Ways to get to Placencia
By Plane: There is only one international airport in Belize - The Philip Goldson International Airport, located in Belize City. From Belize City, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda, there are flights several times a day on the two national airlines; Maya Island Air and TropicAir. Price per person between Belize City and Placencia is about $100 USD each way.
By Car: There are a few major car rental companies right outside the international airport in Belize City. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive to Placencia Village from Belize City, and is an easy, scenic drive on Belize's major highway. You can also hire private taxis for a price of around $300 USD. There's now also a shuttle available between Belize City/ Belize Airport and Placencia (Belize Shuttles) which operates three times a day for about $55 USD per person. Please visit http://belizebus.wordpress.com/ for bus information.
Things to Pack
Remember, besides the caretaker, you will be the only one(s) on the island so you're the boss and wear and do whatever you wish. Nevertheless, here are some items to consider:
* Camera / underwater camera & batteries or charger
* Sun protection products (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
* Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
* Cool, lightweight, casual clothes
* Water shoes
* Your prescription medications
* DEET-based insect repellent
Power and Electrical Appliances
Electricity in Belize is 110V/60Hz (same as the US). The majority of outlets are the same plug type as the US although some places use the UK standard plug. French Louie Caye is powered completely by solar panels. The cabin and the great room each have 12-volt cigarette lighters and a power converter for plug in electronics, computers, cell phones, iphones, and ipads.
Cell Phone Reception
There is cell phone reception on the island, though sometimes limited. We also have an internet cell phone card that we will loan to guests, but reception for the card is also sometimes limited. We're in the process of improving both cell phone and internet service.
Drinking Water
Water on French Louie Caye is collected from fresh rainwater, chlorinated and filtered. If you prefer bottled water, you may purchase at local stores in Placencia Village and bring along with you.
Bugs on the Island
We maintain our grounds in ways that control flying insects. Nevertheless, due to our subtropical environment, sandflies (no see’ums) and mosquitoes are present on the island, but most of the time due to a constant breeze they are not noticeable. DEET-based repellents work well to repel mosquitoes and sandflies.
Weather and Hurricanes
The weather here is subtropical weather moderated by sea breezes, and average year-round day and night-time temperatures of 75-85°F (24-30°C). Caribbean sea water temperature also stays around 80°F (27°C) year-round.
Seasons are defined in terms of precipitation, with wet and dry times of year. The rainy season lasts from June to November and the dry season from February to June. There is also a “little dry” in July or August, when rain is scarce for a few weeks. Total rainfall per year is on the order of 400cm (160in) per year, with rainfall mostly at night. Some of this precipitation comes from hurricanes and tropical storms, with the last major hurricane to hit Placencia in 2001 - Hurricane Iris. However, because of its far southwestern Caribbean location, Placencia is not frequently hit by Hurricanes - the last major hurricane to hit the area prior to Iris in 2001 was Hurrican Greta in 1978.
Tropical storms and hurricanes normally occur in the months of June – November. You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance if traveling during those months so that you can make a claim if your flights or prepaid hotel stays are disrupted by a storm. The French Louie Caye monitors local and international weather sources and will keep guests informed of any potentially threatening tropical storms or hurricanes. If there is a storm approaching, we will advise guests of any recommendations made by Belize’s national weather and safety authorities and guests will be required to comply.
February, March, April and May offer the most moderate weather of the year, but August and September weather is also great for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Warm temperatures in November, December and January also make the Belize a good getaway from cold temperatures in North American and Europe.
By Plane: There is only one international airport in Belize - The Philip Goldson International Airport, located in Belize City. From Belize City, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda, there are flights several times a day on the two national airlines; Maya Island Air and TropicAir. Price per person between Belize City and Placencia is about $100 USD each way.
By Car: There are a few major car rental companies right outside the international airport in Belize City. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive to Placencia Village from Belize City, and is an easy, scenic drive on Belize's major highway. You can also hire private taxis for a price of around $300 USD. There's now also a shuttle available between Belize City/ Belize Airport and Placencia (Belize Shuttles) which operates three times a day for about $55 USD per person. Please visit http://belizebus.wordpress.com/ for bus information.
Things to Pack
Remember, besides the caretaker, you will be the only one(s) on the island so you're the boss and wear and do whatever you wish. Nevertheless, here are some items to consider:
* Camera / underwater camera & batteries or charger
* Sun protection products (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
* Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
* Cool, lightweight, casual clothes
* Water shoes
* Your prescription medications
* DEET-based insect repellent
Power and Electrical Appliances
Electricity in Belize is 110V/60Hz (same as the US). The majority of outlets are the same plug type as the US although some places use the UK standard plug. French Louie Caye is powered completely by solar panels. The cabin and the great room each have 12-volt cigarette lighters and a power converter for plug in electronics, computers, cell phones, iphones, and ipads.
Cell Phone Reception
There is cell phone reception on the island, though sometimes limited. We also have an internet cell phone card that we will loan to guests, but reception for the card is also sometimes limited. We're in the process of improving both cell phone and internet service.
Drinking Water
Water on French Louie Caye is collected from fresh rainwater, chlorinated and filtered. If you prefer bottled water, you may purchase at local stores in Placencia Village and bring along with you.
Bugs on the Island
We maintain our grounds in ways that control flying insects. Nevertheless, due to our subtropical environment, sandflies (no see’ums) and mosquitoes are present on the island, but most of the time due to a constant breeze they are not noticeable. DEET-based repellents work well to repel mosquitoes and sandflies.
Weather and Hurricanes
The weather here is subtropical weather moderated by sea breezes, and average year-round day and night-time temperatures of 75-85°F (24-30°C). Caribbean sea water temperature also stays around 80°F (27°C) year-round.
Seasons are defined in terms of precipitation, with wet and dry times of year. The rainy season lasts from June to November and the dry season from February to June. There is also a “little dry” in July or August, when rain is scarce for a few weeks. Total rainfall per year is on the order of 400cm (160in) per year, with rainfall mostly at night. Some of this precipitation comes from hurricanes and tropical storms, with the last major hurricane to hit Placencia in 2001 - Hurricane Iris. However, because of its far southwestern Caribbean location, Placencia is not frequently hit by Hurricanes - the last major hurricane to hit the area prior to Iris in 2001 was Hurrican Greta in 1978.
Tropical storms and hurricanes normally occur in the months of June – November. You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance if traveling during those months so that you can make a claim if your flights or prepaid hotel stays are disrupted by a storm. The French Louie Caye monitors local and international weather sources and will keep guests informed of any potentially threatening tropical storms or hurricanes. If there is a storm approaching, we will advise guests of any recommendations made by Belize’s national weather and safety authorities and guests will be required to comply.
February, March, April and May offer the most moderate weather of the year, but August and September weather is also great for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Warm temperatures in November, December and January also make the Belize a good getaway from cold temperatures in North American and Europe.