LAUGHING BIRD CAYE
Laughing Bird Caye is both a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 12 nautical miles east of Placencia, this diving haven showcases primarily fringing reef systems. These underwater landscapes are known for their striking spur and groove formations, intermittent drop-offs, and scattered patches of vibrant coral reefs. Laughing Bird Caye caters to a wide range of divers, making it an ideal choice for those starting their diving journey or seeking a more tranquil underwater experience, thanks to minimal currents and protective surroundings. Simultaneously, it offers a rewarding playground for seasoned divers with impeccable buoyancy skills and a discerning eye for the diverse assortment of reef inhabitants that add depth and excitement to these captivating dives.
Intensity : Novice - Intermediate
Ride to Destination : 45 mins
Duration : 9 AM - 3 PM
What Is Included : Guided Tour, Equipment, Transportation, Park Fees, Towels, Lunch, Beverage
What To Bring : Water, Shoes, Reusable Water Bottle, Reef Safe Sunscreen, Camera
Snorkel
Scuba Diving
Discover Scuba Diving
PADI Courses
DIVE SITES
Coral Garden
Location: One half nautical miles southeast of Laughing Bird Caye
Dept: 35-80 feet/10-25mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice
Coral Garden is celebrated for its extraordinary diversity and abundant coral formations. Its underwater inhabitants include the captivating spotted drum, impressive lobsters, diligent cleaner shrimp, graceful arrow crabs, and a wide array of reef fish species. This dive site showcases coral mounds interspersed with sandy patches, spanning from a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) down to the 30-40 foot (10-12 meter) range from the surface. Divers have the option to explore this captivating site either at the 70-foot (21-meter) depth or at the 40-foot (12-meter) depth, providing varying perspectives of its underwater splendor.
Laughing Bird Drop Off
Location: East side of Laughing Bird Caye
Depth: 15-80 feet/5-24mt
Access: Shore/Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice
Within the depth range of 15 to 25 feet (5-8 meters), the prevalence of sandy patches renders this location a perfect backdrop for open water training and certification dives. Descending from approximately 25 to 80 feet (8-24 meters), the underwater landscape unfolds into a gently sloping coral wall. As you navigate through this area, you'll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse spectrum of marine life, including lobsters, barracudas, lizardfish, nassau grouper, angel fish, furry sea cucumbers, and numerous juvenile reef fish. This diverse array of underwater inhabitants enhances the site's allure, making it an excellent choice for both divers and training purposes.
Laughing Bird North
Location: One nautical mile north of LBC
Depth: 25-80feet/8-24mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice
Upon this underwater slope, you'll encounter scattered coral patches on the seabed, fostering an ideal environment for the preservation of the queen conch. The dive unfolds along a sloping terrain, stretching from north to south, with depths varying between approximately 25 to 80 feet (8-24 meters). Adorning this wall, you'll discover captivating formations of wire coral and lettuce leaf corals, providing a pristine habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including elusive spotted moray eels, lobsters, and elegant trumpet fish. Keep a vigilant eye out, as you might also be fortunate enough to witness the graceful presence of spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully across this enchanting underwater landscape.
Laughing Bird South
Location: One and a half nautical miles south of Laughing Bird Caye
Depth: 25-80ft/8-24mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice
At a depth of 50 feet (15 meters), an expansive canyon extends from north to south at this intriguing dive site. Divers have the flexibility to choose between exploring the interior of the canyon or following its eastern side. Within the crevices of the canyon, it's common to encounter groups of 4 or 5 lobsters seeking shelter. Meanwhile, the sandy seabed nestled between the canyon walls serves as a favored hiding spot for southern stingrays and nurse sharks. The southern section of the canyon benefits from a gentle current, creating optimal conditions for the flourishing growth of vibrant coral colonies.
The Wreck
Location: 0.2 nautical miles northwest of Laughing Bird Caye
Depth: 30-90 feet/10-27mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Resting gracefully at a depth of 90 feet (27 meters), just off the serene shores of Laughing Bird Caye, lies the Miss Pamela—a modest tugboat deliberately sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef and expand the diving opportunities within the inner reef. This sunken vessel has blossomed into a thriving micro-reef ecosystem, brimming with vibrant marine life. Among its remarkable inhabitants are one or two goliath groupers and a formidable barracuda, known to patrol the area while hunting amidst the schools of silversides that seek refuge around the sunken wreck. Diving conditions at this site are often influenced by prevailing wind conditions, impacting visibility and sediment stirring. Carrying a dive light as an accessory can significantly enhance your experience during this captivating dive.
Long Coco Split
Location: One nautical mile east of Mosquito Caye, about 3 nautical miles from Laughing Bird Caye.
Depth: 25-90ft/8-27mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice
The marine ecosystem in this vicinity closely resembles that of the dive sites near Laughing Bird Caye. Nevertheless, the geological formation here diverges slightly from the norm in Southern Belize, enabling the potential for deeper dive experiences. The primary hub of underwater activity at this site revolves around the tip of the split, where significant schools of silversides harmoniously coexist with larger predatory fish. What sets this inner reef site apart are the remarkable black corals and gorgonians, lending it a unique and captivating appearance.
Night Diving
Night diving at Laughing Bird Caye offers a mesmerizing underwater experience as bioluminescent organisms come to life in the darkness, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life take on a completely different character under the cover of night, with creatures like octopuses, lobsters, and nocturnal fish making their appearances. The thrill of exploring this Belizean marine reserve after dark, guided by the soft glow of dive lights, makes for an unforgettable and otherworldly adventure.
Reef Week Beach Clean Up
Splash Dive Center and Oceana annually unite their efforts to host a cleanup event at Laughing Bird Caye as part of Reef Week. This joint endeavor brings together divers, conservationists, and dedicated local volunteers in a collective mission to rid the marine environment of debris and shield the fragile reef ecosystem. The event serves as a compelling showcase of the crucial role community involvement plays in safeguarding Belize's exquisite underwater realms while simultaneously raising awareness about the imperative need for sustainable practices to preserve the nation's marine treasures. Notably, this cleanup event is the sole day in the year when the entire island is open to visitors; typically, only half of the island is accessible to protect the sensitive ecosystems and mitigate human impact.
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