The boat ride out to
Laughing Bird Caye was not only short-lived but also exceptionally exciting. We
departed from Placencia village and took a boat ride out to the island. I knew
I was not only visiting an island but a protected one. I have visited other
cayes in Belize such as the popular San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and the laid-back
Caye Caulker but I had never visited an island that is also a National Park and
a World Heritage Site, protected for its natural beauty.
Laughing Bird Caye
National Park is distinct from the other islands as it is a part of the famous
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and it is a snorkeler's paradise. The
natural beauty surrounding this island is sumptuous. In order to visit
this paradise you must book a day tour with a licensed tour operator: our
recommended choice is Splash Dive Center. Not only are the licensed guides
friendly and informative, but also the BBQ grilled fresh on the island is a
delightful lunch!
So, if you are
still asking: what is so special about this island? Well, let me describe to
you the beauty. Snorkel around the island and you will encounter a
diverse and abundant marine life living below. The area is covered with a
variety of coral reef habitats that sparkle and give life to other marine
species. The island has a distinct elongate shape that forms a faro. A faro can
be best explained as an angular atoll that is situated on a reef. The faro is elevated
and encloses a central lagoon, which gives Laughing Bird Caye National Park its
shallow waters surrounding the island.
If you are visiting
the southern coast of Belize, there is much to experience on this beautiful
island. The perfect Caribbean escape! The beach is formed by powdery unspoiled
white sand, a heavenly and perfect texture. While on the day-trip we were told
that the island earned its name due to the Laughing Gills that once populated
the island. Today, Laughing Bird Caye is known as a nesting place for a variety
of birds including
Brown Pelican, Green Heron, Melodious Blackbird amongst others
that call Belize their home. 
The northern end of
the caye is a very busy rookery and for that reason it is off limits to the
public. The northern end of the caye is
opened up one day each year for the annual cleanup by 100 or more school kids
and volunteers organized by Splash Dive Center.
If you are visiting Placencia a day-trip out to Laughing
Bird National Park will complete your visit to Belize!
Email Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com to find out more
about this beautiful Gem!
