Going slow in Caye Caulker, Belize

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

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Imagine a picture perfect island, surrounded by the most incredible blue waters, where golf carts replace cars, dogs nap under the palm trees and shoes are optional. An island, that is rustic and remained unspoiled, free of the All Inclusive resorts and massive crowds. That is Caye Caulker, a place that really exists, and it’s just 20 miles off the coast of Belize. An island so laid back, you can completely relax, yet there are just enough things to do in Caye Caulker to keep you entertained.

In Caye Caulker Go Slow is the way of life, not just an empty motto. The time slows down the second you step off the water taxi. There are no paved roads and no cars. Your own feet and bikes are the main means of transportation. By walking, you can reach most spots on the island within 20 minutes. After all, this island is just 5 miles long and 1 mile wide ( at its widest ).

About Caye Caulker, Belize

Despite being located in Central America, Belize has a very distinct Caribbean vibe and this is especially apparent in Caye Caulker. Don’t come here for beaches though, because there aren’t any. At least not the kind you’d expect from a Caribbean island. The closest thing to a beach in Caye Caulker are small strips of sand and different spots with access to water. To experience a real beach in Belize, your best bet is to head to Hopkins or Placencia.

Front Street is the main street in Caye Caulker. It’s where you will find the most bars, restaurants, stores and tour operators. Even though the streets have names, they’re obsolete, as nobody uses them. Nothing is too far in Caye Caulker, and you can reach most places by walking or biking. Golf carts are also available for rent, but the island is not big enough to justify the expense ( $ 60 – 80 per 24 hours ). The only time you’ll really need one is when you have luggage, but even then you can just hop in one of the golf cart taxis and get anywhere on the island for a flat fee of 10 BZD ( $ 5 ).

Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize

Rent a bike

Yes, you can get pretty much anywhere on the island by walking, but I highly recommend renting a bike, at least one of the days. You will find plenty of stores that rent them for $ 7 – 8 / day. By bike, you’ll be more likely to venture out away from the main street and see the residential part of the island. And there’s quite a bit to see, especially the pretty and colorful houses. If you bike towards the South part, you’ll run into the air strip and mangroves. Biking around the island was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker.

Hang out at the Split

Hanging out at the Split, at least once, is one of the must things to do in Caye Caulker. Since the island does not have a beach per se, this is the prime gathering spot, both during the day and night. Grab a Belikin or two ( or a bucket ) from Lazy Lizard and relax by the water. The Split is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

If you’re a strong swimmer, you can swim across the split to the North Island. Keep in mind though, that the current can be really strong and you need to watch out for boat traffic.

Go snorkeling

Home to the 2nd best Barrier Reef in the world, Belize is a dream for any snorkeler or scuba diver. The marine life is very diverse and the best I’ve ever seen. The popular Hol Chan Marine Park, boasting an incredible variety of marine life, is just a short boat ride from Caye Caulker.

Since snorkeling the incredible Barrier Reef is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, there’s no shortage of tour operators that offer snorkeling excursions. A couple of continuously top rated ones are Raggamuffin Tours and Caveman Snorkeling Tours. You can choose either half day or full day excursions, but I highly recommend choosing the latter.

PRO TIP: Make sure you bring your Go Pro or another underwater camera!

Dive the Blue Hole

If you are an experienced diver, you probably heard of the Blue Hole. The giant marine sinkhole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sure a bucket list item for many divers. From Caye Caulker, you are just a 2,5 hr boat ride away from this wonder of nature. Belize Diving Services and Frenchies Dive Shop are the two operators, that offer excursions to the Blue Hole. With a cost of around $300, this is definitely the most expensive activity on the otherwise affordable island.

Rent a kayak

For another fun water activity, rent a kayak and paddle towards the mangrove on the northern part of the island. There’s a shop neat the Split, that rents them for about $10 per hour.

Visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter

Stray dogs are a common sight in a lot of the island destinations. So I’m always happy to see places, that provide at least some of them with proper care. Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is that kind of place. I stumbled upon it while biking around, and of course had to stop by. If you are looking for a fun way to spend some time on the island, that will also make you feel good, you should too. Even though the animals are well taken care of, one thing they can always use is some love and company. For me personally, it was one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, and if you are an animal lover, you’ll feel the same way.

Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is a No-Kill Nonprofit for dogs and cats, run by one man Kenny Sampson. He created this safe place for the animals, where he provides them with water, food and love. If you would like to help out, he’s always happy to receive donations in form of pet supplies, medicine, food or money. Whether you contribute or just take your time to visit the animals, it will be welcomed with open arms and happy tails.

Try some street food

Between all the great restaurants and street food, you’ll be eating well in Caye Caulker. If you crave a little bit of something sweet, make sure to find the Banana bread guy.

Take a day trip to Ambergis Caye

For a change of pace and a different vibe, take a day trip to Ambergis Caye, Caye Caulker’s sister island. Even though both islands share a lot of things and activities in common, Ambergis Caye is the louder and busier of the two. It’s where you go if you’re looking for more action.

To get to Ambergis Caye, you take the same water taxi you took from Belize City to Caye Caulker. It takes 30 minutes and one way ticket costs $18 ( $ 28 round trip ).

Take an overnight sailing trip

If you are in Caye Caulker for more than a couple of days and are up for an adventure, consider a 3 day sailing trip with Raggamuffin Tours. This sailing trip is hands down one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker.

What made it so special and memorable? Imagine spending 3 days sailing along the coast of Belize, snorkeling one of the world’s best reef a couple of times a day, spearfishing and eating freshly caught fish daily. On top of that, you get to spend a couple of nights camping on tiny islands. If you have a sense of adventure, this trip will be one for the books. For more details make sure to read Island hopping in Belize with Raggamuffin Tours.

PLEASE NOTE: The trip starts in Caye Caulker, but ends in Dangriga. Even though the boat makes its way back to the island, there is no option to take it, due to safety. You can either plan to take the sailing trip at the end of your Caye Caulker stay or go back by plane or ferry.

How to get to Caye Caulker

Belize City to Caye Caulker by water taxi

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Caye Caulker is by taking the water taxi from Belize City. San Pedro Belize Express has 9 departures daily. In 2024, one way ticket costs $21 or $37 for a round trip. It’s about a 45-minute boat ride to get to Caye Caulker.

If you’re coming from the airport, the only way to get to the Water Taxi terminal is by taking a cab, which costs $25 for the 20-30 minute ride.

Once you get off the boat in Caye Caulker, you might be able to walk to your hotel. If your hotel is a bit further away and you have luggage, you can hop on one of the golf carts taxis. The price is fixed and it costs 10 BZD ( $ 5 ) to get anywhere on the island.

Getting to Caye Caulker by plane

Caye Caulker has a small airport, so flying in is another option, although a bit pricier than taking a water taxi. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are 2 local airlines, that fly to Caye Caulker from Belize International Airport, as well as other parts of the country i.e. Placencia, San Ignacio or Ambergis Caye. Tropic Air also offers flights from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.

Where to stay in Caye Caulker, Belize

One thing you’ll quickly notice in Caye Caulker is the lack of resorts and luxurious hotels. Instead, you will find colorful hostels and boutique hotels. The island is known as the backpackers paradise and there’s a good reason for it. For the most part, Caye Caulker is considered to be an affordable destination, which also includes accommodations. There’s no shortage of cheap hostels and budget hotels, but if you are looking for more comfort, you will find that as well.

Caye Caulker budget accommodations

Yumas House Belize – one of the top rated budget places, located just steps away from the water taxi.

Jan’s Hotel – this locally owned hotel is located right along the main Front Street, a short walk to the Split.

Colinda Cabanas – this is one of best places to stay in Caye Caulker. 14 beach front cabanas, tucked away on the south end of the island. As a guest you get a complimentary access to kayaks and bikes.

More comfort

Seaside Cabanas – these beach front villas are in the prime location, just steps away from the water taxi. 4 of the cabanas come with a private roof top deck and a hot tub.

Seaside Villas – choose from 6 beachfront condos, all overlooking the water. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony and access to swimming pool and a roof top hot tub. All that in the perfect location, just a couple of blocks from the water taxi.

Things to know about visiting Caye Caulker, Belize

• Currency – Belizean Dollar ( BZD ). The exchange rate is fixed $1 USD = 2 BZD, which makes it easy to calculate.
• Language – the official language in Belize is English. It is in fact the only country in Central America, where Spanish is not the official language.
• Not a beach destination – Caye Caulker is excellent for snorkeling, but if you come expecting white sand beaches, you will be very disappointed. For those head to Placencia or Hopkins.

READ MORE:

• Best places to visit in Belize – 10 day Belize itinerary
• Island hopping in Belize with Raggamuffin Tours
• Staying at Table Rock Jungle Lodge in Belize

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