Laughing Bird Caye

Laughing Bird Caye is a national park on an island in Stann Creek District, located on a narrow reef ridge called a faro. The site features steep drop-offs and enclosed lagoons that form part of the broader reef structure.

The park was established as a protected area in December 1991 and became part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site in 1996. This designation recognized its importance for reef conservation in the region.

The name comes from laughing gulls that once nested here in large numbers before human activity increased. Today visitors can still spot various seabirds using the island as a stopover during migration.

The site is about 11 miles from Placencia village and requires arranging boat transportation with licensed tour guides. Day trips are the standard way to visit the island.

The park maintains coral nurseries and no-take zones that allow fish populations and marine species like conch and spiny lobster to recover. These conservation efforts demonstrate how active restoration and marine protection work together.

Location: Stann Creek District

Inception: December 21, 1991

Part of: Belize Barrier Reef

GPS coordinates: 16.44344,-88.19725

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43