From Laughing Bird Caye to the Blue Hole amidst colourful fish

Landing early in the morning, one sometimes feels like the sole resident of the pristine Laughing Bird Caye National Park located a handful of nautical miles off the coast of Placencia. The name alone, derived from that of the Laughing Gull that once nested on this cay, which is also home to the Brown Pelican, Green Heron and Melodious Blackbird, makes one want to glide there. Above all, Laughing Bird Caye is a treasure trove in which to dive among lobsters, snappers, while also touching giant, variegated shells and coral nurseries. Locals share meals at picnics when they grill fresh fish under tall coconut palms. Other treasures of this ecosystem include the Bacalar Chico Reserve full of starfish, Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve with its turquoise waters, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Glover's Reef Marine Reserve full of colourful sponges, and South Water Caye Marine Reserve with its fine sandy beaches, offering unforgettable moments of intimacy with the colourfully liveried fish. Of course, the experience of diving into the Blue Hole off Ambergris Caye should also be tried: this is the breathtaking coral ring with a diameter of about 300 metres and a depth of more than 120 metres.