2 Best Sights in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

Development on Ambergris continues relentlessly, but most of the far north of the island remains unsullied by that development. At the top of the caye, abutting Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans almost 44 square miles (113 square km) of land, reef, and sea. Here, on 11 miles (18 km) of trails you may cross paths with whitetail deer, ocelots, saltwater crocodiles, and, according to some reports, pumas and jaguars. There are beautiful diving, snorkeling, and fishing opportunities, especially off Rocky Point, and a small visitor center and museum to get you oriented. You'll need a boat and a guide to take you here, where there are at least nine ancient Maya sites. Walk carefully, as loggerhead and green sea turtles nest here. Be sure to bring insect repellent. An all-day snorkel trip to Bacalar Chico from San Pedro is unforgettable.

This superb little national park lies off the coast of the Placencia Peninsula, and its boosters insist that it, not Belize’s northern cayes, has the best beach in the country. The atoll takes its name from the laughing gull (Larus articilla), which used to nest extensively here. Visitation by humans has pushed the gulls’ nesting to other nearby islets, but you’ll still see the birds in abundance here, as well as green herons and brown pelicans. Local boaters in Placencia Village can take you to the park for BZ$80 to BZ$200 round-trip. The Friends of Laughing Bird Caye, the park’s private administrators, can also help you get here.