Images by Kevin Quischan/BelizeMyTravels
The scenic route doesn’t just end at the Placencia Peninsula. With over 450 islands offshore, called cayes and pronounced as keys, there are plenty more adventures to be had with just a short boat ride from the southeastern coast. Whether you’re off snorkeling, diving, or simply marveling at the southern Belize Barrier Reef—the second largest in the world—then do it from the Peninsula. If you’re staying in the village with us at Sea Spray Hotel, here are three islands to enjoy from Placencia, Belize.
Silk Caye
A legislated protected zone since 2003, Silk Caye actually makes up only part of the attraction of this region known as Silk Caye and Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, found 26 nautical miles east of Placencia. It’s about 45 minutes away, where boats are piloted directly onto the sandy and dockless beach. Visitors wade into its see-through shallows towards a slew of numerous endangered species of corals, turtles, and fish, for a swim-around snorkel session that’s doable in an hour. After, tuck into lunch on either a beach towel or an onsite picnic table that comes with a 360-view of aquamarine Belizean blues.
Fun fact: Docile and gigantic as the largest species of any fish, whale sharks visit the Silk Caye and Gladden Spit Marine Reserve between March and June!
Moho Caye
Idyllic and just 12 miles east of Placencia, the 12-acre Moho Caye is a popular hotspot for daytrippers and even overnight campers. It fringes the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, which means aquatic life abounds enough for fly-fishing, right off its beach. There are bbq grills, picnic tables, restrooms, hammocks, beach chairs, and volleyball nets too, just in case snorkeling off the 3000 feet of soft, white coral sand sloping into shallow, crystal-clear water isn’t sufficient enough alone.
Fun fact: Moho Caye is a private island and the sister site to Ray Caye Island Resort.
Laughing Bird Caye
A mere 11 miles away from Placencia Village, Laughing Bird Caye is the southernmost island in the central lagoon of the Belize Barrier Reef. Uniquely, the narrow, long island stands on an elongated ridge of reef known as faro; its biodiversity secured it as a protected area in 1981, which is apparent as you snorkel and dive off its palm-fringed coast. Beyond the marvels that lie below, birdwatchers can also enjoy pelagic seabirds that stop over too, with part of the island designated a bird sanctuary.
Fun fact: This small national park got its name from the Laughing Gull, which used to breed on the caye.
Stay at Sea Spray Hotel
Inland adventures are just a 45-minute drive away from Placencia Village, but so are offshore escapades too. It’s easy to go beyond the waves on the sugarlike coastline with a home base inside the village, and right on the beach—that’s where Sea Spray Hotel comes in. Regardless of what your budget looks like, there’s accommodation for everyone, from our Economy Rooms to our Seaside Cabanas. Comfortable, clean, and reliable, contact us about your next beach vacation in Placencia, Belize!
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