tour agency placencia

Guiding adventures & unforgettable memories.

Discover the secrets of placencia.

Explore Belize with Placencia Eagle Ray Tours: Your Trusted Belizean Adventure Partner Since 2008!

contact us and book the tour of your dreams

Personal guided marine and inland tours to suit your budget.

Placencia Eagle Ray Tours has been the primary source for Belize’s tours and adventures. With Rene Leslie’s extensive tourism experience, tours become enjoyable learning experiences, while Tricia Hernandez, the marketing manager and joint owner, brings a lifelong Placencia connection to meet global travelers’ needs.

Choose your next adventure in belize

Our pricing reflects our commitment to affordability without compromising on your experience. Explore Belize with Placencia Eagle Ray Tours and enjoy competitive rates that make adventure accessible.

What Our Tours Include

Experienced guides.

You will be guided by Rene Leslie who has over 20 years of experience.

Flexible Cancellation

We offer protection for the unforseen events that may interrupt your trip.

Suitable For Large Groups

Our tours are adopted and availble for all group sizes from 1-15 persons.

You will be provided with all the best tips and advice to ensure your experience is enjoyable.

Learn more about our tours & services

Connect now, why our tours are the perfect fit for your trip, most affordable tour agency.

Experience the extraordinary with Belize's Most Affordable Tour Agency.

Custom Tours By Demand

Crafting tailored experiences through Custom Tours By Demand.

Experience And Motivated Team

Embark on a journey of discovery with our experienced and passionate team.

Great People. Amazing Tours. Beautiful Belize.

Enjoy Amazing Marine & Inland Tours of Belize With Professional Guides

Get more info about our tours.

• +501 661-9516
• [email protected]
• Placencia Sidewalk, Placencia, Belize

Sandy Cove BZ Tours

Your adventures in Placencia starts now! Book all your boat tours with our outstanding tour company, located on the lagoon side of Placencia Village.

NURSE SHARK

Crystal Clear turquoise water leading to deep blue sea, with plenty of islands to explore, all makes for great Fishing, Snorkeling, Kayaking or Boat Cruise. Sandy Cove BZ Tours Captain, Eric is a professional and experienced captain who shared his knowledge of Placencia and these tours with you.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Coastline cruise, deep sea fishing, inner reef fishing, kayaking intro, monkey river tour.

About Sandy Cove BZ Tours

Sandy Cove BZ Tours is fastly becoming a recognize tour operator in Placencia Village. Licensed by the Government of Belize, they carry our eight or so amazing tour.

The Crew Eric, Vanessa, Ian and Shanae are all amazing and fun to be around! They show you the best parts of Belize and will make you wanting to go back!

Stay connected

Stay updated and connected with us, read or write reviews leave comments or views the scenic photos from our tours.

Our Guides are born fishermen, trained and licensed by the Belize Tourism Board

As a new tour operator on The Placencia Peninsula.

Our years of experience was enable us to developed these wonderful tours for you.

What Clients Say about our tours

TIKTOK @sandycovebztours

Sandy Cove Tours Has Been Certified As A Belize Gold Standard Tour Operator. We Are Opened With Enhanced Protocols. Learn More

THE 10 BEST Placencia Tours & Excursions

Placencia tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Snorkel the Perfect Tropical Isle Silk Caye with Turtles, Rays and Sharks

2. Monkey River & Manatee Watch

3. Snorkel and Island Experience at Laughing Bird Caye National Park

4. Snorkeling at Silk and Moho Caye

5. Mayan Ruins & Cave Tubing

6. ATM Caves

7. Half Day Snorkel to Laughing Bird Caye

8. Private Grand Slam Fishing Experience in Belize with Lunch

9. Cave Tubing & Xunantunich (Mayan Ruins) From Placencia

10. PRIVATE Xunantunich Mayan Ruin & Cave Tubing adventure from Placencia

11. Monkey River Wildlife Encounters and Manatee Watch

12. Fishing/snorkeling/island Time

13. Tikal Mayan Adventure - 1 Day Tour

14. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour and Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw

15. Combine 2 of Belizes most popular activities into 1 great package from Placencia

16. Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw

17. Belize Zoo & Country Tour with lunch from Placencia

18. Mayan Chocolate Making & Waterfall Swimming From Placencia

19. Cave Tubing + Xunantunich

20. Hiking in Nature at Cockscomb Jaguar & Wildlife Sanctuary

21. Zip Lining + River Tubing +Waterfall 30 minutes away

22. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve

23. Zip Lining, River Tubing and Waterfall Tour at Maya Sky

24. Belize International Airport - Placencia PRIVATE SHUTTLE

25. Transfer in Placencia from/to Belize Airport BZE and Belize City

26. Belize: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

27. Hiking & Rivertubing at Cockscomb Basin

28. PRIVATE Cave Tubing & Zipline Tour with lunch from Placencia

29. Full Day Cave Tubing and Zip Lining at Jaguar Paw

30. Private Fishing with the Family in Placencia Belize

What travelers are saying.

• Snorkel the Perfect Tropical Isle Silk Caye with Turtles, Rays and Sharks
• Snorkel and Island Experience at Laughing Bird Caye National Park
• Snorkeling at Silk and Moho Caye
• Monkey River & Manatee Watch
• Cave Tubing & Xunantunich (Mayan Ruins) From Placencia
• Nautical Adventures Belize
• Captain Jak's Tours and Rentals
• Daytripper Catamaran Charters
• Ranguana Tropical Island Experience
• Go Sea Tours
• Barebones Tours, Day and Night Tours
• Sunny Side Tours
• Lost In Paradise Adventure Tours
• Truly Wild Belize
• Taste Belize Tours

From Mild to Wild

Choose wilder belize adventures.

Wilder Adventure Tour Combos

Wilder Adventures are perfect for individuals with adventurous hearts, people seeking adrenaline and real adventure preferably in the age range of 12-60 years old, and no physical limitations as these activities are more physical but super fun.

WILDER & MILDER

Looking for the ultimate Belize adventure? Look no further than Belize! With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Belize offers the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Whether you're seeking Belize jungle tours or tranquil Belize tours from Placencia, Wilder Belize Adventures has got you covered. Our custom Belize tour packages cater to all types of travelers, from the wild and adventurous to the laid-back and mellow. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to Belize!

Angels Falls Zipline + Cave Tubing

let's get wilder and zip line on the highest, longest and fastest zip line in Belize, one of the longest lines is almost one mile long how exciting this is to Zip through the evergreen rainforest of Belize.

Tiger Cave + Blue Pools Package

Swipe Right to explore this amazing cave nestled in the private quaint village of San Miguel! The Tiger cave is a live dry cave system which means you can actively see stalactites and stalagmites growing!

Garifuna Cooking, Drumming & Horseback Riding!

Are you a foodie, love to cook, love horseback riding, and would love to have this experience in Belize? We thought of you…

Nim Li Punit, Ixcacao & Spice farm

This is by far the most popular package in southern Belize, super fun, easy and educational! Perfect for chocolate lovers and the culinary inquisitive …

Nim Li Punit, Ixcacao & Waterfall

Discover Toledo district, the home of cacao farming and get your hands on chocolate...

Mayan Sky Zip Line & River Tubing

Adrenaline, adventure, and a fun time are guaranteed with this package, Mayan Sky nature park is only 45 minutes away from Placencia…

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer with Wilder Belize's Top Adventures

​Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our unforgettable excursions into the heart of Belize's untamed wilderness.

MORE THAN JUST A TOUR COMPANY...

Meet Wilder Bonilla

Owner and founder of Wilder Belize Adventures. Wilder is an avid nature enthusiast, he’s passionate about eco-tourism, sustainability, and all things wild in Belize.

Wilder Belize

[email protected]

Tel: +501 650-1003

Placencia Village, Belize

© 2023 by Wilder Belize Adventures. Created by Leslie Agency Belize

Latest News

Wilder Belize Adventures

Top tours from Placencia, Belize

Placencia is a destination full of activities and attractions, for the total enjoyment of the family. 

Explore our adventure tours from Placencia

offering you fun inland tours from Placencia, Belize. Browse our website and start planning your Belize vacation, today!

Chocolate Making Tour

Starting from $50.00

Cave Tubing Tour

Starting from $100.00

Ziplining and River Tubing

ATM Cave Tour

Starting from $180.00

Mayan Ruins and Swim at Blue Hole 

Starting from $150.00

Cave Tubing & Zipline

Cockscomb Basin Jungle Hike

Starting from $70.00

Mayflower Waterfall and Jungle Hike

ATV Ride and Swim at Waterfall

Starting from $120.00

Horseback Riding 

Starting from $75.00

About Placencia Village, Belize

Placencia Village is an easygoing beach town located on the most southern tip of Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District, approximately 170 miles from the Belize International Airport (PGIA) by road. The Main Street in Placencia Village is just a sidewalk! The Guinness Book of World Records” recognizes it as the narrowest main street in the world, the population of Placencia Belize is 2,000. 

Unlike any other top destination in Belize, Placencia has two different horizons. One unveils a world of magnificent beaches, crystal-clear waters, spectacular diving, and World-class fly fishing. The other reveals wildlife, inland adventures, and The Maya Mountains. It is a place that is so peaceful you'll never forget it. Many of the visitors return year after year with their family and friends.

Placencia is now one of the top tourist destinations, and it is also well visited by Belizeans from across the country on weekends.

What Clients Say

"Julian’s shuttle was super easy to book with (communication was great) and the drivers were always on time and friendly."

The Best Placencia Belize Tours and Excursions

Placencia Village, located on the southeastern corner of Stann Creek, is Belize’s most sought-after destination for tourists looking for an authentic, laidback, and idyllic getaway from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In fact, for good reason, the tiny traditional fishing village is tucked away in a secluded paradise all on its own, comprising 16 miles of a picturesque peninsula, and tons of beaches. Apart from having the most popular beaches in the country, Placencia is known for having an assortment of luxury resorts, amazing scenery, and quality food.

Despite its seclusion from the mainland, Placencia can be easily accessed through a paved highway that extends 27 miles, away from the Southern Highway, or via a 30-minute domestic flight from Belize City. Due to its geographical location, the barefoot-friendly community is a mecca for maritime and mainland jungle adventures. Meaning that whatever your preference may be you can either be swimming with giant whale sharks or interacting with howler monkeys and jaguars in the deep jungle.

The blue water off the coast of Placencia, has always managed to put a spell on visitors, beckoning them to jump in and explore its endless underwater beauty and rich marine life. One of the best snorkeling destinations to experience this raw and untouched beauty of the underwater is a trip out to the Silk Cayes situated 36 kilometers east of Placencia Village. Located inside a marine reserve, this famous dive site is teeming with several species of fishes, corals, turtles, eagle rays, rough tail sting rays, and even seasonal attractions such as the giant whale sharks which would usually visit the site during the month of March through to June.

If the Caribbean Sea isn’t your thing, then you might want to book a tour to Monkey River Village , which is situated just a couple of miles outside of Placencia Village. This tour which comprises a short drive, a boat tour up the river, and a short hike in the jungle will place you directly in the center of the howler monkey’s civilization.

Another enjoyable trip to take advantage of while in Placencia is a trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , which is estimated to be about an hour’s drive. Known as the only jaguar preserve in the world, this is your best chance to spot a jaguar living in its natural habitat. Comprising 128,000 acres of rainforest the nature preserve is also home to pumas, margays, ocelots, deer, peccaries, tapirs, and close to 300 species of birds. Refresh yourself after a long hike in any of the natural pool formations and cascading waterfalls that can be found on the grounds.

Of course, visiting Belize would not be completed without learning of its traditional Maya ancestors and their authentic chocolate-making experience . Learn all about how traditional Mayas would convert cocoa beans into mouth-watering chocolate bars using the hands-on technique which have withstood the test of time through generations.

If you are wondering how to get all this done in a strange country then we are pleased to inform you that Uncharted Jewel Belize , being a reputable tour and shuttle company, based in Southern Belize can attend to your transportation needs. We offer direct pickups from the airport or at any destination or resort of choice. With experienced drivers and guides, we are your number one option for getting the best tours and shuttle service when in Belize.

Related Posts

Top 17 things to see and do in Belize

Ancient Fossilized Tooth Leads to New Findings About Belize

Why you should do a Belize tour of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

5 Amazing Things To See And Do In Belize In 2020

About the author.

[email protected]

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

🔥 Get the Best Tour Deals by Booking Directly !

+501 631-9777

Blue Turtle Adventures

Welcome to Blue Turtle Adventures. Your one-stop site for private, Group and personalized tours in southern Belize. Whether you want to explore the underwater wonders of the second largest Barrier Reef, discover the ancient secrets of the Maya civilization, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this Flora and Fauna paradise. Then we have something for you!!

Blue Turtle Adventures is owned and managed by Neima, a seasoned tourism professional with over a decade of experience in creating unforgettable experiences for travelers. She works with a network of small and reliable tour operators and guides who share her passion for quality service and customer satisfaction.

We offer private departures for all our tours, so you can choose who you want to share your adventures with. But, if you prefer to join with other people on a group tour, we can help you find the best option for your budget and preferences.

We also provide transfers to and from Hopkins, Dangriga, San Ignacio and Belize City. Contact us today and let us help you plan your Belizean dream vacation .

                                  YOU BETTER BELIZE IT!!

OUR MISSION

Helping people create unforgettable experiences while visiting Placencia by providing unique opportunities to learn about Belize and what is has to offer.

Explore. Escape. We'll lead the way!

QUICK LINKS

Cancellation policy 

QUICK CONTACT 

Phone: +501 631-9777

Email:  [email protected]

TRIPS OFFERED

• Dive into a World of Underwater Wonders! Signup Today..
• +501.614.2628
• [email protected]

Placencia Tour Company

Meet The Team

Hi, I am Ruth Viafranco!

Welcome to High Point Travel, a full service Belizean Travel company brining together all the best in Belize with one Click.  Creating that perfect vacation in Belize with both a Beach and Jungle Experience or Reef and Ruins Adventures .

Let us arrange Transportation between destination, Accommodations and Tours or any Activity . Need a Cake or floral arrangement for a special occasion, where are here to help.

Your are one click away from a Memorable, Relaxing time in Belize. 

Visit any of our website: placenciasnorkeling.com -:- highpointravel.bz -:- exploresanpedrobelize.com

High Point Travel and Placencia Wildside Adventures

Since 2019, I have been serving as the primary contact for Placencia Wildside Adventures, answering both emails and WhatsApp messages. Placencia Wildside Adventures has been offering a diverse range of adventure activities and tours in the Placencia region for the past 3.5 years. However, during this time, we realized the growing demand for specialized snorkeling private tours and mainland excursions originating from Placencia.

Placencia Wildside Adventures, our flagship brand, offers a wide range of adventure activities and tours, including snorkeling, to cater to the diverse interests of our guests. Through this extensive experience, we have gained deep knowledge of the best snorkeling destinations in Placencia and have fine-tuned our services to meet the specific needs of snorkeling enthusiasts.

To further enhance our offerings, we established High Point Travel as a dedicated brand specializing in snorkeling private tours and mainland excursions originating from Placencia. This strategic move allows us to focus solely on creating exceptional snorkeling experiences for our guests, ensuring that they have access to the most breathtaking and vibrant underwater sites.

Our team of experienced guides, with their in-depth understanding of the local marine ecosystems, will accompany you on these snorkeling adventures, providing insightful information and ensuring your safety throughout the journey. We take pride in curating personalized and tailored experiences, ensuring that each snorkeling excursion is a memorable and immersive encounter with the mesmerizing underwater world of Placencia.

Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, our expertise and dedication to delivering top-notch snorkeling experiences in Placencia make us a trusted authority in the field. We invite you to explore the pristine waters, encounter diverse marine life, and create unforgettable memories with us as you dive into the beauty of Placencia’s snorkeling paradise.

the tour Company

Placencia Wildside Adventures, born out of the vision of a local resident, is a leading tour company in the area. Our focus is on providing exceptional snorkeling, diving, and fishing trips that showcase the natural beauty and wonders of Placencia. With a team of well-trained, friendly, and informative tour guides, we ensure that every moment of your adventure is filled with knowledge and enjoyment.

Heading our tour company is Conrad Villanueva Jr, a Guide and Captain whose passion for sharing his experiences stems from his upbringing as the son of a fisherman. As a 100% Belizean-owned and staffed operation, touring with us directly supports the local economy, contributing to the growth and well-being of the community.

Placencia Wildside Adventures was created to offer an alternative to the commercialized tour experiences often found in Placencia. We specialize in catering to small or private groups, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere. While our shared tours accommodate a maximum of 20 passengers per boat, we are capable of accommodating private groups of up to 48 passengers. Our commitment to providing a personal touch stems from the years of experience Conrad and his crew gained while working with larger companies.

Our mission is to offer affordable private tours that are tailored to the unique needs of your group, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a friends’ retreat, or even a gathering of like-minded strangers. Despite being a young company, we prioritize safety and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your journey with us exceeds your expectations. Let us show you the very best of Belize.

Placencia Wildside Adventures operates with full licensing and insurance, adhering to the regulations set forth by the Belize Tourism Board. 

Conrad Villanueva

Conrad Villanueva, the proud owner of Placencia Wildside Adventures, fosters a unique and inclusive work environment where he considers his guides not merely employees but valued coworkers. With an extensive background working for prominent tour companies across Belize, including serving cruise ships, Conrad brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Scuba Instructor and seasoned boat captain, Conrad is not only knowledgeable but also a cool cat who ensures everything runs smoothly and strives to provide you with the best possible experience. However, he does have one constant drive: a relentless pursuit to enhance the experiences of his clients. This dedication to continuous improvement sets him apart and fuels his commitment to delivering exceptional adventures. Known affectionately as "Kanni," Conrad's passion for his work shines through, creating a welcoming and enthusiastic atmosphere. With his expertise and genuine care for customer satisfaction, he goes above and beyond to make your journey unforgettable. Rest assured that with Conrad at the helm, you're in the hands of a dedicated professional who is constantly seeking ways to elevate your experience.

Mission Statment

At High Point Travel, our mission is to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to Belize, focusing specifically on delivering the very best snorkeling tours. We are passionate about immersing our guests in the breathtaking beauty of Belize’s marine world, ensuring they have access to the most stunning snorkeling destinations and tailor-made itineraries. 

With our expertise, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, we aim to exceed expectations and create unforgettable memories beneath the surface. At High Point Travel, we strive to be the go-to authority for unparalleled snorkeling adventures in Belize, offering a journey that combines adventure, education, and unparalleled natural wonders.

Location & address

High point travel.

On the Lagoon Side behind Lyda’s Guesthouse.

At High Point Travel, we offer an exciting array of tours designed to provide unforgettable experiences in Belize. Our offerings include thrilling Fishing Trips where you can test your skills and reel in the big catch. For those seeking an adventurous challenge, our Lionfish Hunting tours allow you to participate in the conservation efforts of this invasive species .

If you’re a seafood enthusiast, our Seafood Spearfishing tours let you catch your own meal and savor the flavors of the ocean. Immerse yourself in nature with our Monkey River Tour , where you can encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Discover the vibrant underwater world with our Laughing Bird Caye Snorkeling and Silk Cayes & Turtle Alley Snorkeling tours , where you’ll be mesmerized by the colorful coral reefs and marine life. And for the ultimate bucket-list experience, don’t miss our Swimming with Whale Shark tour , an awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.

With High Point Travel, your journey in Belize will be filled with adventure, exploration, and incredible memories.

"Snorkel, Thrill, Placencia's Charm!"

Things to do.

• Island Hopping Adventures
• Silk Caye - Turtle Alley
• Lionfish Hunting
• Catch and Cook
• Laughing Bird Caye
• Scuba Diving

Placencia Belize

• Getting There
• Places To Stay
• Barrier Reef

Secure Online Payment

Our Company

• Meet the Team
• Tour Policy

© 2023 High Point Travel | Tours in Placencia Village. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Sitemap

• Travel Updates
• Gold Standard Hotels
• Recommended
• Luxury Hotels
• Family Friendly
• - North Islands
• - Western Belize
• - Southeast Coast
• All Belize Hotels
• Official Travel Guide
• Bucket List Tours
• ATM Cave Tours
• Tikal Tours
• Belize Zoo Tours
• Tours from San Pedro
• Tours from Caye Caulker
• Tours from San Ignacio
• Tours from Placencia
• Tours from Belize City
• Tours from Hopkins
• Don't have an account? Sign Up

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Belize Podcast
• Belize Travel Guide
• Pack for a Purpose
• Job Opportunities
• By Location
• Where to Eat?
• Calendar of Events
• Service Providers
• Create Business Profile
• Become a Supplier
• Media Services
• Advertising
• Partner Dashboard

BELIZEAN OWNED AND OPERATED

BELIZE ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURES

Experience 3 islands while snorkeling & fishing .

Enjoy a snorkel and fishing tour that includes snorkeling 3 islands, as well as fishing while moving from island to island.

Great for beginners: see a lot of fish, corals and more.

We will have a cooler of cold drinks waiting for you. Let's party on the Caribbean Sea.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:

3 islands + snorkel + fishing.

leaving placencia, going from island to island, a minimum of 3 island, swimming at different islands.

Minimum:  

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Price:  

US$175.00 per person (fish and snorkel)

all fishing and snorkel gears, lunch, beach towels, hotel shuttle, water, fruits, park fees, all taxes

Let's hop Belize islands today!

• About Barefoot Services Belize
• Belize Weather
• Accommodation
• Ground Transportation
• Equipment Rental
• Inquiry Form

10 Amazing Day Trips You Can Take from Placencia

Placencia belize tours.

Placencia, in southern Belize, is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Home to golden sands, boutique cafes, and an idyllic Caribbean vibe, Placencia is a great place to visit for locals and international visitors alike.

And while you’re in Placencia, you can enjoy amazing day trips such as these:

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) is one of the most interesting wild areas on the planet. Home to the world’s only jaguar conservation project, the CBWS is a vast, trackless enclave that contains mountains, valleys, wetlands, and a cornucopia of plant, bird, and animal life.

Monkey River 

The Monkey River is a well-named watercourse running through some of Belize’s lushest jungle before terminating in the Caribbean just a few miles north of Placencia. Boat tours on the Monkey River are a great way to see more of the abundant wildlife in Belize, including black howler monkeys, as well as visit traditional villages.

Laughing Bird Caye 

One of Belize’s most beautiful protected marine environments on the reef, Laughing Bird Caye is home to an abundance of dive sites that are far off the beaten path. With shallow lagoons and coastal waters, Laughing Bird Caye is a great place for beginning divers as well as nature lovers who come to admire some of the many seabirds that nest in this area.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling 

With clear, shallow waters and a bright white sandy seafloor, scuba diving or snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef near Placencia is like jumping into an enormous aquarium filled with colorful fish and exotic marine creatures like rays, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

Whether you’re trying to catch your dinner or want to complete your personal Grand Slam, the fishing in and around Placencia is spectacular. All year long, gamefish such as snook, tarpon, barracuda, bonefish, and permit abound. Whether it’s fly fishing from the flats or deep fishing for marlin and sailfish on the outer edge of the reef, Placencia is a popular destination for anglers from around the world.

Barefoot Rentals and Services , a locally owned tourism services company based right in southern Belize, is your go-to company when visiting Placencia. Barefoot also organizes day trips to all of the destinations listed above and many more .

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

8 Exciting Things to Do in Placencia | Belize

• Post author: Tanya Korteling
• Post published: 28/01/2022
• Post last modified: 14/03/2024
• Post comments: 2 Comments

• Opens in a new window

Located on the southeastern coast of Belize in the Stann Creek District is Placencia Peninsula, a 16-mile-long spit of land with the Caribbean Sea to the right and Placencia Lagoon to the left. This little slice of paradise boasts the most beautiful beaches in the country. On the southern tip of the peninsula is Placencia Village. Although small, the village has a big and colourful personality. It also has easy access to most things to do in Placencia and nearby.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our Affiliate Link Disclosure.

What you'll find in this post

Things to Do in Placencia

On our latest visit to Belize, we spent a week in Placencia exploring what it has to offer. On a previous trip we’d spent a week on  Caye Caulker which we loved, so we were hopeful we’d enjoy Placencia just as much. I’m happy to say we weren’t disappointed!

Placencia is perfect for some rest and relaxation and you can spend hours doing not a lot. Wander up and down the colourful main street and boardwalk, practice yoga, chill on the beach or in a hammock, watch sunrises and sunsets, and sample food and drinks. Despite the laidback vibe, there are still plenty of less sedate things to do should you feel the need for more activity. Here are eight exciting things to do in Placencia.

1. Snorkel or Dive [With Whale Sharks]

As with most beach destinations in Belize, two main activities in Placencia are to go snorkelling or diving. Just like we did in Puerto Morelos in Mexico , you can snorkel or dive off the main Mesoamerican Barrier Reef; about 20 miles out from Placencia. Alternatively, there are great snorkelling and diving spots around the Cayes and atolls near Placencia.

Nearby Gladden Spit is also one of the best places in the world to snorkel or dive with whale sharks in the right season. This was something that had been on my bucket list for ages, and I was undecided whether to do it in Placencia or if swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico  would be better. I went for the first option in Placencia.

The most popular agency for snorkelling and diving in Placencia is  Splash Dive Centre , who kindly hosted us for our whale shark snorkel tour. We were really impressed with the agency despite some misjudgement on our part as to what the tour would involve…think 12 – 15 ft rolling waves!!!

But, of course, big fish need the deep blue sea – why hadn’t we thought of that? Despite feeling uneasy we gave it a go, only to both call it a day after about 7 minutes of flailing around in the waves!

Calling our snorkel off was no fault of Splash Dive Centre, it was down to our own naivety and not thinking it through properly. Our excellent guide saved the day with a plan B to take us on a great reef snorkel instead. So, despite our whale shark snorkel ‘misadventure’, we highly recommend Splash Dive Centre. Their boat, equipment, onboard lunch and safety-first approach were all fantastic.

2. Monkey River and Manatee Watch 

Another exciting tour you can take from Placencia is the Monkey River and Manatee Watch Tour with Monkey River Eco Tours , who also kindly hosted us. Spotting manatees has also been on my bucket list for a while so I was very keen to do this.

The tour is by boat with a local Monkey Village guide. First, the boat takes you out through mangrove-lined channels of the Stann Creek and Toledo districts into the Caribbean Sea. You then enter the mouth of Monkey River to arrive at Monkey River Village, a small fishing village in the Toledo district.

There’s a brief stop at the village where you place your lunch order at a local restaurant. The tour then continues downriver and through mangroves for about 30 minutes before stopping for a short gentle hike into the jungle.

Throughout the tour, you can expect to see all kinds of flora and fauna. We saw many different birds and insects, iguanas and a huge variety of plants, trees and flowers, some with medicinal properties. Especially entertaining was the inquisitive troop of howler monkeys that came within 10 feet to say hello during our hike. 

After a tasty and filling local lunch in Monkey Village, the tour ends with manatee-watching near Harvest Caye. When I say ‘watching’ I mean ‘spotting’ as it’s very hard to spot manatees let alone watch them. We got lucky and saw a herd of five or six who kept surfacing to breathe. This was definitely the tour highlight for me.

3. Mangrove or Sea Kayaking

Many of the waterfront accommodations and watersport shops in town have kayak rentals available. You can either kayak the mangroves in Placencia Lagoon or in the sea around Placencia. The heavy mangroves provide a tranquil kayaking adventure in peaceful natural surroundings. You should see plenty of birds and fish and sometimes even manatees, dolphins and rays.

Another fun option is sea kayaking in the clear Caribbean waters. There’s not much in the way of tide action so it shouldn’t prove too strenuous. If you’re feeling more adventurous you could kayak around some of the cayes and maybe even camp overnight.

4. Caye Hop by Boat, Kayak or Catamaran

If you’ve the time and budget a fantastic day out from Placencia is caye hopping around cayes like Laughing Bird, Silk or Long Coco Caye.

You could do this on a group speed-boat trip, independently by kayak as mentioned above, or splurge and take a private charter catamaran or sailboat .

There should be no problem arranging any of these from where you’re staying or from one of the tour agencies in town.

5. Explore the Peninsula by Bicycle

Feeling energetic and want to see more of Placencia Peninsula than where your feet will take you? Then why not rent a bicycle to explore the peninsula? There are several places in town where you can rent bicycles, one of which, ‘Placencia E-bikes’ also rents out e-bikes. If the Belizean sun is too much for you to exert yourself in, another option is to rent a scooter or golf cart.

One of the places you could cycle to is the Garifuna village of Seine Bight in the north of the peninsula. Learn about the Garifuna lifestyle through their art, music, folklore and food.

6. Fish in the Lagoon or at Sea

The waters of Placencia Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea around Placencia are some of the best places in Belize for fishing. As a result, fishing is a booming business in town. Many fishing enthusiasts come to Placencia in the hope of hooking a tarpon, permit, bonefish or snook.

If you have your own fishing gear you can fish by yourself in the lagoon. Andy and some other men staying at the same place as us, had a go and caught black snappers and jacks.

Unless you have your own boat, to go deep-sea fishing you’ll need to book yourself on a fishing tour or private charter. It’s possible to try out different types of fishing including drop fishing, fly-fishing and trolling. If you do this be sure to choose a reputable company or boat, as there are strict regulations on where you can fish and what you can catch in which season.

7. Hike Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re into hiking, especially jungle hiking, a tour to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary should be on your itinerary. It’s home to the world’s first jaguar reserve and focuses on protecting and growing the jaguar population and other species.

The sanctuary has several hiking trails of varying difficulty you can attempt. There’s also a river you can tube down, with a small waterfall and pool to cool off in. I badly wanted to do this tour but unfortunately didn’t have the time. 

Cockscomb is about two hours away, but it still sounds like an excellent tour you can do from Placencia.

8. Experience a Local Festival

If you time your visit to Placencia right you may be lucky enough to experience a local festival . We were fortunate to be there for the three day Lobsterfest. This is a countrywide festival and also held on different weekends in San Pedro on Amergris Caye, Caye Caulker and in Belize City.

Placencia locals insist ‘their’ Lobsterfest is the best. Without having experience of the others, I’d have to say the other towns have a long way to go to beat it. We experienced a fun, safe gathering for locals and visitors alike.

There was live music, arts and crafts, games and competitions and, of course, lots and lots of delicious lobster, cooked every which way. 

Other annual festivals in Placencia include the Sidewalk Arts Festival, Independence Day and Carnival. The latter two festivals are celebrated all over Belize .

Placencia Hotels

Placencia has a good selection of hotels, hostels and guesthouses on offer. We treated ourselves to a stay at Sailfish Resort for a week for Andy’s birthday. It was a bit outside our normal budget, but well worth it. Set right on the beautiful lagoon at Sunset Pointe, it also has a pool with a swim-up bar, perfect for relaxing and chatting with other guests. We liked that it has a selection of rooms ranging from dorms to suites like the one we stayed in, making it accessible for all budgets. 

BOOK SAILFISH RESORT HERE

Lydia’s Guest house is a good budget option and a more high-end option is the eco-friendly Turtle Inn .

There’s also a whole range of other  accommodation to suit all budgets and styles , including some  very nice Vrbos . 

Placencia has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach break or something more adventurous you’ll find it in Placencia.

Have you been to Placencia in Belize? What was your favourite thing you did whilst there?

Planning Your Trip to Placencia?

Planning your trip to Placencia? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible:

Enjoy this post? Pin it for later!

Product Review Disclosure:  Splash Dive provided us with a complimentary whale shark tour and Monkey River Eco Tours provided me with a complimentary Monkey River and Manatee Watch tour. This did not influence my post in any way and as always I’ve provided balanced and honest reviews. Read more in our full  Product Review Disclosure

Tanya Korteling

This post has 2 comments.

Diving with the whale sharks looks so cool and it’s been on our bucket list for awhile now! Looks like Belize is a good place to check it off.

Yes definitely, and diving will be much better suited to it than snorkelling!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

I agree to the use of my information to be sent exclusive email updates, travel tips, offers and giveaways! I also confirm I’ve read Can Travel Will Travel's Privacy Policy

+91-8929175340

• Plan A Trip

Belize Tour Operators

• Placencia Tour Operators

• Tour Operators

Travel Agents In Placencia

A Belizean Nirvana

Beachfront, Westby Way , Placencia , Belize

Services : Tour Operators

To us, Nirvana is a state of mind; it is a sense of peace and tranquility that we both feel on different levels when we are in Pla ...more

Belize Ocean Club

Placencia Road, Maya Beach, Placencia, Stann Creek , Placencia , Belize

We are Dealing in Tour & Travels Services.

Travel Agency In Placencia

TourTravelWorld.com is the right place to get in touch with tour operators in Placencia, who can customize tour packages for you as per your requirements. Travel agents in Placencia can facilitate your trip to the city by also providing effective local advice at reasonable charges. We have a strong network of travel agency in Placencia that you can easily connect with, and plan your trip for a hassle-free experience. These tour operators in Placencia have a long-standing in the travel industry, and they are known for providing Placencia tour package that is comprehensive, professional, and affordable. Simply send your requirement to Placencia travel agents for getting the best quote.

Belize Tour Packages by Theme

Belize travel guide.

Powered by TourTrvelWorld

Destinations Belize, Belize Travel Specialists    [email protected]

Belize Vacations, Belize Vacation Packages, Belize Travel Agency

Destinations belize, explore belize vacation planning basics, belize vacation planning, custom belize vacations, belize hotels and resorts, tours and attractions, belize family vacation packages, belize honeymoon and anniversary packages, belize caves and caving, basic planning hints, more belize information.

Packages Belize Vacation and Tour Information

• International

April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

News | Anaheim staffing agency to pay $2.2 million to…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting
• Environment

News | Anaheim staffing agency to pay $2.2 million to settle hiring discrimination suit

U.s. equal employment opportunity commission says baronhr failed to refer job candidates based on race, sex and disability.

A former Anaheim-based staffing agency will pay $2.2 million to settle a hiring discrimination lawsuit that alleged it failed to recruit and refer job candidates based on race, sex or disability, federal regulators announced this week.

The 2022 suit by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission targeted BaronHR LLC and Radiant Services Corp., a Baron client that operates a commercial laundry facility in the Harbor Gateway near Carson and allegedly exercised the same discriminatory practices.

“Protecting individuals seeking entry-level or temporary jobs from discrimination in recruitment and hiring is a key enforcement priority for the commission as set forth in the EEOC’s most recent strategic enforcement plan,” EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride said in announcing the settlement. “Individuals seeking work through staffing agencies fall squarely within the category of vulnerable workers.”

Baron closed in January.

The lawsuit alleged that, since at least 2015, Baron failed to recruit and refer workers for low-skill positions based on their race, including those who are Black, Asian, White and non-Hispanic.

The company — which operated branch offices in California, Nevada, Colorado and Illinois — also allegedly screened out job seekers with disabilities and perceived disabilities by only hiring and referring supposedly physically fit candidates with no history of injury.

Officials with Radiant could not be immediately reached for comment. It was unknown whether the EEOC has reached a settlement with the company.

The lawsuit states a Black woman, who wasn’t identified, applied for work through Baron in May 2013, and regularly inquired about employment opportunities,

The woman visited Baron’s Carson office on March 4, 2015, to inquire about available positions and saw a group of workers training for assignment at Radiant. When she asked if she was eligible, a receptionist told her that the “client does not hire Black workers,” the suit says.

Two other Black women applied for jobs at Baron’s Carson office but also were never hired, according to the complaint. Radiant consistently maintained a largely homogeneous Latino workforce at its Harbor Gateway facility, the EEOC said.

Baron also allegedly acquiesced to Radiant’s discriminatory requests for male and female temporary workers for specific employment opportunities.

Radiant requested male workers for sorting and transporting heavy loads of laundry and female workers for folding and ironing positions, which the lawsuit described as exclusionary and discriminatory.

Baron also used an unlawful qualification standard by recruiting and referring physically fit candidates with no history of injury, which excluded individuals with actual and perceived disabilities, the suit states.

A consent decree settling the suit — approved Monday, April 8, by U.S. District Judge George Wu — prohibits Baron from future discriminatory and hiring practices. The $2.2 million paid by the company will be distributed to those who submitted claims to the EEOC and applied for work but were not hired.

“Hiring discrimination remains a persistent problem in low-skill, low-wage industries,” Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles district office said in a statement. “Employers need to take their responsibilities seriously to ensure all applicants receive employment opportunities regardless of race, national origin, sex or disability.”

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in News

Crime and Public Safety | Firefighters, animal officers rescue locked-out dog from 4th-floor balcony in Irvine

Crime and Public Safety | CHP recovers $300,000 worth of stolen Legos, arrests 4 people in LA, OC

Us helps israel shoot down ‘nearly all’ iran-launched attack drones as biden vows support.

News | Off-limits and tainted, Santa Susana Field Lab superfund site opens to rare tour

US restricts travel of embassy workers in Israel as Iran retaliation looms

Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Thursday, April 11. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our story for Friday, April 12 .

The U.S. State Department issued a security alert Thursday for its personnel and their families in Israel, limiting where they can go amid increased concerns of an Iranian attack.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,’’ the alert says. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.’’

There’s no reference in the alert to an impending Iranian strike, but Tehran has signaled it will retaliate for the April 1 assault on its consulate in Damascus, which killed seven senior Iranian military officers. Israel is widely believed to have launched that attack, although it has not claimed responsibility.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out in the last day to the foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey “to make clear that escalation is not in anyone’s interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters Thursday.

With the Israel-Hamas war still raging past the six-month mark, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is also urging American citizens to be mindful of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, warning against visiting the embattled Palestinian territory.

“The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,’’ the alert says.

Israel to 'flood Gaza with aid': War of words with Iran also heats up

Developments:

∎ Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated near a Jerusalem enlistment office, protesting a recent court ruling that means "Haredim" men will be drafted for the first time since Israel was founded in 1948.

∎ Israel is prepared for military confrontations beyond Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, amid concern that Iran was getting ready to strike Israel. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them," he said.

∎ The Israel Defense Forces said it began a "precise, intelligence-based operation to strike terrorist infrastructure and eliminate operatives in central Gaza'' overnight into Thursday.

∎ Russia urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint to avoid "complete destabilization" of the region. Russia also warned its citizens against traveling to the Middle East.

Iran says it must punish Israel because UN didn't condemn embassy attack

Tehran must retaliate for the deadly attack on its consular compound in Damascus last week because the U.N. Security Council failed to condemn the strike or take any action against Israel, Iran’s U.N. mission said in a statement posted Thursday on the X platform.

“Had the U.N. Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated,” the statement said.

Despite its threats, Iran has indicated to the U.S. through an intermediary that it will respond in a manner that avoids an escalation of hostilities with Israel and wouldn’t rush into it, Reuters reported. The U.S. has maintained it was not involved in or given advance notice of the attack.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the April 1 attack on an Iranian consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria that killed seven high-ranking Iranian military officers, including Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi of the elite Quds Force. Tensions between the nations have increased, and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Wednesday that “the evil regime made a mistake and must be punished.”

The top U.S. commander for the Middle East reportedly arrived in Israel on Thursday for meetings with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other senior defense officials to discuss an anticipated military response from Iran,  Haaretz.com  reported. Gen. Erik Kurilla’s trip comes a day after Blinken spoke with Gallant and “reiterated the United States’ support for Israel’s security and made clear that the U.S. will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran and its proxies,” the State Department said in a statement.

U.S. Central Command, in an email to USA TODAY, declined to confirm Kurilla’s trip: “We do not discuss flag officer travel for operational security.”

Hamas official says cease-fire needed to account for hostages

A senior Hamas official on Thursday deflected questions from journalists concerning fears that many hostages could be dead. The possibility gained traction after Hamas said it was not sure it could provide 40 living Israeli civilian captives as part of a cease-fire proposal. Dr. Basem Naim, a member of political bureau of Hamas, said a cease-fire agreement is needed to provide time and safety to collect information on the captured Israelis. They are held in different places by different militant groups − and some are "under the rubble, killed with our own people" and heavy equipment is required to find them, he said.

No one is asking about the thousands of Palestinians kidnapped by Israel since the Hamas-led attack Oct. 7 that ignited the war, he said.

"The most outrageous is the repeated questions regarding the hostages in Gaza, how many alive or dead, does Hamas rejected the proposal because it can’t release 40 hostages in the first phase, etc ..." he said in a statement posted on Telegram. "The lives of their people aren’t more precious than ours."

UNICEF aid convoy hit with gunfire, turned back from Gaza

A UNICEF convoy was hit by gunfire Wednesday as it tried to deliver aid to northern Gaza, the latest in a series of violent obstructions faced by aid workers in the enclave.

"The incident has been raised with relevant Israeli authorities," UNICEF said in a statement. "Sadly, humanitarians continue to face risks in delivering lifesaving aid."

The incident occurred nine days after a World Central Kitchen aid convoy was attacked by Israeli rockets, killing seven workers − and the same day Israel promised to greatly increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment on the incident.

UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told Al Jazeera she was in one of the vehicles at a “holding point” area at a checkpoint. She said three rounds hit the car where she was sitting. The mission had been authorized and the Israeli authorities knew about the convoy, Ingram said. After the shooting, Israeli authorities continued to delay the convoy and it eventually was forced to return to Rafah.

“So those life-saving supplies never made it to the children in northern Gaza,” Ingram said.

Israeli commander pitches aid plan to Red Cross, other agencies

Israel's Southern Command chief, Major General Yaron Finkelman, met with representatives of U.N. agencies, the Red Cross, IMC, USAID and the American Humanitarian Coordinator as part of "increasing coordination and cooperation on the issue of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," the Israeli military announced.

The meeting comes as Israel announced plans to greatly increase access to humanitarian aid for Gaza residents. Plans include a new border crossing designed make it easier to bring humanitarian supplies from overseas and from Jordan to the east.

“These breakthroughs have a direct impact on the flow of aid – we plan to flood Gaza with aid," Gallant said. "It will also streamline security checks and strengthen our work with international partners.”

Contributing: Reuters

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Charlotte Severe Weather

Affected Airports - City , State Association:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)

For complete details View

American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available for our mutual customers due to o perational disruptions, including delays and cancellations due to inclement weather.

Our Travel Notice exception policies on American are also available when ticketed to/from/through on our Joint Business partners: This applies to both prime and codeshare flights as shown below:

Inventory Requirements

Lowest Inventory, Same Cabin

If original inventory is not available rebook lowest inventory available in the same ticketed cabin. As a reminder, customers that do not hold a Basic Economy fare should never be booked into B inventory.

Basic Economy -

• Must be booked in B inventory only. If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected. Advance Purchase and Ticket Change restrictions are waived.

Instant Upsell -

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for rebooking guidelines and Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com . IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

• OTHS AGENCY RETAINS CONTROL OF TKT FOR REISSUES
• OTHS INSTANT UPSELL ANCILLARY EMD ISSUED 001xxxxxxxxxx

Refer to Exceptions to Fare Rules .

Note: If customers are unable to rebook or reissue their ticket within the given timeline, they can cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket; all rules and restrictions apply. Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

Endorsement Box Requirements

• Refer to individual Travel Notice for Event Name
• Ticket Reissue required. This is the only required verbiage and supersedes all other information.

Instant Upsell (IU) tickets must use waiver code: TNADV/IU when rebooking in the Instant Upsell Inventory IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com .

Changes to Origin/Destination - Not Allowed

• Waive Change Fee
• Ticket reissue for original ticketed fare
• 300 Mile Radius is always allowed, unless otherwise stated in the notice
• Changes to origin/destination are not permitted for the travel notice
• Any changes made to origin/destination all fare rules apply

300-Mile Radius Only - Allowed

• Within same country
• For booking inventory, view Inventory Requirements

Basic Economy Short-haul fares

book in B inventory only.If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected.

Changes to Connection City

Changes to Co-Terminal

Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime and AA*/Codeshare flights are allowed

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.  

Reissue Policy Information

American Airlines will waive change fees and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

• Ticket issued on the following ticket stock: AA 001, AY 105, BA 125, El053, IB 075, JL 131, QF 081
• Applies to AA*/ one world flights
• Travel has not commenced on the affected flight segment and the ticket has not been reissued by American Airlines
• The first departure flight is more than 2 hours away
• Affected coupons are in OK status
• Travel reissuance only in accordance to dates identified in the applicable Travel Notice Exception Advisory
• More than one change allowed without an additional collection, including penalty or change fee within the Travel Notice dates
• Original issuing agency responsible for ticket reissue
• Ticket Revalidation not permitted
• The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory)
• Refer to Extend Travel Rebooking after the Travel Event
• Basic Economy must be rebooked in the appropriate Basic Economy inventory
• Please ensure the above procedures are accurately followed to prevent debit memo issuance

Rebooking - Exception to Fare Rules

Exception to Fare Rules: All fare rules apply with the exception of the following:

• Advance Purchase requirement waived
• Minimum/Maximum Stay requirement waived
• Change Fee waived
• When changes to the outbound travel occur, the unaffected return date may be changed to protect the original length of the trip. The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory).

SalesLink Request

• Rebook flights in compliance with Travel Notice Exception Policy
• Log-in to SalesLink at www.saleslink.aa.com
• Request Type: select 'Service'
• Input AA PNR
• Waiver Type: select 'Travel Notice'
• Travel Notice: select applicable Travel Notice event name
• Select 'Next' - and complete request
• Verify: SalesLink approval remarks in PNR
• New Ticket Endorsement Box: Enter event name only
• Ticket Reissue required

Endorsement Box requirement: 10APR24 or the exchange will be subject to a debit memo

Extend Travel Rebooking Guidelines

If customers are unable to rebook within the New Travel Dates, may reschedule their reservation to/from the same city or alternate cities and reissue their ticket with the below guidelines:

• Cancel their itinerary and apply the value of the original ticket towards the purchase of a new ticket for travel commencing within 1 year from the date of original issuance
• Change fee only is waived as long as the original ticket is reissued within ticket validity and the impact dates are in accordance with those identified in the Travel Notice
• Basic Economy fares may only be used towards the purchase of other Basic Economy fares.
• Residual MCO's are not allowed when using the TNADVE waiver code for reissue.
• Extend Travel Rebooking does not apply to tickets in conjunction with Instant Upsell (IU)

Refund Policy Information

When the flight is cancelled or the length of delay is 91+ minutes , travel agents may refund ticket(s) through normal GDS/ARC/BSP processing. Refer to our Schedule Irregularity policy for delays 90 minutes or less.

• Refund To Original Form Of Payment - All penalties/fees waived
• Non-Refundable Fare
• Refundable Fare with cancellation Fee
• Basic Economy Fare
• Bulk/Opaque Fare

Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds .

When the flight is not cancelled or the length of delay is 90 minutes or less , a refund does not apply:

• If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice dates; may use Extend Travel Rebooking or may hold ticket for future travel; all rules and restrictions apply.
• Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

En route/Diversion

• Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
• Customers should work directly with the airport to obtain a boarding pass for return travel to their original departure city. If the customer wishes to rebook travel to alternate future dates, please contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance. Alternatively, they may receive a refund if re-accommodation options are unacceptable.
• If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

• www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
• Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
• Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
• Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
• Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.