My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon trip to Belize next month (July '08) and have gone back and forth about these two destinations.
We like secluded, beautiful beaches and are NOT party people. I've seen Placencia described as having the nicer beaches but I've also seen it described as "scruffier." Lan Sluder has written to me indicating that he prefers Caulker.
Our plans are to do some snorkeling and relaxing, but, if it is rainy, the snorkeling might not be a possibility. Then, we might be stuck with nothing to do on Caulker, while Placenia has some adjoining wildlife refuges.
We will be going to either Caulker or Placencia after leaving the San Ignacio area where we'll be staying four nights.
We would like recommendations for lodging at either location. We want moderately priced beachfront cabanas, with A/C, if possible.
This is our honeymoon, so it is important to choose well. We only have three nights for the "beach" part of our honeymoon.
I've driven myself a little crazy trying to make this decision, so any thoughts are most welcome!!

Do you have the funds to fly round trip to Placencia from Belize City? Depending on when you go that might be a consideration since you can't get there by road right now since Arthur (formerly Alma) took out a bridge on the Southern Hwy near Maya Centre. Hopefully by the time you get there they'll have something temporary in place but I wouldn't count on it. With Caulker you could ferry across or fly and either way you're closer to the airport for you flight out.

Congratulations on your marriage! Have a great trip and be sure to tell us all about it. Happy trails!

Caulker really doesn't have very nice beaches. If that's big on your list of priorities, I'd head to Placencia.

Although, like Mr. Sluder, I prefer spending time on Caulker, but it isn't because of the beaches...

Hi Beachmama,

I traveled to San Ignacio and Placencia a few years ago -- we rented a car and drove ourselves.

My reviews of Blancaneaux Lodge (San Ignacio) and Turtle Inn (Placencia) are here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...acio_Cayo.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ann_Creek.html

I'm only familiar with the beach in front of the Turtle Inn resort, and we really couldn't swim there - the water was murky and full of sea grass. But the resort was gorgeous and we enjoyed our time there anyway.

We took a snorkeling excursion though to Laughing Caye and the water was nice there.

I doubt you'll be able to drive to Placencia next month. A major bridge washed away, it's going to be awhile before it can be rebuilt.

Have you considered Ambergris Caye? San Pedro is small but you would have more options than if you stayed on Caulker.

Thanks for the replies (and the kind wishes!) I really appreciate any help! Usually those who've been there are the best authorities. I do have a couple more questions:
JeanH: WHY did you prefer Caulker, if the beaches are so unpleasant?
Linda: From what I've read, Ambergris seems a lot more hectic and touristy. We've considered staying on Caulker and then taking a day trip to Ambergris. Is that possible?
I'm pretty sure we've given up on Placencia and will now focus on the Cayes. Anyway, I'm thinking it will be a lot less travel time since we've only got a week and will be spending 4 nts in San Ignacio. Has anyone heard of, or stayed in, the Barefoot Beach Resort in Caulker? It looks just about perfect, at this point--and I'm exhausted with trying to make this decision!

I'm not sure why I prefer Caulker over Placencia. I wasn't thrilled with the beaches in Placencia either, I didn't think the water was all that pretty, and the sand wasn't very white. I'd heard they were the best beaches in Belize, and I guess I was disappointed.

I like the vibe on Caulker. I like all the funky little bars and restaurants. There's some in Placencia too, it's just personal taste. The water's prettier off Caulker as well. And even though the beaches really aren't swimmable, it's pretty.

I just returned from a week on Ambergris, it's my favorite, even though it's gotten fairly busy. Day trips are easy, just hop on the water taxi, takes less than 30 minutes to get from one caye to the other.

I can't help with accomodations on Caulker, we stayed at De Real Macaw, it was fine, but I probably wouldn't pick it for my honeymoon.

for your honeymoon trip, i would pick turtle inn, quiet, easy to go to town, just lovely. of course that's in placencia.