Big Creek / Placencia - Immigration

Where is Big Creek/Placencia?

Located about 80 miles south of Belize City, the combined villages of Independence and Mango Creek are found on the mainland (typically the whole area is called Mango Creek). Just south of the village center is Big Creek, the deep water container ship port that is the hub of the oil and fruit industries.

All the clearance offices are located in Big Creek within a few hundred feet of each other. Note: Big Creek is a secure port of entry, so the offices must be accessed from the land outside the gates of the port - not by water.

Most vessels moor in Placencia, a beach resort and tourist fishing village on a long, narrow bight of land across Placencia Lagoon from Mango Creek. Placencia has a variety of mooring options including anchoring, marinas and yard space. The village itself has a distinct Caribbean feel with colourful buildings, funky bars and restaurants.

Entry notes and cautions for Big Creek/Placencia:

There is a very shallow shoal just to the south of Little Harvest Caye, before entering the lagoon.

Cruiser Highlights for Big Creek/Placencia:

Customs and Immigration; marinas; fuel; marine supplies; hardware; restaurants; water taxi and bus service; provisioning; tourism options.

There are many small islands called cayes scattered within an area of 10 square miles of Big Creek. These islands are easily accessible and provide an abundance of marine life and white sandy beaches.

Position:

16°30′N, 88°22′42″W (Lagoon entrance)

Last updated:  January 2024