The Surf Window

Placencia

Stann Creek, Belize

Beach breakBeginner

A slender Caribbean peninsula in southern Belize with a long beach and occasional gentle waves, better known for diving, sailing, and snorkelling but with beginner-friendly surf during North Atlantic swell events in winter months.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

November–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Very gentle, slow, rarely over waist-high

Length

30–50m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: Belize's barrier reef filters most Caribbean swell, waves here are very small and safe

Hazards

  • •Sailboat and powerboat traffic in the channel
  • •Sandflies at dawn and dusk
  • •The barrier reef limits swell significantly, surf is inconsistent

Local Tips

  • •The Placencia sidewalk (allegedly the world's narrowest main street) runs the length of the village
  • •Day trips to the Laughingbird Caye National Park are excellent, one of Belize's top snorkelling spots

Location

Map showing the location of Placencia in Stann Creek, Belize

16.5156, -88.3672