For a small place (just 16-miles of beachfront), Placencia peninsula has deep, exotic roots. Home to a quaint Creole village populated by around 1200 people, Placencia’s name was given by Spaniards who found the area to be quiet and peaceful. Then, something magical happened: Natural wonders began attracting visitors weary of crowds. Now, it’s the perfect balance of tranquility and adventure both of which await…
Look up in the air. Do you see a plane or Superman? If you’re in Belize, the answer is neither. You’ve spotted flocks of what appears to be every bird under the sun. Obviously, you’ve been clever enough to book a trip to Belize where birding is king and hobbyists gather to see an amazing number of species land on tree branches, fly overhead and…
Mahatma Gandhi must have had Belize in mind when he said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Here in Belize, that’s especially true, notes Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, Director of Education at the Belize Zoo. He and other conservationists pride themselves on making sure that “the Central Belize Wildlife Corridor maintains its integrity, supporting…
One of the top tourist destinations in the region, Belize has more than 400 islands that stretch from north to south along the Belize Barrier Reef, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s. With more than 100 types of coral and some 500 species of tropical fish, the barrier reef is paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Swimming through vividly…
Named for the so-called laughing gulls which formerly used the island as a nesting site, Laughing Bird Caye is a small (1.8-acre/0.73 ha) island located approximately 11 miles (17 km) off the coast of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Today, the island is the epicenter of Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a protected nature reserve that includes the island as well as the surrounding…
First brought to the world’s attention by the famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau in 1971, the Belize Barrier Reef has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for scuba diving thanks to its rich eco-system thriving with an abundance of marine flora and fauna. Here are 6 Belize Barrier Reef Facts that every scuba diver should know: The reef is actually several reefs…
Things to do in Placencia, Belize What’s your definition of adventure? A romantic liaison? Close encounter of the ferocious kind? Perhaps cave exploration defines the limits to which you will go to get your heart rate up! Because there are so many adventures to be had in and around Placencia Belize, we’ve made a list, each of which can be booked through Laru Beya Beach…
The Gladden Spit promontory is one of the most beautiful areas of the Belize Barrier Reef. Together with the Silk Cayes (islands), this area measures approximately 40 square miles (105 square km) and is now called the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) which is a protected marine area under Belizean law. Gladden Spit itself is one of the only three atolls found…
Thanks to its unique history and diverse geography, Belize enjoys one of the most diverse natural environments on the planet. The islands and offshore reefs are teeming with fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles while the rainforests and jungles of the interior are home to monkeys, crocodiles, giant iguanas, tapirs, and jaguars. Below are 5 amazing nature and wildlife tours to do on your vacation…
Belize, with its long coastline fronting the Caribbean Sea, and close access to the second-biggest coral reef in the world, is a paradise for anyone who enjoys snorkeling and scuba diving. The Belize Barrier Reef provides shelter and feeding for thousands of unique species of marine life. With abundant small islands and atolls dotting the length of the reef, divers and snorkelers in Belize can…