We are taking our three boys (10, 12,17) sailing for two weeks in Belize over the Christmas holiday. We pick up our charter in Placencia and have a few days at the front of our trip and are looking for some recommendations for day trips. Since we will be on a boat for two weeks snorkeling, fishing can wait. There are several other trips that the hotel is pushing such as Monkey River, Zip Line Bocawina, Mayan Ruins? Anyone have any recommendations on these or others? We'er not big museum people, more about once in a lifetime expereinces. Thank you!

Lisa

All grt trips, including hiking, waterfalls and river tubing in the Jaguar Preserve. Sorry I can't help you whittle down to the best option, but only add more options. And rappelling too!

The Monkey River tour, by boat, is always a favorite among first time visitors to Placencia, especially for the younger guests. My favorite guide is Percy Gordon for this trip. Reason is the variety of experiences. Ride through mangroves, see many species of shore birds, crocodiles, bats and, of course, the howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Here is a link to a video posted of what it is like sometimes viewing the howlers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoA8NR4BDMY

Depending on your interest in the Maya culture, the trips to the excavated archaeological sites is always very interesting and educational. And, on some of them, you have time to include a swim in a cave.

Cockscomb Preserve is terrific for a variety of activities in one tour as well. 45 minutes from Placencia Village. Hike along jungle paths, perhaps seeing a tarantula, river tubing, swimming in waterfalls. Great fun for the whole family.

My photos with blog and travelogue links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested. We stayed in Placencia in August 2012 and you can check out our Monkey River trip there. Our kids loved the Maya sites we visited in other parts of Belize and Guatemala but there aren't any big ones close enough to Placencia. Happy planning!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

visit a chocolate maker

You could combine chocolate farm with a Mayan site, both in the Toledo district and day trip from Placencia if that appeals to you

Thanks eveeryone for the recommendations. Brian I have Percy lined up for our first day trip!