Snorkel· Laughing Bird Caye· Other Caribbean
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
16° 26.6′ N · 88° 11.9′ W
A 1.4-acre sliver of sand and palms on the southernmost of Belize's coral faros, 12 miles east of Placencia: a World Heritage national park with clear water, rays, turtles and reef snorkelling straight off the beach. Named for the laughing gulls that once nested here (management plan).
Practical
Coordinates from the management plan (16°26.59'N 88°11.85'W). Protected since 1991, expanded in 1994 to about 10,119 acres covering the whole faro; managed by SEA (Southern Environmental Association) from Placencia; on arrival rangers brief visitors. The faro rises from deep water, with the Victoria Channel (to 44 m) to the east and the Inner Channel (30 m) to the west. Park fees are charged (included in some tours). The Moorings counts it among its restricted zones for bareboats but its skippered route anchors here overnight in good weather, with Lark Caye or No Name Point as alternatives. Never anchor on coral; use moorings where provided.
Best for
Snorkelling a protected faro reef