Bird Island - a unique private island experience.

Bird Island - a unique private island experience.

Photo gallery for Bird Island - a unique private island experience.

Bird Island (2019)
Bird Island 2024
Swimming area & Pavilion
South View
North view

Overview of Bird Island - a unique private island experience.

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Placencia, Stann Creek District
  • Popular LocationPlacencia Peninsula1 min walk
  • Popular LocationPlacencia Beach7 min walk
  • Popular LocationJaguar Bowling Lanes14 min walk

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Upstairs apartment

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Bird Island - a unique private island experience.

Bird Island (just 6 miles from Placencia, Belize) offers the unique opportunity of having your very own island all to yourself with either your loved one, family or group of friends in comfort and in absolute privacy. It is located inside one of the most beautiful shallow-water atolls in Belize. It offers the full spectrum - from true relaxation to endless choices of outdoor activities right outside your door.

The original concept of Bird Island which we still adhere to after many years is to provide a uniquely fun island experience at a very-affordable price but giving up very little. While our competitors emphasize super luxury foremost (and have to charge thousands of dollars per night), we rather offer true comfort but also fun things to do. A recent guest (Melissa) said it best in her review - "Be prepared to never stay at a typical resort again because everything will pale in comparison."

If comradeship with only people you know while having the choice of doing many fun activities together like kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, underwater exploring, fishing, fire chats is your interests, while being totally free in an informal private setting, you will definitely be coming to the right place as one can surmise from the hundreds of very kind and grateful reviews we have received from our guests over the last 8 years.

And when staying at Bird Island, there is no need to go on expensive tours anywhere else since you really are already 'there'.

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Other Notes: (Updated February, 2024)

>> Reservations: It is important that the reservation is indeed accurate as to the number of guests actually coming since it helps us plan for your stay that much better. The island's capacity is 8 persons.

>> Price: The base price is $895 for the first two (2) guests. $100 per person per night beyond that.

>> Length of stay: We have a minimum of 4 days; most guests book for 5 days. We do leave a 24-hour window between guests for general cleaning and maintenance.

>> The overall sequence of events for our guests on the day they are going to the island is: 1- meet at our Bird Island office if already staying in Placencia or meet you at Placencia airport if arriving the same day as reservation, 2- personal equipment outfitting at our office; 3- go food shopping (very close by) and off we go. The entire process takes approximately one hour since Placencia is a small village.

>> General Meeting Place: Unless other arrangements have been made, the best meeting place is at our Bird Island office at 11am (or later) on the day of departure which is right on main street in Placencia, where the sidewalk crosses the main road in the very middle of town. Placencia is a small village with one mainstreet.

>> Getting to Placencia from Belize City Airport is now much easier with the just-opened coastal road that bypasses the mountains roads and the city of Belmopan. Price does not include the transport from Belize City to Placencia, though now it is a simpler and very inexpensive affair.
~By Shuttle: The shuttle service we recommend is Truly Wild - their prices each way are: $275usd for 2 people, $300usd for 4 and $325usd for 6 people . (2.5 hour drive or less.)
~By Rental Car: The auto rental establishments we have heard the best opinions on is Pancho's - (their prices ranging from $75usd-$100usd). Also Crystal (their prices ranging between $53usd-$100usd). Their places of establishment are right at the Belize City international airport where you will be landing. (2.5 hr drive or less.)
~By Air: (Maya or Tropic Air) About $130 USD each way per person. Only 40-minute flight. When it is only two persons involved, flying is the most inexpensive option.

(Note: If going to Bird Island the same day as arriving, the shuttle/rental car route works best if one is arriving in Belize International Airport by 2pm or so since it is now only a 2.5hr drive to Placencia. Plus (1) hour for food shopping and 20 minutes to get to the island. It gets dark in Belize by 6:30pm. If arriving to Belize International well after 2pm it is best to ~fly~ to Placencia if leaving for the island on the same day. Staying a day in the village of Placencia prior to coming to the island is also a great idea since it is a safe and fun place to be.

>> Exclusivity. Yes, when you book Bird Island, you will have the entire island all to yourself in absolute privacy. There is no staff on the island, unless you ask for our cook, which makes Bird Island the only truly totally-private island opportunity in Belize.

>> Accommodations: The island has 4 separate places to stay in (with 7 beds) and each with their own bathroom. It can accommodate 8 persons, especially today when the island has undergone so many expansions.

>> The trip from Placencia Village to Bird Island via boat is included in the price (just a 18-minute run). Pick-up from the island when returning should be about 2 hours before flying out of Placencia.

>> A mid-stay trip (when staying 5+ days) to the mainland for necessary supplies is available; though it is by far easier for us to get what's needed to the island during your stay than having to make two trips back & forth.

>> Cook : If you would like a cook we have a very good one available, $175 a day. She also does house keeping and is a good guide on activities as one can surmise from the great reviews she constantly receives from our guests.

>> Snorkeling / Fishing equipment: Please bring your own mask that you are totally comfortable with; we do have every size of good-quality Cressi fins however at our shop available which you are welcome to borrow (no fee). We also have some very innovative sport equipment at the island, such an array of excellent floating devices and new types of snorkeling & swimming boards to take advantage of the new island 'swimming hole' areas.

>> Wading slipper-type shoes. The island is surrounded by shallow sand flats and within 100 feet a spectacular reef with live coral; bringing soft slippers type of beach shoes is a good thing to have when walking about.

>> Food Supply: Bird Island is a self-catering scenario (unless hire our cook), so the plan is just to bring enough meats, vegetable and drinks (i.e. liquor, ice) for your stay. We do assist you with your local food shopping. If hiring a cook, she does the shopping with you. The island has a very well-stocked kitchen with a myriad of condiments such as cake mixes, flour, rice, spices, oils, paper towels, garbage bags, etc., so you are not required to think of every little thing. Food shopping is a very simple affair and will be the very last step before departing for Bird Island. The island has a big refrigeration, freezer and Yeti coolers at the bar to maintain ice. If you are a Keurig coffee drinker please bring K-cups with you since they are nearly impossible to find in Belize.

>> Drinking Water: The island has a well-filtered rain-water system for all general uses; however, we still provide purified bottled drinking water. No need to worry about bringing drinking water yourself.

>>While on the subject of water, it is the most precious commodity in an island, so conscientious water usage should be kept in mind at all times when staying in an island.

>> Refrigeration: The island has an electric freezer to maintain ice. Bringing at least six (6) bags of ice when food shopping is recommended.

>> Power. The island runs on solar-power and does have a whisper-quiet, turn-key generator that can be turned on if needed (i.e. in the rare event of a string of cloudy days).

>> Entertainment: The island has an excellent Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (2), many great board games and an extensive library of books. If you love reading, you will find no finer selection of books.

>> Side Services (while staying in Placencia or Bird Island): One extra service we highly recommend while staying in Bird Island is a fishing trip with Thurman which will provide all the fish you will need the rest of one's stay.

>> During 2023 we did add many new fun snorkeling/swimming areas with beautiful aqua blue 'pools', umbrellas and benches over the water, and even underwater 'pyramids' now full of fish, octopus, crabs and the like to see at your leisure making going elsewhere on a tour not necessary whatsoever.

>> Security: Though Bird Island is only 6 miles away from town and inside its own atoll, we share a security association with other islands. The new Coast Guard station is in an island within sight of Bird Island.

>> Getting around the atoll. There are a single-person and 2 double-person kayaks and two (2) Paddle boards to cruise the atoll that surrounds the island, as well as new snorkeling & swimming boards.

>> Sun Tan Lotion (and Bug Spray). Remember, it is the tropics; the best type of suntan lotion is one of a high Block Factor (50), either lotion or spray type.

>> Bugs (i.e. sand flies, mosquitoes). Unlike the mainland or most other islands, Bird Island just doesn't tend to have them, in fact it is one of the things our guests really appreciate the most. We have never have had to spray for them either.

>> General weather pattern:
January-June 15th: is considered the 'dry season'.
June 15th-July 15th: the first seasonal rains tend to occur.
July 15th-September 15th: usually is very nice weather, interrupted by the occasional 30-minute a passing shower.
September 15th-October 20th: the second seasonal rains tend to occur, again passing showers.
November 1st-December 30th Occasional thunderstorms here and there but great weather in long stretches between them.

Property manager

Fred Arbona

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Pet friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 12
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Placencia

Located in Placencia, this lodge is on the beach. While the natural beauty of Placencia Beach and Placencia Peninsula can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Inky's Mini Golf. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Placencia, Stann Creek District

What's nearby

  • Placencia Peninsula - 1 min walk
  • Placencia Beach - 7 min walk
  • Jaguar Bowling Lanes - 14 min walk
  • Silk Caye Beach - 11 min drive
  • Maya Beach - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Placencia (PLJ) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • Omars Creole Grub - 8 min walk
  • Wendy's Creole & Spanish Cuisine - 4 min walk
  • Rumfish Y Vino - 4 min walk
  • The Shak - 1 min walk
  • Inky’s 19th Hole Restaurant - 20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bird Island - a unique private island experience. pet-friendly?

Yes, Bird Island - a unique private island experience. allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Bird Island - a unique private island experience.?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bird Island - a unique private island experience.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Bird Island - a unique private island experience. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Placencia lodge is within a 10-minute walk of Placencia Peninsula and Placencia Beach. Silk Caye Beach and Jaguar Bowling Lanes are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracie D., Alexandria, Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Truly Unique Fantasy Experience!
Bird Island has been a dream vacation for us for a long time. And after years of looking at pictures and reading reviews online, it was almost surreal to step foot on the island for the first time. "I can't believe we're really here" went through my mind several times throughout the week. The entire experience was amazing! The logistics were smooth, from meetup to shopping to transportation - Leo handled it all in a professional and friendly manner. Fred and Ruth were there to welcome us upon arrival and the hand off went off without a hitch. The island itself is a dream! This is not a five star luxury resort, so don't expect that sort of experience. This is something different - an island getaway where you are isolated, free, and truly at one with the ocean and nature around you. Snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing are second to none. At night the sky lit up with stars in a way that you just don't experience in city life. Of course I have to give a nod to Thurman who gave us an amazing experience and made sure we had enough fish to eat for the whole week! All in all it was a dream come true, and an adventure that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

colette s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
We had a great time on this well cared for piece of paradise.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relax and enjoy
What a fantastic place! Fred, Ruth and Leo are considerate, responsive and accommodating. If you are looking for a place to get away, this is it. You won’t have all the luxuries of high priced resorts, but you will have everything you need for a true island adventure! That is exactly how Bird Island is set up. Leave your cares on the mainland and spend your day snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding or relaxing in a hammock. Do not skip the chance to go fishing with Thurman. In my opinion, it is best to spend a full day on the island before scheduling a fishing trip. It gives you time to get adjusted to your stay. Also, 5 days seemed like the perfect amount of time for us. Not too long that we needed more supplies and not too short that we were not able to enjoy all there was to offer.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laurie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of a kind location!
Everything about Bird Island was amazing from start to finish. Fred was great about communicating the itinerary and what was needed to make our stay perfect. His son helped us shop for groceries, transported us and all of our food and gear to the island, and even helped turn in our rental car so we didn't have to pay extra for it to sit parked for the time we were on the island! My two boys (ages 15 and 16) loved to snorkel and explore the area around the island. We fished, relaxed, made delicious meals in the lovely kitchen, and spent the evenings playing cards and board games. They have thought of everything and there is nothing missing from this amazing place. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina M., Highlands Ranch

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little slice of paradise
Super easy, great communication with property manager regarding flight changes and getting in later than expected. They think of everything so you don't have to! Island is just beautiful they give you so many things to do on the island but then offer amazing excursions. We will be back for sure!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Fred Arbona

Host profile image
Retired not from work, but from the maddening crowd. Came to Belize in 2010. Started Bird Island in 2013.
Military Service: Vietnam/Asia (1968-1972). Then traveled throughout Central and South America for 2 years, always thought I would be back. Went to Cornell University for 5 years. Lived in Sun Valley, ID area for 7 years and then in Prescott, AZ for 23 years until 2010. My two main hobbies have been fly fishing and bird hunting with my beloved English Setters which I had the supreme honor of having for three generations encompassing 37 years.

Why they chose this property

A unique experience. Where else can you find the experience of staying in your own island, at an affordable price?

What makes this property unique

No need to go on special tours, you can swim, snorkel or fish practically right outside your bedroom door while staying at Bird Island.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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