Maya Beach is a small community on the Placencia Peninsula sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and a vast lagoon. The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) stretch of sand offers scenic views and a line of resorts and hotels with beach access and water activities. Take a long, romantic walk along the beach and appreciate the views of the sea.

Relax beneath a coconut palm swaying in the breeze over the serene beach. The bay stands out for having many trees that add daubs of green to the palette of golden sand, blue sky and aquamarine sea. Enjoy seafood amid the soothing sound of the waves at one of the many charming restaurant huts dotted along the beach.

Visit Spectarte Belizean Art Gallery to see its range of fascinating furniture, arts and crafts and paintings by locals. The small shop nearby carries basic necessities.

Swim in the warm, clear sea and watch the schools of tiny fish parting around your feet. Rent gear from one of the resorts on the beach and go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the colorful marine life in these tropical waters. The changing hues of the sky and sea as the sun begins to descend beyond the horizon provide great photos.

Book a jungle trekking tour to explore the nearby rainforest. Guides offer bizarre activities that are almost unique to Belize, such as Mayan pyramid climbing, cave tubing and jaguar spotting.

Gaze up at the tropical birds and look around the beach for pelicans and iguanas. With luck, you might spot a dolphin or manatee in the water. Lie on a hammock on the beach and drift to sleep listening to the sounds of the birds and gentle breezes.

Find Maya Beach on the northern side of the Placencia Peninsula on eastern Belize. It is near the Savannah Forest Station and Independence and Mango Creek in the Stann Creek District. The peninsula has one main road extending across its entirety.