We're arriving at BZE about 3:08pm from the US in a few weeks.

How long does it usually take to get through customs and get luggage?

Should I book a flight to Placencia in advance or just show up and get one there when we're on the ground and through everything?

Which airline would be the best to go from BZE to Placencia?

Should take no more than 15-30 mins to get through C&I.

I'd book ahaead for Placencia (Tropic is my choice) here;s the schedule. Full info on them & Maya on the site (homepage)

Leaving from Belize International
Destination Leave Arrive Flight # Adult
one way Adult
rd trip
Placencia 0815 0905 321 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1010 1040 511 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1020 1105 351 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1100 1135 521 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1220 1305 361 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1230 1255 531 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1350 1425 541 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1420 1505 381 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1520 1555 551 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1645 1700 561 $70.00 $140.00
Placencia 1700 1735 3101 $70.00 $140.00

Thanks klcman

I'll book for the 4:45pm flight with Tropic Air if they have it open. We'll be going to CC and AC from there, so it'll be a one-way.

how do you plan to get from Placencia to CC or AC? Can't do it directly by flying. Have to go through either airport in BC.

Ah...

This is a very good thing to know!

I hadn't considered that (slaps wrist). I was actually going to try to get a boat to get there, and maybe a tour that would stop off on the way for camping or similar on an island between Placencia and AC, but was going to fly as a backup. Guess that won't happen now.

Thanks for the head's up.

Any boating ideas?

hmmmmmmmmmm nope.......don't think that will happen either, unless you find some local willing to do it.

I'm not aware of any regular water schedule/tours.etc between Plac/AC/CC

Hi, I have found that customs can take longer than 30 minutes during busy times when more than one flight comes in at the same time, so give yourself some extra time.
I know your plan is to go to Placencia first but if you want to go to Caye Caulker first and sail down to Placencia there is Raggamuffin Tours that offers a package. You could email them about the return trip. Their email address is [email protected]
I am including a reply I got from them. I sailed with them last time I was down, for a day trip and had a great time. Very friendly, very professional.

Hi Cathy!

Many thanks for your enquiry!

We send out weekly our trips to Placencia, generally commencing on a Tuesday and generally our minimum number is 8 persons. Please do not concern yourself if you only find that you are a group of 6 as it is almost certain that a couple of likeminded persons will sign up to fill this trip in the meantime.

We generally commence our trip each Tuesday - does this fit in with your scheduling?? If not, then we can try and work around it.

The trip takes three full days of sailing, snorkeling, fishing and camping. It is a unique island hopping adventure which gently highlights Belize's beautiful reef. All your needs are taken care of, which includes setting up (or taking down) camp, cooking, sailing and fishing, however it is extremely common that there are those that want to get involved and this is by all means possible.

The first night is spent on Rendevous Caye, a tiny island the size of a tennis court with twelve coconut trees upon it. The second is spent on the famous Tobacco Caye, an slightly bigger island with small fishing and diving community. Both islands are set upon the reef with exceptional snorkelling right off the islands. This allows guests to maximise the time spent snorkelling if they so wish in the afternoon and morning during their visit.

The food is an additional welcome highlight on these trips. Breakfast and dinners are the largest being cooked upon land. Breakfast consists of fresh flour tortilla or fry jacks, eggs, cheese, sausage and fruit. Fruit is once again served whilst on the boat both at mid morning and mid afternoon as snacks. Lunch consists fresh rolls with vegetable salad, ham or cheese. Upon arriving at the island and after camp has been set up salsa or ceviche is served with chips and beer or rum punch to commence the evenings festivities. During the day the Guides will fish and therefore the 'catch of the day' will be roasted on an open fire or cooked in a traditional method for the evening feast around the fire.

Bathrooms are on the boat and all passengers will be able to get a fresh shower each evening. Camping facilities are provided with two persons sleeping in a large four man tent with foam matts and sheets.

The total cost of the trip per person all inclusive is $500 Bz. This essentially means that all you have to bring is yourselves and a smile!!

I do believe that it would be easier for you to reach Punta Gorda by car (perhaps commission an air conditioned van for all 6) from Placencia.

Does that answer your questions??

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

CHARLIE FAUX
Raggamuffin Tours
Caye Caulker
Belize
Tel: +501 226 0348

Thanks Cath,

We're arriving in Placencia first cause Lobsterfest starts the day we arrive in Belize and lasts for only three days. Hopefully it doesn't get rained out again and delayed.

That trip would've been perfect, had it gone the other way.

Scott, how long are you staying in Belize? The reason I am asking, Capricorn has some really great packages that include mainland, with 4 wheel drive vehicle, ac and cc for very reasonable prices. You might want to take a look at their website. www.capricorn.net.

Scott,
From Placencia you will need to fly to Belize municipal (TZA), either catch the flight to AC or take a cab to the water taxi terminal and take a water taxi out to the cayes.
By the way, you are pretty much on my schedule, except that I go to Placencia first weekend; second weekend; AC, third weekend, Caye Caulker.