Headed to the Belizean islands and looking for the best things to do in Caye Caulker? I’ve got you, my tropical-paradise-loving friend.
Caye Caulker, Belize: a jewel in the Caribbean Sea that’s got the friendliest locals and a rugged laid-back atmosphere. The island is a literal dream come true, and I loved every minute of my blissful time in Belize! I truly felt like I was living in a postcard come to life. This post will not only share all my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, but exactly how to have the best possible trip too!
Imagine snorkeling alongside spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. Quaint streets lined with palm trees and airy pastel colored houses. Cute beach bars with swings and sting rays gliding over your toes. Flying over the expansive Belize barrier reef and Great Blue Hole. Freshly caught lobster grilled up right on the street. Sipping boozy drinks at sunset under a palapa in the turquoise waters.
To say I reveled in island life is a complete understatement – I beamed with happiness my entire 3 days in Caye Caulker. Must be something about that sweet, sweet salty air.
The island is oh so laid back, filled with small dusty lanes, colorful cafes, and beachfront bars. And oh, there’s no cars here. Everyone gets around by either golf cart, bike, or on foot, because let’s face it – there’s no need for anything else! Caye Caulker is the true definition of “Caribbean island vibes” and you’ll love settling into island life.
Caye Caulker reminds me of Gili Air (just off the coast of Bali) a tad. Both are small islands with zero cars, activities centered around the gorgeous blue waters, a chilled laid-back atmosphere, ridiculously beautiful sunsets, and the friendliest locals.
Before we get into all the fun and exciting things to do in Caye Caulker (trust me, there’s loads to do here despite being a tiny blip in the sea), there’s a lot of logistics to get out of the way first!
Caye Caulker Trip Planning Logistics
Where is Caye Caulker, Belize
Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of mainland Belize in Central America. It’s located about 20 miles northeast of Belize City.
One of the best parts about Caye Caulker?! It’s part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, meaning there’s TONS of great snorkeling and diving around here. Think crystal clear waters – perfect if you’re a mermaid (or merman) like me!
Caye Caulker is situated amongst other islands in the reef, including Ambergris Caye to the north (where you’ll find the ever-so-popular San Pedro), Caye Chapel to the south (with luxurious Four Seasons private residences), and Long and Hicks Cayes (even further south).
It’s also only about a 20-minute plane ride to the otherworldly Great Blue Hole, which I flew over, and it was just as spectacular as I imagined (way more on that later).
Note that in order to get to other parts of Belize, you’ll either need to fly or ferry back to Belize City, then travel onwards from there. For reference, Caye Caulker is about 3 hours from San Ignacio, a town on mainland Belize (on the border of Guatemala) many visitors head to afterwards. Want jungles, mountains and waterfalls? Head to San Ignacio afterwards.
How to Get to Caye Caulker
If you wanna partake in all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker, you of course gotta get yourself there! Thankfully getting to this tiny island isn’t very difficult. Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll need to get yourself to Belize City first.
Flying Internationally to Belize City
The nearest international airport to Caye Caulker is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This is the easiest and most popular way to get to Belize from the USA. Plenty of major airlines offer direct flights to Belize City from cities in the USA, although most of these are in the southeast (think Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta).
And you won’t believe it, but flights are only about 2-3 hours from these cities! There’s even nonstop flights from New York City, taking under 5 hours! Wild that hardly anyone even considers visiting Caye Caulker!
For reference, since I was flying from San Francisco, my flight had a connection in Dallas-Fort Worth, which significantly increased my travel time (my layover was over 5 hours long!). If you’re able to get a nonstop flight, do it!
I paid about $750USD to get to Belize City which I thought was kinda expensive, but considering it was prime Spring Break season and my dates weren’t very flexible at all, I paid up!
For some reason, Belize is one of those places where the flights always seem kind of expensive, unlike Guatemala where I seem to easily find cheap flights.
From San Ignacio (Belize) or Flores (Guatemala) to Belize City
If you’re elsewhere in Belize (say, San Ignacio), or even in Flores, Guatemala, it’s quite simple to get to Belize City. There’s plenty of shuttle buses that run straight to the Belize City ferry terminal (your departure for Caye Caulker).
Note if you’re coming from Flores in Guatemala, you’ll need to cross the Guatemala-Belize border. It can be kinda confusing but just ask your driver and they’ll direct you towards the line, haha. Psst – don’t be alarmed if your driver changes once you leave Guatemala and enter Belize; this is super common and what I experienced.
I actually spent a few days in Flores myself, then headed back to Belize City via tourist shuttle bus. There’s quite a few transfer companies who make this trip every day, most leaving quite early in the morning (my shuttle left Flores at 8am and arrived in Belize City around 3pm or so). Yes, it’s a long and tiring travel day, but it only costs about $20-30USD! Can’t complain!
I booked in-person with Marlin Espadas at their local agency in Flores, but I also heard good things about Mayan World Travel Agency and Adrenalina Tours.
Shuttles get booked up since they’re smaller and don’t have tons of seats. Book your $20 shuttle transfer from Flores to Belize City ahead of time.
Getting from Belize City to Caye Caulker
Once you’ve made it to Belize City, you’ve got two options on getting to Caye Caulker. You’re almost there, just one more step, and I promise all this hassle is well worth it!
Flying to Caye Caulker
The fastest way to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City is by taking a short domestic flight – and by short I mean a quick 15 minutes!
There’s two airlines that operate regular flights between Belize City and Caye Caulker: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both airlines offer multiple flights per day, and should cost about $50-75 USD one way, with roundtrip tickets being slightly cheaper than two one-ways.
Note that the planes used by all regional airlines are TINY. And when I say tiny, I mean 3 or 12-seater-plane tiny. If you’ve never flown on a plane this small it’ll be an experience for sure.
While I took the ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker, I took a scenic flight over the Blue Hole with Tropic Air (the same planes they use to fly back and forth between Belize City and Caye Caulker) and felt completely safe!
Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, you’ll land on the southern end of the south island. Depending on where your accommodation is, you might even be able to walk, or you can take a golf cart to get to your hotel (there’s usually some waiting by the airport).
Psst: Some people I talked to on the island didn’t even realize there was a ferry, and absolutely HATED the tiny plane ride. So, now you know you’ve got options!
Ferry to Caye Caulker
If you’re not up for the thrill of riding in a 12-seater plane, don’tchu worry – you can always take the ferry instead! The main ferry company connecting Belize City with Caye Caulker is San Pedro Express, and you’ll find boats leaving all throughout the day. Ferries take about 45 minutes to reach Caye Caulker.
I took the ferry to Caye Caulker, and found the entire process to be super smooth with no problems. The water can be kinda choppy depending on the wind, so take some dramamine if you get sea sick easily.
Prices are $20 USD (40BZD) one way, and $36.50 USD round trip (77BZD) – book round trip as it’s cheaper! If you see someone getting tickets for much cheaper, they’re probably locals who all get reduced rates. Staff will take your luggage and store it safely in the ferry.
Remember, if you’re flying into the Belize International Airport, you’ll need to take a 25 minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Expect this to cost about $25 USD (50BZD).
Note: If your flight lands after 4pm, it’s not advisable to take the ferry that day, since the last one’s at 5:30pm. Better to stay in Belize City for a night and take an early morning ferry the next day. Sucks but what’re you gonna do? Find the water taxi schedule here. Psst – the first ferry runs as early as 8am.
The ferry will arrive at the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal, which is located on the island’s south side. From there, you can walk or take a golf cart to your accommodation (there’s plenty waiting nearby for passengers).
Woo – you made it! Time to experience all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker!
How to Get Around Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a teeny-tiny island just like Flores, Guatemala (no joke, you can walk the entire “downtown” in less than 20 minutes), so it makes sense the main mode of transportation is either walking or using a bicycle or golf cart.
There’s no cars on this island (except for the rare construction vehicle), and nor is there an actual reason for them!
- Walking: The island is so tiny you can totally walk around the whole thing in an hour. I even saw a few people walking around barefoot – the ultimate definition of island vibes, haha.
- Bicycles: Biking is a super popular way to get around Caye Caulker, and plenty of locals use their bikes as their primary mode of transport. Most hotels offer bikes to their guests, and if not, there’s plenty of shops on the island where you can rent one for a few bucks a day.
- Golf Carts: You can easily walk and bike everywhere on the island, but if you’re tired or too hot, there’s golf carts all around town that’ll take you anywhere on the island for $5USD. Golf carts are a popular mode of transport for both tourists and locals. You can either use them like a taxi, or they can be rented for about $50 a day.
- Boats: If you wanna get across the Split, you can take the Split to Split ferry. Plus, you’ll definitely be on a boat while snorkeling around Hol Chan!
- Uber/Lyfts: Note that Belize does not have any rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, especially on Caye Caulker where there aren’t even any cars!
When to Visit Caye Caulker
The time of year you visit Caye Caulker will have a drastic impact on your experience. Belizeans say there’s two 2 seasons: hot and hotter, haha. But in reality, there’s actually a dry season and a rainy season.
Dry Season
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season, from December to May. Expect sunny and warm weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s F (around 23-30 C). Pure paradise! The water is also typically clear and calm, making it perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities.
For reference, I visited Caye Caulker in late March, and had nearly perfect weather with sunny blue skies. I had heard it was pretty windy a few days prior, which caused many snorkeling and boat tours to get canceled. Because of that, I recommend scheduling water activities early on in your trip just in case you need to reschedule!
Rainy Season
June to November is the rainy season in Belize, and although it can still be a good time to visit, you can expect more rain and much higher humidity (no thanks!). Rain showers don’t typically last all day, and the sun usually peeks out a few times.
Just remember that most of the best things to do in Caye Caulker are outside, so if it rains, there’s not really tons and tons to do (besides hole up in a cute cafe and/or do some yoga).
I’d stick to the dry season to be on the safe side.
Hurricane Season
Rainy season peaks in September and October – and this is when prime hurricane season is.
It’s also important to note that June to November is the official hurricane season in the entirety of the Caribbean.
While Caye Caulker is not often directly hit by hurricanes, there’s still a chance of storms or strong winds affecting your travel plans. Hurricanes hit every 5 years or so, with massively destructive ones hitting every 10-15 years.
Language in Caye Caulker
You’ll probably be surprised by this, but the official language in Belize is actually English! Everyone I ran into spoke perfect English – and after coming from 10 days in Guatemala and 2 weeks in Mexico, it felt strange to be completely understood again!
However, due to the island’s location and history, many locals also speak Creole (a mix of African, English, and Spanish languages), Spanish (many as a second language), and/or other local languages (like Mayan and Garifuna). But don’t worry – 99% speak English as well.
Local Currency in Caye Caulker
The official currency for Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$). And it’s got one of the easiest conversions to US dollars around – 1 USD = 2 Belize Dollars (this conversion doesn’t change, that’s what it always is).
Just cut all prices in BZD in half and you’ll get the USD equivalent!
In Caye Caulker, you can pay in either USD or BZD; every single place I went to accepted either, even golf cart taxis. Should you bring USD to Belize? You certainly can! I took about $200USD cash to Caye Caulker and didn’t need to go to the ATM once.
The two currencies are used interchangeably, and you’ll get both USD and BZD back for change. Meaning, you’ll always end up having both currencies in your wallet anyways! It’s a little confusing using two currencies at first (I somehow never had enough of just one currency to pay), but I got the hang of it after a day or so.
If I remember correctly, I didn’t use my credit card once while in Caye Caulker – except to pay for my hotels. A few restaurants accepted cards, but all tacked on pesky fees (5-8% of the total bill) so I decided against using them to save a bit of money.
Psst: Coming from Mexico? Don’t bother bringing Mexican pesos — you’ll get a horrible exchange rate.
How Long to Stay in Caye Caulker
Most people spend between 2-5 days on Caye Caulker. Any more than 5 days and I’d kinda go stir crazy – the island is super tiny afterall, and unless you plan to do a LOT of relaxing, you’ll probably be over and done with it after a few days.
The motto of Caye Caulker is “Go Slow” after all, so don’t rush around too much. I spent 4 nights and 3 full days on the island, and felt it was the perfect amount of time for me.
I typically travel pretty fast-paced, and after 2 days or so, kinda felt like I had done practically all the “activities” on the island and nearby. But it was so nice to kinda just relax a bit and take things slow on my last day.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
For such a tiny island, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Caye Caulker. There’s plenty and plenty of cheap hostels, and a bunch of affordable basic hotels. Nothing is overly luxurious or over the top, and that just fits with the laid-back, rugged island vibes. Definitely no chain hotels here!
I stayed 4 nights in Caye Caulker, and split my time between a basic hotel in the middle of town (Jan’s Hotel), and a more secluded, upscale resort a bit further south (Weezie’s).
This combo worked well enough for me, but in hindsight, I kinda wish I decided to stay right in town the entire time. Walking 20 minutes in the heat doesn’t sound terrible until you have to do it multiple times per day!
Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages: This hotel is probably the most “upscale” spot on the island, although kinda far from the main town (a 20 minute walk, 10 minute bike ride, or 5-10 minute golf cart ride).
I stayed here for 2 nights and while I loved the grounds, pool, and private dock, I honestly found the room a bit basic for the price. I’d stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, and don’t mind renting a bike/golf cart, or making the long walk into town everyday.
Iguana Reef Inn: Iguana Reef is one of the more luxurious inns around town that blends casual elegance with barefoot informality. It’s located right on the water’s edge; this is where the stingrays congregate every night around sunset!
With a fresh-water swimming pool, free breakfast, and complimentary bikes and canoes, I’d stay there in a heartbeat.
Jan’s Hotel: I stayed here another 2 nights, and while it was pretty basic, the location was perfect and the staff were super helpful and friendly. A no-thrills spot, but honestly, there’s not many of those on the island.
Looking for hostel life? My new friends stayed at Bella’s Backpackers (a party hostel), Blue Wave Guesthouse, and Go Slow Hostel and gave positive reviews about each one.
Other Important FAQs about Caye Caulker
- Are there beaches in Caye Caulker? Kinda, not really. Caye Caulker just isn’t known for their beaches. There’s a few sandy patches around the island, but I wouldn’t consider them true beaches. Head to Northside Beach Club on the North Side for the best beach on the island.
- What’s a Caye? Glad you asked! A Caye (or “key” in English) is a small, low-lying island or coral reef, typically found in tropical regions such as the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. And yes, Caye Caulker is one of these!
- Sargassum/seaweed in Caye Caulker: Unfortunately, like other places nearby (namely Tulum and spots in Riviera Maya), seaweed and seagrass washes up on the “beaches” and on the shores on occasion. When I visited, Caye Caulker was being swamped by sargassum (mostly on the south side of the island), but it didn’t negatively affect my stay.
- How to properly pronounce Caye Caulker: It’s “Key Caw-ker”, not Kay like it reads. I totally said it wrong my entire first day, haha. No shame!
- Caye Caulker vs San Pedro: Although they’re only a 30 minute water taxi ride apart, these two islands have completely different atmospheres. San Pedro is kinda like a mini Cancun (but with less beach hustlers), while Caye Caulker is much quieter and more laid back.
- Can you drink the tap water in Caye Caulker? Nope, stick to bottled water, and make sure all ice is purified.
- Safety in Caye Caulker: I visited as a solo female traveler, and felt exceptionally safe on the island. Locals were very friendly, never pushy, and super helpful. It definitely helped that I met a great group of friends my first day and hung around with them almost my entire trip!
- Can you swim across The Split in Caye Caulker? While you technically could, it’s definitely not advised. The current can be quite strong and unpredictable, especially during high tide or when boats are passing through.
- Is Caye Caulker a party island? Not necessarily, but there’s a (tiny) bit of nightlife here. There’s two bars everyone hangs out at after hours – Sports Bar, then Reggae Bar once Sports Bar closes (around 1-2am). I ended up at Sports Bar two nights in a row — super fun vibes and lots of music/dancing/drinking. If you want real parties with clubs and such, you’ll be better off staying north in San Pedro.
- What’s the motto “Go Slow” about? To basically enjoy and take it all in! By embracing the “Go Slow” mentality, you’ll fully experience the island’s charm, soak up the laid-back Caribbean vibes, and create lasting memories. It’s an invitation to relax, rejuvenate, and let go of the stresses of everyday life. Sounds pretty perfect to me!
Explaining Caye Caulker’s Two Sides
Not many visitors initially realize this (myself included before I did some research), but the island of Caye Caulker is actually split right down the middle. It’s divided into two main areas: the north side and the south side, split by, well, The Split!
Here’s a bit about each side:
- North Side: The north side of the island is quieter and way less developed than the south side. Honestly, you’ll be spending most of your time on the south side, but definitely make your way over for a few hours to hang out at the beach club (currently known as Northside Beach Club, previously Koko King, although it kinda keeps changing names, haha). If you wanna explore the north further, you can rent a bike.
- South Side: The south side of the island is where most of the action takes place. It’s the more developed area of the island, and this is where you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and accommodations. The south side is the starting point for most of the island’s tours. Almost everything is found on the south side of Caye Caulker, and this is where you’ll wanna stay.
A note about the locals in Caye Caulker
Hmm… how do I put this lightly? The locals in Caye Caulker are, well, more than friendly. Never in my life have I gotten more attention than I did during my 3 days in Caye Caulker, haha.
By the end of my trip locals around the island even remembered my name. I talked to more locals on the island than anywhere else around the world combined. I learned so much about the country and just them as people in general.
Sure, they’re a bit over-friendly, and could be annoying to some, but I honestly kinda liked it after getting used to it.
I felt super welcome and everyone was extremely helpful, generous, and down for a chat. You’ll probably feel a bit apprehensive if you’re more introverted, but as an extrovert, I loved it. I never once felt threatened and enjoyed all the convos.
What to Pack for Caye Caulker
No one dresses up in Caye Caulker – I mean I practically lived in bathing suits my entire time there! Leave your fancy clothes at home; you honestly don’t need them on the island. I admittedly brought too many cute dresses and hardly wore any!
Besides your typical beachwear, here’s a few other things you’ll wanna pack for your trip:
- Polarized sunglasses (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
- Beach bag and/or backpack: make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
- Hat/s: The sun is strong here! I love taking a wide-brimmed sun hat for the beach and a fun trucker hat when hanging around town.
- A waterproof kindle or other e-reader for reading at the beach clubs/The Split and hotel pool (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
- Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a sand-free beach mat
- Reusable water bottle: better for the environment and a must at the beach!
- Aloe Vera Gel: always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
- Dramamine: This will help with motion sickness on your snorkeling tour (which is the #1 thing to do in Caye Caulker!)
- Bug spray will come in handy during Caye Caulker’s humid months (June to October), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream is good to have on hand for when you undoubtedly get bitten
- Portable battery charger: Charge your phone on the go and never run out of battery! I always need to borrow my friends so I’ve finally made it a habit to start bringing my own.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Great for both the plane and the beach! I’m obsessed with my AirPods and Noah loves his Bose Quiet Comforts.
- Foldable tote bag: If you’re planning on doing some shopping in Caye Caulker (you must!), bring your own fold-up tote bag as not all street vendors give out bags. I love this collapsible reusable tote bag (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase and it’s so lightweight)
- Some meds for an upset stomach/antidiarrheal medicine (just in case you accidentally drink the water or something doesn’t agree with you – bound to happen, just be prepared)
- Sunscreen: The sun is strong here (Belize is right near the equator afterall!), just know you’ll need reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling
- Dry bag for storing all your stuff on your snorkeling tour! We got way wetter on board the boat than we originally thought we would. Oh well, it felt great in the sun!
- Underwater camera: All my underwater photography tips and gear here. I’d pack an underwater phone case too, which is perfect for protecting your phone on the boat and hanging in hammocks above the water.
Best Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize
Finally – what you’re probably here for! All my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, plus a few I wish I had time for!
Snorkel in Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Throw on your fins and tighten that mask – it’s time to go snorkeling! Have you ever swam with sharks before?! What about sea turtles and spotted eagle rays?! If not, you need to add it to your Belize bucket list, pronto! I’m a HUGE fan of snorkeling (I’ve been snorkeling in Maui more times than I can count), and never get tired of swimming alongside the marine life.
Hol Chan is a reef in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve, and it makes for a great day trip from Caye Caulker. Heck, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Caye Caulker afterall! Honestly, if you don’t go snorkeling off the coast, you haven’t really visited the Belizean islands. Did you know the Belize Barrier Reef is actually the second largest reef in the world?! Yup, right after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!
The water is warm and crazy clear, with excellent visibility to see the underwater world of Belize up close. Don’t miss Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens – my two favorite snorkel spots near Caye Caulker. We even saw a few manatees; I almost cried tears of joy.
There’s plenty of companies you can sign up with, but I highly recommend Salt Life Eco Tours. This is the exact full day snorkel tour I went on (honestly, it was epic), and had such a fantastic time swimming with nurse sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, tons of tropical fish, and above the colorful corals.
I chose Salt Life Eco Tours because they’re one of the very few companies who don’t feed the fish (doing so can greatly disturb the delicate marine ecosystem). If you’re not signing up for this tour (the exact one I chose), make sure you do your due diligence and please choose a company that doesn’t feed the fish. Unfortunately most do, which makes me all kinda mad. We gotta do our part to protect the reef and all the marine life living within it.
Hang at The Split/Lazy Lizard
If you haven’t spent an afternoon drinking boozy slushies at The Split, you haven’t visited Caye Caulker.
The Split is one of the most iconic spots on Caye Caulker afterall, and for good reason. It’s the narrow channel that separates the northern and southern ends of the island (naturally created in 1961 after a hurricane hit the island, and basically separated it in half), and it’s the perfect place to swim, relax, and soak up the sun. This is the most popular hangout spot on the island, and it’s tons of fun, all day, everyday.
It’s easily one of the most relaxing things to do in Caye Caulker, especially when you’ve got a cold beer in your hand! Drinks are crazy outrageously priced, but understandable since it’s The Split we’re talking about. The perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a few drinks with friends.
You can spend an entire afternoon lounging around on the chaise lounges with friends, sipping some frozen slushee drinks from The Lazy Lizard (the bar at The Split), and taking a dip in the shallow crystal-clear waters. You can even jump off the nearby dock – something I’m way too chicken to even think about, haha. So easy to enjoy the laid-back island vibes!
Wander the colorful town
Honestly, you don’t need to do much to fall in love with the tiny island paradise of Caye Caulker. The whole town is super lively and fun!
Wander through the streets and you’ll be greeted by a burst of colors from the brightly painted wooden houses – which are of course super fun to photograph! Head into the local shops and boutiques and you’ll find unique crafts, local handmade jewelry, and touristy souvenirs. Stop for a lobster or Caribbean jerk chicken on the side of the street. Oh, and don’t forget about a fresh coconut, or two!
On my third day on the island, I had no plans at all, and simply wandered around until I got hungry/thirsty, haha. Then stopped for a bite, then walked some more! My kinda day!
Fly over the Great Blue Hole
If there’s one thing you do in the Belizean islands, make it a scenic flight over the reef. I swear, flying over the Blue Hole in Belize is easily one of the most spectacular things I’ve experienced in my entire life.
The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a giant marine sinkhole, kinda like an underwater cave. It’s a whopping ~1000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep, making it the largest blue hole in the entire world.
It’s so large it’s even visible from space – easily identified by its circular formation and deep, dark blue waters within the Belize Barrier Reef system.
Can you blame me? Just look at all those photos, full of beautiful atolls and all the blue-hued colors you can imagine in the Caribbean Sea. It’s all kinds of amazing, and one of the most impressive things to do in Caye Caulker. Such an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience, albeit a pricey one.
Logistics and Additional Info:
Who to Fly With: There are currently two main airlines that offer scenic flights of the Belize Barrier Reef and Blue Hole: Tropic Air and Maya Air. Both are reputable companies and have been flying for plenty of years.
I chose to fly with Tropic Air (read about my experience here) and felt safe and comfortable for the duration of the flight. And everyone thankfully gets a window seat!
Flight Duration: The scenic flight is a full hour, and you’ll fly over Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole (multiple times), and an ocean freighter shipwreck. You might even spot a few sharks, rays, and manatees below!
Cost: Flying over the Blue Hole is definitely one of the priciest things to do in Caye Caulker, there’s no doubt about that. Expect to pay upwards of $250-300 USD, plus a bit more if you wanna sit up front next to the pilot (for the best views by far).
I wrote an entire post on my experience flying over the Great Blue Hole with Tropic Air – check that out for way more info and tons of gorgeous photos of the Caribbean Sea from above.
Get a cold drink at Sip N’ Dip Beach Bar
Sip N’ Dip Beach Bar is kinda synonymous with Caye Caulker – it’s got fun island vibes, strong drinks, friendly staff, and funny island decor. It’s a colorful and vibrant spot that’s known for its delicious drinks and lively atmosphere. It’s one of the first places I went to in Caye Caulker, and it totally set the tone for the rest of my trip.
You can’t go wrong with a panty ripper (one of their signature concoctions), or a frozen paradise pineapple drink like I had. There’s also your typical classic margaritas and piña coladas. Come during happy hour from 3-5pm if you wanna score a great deal (typical prices otherwise).
Plus, Sip N’ Dip’s the only bar truly over the water in Caye Caulker, with swings and hammocks to relax on. You can sit under a palapa at a table directly IN the water (super refreshing and relaxing), or sit inside in the shade if you’ve had too much sun (or wearing a dress like I was – a fail on my end, whoops).
Tarpon Feeding Dock
Care to see some more wildlife? You can watch large schools of tarpon fish gather for daily feedings, and you can actually feed them yourself! Buy a bucket of small fish from the shop on the deck, hold the tail of the fish high-ish above the water between two fingers, and watch as the tarpon frantically jumps out of the water to grab it.
It was honestly way more exhilarating (and scary/nerve-wracking) than I initially imagined it to be!
What’s so special about tarpon anyways? Well, these silver-colored fish can grow up to 8 feet long (!!!) and weigh over 200 pounds (!!!). Damn!
To be quite honest, I’m a bit hesitant to recommend this as it’s by far from the most ethical thing to do in Caye Caulker. Feeding wildlife (including these tarpons) can have negative impacts on their behavior and health. Make sure you follow all posted rules and regulations, and treat the fish and the surrounding environment with respect.
Go slow!
You’ll see “Go Slow” on plaques and signs around town. No – it’s not telling you to drive your golf cart at a slower pace, haha.
The motto “Go Slow” of Caye Caulker encapsulates the laid-back and relaxed lifestyle that defines the island. Things move at a slower pace around here – don’t expect food to come out ASAP or for 5 minutes to really mean 5 minutes (more like 10-15, ish!).
There’s no need to rush; everyones on island time. It’s a philosophy and reminder to both visitors and residents to embrace a slower pace of life – you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world and on a Caribbean island! Treat it as such!
So embody the island’s spirit – take a step back, unwind, and truly savor the present moment. Take a sunset walk along the water, have a long leisurely brunch (preferably at Ice n Beans or Namaste Cafe), get lost in a book while swinging on a hammock, but most of all, just relax and enjoy.
Once you find yourself rushing from place to place, you’ve really lost the true spirit of the island. I typically travel fast (hey, when you’ve got a 9-5 you gotta make the most of your PTO), but Caye Caulker reminded me to slow down and really soak it all up.
I had an entire day with zero plans. I ended up talking to locals (some of the warmest and super welcoming people I’ve ever met), hanging on a hammock for far too long, drinking fresh coconut water straight outta a coconut, and sipping some iced cacao tea and nibbling on some chocolate from Belize Chocolate Factory – one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker on a hot day (which is basically like all the time, haha).
Watch the sunset
I made it my mission to watch the sunset every night I was in Caye Caulker, and I’m happy to report I wildly succeeded 4/4 nights! To be completely honest, I kinda planned my afternoons and nights around sunset – the perfect way to end a day on the island.
Looking on a map, you’ll notice that the island of Caye Caulker is vertically long. This is amazing for us sunset lovers since there’s a bunch of west-facing spots – aka plenty of different places for sunset!
For the absolute best sunset views, you’ll need to venture over to the west side of the island. While you can simply watch from anywhere west-facing, these were my favorite sunset spots in Caye Caulker:
- The Split (at the tippy top of the south island)
- Iguana Reef Inn (where the stingrays hang out)
- The Pelican Sunset Bar (come for sunset, stay for frozen drinks and dinner)
- Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen (come early for the best seat in the house)
I also watched the sunset from Koko King Beach Club (over on the north island) and I HIGHLY recommend doing that one night as well. We sipped our cocktails and mango juices and just stared out at the sun dipping below the horizon. And we were practically the only ones there! Pure island magic. I smile just thinking about that night.
Take a Picture with the Caye Caulker Sign
One of the quickest things to do in Caye Caulker? Taking a photo at the Caye Caulker sign! It sits right on the main drag on the way to The Split, so you really can’t miss it!
I also loved taking pictures at the The Split sign and Sip N Dip Sign – it seems these bright, bold large signs are synonymous with Caye Caulker!
Nightlife at Sports Bar then Reggae Bar
Caye Caulker isn’t known for its nightlife (that’s what San Pedro’s for), but thankfully, there’s a few spots for some late-night shenanigans. Okay, fine, really only two – Barrier Reef Sports Bar and I and I Reggae Bar. Told you this island isn’t known for its wild parties!
Barrier Reef Sports Bar (simply known as “Sports Bar”) is easily the best place to go out at night. There’s live bands and DJ’s and sometimes even karaoke – something different is going on every night.
I somehow ended up at Sports Bar three out of the four nights I was in Caye Caulker. It’s kinda a local hangout for locals and expats – not just backpackers. So much dancing and loud music and all around a good time.
The bar gets rowdier and rowdier as the night goes on (understandably), and by the end of the night it was a madhouse (with free shots poured by pretty girls standing on the bar, haha). I had the time of my life singing and dancing with my new friends I had met earlier that day while snorkeling.
Once Sports Bar closes around midnight, if you wanna continue the party, head over to I and I Reggae Bar (open until around 2am or so). After all that dancing at Sports Bar I never made it to the reggae bar, but I heard it’s a pretty fun club style island bar. Expect to pay a cover charge, and know that drinks are kinda pricey.
See the stingrays at Iguana Reef Inn
Imagine giant stingrays gliding over your feet in the shallow waters – yes, that’s what you’ll find over here! The island is famous for this, and it really is one of the most iconic things to do in Caye Caulker. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed, so let me share the inside scoop with you!
Every evening at sunset, the owner of the Iguana Reef Inn feeds the giant Southern Stingrays fish remnants from the day’s catch. Over time, these stingrays have become accustomed to this daily ritual, and like clockwork, around 4 to 4:30 pm, dozens of giant stingrays gracefully gather in the shallows just beyond the reef.
Dip your toes in the water – the stingrays will come right up to you! And when they touch you with their soft underbelly? OMG, it feels so weird and slimy and just overall strange. I got used to it after a few times, but at first whoa… what an odd sensation. You can also pet their rough outer skin if you’d like.
All this happens at Iguana Reef Inn, one of the fancier accommodation options on the island (I’d love to stay there sometime). Thankfully everyone is allowed to partake in the fun, even if you’re not staying at Iguana Reef Inn. I’d buy a cocktail or two if you’re using the facilities.
A few things to note:
- For safety reasons, you cannot venture past the stingrays in the water. You MUST stay close to the shore when the stingrays are feeding.
- Decide for yourself if you feel good about this experience – it’s clearly not one of the most ethical things to do in Caye Caulker, as feeding wild animals is always questionable.
- Pelicans also hang out here, and the staff feeds them a bit after they feed the stingrays. Stick around to see them waddle around as well – they’re too funny!
Seahorse Reserve at Iguana Reef Inn
After hanging out with the stingrays for a bit, head over to the left side of Iguana Reef Inn and you’ll find a tiny seahorse reserve in the water! Try and spot a seahorse in the nets – they’re kinda hard to find and downright amazing at camouflaging in the nets, seaweed, and ropes; a nearby kid helped me find a few!
You really only need a few minutes but truly worth it if you’ve never seen seahorses out in the wild. They are such magnificent little creatures.
Watch sunset at The Pelican Sunset Bar
Ohhh – sunset at Pelican Sunset Bar is legendary! I don’t typically include specific restaurants on my lists, but I needed to include it on this list of things to do in Caye Caulker. It was that memorable – promise!
I ordered shrimp skewers with potatoes and veggies (so fresh and delicious and such a generous portion), and it came rather quickly considering how busy this place was! All the food on the menu sounded outstanding — you really can’t go wrong! I also heard AMAZING things about the lobster ceviche – I’m still kicking myself I didn’t order some!
The food is high quality, and the ambiance and views are stellar. It gets really busy, especially around sunset, so plan to come early! The restaurant’s a great spot to hang out and chill, with perfect sunset views and overwater seating on the dock. Such a fun atmosphere!
Note that The Pelican Sunset Bar can be a bit hard to find as it’s away from the main tourist town and down a little dirt path. A few local kids had to show me where it was! But don’t worry, you’ll make it!
This was easily one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, and I’d sit here with a frozen drink watching the sunset every night of my life if I could. This place has such a chill vibe, and the bar staff are so, so fun. I met a sweet gal living in Tulum at the time, so we had lots to chat about since I had just been!
Go sailing with Ragga Sailing Adventures
Imagine sailing to remote and inaccessible islands of Belize’s barrier reef. Spending your mornings snorkeling in the sea (alongside loggerhead turtles and Caribbean stingrays). Laying out on the deck soaking up the sun. Grilling up the bounty from spearfishing in the afternoon. That’s what a sailing trip with Ragga is like!
I really wanted to go on the sailing trip with Ragga Sailing Adventures but just couldn’t fit it into my schedule! I only planned for 3 days in Caye Caulker, and I had to decide between visiting Flores and Tikal, or adding additional nights in the Belize islands to go on the sailing trip. Ultimately, Guatemala won (I’m low-key obsessed with the country), so it just gives me an excuse to visit Caye Caulker again!
Note that the overnight sailing trip is strictly one way. There is not a round trip option, and ends in Dangriga, off the coast of southern Belize.
Logistics:
- Departs: twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays from Caye Caulker
- Visits: Ragga Caye (private island), Tobacco Caye, and Rendezvous Caye, with plenty of snorkeling stops in between
- Ends: Dangriga
Shop Local!
I love shopping for unique, handmade souvenirs when I travel, and Caye Caulker was no different!
You won’t find many real “stores” on the island, but what you will find are local boutiques and vibrant marketplaces. In the center of town beneath all the palm trees, there’s outdoor shopping stands that are set up all day. Expect to find hand-carved wooden sculptures, intricate woven baskets, handmade jewelry, and colorful paintings, all made by local artisans on the island.
I bought a beautiful handmade pink quartz necklace for 20 BZD ($10USD) – the lady made it right in front of me and I was able to pick out the exact stone I wanted. Not only did I love supporting her (she was lovely for a chat as well), but now I have a one-of-a-kind piece from the island itself!
I also recommend checking out the local grocery stores and markets – here you can stock up on local spices, hot sauces, and snacks! You know I love a good chip! Try Mama Belize chips, Cotton Tree chocolate, and Mullins Creek candied ginger – all made locally right in the country.
Hang at Northside Beach Club (Koko King Beach)
While researching things to do in Caye Caulker (before my trip), I didn’t notice many white sandy beaches on the list. Why? Because there aren’t very many… yes, even on a Caribbean island like Caye Caulker!
However, there’s (thankfully) an exception! Northside Beach Club’s beach (on the northern part of Caye Caulker) is widely regarded as the best beach on the entire island of Caye Caulker. After spending an afternoon swinging in the hammocks, wading in the warm, clear water, and sipping some pina coladas at sunset, I can assure you it’s well worth the trip!
There’s also tubes to float around on the water, chaise lounges to relax on, and even picnic tables directly in the water. Easily the best beach on the island.
Out of all the things to do in Caye Caulker, I’d make sure to add this one to your itinerary. A way different atmosphere and environment than The Split, and super, super laid-back with no minimum spend!
A little backstory: Northside Beach Club (formerly Koko King) used to be home to We’Yu Boutique Hotel, a lively and top-quality restaurant and beach bar. They even had wild full moon parties once a month, with top DJs and crazy entertainment. Apparently there were issues with management (and lots of bad Google reviews), so the hotel closed. However, the beach club remains open!
And yes, while Google Maps says it’s ‘permanently closed’, the beach club is actually open and ready for visitors. They’re even charging a small entrance fee now, albeit it’s all kinda makeshift.
Logistics:
- Getting there: You’ll need to take a super short boat ride to the north side of the island (remember, Caye Caulker is split in two). Head to The Split to find rides for 5BZ each way. There’s also the Split-to-Split ferry, but you’ll need to either bike or walk to the beach club. Just ask around and someone will take you directly to Northside Beach Club.
- Admission fee: It now costs 5BZ ($2.50USD) to enter the beach (was free for a bit but they started charging again). I promise you the beach club is well worth the few bucks.
- Food/drink: There’s a beach bar towards the right with cocktails, beers, and drinks. We loved chatting with the bartender – he plays his own trap music at the bar (he’s really talented and has his own record out).
Snorkel with Manatees
Imagine my surprise when I realized you could go snorkeling with manatees in Belize! Such a dream come true. And one of the most unique things to do in Caye Caulker!
These gentle, slow-moving creatures are such an iconic species to the region – I actually had no idea until visiting! They can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, making them one of the largest aquatic mammals in the world (and frequently known as sea cows for this very reason).
You’ll find them in the shallow waters of Swallow Caye, an island not far from Caye Caulker, feeding on the vast beds of seagrass. The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, founded in 2002, serves primarily to protect manatees.
There’s a few tour operators in Caye Caulker that you can book with, with Friends of Swallow Caye being one of the most popular! If I had known I could swim with manatees before I made all my plans, I would have totally included it on my list of things to do in Caye Caulker! Kinda bummed I missed out, but there’s always next time for me.
I was lucky enough to see a few manatees poke their noses out of the water on our snorkel trip with Salt Life Eco Tours. They’re honestly oh so cute, and kinda just float around like the peaceful giants they are.
Remember, manatees are a protected species in Belize, and unfortunately threatened. This means you need to make sure you observe responsible wildlife viewing practices and maintain a safe distance from them.
Under ZERO circumstances are you ever allowed to touch them, feed them, chase them, pet them, etc. Tour operators must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that manatees are not disturbed and that their natural behavior is not disrupted.
Yoga at Namaste Cafe
Rooftop yoga with a view, anyone?! Yogis will love this open-air studio on Caye Caulker, listening to the soothing sounds of the Caribbean Sea while practicing. Classes are held on the top floor of Namaste Cafe, with a gorgeous panoramic view of Caye Caulker. You better believe there’s a great breeze up here!
And better yet, classes are completely FREE (they do take donations; you decide how much you pay). Just show up for the 8 or 9:30 am class, and you’re all set (find current yoga schedule here).
Classes cater to all levels of practice (including beginners), and are island-paced Vinyasa flow style. I had plans to meet my friends here for the 8am class, but… since we had a bit too much fun dancing the night before, I didn’t make it there on time, whoops!
Once you’re done getting your yoga on, head downstairs to the cafe for a healthy breakfast! Namaste Cafe is one of the best breakfast/brunch spots on the island, and there’s a whole menu full of bagels, sandwiches, and egg dishes, plus their signature hibiscus-lime kombuchas, tons of refreshing smoothies, and plenty of coffee/tea options.
I ordered the PB and banana bagel (it was honestly so filling) and a pineapple lime smoothie, and loved every bite/sip.
Sunset Sailing Cruise
One of the most romantic things to do in Caye Caulker is to book yourself on a sunset cruise with your honey! Imagine gently cruising along the Caribbean Sea in a well-equipped catamaran or sailboat, looking out at the panoramic views of the coastline with a boozy drink in hand. My kinda afternoon!
I absolutely love being out on the water, and if I was traveling with my husband, this is something I would have 100% signed us up for.
Dine at the island’s best foodie spots
I was pleasantly surprised with everything I ate in Caye Caulker – mostly everything was fresh and the Caribbean flavors were great. Make sure you try some local Belizean cuisine – exotic tropical fruit, succulent seafood, rice and beans, fry jacks, and conch fritters!
There’s so many great spots (including Namaste Cafe and The Pelican Sunset Bar which I already mentioned), but here’s more of my absolute faves and spots you need to visit:
- Ice and Beans Cafe: One of the most popular breakfast spots on the island for a reason. Come for the free mini donuts, iced coffee, and smoothie bowls, stay for the laid back atmosphere and hammock views.
- Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen: Typical Belizean food; we tried the garlic shrimp, conch fritters, coconut curry, jerk chicken, and rice and beans. All amazing, and the best sunset views, too! Grab a table early – this place gets booked up, fast.
- Chef Kareem’s Unbelizable Lunch BBQ: Hands down the best place for grilled snapper, lobster, and jerk chicken on the island! Everything’s cooked and seasoned to perfection, and the coconut rice and slaw were great compliments to the main. So simple yet so, so delicious. Eat right at the water’s edge underneath a palm tree.
- Errolyn’s House Of Fryjacks: A tiny shack frying up the best fry jacks on the island. I tried one with eggs, beans, & cheese – and lemme tell ya, if they weren’t so huge, I’d eat one everyday, haha. Light, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. Come early as they close before lunch.
- Chef Juan’s Kitchen and Pastries: Known for their amazing curries and cakes, although I shared a slice of key lime pie here and it was absolutely divine!
Try some spiny lobster
Caye Caulker is the BEST place to get lobster in all of Central America. So it makes sense there’s an official lobster season in Belize (!!!), typically running from June 15th to February 14th.
During these months, expect to find oh so much Caribbean spiny lobster everywhere, in any and all dishes – from simple grilled lobster, lobster kebabs, and lobster ceviche, to lobster tacos and even lobster thermidor and lobster chowder.
And unlike lobster being the pricey delicacy it is here in the states, lobsters are only $10-20 in Belize. Meaning you can have one every meal and not go broke. Why? Because there’s SO much lobster available during the summer that they’re wildly affordable.
The annual Caye Caulker Lobster Fest, yes, it’s a thing over here, features tons of live music, lots of dancing and games, and of course, all the lobster dishes you can imagine. Including a Miss Lobsterfest pageant – yup, how cool is this island?!
Lobster season is over from mid February through mid June. Unfortunately I visited the island at the end of March once lobster season was already over, and there was basically ZERO lobsters left on the island. Besides a few that the bbq chefs on the street told me they save for “special” guests, myself included, haha.
Go Scuba Diving
Even though I’m not a diver, of course I need to include scuba diving on this list of things to do in Caye Caulker. It’s one of the best diving spots in the world afterall! Remember those pictures of the Belizean reef from above? Yup – just imagine what’s hiding under those waters!
The waters surrounding Caye Caulker have excellent visibility, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters)! And don’t worry, the island is home to a whole slew of dive centers and professional instructors offering a range of services, including certification courses, guided dives, and equipment rentals.
A few of the most popular diving sites near Caye Caulker:
- The Blue Hole: Located in the nearby Lighthouse Reef, the Blue Hole is an iconic dive site in Belize. It’s a massive underwater sinkhole, over 300 meters (984 feet) in diameter and 124 meters (407 feet) deep. Diving here offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking geological formations and encounter fascinating marine life, including reef sharks and giant groupers.
- Tres Cocos: Situated near Ambergris Caye, Tres Cocos is a popular dive site with a mix of coral gardens and sandy patches. It’s an excellent spot for encountering nurse sharks, turtles, and barracudas. Divers can also explore underwater canyons and tunnels, all adding excitement to the dive!
- Long Caye Wall: Just south of Caye Caulker lies Long Caye Wall, an impressive dive site known for its sheer walls covered in corals, sponges, and sea fans. It offers excellent visibility and is home to a diverse range of marine species, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and moray eels.
- The Aquarium: As the name suggests, The Aquarium is teeming with marine life. This site features a stunning coral garden filled with colorful fish, lobsters, and a variety of invertebrates. It’s a great spot for underwater photography.
Day Trip to San Pedro
Once you’ve exhausted all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker (how?!), you can take an easy day trip over to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. With ferries leaving every hour or so, taking about 30 minutes, and costing only $35 roundtrip, it’s super simple and relatively inexpensive!
I visited San Pedro on my first visit to the Belizean Islands a number of years ago, and loved strolling the town, exploring via golf cart, and witnessing the infamous Chicken Drop (every Thursday night at Wahoo’s Lounge)! Being 5 times larger than tiny Caye Caulker, there’s understandably a lot more to see and check out.
Whatever you do, don’t miss Secret Beach (and grabbing a few drinks at Pirate’s Not So Secret Bar & Grill) – it’s one of the most popular spots on San Pedro!
If you only have 2-3 days in Caye Caulker, I wouldn’t leave it for San Pedro, but if you have a bit longer, definitely go for it!
Hope this helps you plan out your trip to this tiny Belizean island! Which of these things to do in Caye Caulker are you most excited about?!
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