Harvest Caye Private Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Excursion

Description

• English-speaking certified guide!
• Complimentary bottled water and seasonal fruit snacks!
  
• Entrance fee to Laughing Bird National Park!
• Snorkeling is right from the beach as the island is part of the coral reef!

Your ship will be docked in Harvest Caye so you would need to take the tender to the mainland just a short 10-minute ride. Your guide will be waiting just inside the tender terminal for you after you cross. He will get you checked in, onto your boat and off you'll start your ride to Laughing Bird Caye to do some amazing snorkeling! 

The tender boats used to get you to the Laughing Bird Caye are from 23 feet to 42 feet in length. There are seats along the sides and removable ladders. Fully licensed and insured under the laws of Belize, and the captain and crew are experienced, so you can sit back and relax.

This tiny island was established as a National Park in 1991 and put on the World Heritage List in 1996, which means pristine, natural, exotic, and as tropical as it gets. The trip to Laughing Bird Caye is approximately 45 minutes with the ocean breezes and various cayes to spot along the way. Once you arrive at the National Park, guests will disembark to a large floating deck.

The Laughing Bird Faro is separated from the mainland, the barrier reef and other cayes by deep channels on all sides. The uniqueness of this structure contributes to both the abundance and variety of coral habitats and marine life. The Caye gets its name from the Laughing Gull (Larus artricilla) which you will see many of there.

The island itself has basic facilities, beach chairs, shaded palapas and vendors that sell soft drinks and bottled water. Your snorkeling gear (mask, sterilized snorkel tube and various sized fins) will be handed to you and the guide will be happy to explain how to use it to those new to the sport, feel free to ask for a flotation vest if you need it. If you did not bring your own snorkeling gear then you may rent a set (mask, sterilized snorkel tube/mouthpiece and fins) for an additional $10.00 USD fee.

You will also receive a briefing from the park ranger about the park, the do's and don'ts, the history, etc. before you start. You will enter the water right from the shore as it is actually part of the coral reef. You will be accompanied by a guide the entire time and he'll point out interesting marine life along the way. The part of the reef you will explore has a maximum depth of 8 ft (2 meters).

Marvel at the incredible world beneath the surface. Colorful coral, sponges, and tropical fish that will dart in and out of the coral reef system. The waters are warm and calm and you'll soon realize just how relaxed you are. The sergeant fish may come close out of curiosity and you'll notice parrot fish, trump fish, tuna, groupers and possibly an eagle ray, or two in the distance. You won't feel rushed and you'll be informed when it is time to get back to the island.

You'll have a little time to relax, take in the sun and enjoy some local fruit and bottled water, and then it's off to the dock in Placencia to take the ferry back to Harvest Caye and your cruise ship.

What is included?

• English speaking certified guide
• Complimentary bottle of water and seasonal fruit snacks
• Entrance fee to Laughing Bird National Park
• Snorkeling is right from the beach, the island is part of the coral reef

Excursion Notes

• We recommend you bring along a swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sun protection and cash for snorkel gear rental, food, beverages, shopping, tips, etc.
• Flotation vest can be provided if you need it, not mandatory for this activity. 
• The round trip tender ticket to take guests ashore from the island to the mainland is NOT included, the cost is $29.00 USD per person.
• In case of questionable weather, please contact the operator before purchasing the tender ticket to confirm if the excursion is still running. Cost of tender tickets is non-refundable.
  

Where we meet

For this Harvest Caye Private Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Excursion, you will meet outside your tender pier on the mainland. The round trip tender ticket to take guests ashore from the island to the mainland is NOT included, the cost is $29.00 USD per person. All necessary information needed will be printed in your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests should be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.
• Children 4 years and under are welcome, however, a parent/guardian must be with the child at all times. A seat is not guaranteed and you might have to sit your child on your lap. Snorkeling would be allowed only if the child is comfortable in the water and if weather conditions allow. Please be advised that the final decision is made by your guide and would be taken to keep the children safe.
• This Harvest Caye Private Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Excursion may involve risks. We suggest you check with your elected person of choice to see if these possible risks might affect you.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.