Attractions Around Stann Creek District Belize

An Overview of Stann Creek District

South of Belize City, the Stann Creek District of Belize is a laid back, coastal area easily accessible through the southern highway route. The area is known for boating tours, fishing sites, diving areas, and beautiful natural areas. The most famous attraction in the region is the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve.

Points of Interest Around Stann Creek District

Placencia

Located in the southern portion of mainland Belize, Placencia is a beach resort where many travelers stop to dive, swim and snorkel.  Large beaches cover the entire island front.  It’s far less touristy and crowded than the more popular islands and coasts found to the north.

Southern Cayes

This is a catch-all name for the numerous small islands that radiate outwards from Placencia.  These are famous for having unique patch reefs to explore.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife preserve is the world’s first official jaguar sanctuary, dedicated to the preservation of rare habitats, flora and watershed.  The wildlife sanctuary is also home to several waterfalls and jungle rivers which are available for swimming.

Banana Farm Tours

This portion of Belize has many banana farms, providing one of the nation’s major export commodities. There are official tours that allow guests to walk through these groves while learning about the agricultural process. Keep in mind that there are some plantations which allow guests to walk around with permission, without booking an official tour through an agency.

Laughing Bird Caye National Park

This is a series of mini-atolls interspaced with island sandbars. The unique geography creates a delicate and rare ecological system, making this a fully protected World Heritage Site.  The National Park is considered the greatest sea kayaking destination in the country.

Pumpkin Caye

This is a famously isolated and relaxing Caye usually visited after snorkeling or kayaking tours.

Toledo District

Found to the south of Stann Creek District, Toledo District of Belize is easily accessible via the Southern Highway. Below are some attractions which are easily reachable from the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Nim Li Punit

This is a series of small Mayan temples within easy driving distance of Placencia.  There are also large spice farms and botanical gardens in this area.

Lubantuun

This is another pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization, somewhat close to Nim Li Punit. The construction techniques found at this site are unique, with the ancient engineers using massive black slate stone blocks in exact layers. The stones interlock and balance against one another precisely, so no mortar was used during the building process.

Hopkins Garifuna Mango Festival

The Garifuna are descended from a group of slaves who escaped a sinking ship to start an incredible diverse mango plantation near the beaches of Hopkins.  Their descendants eventually founded a Mango Festival dedicated to the tropical fruit and all the creative culinary dishes it could be incorperated in. The festival is held for two days in June each year.

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