Why You Should Add This Offshore Activity to Your Placencia Itinerary
Visitors to Belize are typically enchanted; there’s just so much to love about this small but vibrant nation. Steeped in ancient Maya history, rich with intriguing cultures and exciting cuisine, and blessed with abundant biodiversity, natural beauty, and interesting geology, the country’s mainland will keep your adventurous spirit ignited. The beauty and diversity of the country’s landscape is only surpassed by the beauty of what lies below the surface of the surrounding sea.
Offshore and stretching 190 miles in length, covering roughly 370 square miles in surface area, lies the precious and protected Belize Barrier Reef System (BBRS). The second largest in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef encompasses 450 cayes, 7 marine reserves, and 3 atolls. It is home to dozens of types of hard and soft corals, hundreds of species of fish, and many marine mammals like the beloved bottle-nose dolphin.
Laughing Bird Caye. Image by Kevin Quischan Photography.
A trip to Belize would not be complete without a dip in the clear, tepid Caribbean Sea and at least a cursory survey of the wonderous mysteries and profusion of life teeming beneath. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced diver, you’ll find plenty of offshore adventure options to choose from in Placencia. My favorite excursion is to Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
Similar: 5 Fun Day Trips to Take from Placencia, Belize
An Enchanting Underwater Experience
Photo by Fragments of Hope
As far as “national parks” go, Laughing Bird Caye could be considered miniscule. The thin slip of white sand and palm trees is less than 2 acres of land, but the true reach of the park’s parameters extend much further- under water that is!
Less than 12 miles from Placencia, Laughing Bird Caye is the southern most island in the Belize Barrier Reef’s central lagoon. The caye is the highest point on a mostly submerged ridge of reef called a faro. Faros, or shelf atolls, are an uncommon and special geological feature. The Laughing Bird Faro is one of the premiere protected areas within the BBRS. The faro is surrounded by deep channels on all sides. Its steep walls enclose a central lagoon brimming with marine life.
© Fragments of Hope
Restored corals in Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Belize.
This is arguably some of the best snorkeling to be found in the Caribbean. You’ll be awestruck by both the abundance and the variety of corals, fish, sponges, and crustaceans all happily cohabitating in one small area.
Your Next Offshore Adventure in Placencia, Belize Awaits
Above the tide line, the thin slip of island is equally picturesque. Powdery sand and a smattering of trees make up the southern half of the 1400-foot-long caye. Meanwhile, the northern half is mostly mangroves where public access is restricted. It serves as an important nesting area for many birds including the caye’s namesake, Laughing Gulls.
Scattered around the island, you’ll find cordoned off zones of caution tape. These are sea turtle nests that the park rangers have identified and keep a watchful eye on. Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Green Sea Turtles all frequent this region though they’re considered endangered. Visitors should take special caution while exploring the island so as not to disrupt any eggs.
Day-trippers can catch a reprieve from the sun and rest at picnic tables under a thatch roof palapa. Most tour companies provide a hearty BBQ lunch and possibly rum punch. An offshore adventure to Laughing Bird Caye is a must-do activity when visiting Placencia.
Featured Photo by ROEming Belize
