Lamanai Mayan Ruins River Cruising Jungle Adventures Wildlife Local Culture
Things To Do In Laughing Bird Caye
Laughing Bird Caye is where many Belizeans go to relax and enjoy the wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef. This small national park got its name from the Laughing Gull, which used to breed on the caye. Though you won’t see actual laughing birds, you might encounter the Brown Pelican, Green Heron, and the Melodious Blackbird.
The island itself sits on an ancient faro reef shelf formation, contributing to both the abundance and variety of marine life and diverse coral habitats. Due to its rich environment and protected status, Laughing Bird Caye is a snorkeling and diving paradise. No overnight stays are allowed, but a day trip is just enough to experience the beauty of the isle.
Create Your Perfect Laughing Bird Caye Adventure
Unlock the best of Laughing Bird Caye with a custom-made itinerary. Our experts design every detail around your interests, budget, and travel style—whether it's going diving, relaxing on a beach or taking in the local charm of Belize.
Travel Guide for Laughing Bird Caye Attractions & Activities
Snorkeling and Diving
Laughing Bird Caye is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities with clear waters and abundant marine life. Visitors can see coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, eels, lobsters, barracuda, and potentially sea turtles.
Birdwatching
The caye is home to several bird species, such as the brown pelican, green heron, and melodious blackbird. Birdwatchers can also spot mangrove swallows, terns, and other water-related species while visiting the cay and its surrounding waters.
Relaxing on the Beach
The island features pristine white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying a picnic lunch between underwater adventures.
Talk to an Laughing Bird Caye Expert!
Get insider tips straight from those who know Laughing Bird Caye best. Our travel experts will help you choose the right things to do to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Best Laughing Bird Caye Full Day Tours
From Placencia
The island itself is an undeveloped national park and is not a departure point for other trips; rather, it is the destination for excursions from the mainland, especially from the nearby Placencia Peninsula. In Placencia you can stroll on one of the narrowest streets in Belize to shop local crafts and artwork and enjoy local cuisine with great ocean views.
Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Tours
The impressive Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world and offers a spectacular biodiversity. The Great Blue Hole, a giant underwater sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, attracts experienced divers.
Where is Laughing Bird Caye located? + Map
Laughing Bird Caye is 11 miles (18 kilometers) off the coast of Placencia. Take a day trip from Placencia with a licensed tour guide. The boat ride will take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather.
Laughing Bird Caye
Belize Barrier Reef
Area:
FAQs About Visiting Laughing Bird Caye
What is Laughing Bird Caye known for?
Laughing Bird Caye in Belize, a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors a range of activities focused on its marine environment and beautiful island setting.
How to get to Laughing Bird Caye?
To get to Laughing Bird Caye, you'll first need to travel to Placencia and then take a 30-minute to one-hour boat tour with a licensed operator. The tour typically includes transportation, snorkeling or diving gear, and guides to help you explore the caye's marine ecosystem.
Let's get to know you
Your journey starts here. Share a little about yourself — your travel style and preferences — so we can create an itinerary that feels truly yours.
