Placencia is a resort town located on the south east coast of Belize, in the Stann Creek District, in the Caribbean Sea. There are a small handful of dive centres and dive resorts here where visitors can do both dive courses and get guided around the best dive sites of the region. Highlights of diving here include incredible visibility, thrilling steep walls and a high chance of seeing Whale Sharks. This is a less popular diving region, but not due to lack of what it has to offer. Diving here means getting away from the crowds and still have the opportunity to admire a multitude of marine environments and marine species. 

It is possible to dive at Placencia all year round due to the warm, tropical climate. The air temperatures here range between 21 degrees Celsius in the winter up to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The water temperatures vary between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius; pleasantly warm. The wet season runs from August to October, but the showers are short and do not affect diving. The visibility here is 30 metres on average. 

The best time for a chance to spot Whale Sharks is between April and June. 

There are many types of diving which can be done here which cater to divers of all levels. For the beginners, there are many calm, shallow dive sites which are ideal for dive courses and relaxing dives. The more advanced divers can do night dives and go and explore the outer reefs which hold steep walls, impressive reefs and the chance to see many different species including Whale Sharks. The diving here is done from small speedboats. Underwater photographers should definitely have their cameras on them at all times, the waters here are so clear, and the colours so vibrant.

Due to this area still being somewhat undiscovered, the marine environments are in pristine condition. The reefs are built up of a multitude of Hard Corals, Soft Corals, Anemones and Sea Sponges and they hold a plethora of marine life which lives and among them including different species of Eels, Lobsters and other Crustaceans, Groupers and many more. There are also numerous larger species that can be spotted here, including Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks. 

The Outer Reef is a region that has multiple dive sites that cater to more experienced divers. It holds some spectacular patches of reef, steep walls, and strong currents which allow for some thrilling drift dives.

Gladden Spit is by far the most popular dive site here as this is where divers are most likely going to spot the Gentle Giants of the sea; the Whale Sharks. 

Laughing Bird Caye National Park is one of the shallower Cayes which is perfect for dive courses and beginners. What also makes this an attractive dive site is not only the crystal clear water, but also the chance to spot multiple species of Rays. 

Glovers Reef Atoll may also be accessible by dive centres located in the Placencia area, being the southernmost atoll in Belize it offers amazing diving opportunities.

Diving in Placencia also means the opportunity to visit some of the most popular diving destinations in Belize including the Belize Barrier Reef, the Belize Blue Hole and the Shark Hole to see a selection of Sharks.