18 stand-alone bungalows perched on fluffy white sand, with a wreath of aquamarine water that extends in every direction.

Rooms range from the standard cabanas to premium suites and the opulent, overwater three-bedroom villa. Standard cabanas are beachfront with minifridges, coffee makers and air conditioning. The premium cabanas are larger with kitchenettes and additional living space. The luxurious overwater villa can sleep up to six people with its three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It has a full kitchen, plus a dining and living area with a wraparound veranda.

This is one of Belize's true all-inclusive resorts, meaning that when guests book their room rate they are ensured to have all meals and drinks as part of their plan. In-house chef Ms. Jude creates Belizean-style meals at the overwater Coco Palms restaurant. While all the meals are included, there are set menus each night. That said, dishes are customizable to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Guests can book additional packages to include snorkeling or diving trips to the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. One of the highlights of staying at Coco Plum Island is that the resort is less than 30 minutes by boat to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.

Rates at Coco Plum Island Resort start at $894.

Completely surrounded by shades of aquamarine, Manta Island Resort is another posh private island getaway miles from the mainland in Glover's Atoll. Glover's Reef is part of a marine reserve and a World Heritage site, which means that when guests check in to Manta Island Resort, they are invited to check out of reality and enjoy the serene, natural beauty.

The 12-acre private island has only nine luxury beach cabanas. Choose from private cabanas, villas or the exclusive Belize Reef Villa with Plunge Pool. Obviously, the latter has our vote for its dialed-up romance. The views from this two-bedroom villa are stunning, and seeing as it's tucked away from the others, it takes the private island vibe to a whole new level.

The resort is not all-inclusive by default; however, guests can book the all-inclusive package. The package includes gourmet meals, unlimited local beverages and select tours, whether that's Hobie cat sailing, kayaking or group snorkeling tours. A four-night minimum is required for the all-inclusive package.

Black Coral Restaurant & Bar is the on-site restaurant where it's all about toes-in-the-sand vibes. Tropical cuisine is the star of the show, from fresh-caught seafood to locally grown produce.

The Tranquil Tides Spa is not part of the all-inclusive package, but guests can splurge for a massage, facial, scrub or wrap. The spa sets the scene with views out over Glover's Reef.

All-inclusive packages at Manta Island Resort start at $4,075 for a four-night stay, based on double occupancy.

Located on Belize's mainland, at the southern end of Hopkins Village, Belizean Dreams is chock-full of amenities that travelers seek when they want an idyllic beach getaway. Think beachfront pool, open-air dining and a stretch of sugary shoreline.

Accommodations consist of rustic-chic free-standing guest houses with a breezy, beachy aesthetic. The hotel offers three room categories: villas, suites and boutique rooms. Boutique rooms are bright and airy but are designated as "No View" because they are a two-minute walk to the beach. Executive suites sleep up to five and have a full kitchen and a veranda with sea views. The palatial three-bedroom villa is the top category here, just steps from the sea with soaring ceilings, exposed beams and French doors that open up to the ocean view.

Guests can book a selection of packages geared toward their party's needs, whether visiting as a solo traveler or with a group. All of the packages are all-inclusive of food, transportation to and from the resort on arrival and departure days, local alcoholic drinks and nonalcoholic drinks, and often themed tours that include activities and entertainment.

Guests will dine at the Woven Palms Restaurant & Beachfront Tiki Bar. Nightly dinner specials feature four main course options. Two nights a week the hotel gets festive with Maya/Mestizo Taco Night and Creole/Garifuna Belizean Buffet, complete with local drumming and dancing. The Tiki Bar is always ready to serve festive tropical drinks with views over the white, sandy beach.

Rates at Belizean Dreams Resort start at $2,697 per couple for four nights.

Intimate and unfussy, Laru Beya Resort & Villas is located just on the outskirts of Belize's beautifully beachy Placencia village. The Placencia Peninsula has 16 miles of beachfront, making it one of the most popular spots in the country for a relaxing getaway.

Laru Beya Resort & Villas has 30 rooms, all with balconies overlooking the water. Some have full kitchens for those who want to whip up their own meals. But the resort also has an all-inclusive package to help take the guesswork out of things. In fact, the all-inclusive package at Laru Beya is one of the best in the country. It includes accommodations in a one-bedroom oceanfront suite; local round-trip flights between Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and Placencia; complimentary shuttle transfer to and from Placencia Airstrip; three meals a day and a bar snack daily, including lunch on tours; and unlimited local bar beverages.

The one-bedroom oceanfront suites, which are part of the all-inclusive package, have a king-size bed, full private bath and separate living and dining areas. They also include full kitchens and a private balcony.

Rates at Laru Beya Resort & Villas start at $1,800 for two people for three nights for an all-inclusive package.

Sleek and sexy Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection hotel, is one of the more modern beachfront resorts to grace this list. It's also the very first Marriott property to open in Belize. Steering away from the traditional rustic design, Alaia Belize swings much more Tulum in terms of aesthetics, with neutral colors, wood, stone and clay.

Alaia enjoys a supremely convenient location, just a 20-minute boat ride from the popular snorkeling spots Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. But it's also very close to Ambergris Caye's main town, San Pedro. Guests can enjoy more than 1,000 feet of beach access. The resort has 155 guest rooms, which range from standard studio rooms to palatial beachfront villas with private plunge pools.

Guests can elevate their stay at the resort by booking the "Ultimate All-Inclusive" experience. With one rate, guests can access all meals and snacks, water activities, beach chairs, all alcoholic beverages, transfers to the airport, and a 10% coupon for cabana rentals and the spa.

While the resort's design is chic and modern, nature still does most of the talking, from the electric pops of blue to the wide variety of tours that guests can experience while staying. Think cave diving, zip lining, exploring nearby ruins and hiking. Diving is also a top activity, particularly with the opportunity for guests to earn their PADI certification on the property.

Rates at Alaia Belize start at $1,053 per room per night.

There is something so satisfying about a private island resort. Turneffe Island Resort, which sits on its own island in the Turneffe Atoll just off the coast of Belize City, has been offering that private island energy for almost 20 years.

The resort's design is like a grown-up sleepaway camp, with a string of distinct yellow wooden cottages complete with front porches that overlook the water. The small resort has eight deluxe rooms, four superior rooms and 13 private villas. The 14-acre island has a stretch of white, sandy beach, a bar and a restaurant.

While Turneffe Island Resort is perfectly designed for basking on the sun-soaked shoreline, many of its guests come for the outdoor experiences, particularly the diving. The resort is about 30 minutes from the Great Blue Hole and features a valet service that will take and clean your equipment for you between dives. Fishing and snorkeling opportunities are abundant, as well.

After a long day out in the sun, retire to the spa for massages or locally sourced seaweed wraps.

Rates at Turneffe Island Resort include meals by default. Guests can book a three-, four- or seven-night package, all of which include three meals a day, appetizers served poolside at 6 p.m., to-go lunches for excursions, Friday night barbecue dinner and Sunday night traditional Belizean dinner. Alcohol is not part of the package, but guests can upgrade to include a bar package.

Rates at Turneffe Island Resort start at $3,490 per room for a three-night package.

Ambergris Caye is Belize's most high-profile island, and on that island, it doesn't get much better than Matachica Resort & Spa. Made up of 32 individual palapa-topped casitas, this romantic retreat is reserved for adults only.

The luxury bungalows range from charming casitas to more opulent luxury villas. Villas have 2,500 square feet of space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a rooftop terrace for panoramic water views.

The relaxed resort is fringed with white, sandy beaches and groves of coconut palms. Its Mambo restaurant has alfresco dining and a brand-new bar, Danny's Tree Bar, which serves cocktails and light bites throughout the day. The resort provides spa treatments and offers complimentary bicycles to explore Ambergris Caye.

For the all-inclusive experience, guests can add a full meal plan.

Rates at Matachica Resort & Spa start at $570 per night, with full board available for $185 per person, per night.

What began as one of Belize's very first ecolodges has grown into a sophisticated, elegant experience tucked within the jungles surrounding San Ignacio on the banks of the Macal River. The elegant oasis features thatched-roof cottages and private rainforest views, as well as upgraded amenities like an infinity pool and a full-service spa.

The bright and airy 23 cottage-style rooms are nestled among the tropical gardens, with white linens and pops of color like turquoise, orange and green. Guests can also book one of the many villas. The Tree Top Villas are the most popular, with their own amenities like private Jacuzzis or infinity plunge pools.

The grounds are something special. The property feels far removed from civilization, shrouded in tropical landscaping. All the accommodations are peppered across the property, with the infinity-edge pool at the center. Activities abound here, from the Rainforest Medicine Trail to the butterfly farm and the Maya Organic Farm. A short drive away are activities like zip lines and Mayan ruins.

Guests can book one of the many packages at the resort, all of which are all-inclusive. The traditional Chaa Creek Inland Expedition package includes round-trip transfers from the airport or Belize City, a visit to the Belize Zoo, a cottage room, three meals a day, gratuities for the staff, and guided visits to several of the nearby attractions. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Rates at The Lodge at Chaa Creek start at $399 per room, per night.

There are private islands in Belize, and then there is Cayo Espanto — a place that feels like it's worlds away. The tiny island is just off the coast, protected by the mainland to the west and Ambergris Caye to the east. With only seven stunning villas, Cayo Espanto will have guests feeling like they've got the entire place to themselves.

Each villa has its own private plunge pool and ocean views. Part of the allure of Cayo Espanto is that each villa is positioned so that guests have no view of their neighbors. If you're looking for the ultimate in low-key relaxation and elevated privacy, this is the resort to book. You can even book Casa Ventanas, one of the only overwater bungalows in the country.

Cayo Espanto is a true all-inclusive resort, meaning that meals are already baked into the room rates. Daily menus are curated based on guest preferences, so the entire experience is customizable.

Activities include everything from private cruises and picnic excursions to fishing, diving, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. Activities are not included in the rates and come at an extra charge. An on-site spa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, aromatherapy and more.

Rates at Cayo Espanto start at $2,095 per villa, per night.

Just north of Placencia on a lovely stretch of beach, Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas is a tropical resort with an upscale but unpretentious vibe. Guests who want lots of space, privacy and fantastic (all-inclusive) meals will feel right at home in the bungalows.

Rooms are constructed out of free-standing houses that cluster around a central pool. At Sirenian Bay, the bungalows are the accommodations that are part of the all-inclusive setup. These bright, airy spaces can sleep between two and six people. The resort has even larger family-style villas, though those are not part of the all-inclusive package.

All-inclusive bundles include complimentary transfers to and from Placencia Airstrip, unlimited drinks, unlimited meals, nonmotorized sports and complimentary Wi-Fi. Sirenian Bay has several culinary options, including Inky's, Snooty's, the Beach Grill and Three60 Martini Bar. All are included in the room rates.

Rates at Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas start at $2,400 per room for a four-night stay.

Does Belize have true all-inclusive resorts?

The short answer is yes, but with a few key things to note. Unlike destinations such as Mexico , Jamaica or the Dominican Republic , Belize shies away from the larger all-inclusive resorts. The properties across Belize are much smaller and boutique. Most of the all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Belize operate with all-inclusive packages, meaning guests can either book their rooms and choose meals and activities a la carte, or they can book a comprehensive all-inclusive package.

With most all-inclusive packages in Belize, guests are entitled to all meals, local alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, nonmotorized sports, and often transfers to and from the airport.

The Best Places to Visit in Belize

B elize is small but mighty. The country boasts gorgeous landscapes, fascinating history, incredible biodiversity, and a deep and diverse culture that will attract just about any type of traveler. Whatever your interest might be, Belize is bound to have it. With so much to do and see, it might be overwhelming to know where to go or even where to start. Well, look no further: This is your ultimate guide to Belize's best places to visit.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s buzziest locale. Visitors flock to the main town of San Pedro to relax on the beach by day and party it up by night. It's home to some of the best resorts, such as Alaia Belize .

Alaia is an all-inclusive that offers luxurious suites, and an impressive culinary menu, and has the only molecular mixologist in the country. While many might be tempted to not leave the beautiful resort, the town of San Pedro is worth exploring during the day to experience local Belizean food. WTF Food Tours takes guests around the island to the best local spots, ordering for you so you can never go wrong.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest

Located in Belize’s Cayo District, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest is half pine forest and half jungle covering over 100,000 acres. This area is rich with wildlife, birds, and of course, plants. Only recently did the government begin building the first paved road into the area allowing travelers to explore this beautiful natural reserve. Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is a luxury eco-resort covering over 7,000 acres of the park. Guests can hike and explore the surrounding area, as well as nearby sites like the Mayan ruins of Caracol, which are still the largest human-made structures in Belize.

This former fishing village is now a resort hot spot that has managed to hold on to its local Belizean flare. For a relaxing getaway stay at Naia Resort , where guests are given their private beachside villa. From delicious local dishes to a luxurious spa-like oasis, Naia has it all. Naia’s location is also ideal for exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a taste of local life.

Speaking of location, Placencia is on a peninsula in southern Belize this locale gives visitors equal opportunity to take tours into the rainforest and mainland Belize as well as to the nearby Silk Caye Marine Reserve. What's more, the nearby village of Hopkins offers opportunities for visitors to experience the unique Garifuna culture.

If you want to get off the grid and have a private island experience then book a stay on Ray Caye . You can choose between beach cabanas or villas. The honeymoon suite even boasts a private plunge pool. You can borrow a kayak or snorkel equipment by day and enjoy the island’s blue light that shines at night to attract sea life ashore. The perfect spot for wildlife life lovers as Ray Caye is a sea turtle hatching location as well as attracts large birds of prey. If you can’t spend the night there is a smaller area for daytime visitors to enjoy a pool, a beach, and a restaurant where they grow the majority of the greens on the island.

Caye Caulker

Consider Caye Caulker Ambergris' smaller, chiller neighbor. If you're more interested in a good book by the beach than bar hopping then head to this more laid-back alternative. No cars are allowed on Caye Caulker and everyone gets around on bikes or golf carts. This forces a slower, more relaxed way of life. So lie in a hammock and enjoy an ocean view with a fruity drink. If you’re still looking for a bit of adventure Belize’s barrier reef is still only one mile away!

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is the capital of the Cayo District and is known as the adventure capital of Belize. It has a small-town charm, offering local food markets and an Iguana sanctuary. But San Ignacio’s true appeal is its location. It is the perfect jumping-off point for any in-land adventure Belize has to offer. The Cayo District is famous for rainforest excursions or a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. There are also several Mayan ruin complexes around San Ignacio including Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Travelers can enjoy cave tubing or the truly adventurous can venture out to the ATM Cave.

Belize City

Belize City holds the country’s only international airport and services the port for all visiting cruise ships. It’s a shame that the majority of travelers are just passing through as Belize City holds a massive amount of history as well as culture. The Historic Belize City Tour and the Museum of Belize help visitors understand Belize's past and present. Animal lovers will be interested in the Belize Zoo, which focuses on rescued native species and provides them with large open habitats to roam. There are also many nearby attractions like the Altun Ha Ruins or the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

Hummingbird Highway

The Hummingbird Highway is one of four highways in Belize. But it is by far the most scenic drive in the country. It stretches 53 miles from the capital Belmopan to the town of Dangriga. The highway cuts through gorgeous views of forested mountains and tries to find what the locals call the “sleeping giant” hidden in the landscape. Along the way, you can also enjoy pit stops at caves, cenotes, and tons of local food options.

Lighthouse Reef

The Great Blue is one of Belize’s most famous attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest sinkhole in the world. Lighthouse Reef is made up of the surrounding cayes that border the sinkhole. You can visit the reef by boat or through a fly-over tour. Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the great blue hole to see what they can find. The most visited Caye of Lighthouse Reef is Half Moon Caye, which is home to over 4,000 red-footed boobies.

Getting to this cave is not for the faint of heart. The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, better known as the ATM Cave, was discovered in 1989 and offers a unique look into ancient Mayan rituals. Within this cave, visitors will find the remains of several sacrifice victims as well as ancient utensils, pottery, and other artifacts. However, getting to the cave is not a walk in the park. Visitors must go with guides and will have to complete a somewhat strenuous hike, multiple river crossings, swimming through submerged caves, squeezing through very tight spaces within those caves, and traversing up rock faces. And that’s only one way! If you’re physically up for the challenge, this is an incredibly unique experience and look into the past.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Located near Ambergris Caye, Belize’s barrier reef is the second-largest coral reef structure in the world. While The Blue Hole is the most famous attraction in this barrier reef there is so much more to explore. Home to over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish, you’ll also likely see nurse sharks, sea turtles, and sting rays. How Chan Marine Reserve welcomes visitors looking to snorkel, scuba dive, fish, or swim in sharks in its Shark Ray Alley.

Read the original article on TripSavvy .

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A river is lined with mangrove trees with their distinctive aboveground roots projecting into the water.

Watery, Peaceful, Wild: The Call of the Mangroves

On Curaçao, visitors can explore the trees’ habitat, where colorful birds roost on tangled branches and trunks, and small paths through the greenery beckon.

The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park offers guided tours, elevated boardwalks, programs for local schoolchildren and a tiered entrance-fee system for residents and overseas visitors. Credit... Frank Meyer for The New York Times

Supported by

By Elisabeth Goodridge

Elisabeth Goodridge is the deputy editor for travel at The New York Times.

May 8, 2024

It was a sunny afternoon in February at the height of the high season on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, but my partner, Aaren, and I were far from lounging on a white-sand beach, snorkeling over a coral reef or strolling among the Easter-egg-colored buildings of Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site — typical activities for travelers to this former Dutch colony.

Instead, on a kayak tour with Serlon St Jago, a guide from the Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park , we were learning about the country’s mangrove restoration, and the vital role mangrove habitats play in coastal resilience, protection for marine and bird species, and fighting the effects of climate change.

In a lush green mangrove forest, a bird roosts on a branch surrounded by aerial roots of mangrove trees.

No poisonous snakes, alligators or large predators live on Curaçao, Mr. St Jago said, reassuring information as we paddled toward a forbidding wall of mangroves lining Piscadera Bay. Up close, the trees were magnificent and cheerful. Colorful birds roosted on tangled branches and trunks, and small paths under the green and occasionally yellow leaves beckoned us to explore. With our kayaks beached, Mr. St Jago pointed out fiddler crabs and mussels, and described differences of the local mangrove species — the red, white and black — and how they adapted to live and propagate where water meets land.

“There’s so much life here,” he said with infectious enthusiasm.

We were the only tourists on the water, but getting more visitors like us interested in mangroves, perhaps even persuading them to replant some of the vital trees themselves, has been a priority of scientists, activists, park rangers and tourism operators on Curaçao in recent years.

The island isn’t alone in its efforts: Similar mangrove-focused work has started around the world, in places like Indonesia , Australia , Belize and Florida , as fragile destinations balance tourism’s growth with the conservation — and restoration — of the natural resources that captivate visitors.

“Coral reefs get all the attention. But mangroves are probably a lot more important,” said Gabby Ahmadia , a vice president with the oceans program at the World Wildlife Fund who oversees the organization’s mangrove science and restoration programs. “My favorite analogy about mangroves is that they are Swiss Army knives, because they do provide so many different benefits and they can do so many different things.”

Though these forests are one degree of separation from the sights and the activities that traditionally draw visitors to the ocean, changing perceptions might be hard. To protect the environment, mangrove kayak tours can be — as are most snorkel, fishing and bird-watching tours offered in other destinations — limited by number, and visitors must be interested in the first place. With their summer reads and beach toys, family traditions and limited vacation days, most tourists might simply agree with the old saying “Life is better at the beach.”

A foundation of life

The twisty branches, trunks and distinctive aboveground roots of mangroves are a stark, complex repudiation of how a child’s drawing portrays a common tree. The roots can arch up, pop up spikelike from the water or form stilts above and under the surface. Adapted to oxygen-poor soil, high salinity and the ebb and flow of an intertidal zone, coastal mangroves thrive where other trees and shrubs would perish. Unless they are yellow, the leaves are green, and some, if you lick them, taste salty.

Mangrove forests can appear impenetrable, muddy, smelly and swampy. For centuries, they have been cleared for firewood, farmland, urban development, aquaculture and, yes, tourism. On Curaçao, mangroves are now found on only 0.012 percent of the island. Globally, more than half of the mangrove forests have been cut down or otherwise destroyed in the past 50 years. Deforestation has slowed — but not stopped — in recent years, and rising sea levels and increased storm activity have done further damage.

But coastal mangroves — there are some 60 species worldwide — are the foundation of life above and below the water. With intricate root systems, they act as nurseries for juvenile fish and other marine life. Mangrove branches and trunks make safe feeding and nesting sites for yellow warblers , tricolored herons and other bird species, reptiles like iguanas, and insects aplenty.

Those strongly anchored roots also protect from flooding, erosion and tidal surges by slowing down seawater and trapping dirt and debris. More crucially, mangrove forests are extraordinary for decreasing the effects of global warming, by absorbing and storing carbon annually at a rate 10 times as great as tropical rainforests. Mangroves, along with other coastal wetlands, “sequester enough carbon each year to offset the burning of over one billion barrels of oil,” according to the Nature Conservancy .

Surreptitious beginnings

Ryan de Jongh, a 53-year-old Curaçao native, activist and tour guide, is the living embodiment of regenerative tourism. He’s an important reason we encountered a lush, thriving ecosystem in Piscadera Bay, and demonstrates how one person can make a difference.

Mr. de Jongh grew up swimming in the bay and watched the area’s mangroves being cleared for fuel and construction. In 2006, he surreptitiously planted the first mangrove tree — a single seedling can mature in around 15 years and lead to an entire thicket — and now, he said, more than 100,000 trees are growing. He made similarly stealthy plantings at other inlets and bays, making himself a local hero in the process.

Mr. de Jongh, who gives kayak tours himself , now works on widespread government-sanctioned restoration projects.

His aim is to eventually plant 1.3 million trees on the island. “I have to transform literally a desert back to green,” he said.

The interior of Curaçao certainly looks like a desert, with a dry, dusty landscape of cactus and other succulents. Along with its closest island neighbors, Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt and receives minimal rainfall. People on the island drink desalinated seawater.

The trade winds bring cooler temperatures. In the 16th century, they also brought Europeans who enslaved and deported the Indigenous population and turned Curaçao into a slaving port. The colonists also planted oranges, sugar cane and other nonnative species, with varying degrees of success, and developed giant salt pans for export, but it was the construction of an oil refinery in 1918 and growing tourism that finally brought widespread jobs. The refinery shut down in 2019 — nine years after Curaçao voted to become a semiautonomous nation from the Netherlands — an event that only emphasized tourism’s importance for Curaçao’s economy. Last year, the island, only 40 miles long, welcomed 1.3 million visitors .

Aaren and I gladly did our part to support the economy: In Willemstad, that meant eating at Plasa Bieu , the Old Market, where individual vendors cook and sell local cuisine. We fought with each other over the fried wahoo and an arepa di pampuna — pumpkin pancake — but we were warned off the cactus soup. “I live here,” said another diner, “and I don’t even eat that.” We also snapped photos, like so many other visitors, while crossing the floating Queen Emma Bridge , and watched it open and close for marine traffic.

We waited in an hourlong, locals-heavy line at De Visserij Piscadera Seafood restaurant (“slaying and filleting” since 2017), where diners choose and purchase their fish fillets before sitting down; we drank oregano punch for the first time (think mint ice tea, but oregano and oh so refreshingly delicious); and we inhaled grilled shrimp and raw fresh tuna.

Further north, we ate “williburgers” — goat burgers — at Marfa’s GoodHangout in Sint Willibrordus, which overlooks an old salt pan that, sadly, the resident flamingoes absented that day, and delighted upon coming across a coral nursery while scuba diving right off the jam-packed Kokomo Beach.

Coral reefs are crucial to Curaçao’s tourism and fishing industries and valued at more than $445 million annually, according to a 2016 economic assessment published by the nonprofit Waitt Institute. And coral reefs, which support roughly 25 percent of all marine life, are enduring cataclysmic bleaching and disease brought on or compounded by climate change.

In the last 10 years, scientists have better understood the symbiosis between coral reefs and mangroves: They don’t need each other to exist, but proximity brings benefits to both ecosystems.

“Working in this field of conservation, you might come in from one entry point and then you realize everything is connected,” said Dr. Ahmadia of the W.W.F. “We can work on coral reefs, but we should be thinking about sea grass beds and mangroves, because they are all really connected. And then of course, they are connected to the human environment.”

One morning, Aaren and I walked through the 30-acre Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park , a short stroll from the center of Willemstad and a shorter one from the island’s cruise ship terminal. Open since 2022, the park offers guided and audio tours, elevated boardwalks, programs for local schoolchildren and a tiered entrance-fee system (guilders and U.S. dollars accepted) for residents and overseas visitors. Some 17,766 people came in 2023, an increase of 14,687 from 2022.

Manfred van Veghel is the new director of the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation, which oversees the mangrove park and five other national parks. Working with the government of Curaçao, local travel operators and activists like Mr. de Jongh, Dr. van Veghel aims to expand park access, construct an elevated bridge and add a visitor center, among other goals. The efforts are part of his desire to transform Curaçao into more of a nature-based tourist destination.

“We had a record last year and they are pushing to get more,” Dr. van Veghel said of Curaçao’s number of annual visitors. Yet, he said, the beaches are getting full. “So we need to get activities other than going to the beach — and the mangrove park is an excellent activity.”

Mark Spalding is a senior marine scientist with the Nature Conservancy and lead scientist of the Mapping Ocean Wealth initiative , an online tool that applies economic value to coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Spalding said a draw of mangrove activities, like boating and hiking, is that “without having to trek through the Amazon for hours and hours, you can get that sense of wilderness and experience, and also the peace and tranquillity very quickly and very easily.”

“It might only be two hours of your entire holiday,” he said, “but it’s the thing you take home with you — the story you tell.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story misidentified an nongovernmental organization. It is the World Wildlife Fund, not World Wildlife Federation.

How we handle corrections

Elisabeth is the deputy editor for the Travel Desk at The New York Times. More about Elisabeth Goodridge

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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WHAT’S BITING?

Belize Monkey River Tour & Fishing Trips

Up-close with Nature!!!

100% Belizean Tour Operator

World-Class Fishing Charters

Introducing "Little Blue"

Our Fishing Charters

Placencia Fishing Charters

Fishing/snorkeling/island Time

Inner Reef Fishing

Placencia Fishing Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

BAIT FISHING, FLY-FISHING, BAIT CASTING, SPINNING, & TROLLING

Full-day Fly Fishing

Spear Fishing, Light & Heavy tackel, hand-line & Electric Re

Outer Reef + Inner Reef Fishing

Deep Sea Trolling + Deep Drop Electric Reel

Deep Sea Trolling

A day at Sea-Combo Tours

Fishing and Snorkeling combo tour sheet

Spearfishing & Snorkeling Combo (Catch & Cook)

Catch & Cook tour sheet

Snorkeling & Diving combo

Snorkeling & Diving tour sheet

TRIPS OFFERED

Fishing in Placencia, Belize

Fly-fishing in Placencia, Belize

Fish Species and Habitats

Fly Fishing

Fishing Policies & More

McNab Editorial Team

FLY FISHING

Generations on the Flats: A Fly Fishing Legacy in Placencia

Expert Fly Fishing Services from Placencia

Loved By Our Guests

Fraser C. Heston

Mel Krieger

Clinton Bybee

Fishing Charters from Belize City or Placencia

Deep Sea Fishing

Bottom / Live Bait Fishing

Belize City Fishing Charter

Belize Fishing Packages Available for Novice Anglers !

Charter Fleet

NAUTI BY NATURE CHARTERS

Alluring Fishing in Belize

Useful Info

DK Fishing Adventures and Tours

Reviews from Tripadvisor

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The Fishing Trip of a Lifetime Awaits in Placencia, Belize

Placencia: An Angler’s Paradise

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