5 Best Islands for a Day Trip from Placencia
Placencia is the perfect launching point for exploring Belize’s offshore cayes—small islands scattered along the Belize Barrier Reef. While some cayes are home to luxury resorts, several make ideal day-trip destinations where you can snorkel, swim, relax, and soak up the Caribbean sun.
Here are five of the best islands for a day trip from Placencia:
1. Ranguana Caye
Ranguana Caye combines excellent snorkeling, a soft sandy beach, and a full range of island amenities. The fringing reef is accessible right from the shore, offering colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, rays, barracuda, and occasional sharks and turtles for snorkelers of all levels. Weather permitting, visitors can venture to “the Ranguana Cut” near the barrier reef for a dramatic drop-off snorkel. The island also provides a beach bar and restaurant with fresh meals and drinks, shaded hammocks and loungers, kayaks, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, and restroom facilities. Families especially appreciate the mix of activities and relaxation, and visitor limits ensure a private, uncrowded experience.
Ranguana is 18 miles (45-55 minutes) from Placencia. Availability is limited with day trips only twice a week and group size kept to 12-15. Custom trips for groups of at least 8 can be arranged.
2. Laughing Bird Caye National Park
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Laughing Bird Caye is one of Placencia’s most popular day-trip destinations. The island is surrounded by a protected marine reserve, offering calm waters and excellent snorkeling for beginners and families. You’ll find coral patches, colorful reef fish, and crystal-clear swimming areas.
Facilities are minimal, without a bar or fresh-food restaurant, but its natural beauty and accessibility make it a can’t-miss experience.
3. Silk Caye (Queen Cayes)
For snorkelers eager to get close to the barrier reef itself, Silk Caye is the place to go. The waters around the island are full of vibrant coral and marine life, and nearby sites often feature nurse sharks, turtles, and rays.
It’s a small island without much shade or many amenities, but its proximity to the reef makes it a favorite for those wanting a more adventurous snorkeling day trip.
4. Moho Caye
Looking for a more laid-back island vibe? Moho Caye offers a wide sandy beach, calm waters for swimming, and decent snorkeling just offshore. It’s a little more relaxed compared to the bigger-name cayes, which makes it perfect if you want to combine reef exploration with plenty of downtime in the sand.
5. King Lewey’s Island
If you’re after something a bit different, King Lewey’s Island delivers with a quirky, pirate-themed atmosphere. It’s not known for snorkeling—there’s no beach and no fringing reef—but it makes a fun day trip for visitors who want to enjoy drinks, music, and playful island vibes. Located just 9 miles from shore, it’s one of the easiest islands to reach from Placencia.
Other Options
While not typically set up for day trips, Ray Caye sometimes allows day visitors.
Book Your Day Trip
Each of these cayes offers something different. Some offer amazing sights inderthe sea, while some are more relaxing, or focused on fun. So no matter what kind of day trip you’re looking to book, you are sure to find the perfect spot in Placenia.
Ready to find your new favorite vacation spot? Book your trip to Ranguana Caye and experience Belize’s reef and island life at its very best.
