A portion of the most significant barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere surrounds Belize, a country in Central America, and its shoreline is golden. The nearly four-mile-long island of Caye Caulker begs for a laid-back tropical getaway, only a short boat journey north of Belize City.
The island’s hook-shaped limestone coral structure is just one mile wide, and sandy paths cut through it allow for exploration. Traveling through Central America on a tight budget, scuba divers and backpackers have long been interested in Caye Caulker. Whatever draws guests to these sun-kissed shores, they typically come to the island to take advantage of its breathtaking scenery, delectable fresh lobster, balmy sea breezes, and incredibly laid-back atmosphere.
Activities on Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker has a robust tropical vibe and offers a decent mix of activities above and below the ocean. The most excellent thing about vacationing here is that you can be as active or relaxed as you choose.
Seeing Belize’s stunning coral reefs is a high priority for those who enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving. Additionally, many operators can take you on boat trips to the 61-square-mile Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, accessible from island marinas, quickly. If you go with Frenchie’s Diving, you may snorkel in Shark Ray Alley, a unique shallow location where gentle nurse sharks and stingrays are known to cluster, and spend some time with them between dives.
The Split, where a storm in 1961 tore the island apart, is Caye Caulker’s most visited beach. Enjoy a cold Belizean Belikin beer and dance to reggae music with locals at The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill, the island’s famous watering place, or attend a concert on the beach. Picnic tables are situated directly in the shallow sea.
When taking a boat trip with Caveman Snorkeling Tours, you may stop at the beautiful coral gardens brimming with tropical fish and waving with fans at the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can also see manatees in the warm, shallow seas.
The best and most enjoyable way to learn about Caye Caulker on land is to hire a bike and ride the sandy backroads to explore places such as Koto King Beach (on the north side of The Split) and Caye Caulker Village. Bicycles may be rented from most guesthouses, and some rent golf carts. Spot’s Water Sports also rents out jet skis with integrated tracking and communication systems for self-guided water exploration of the island.
Places to Stay in the Caye Caulker Area
On Caye Caulker, lodging options are primarily boutique, small, and family-run, while some excellent holiday rentals and Airbnbs are also available. At Caye Reef, you may find apartment-style lodging with step-out access to the beach and pool. There are two-bedroom beachfront apartments and a penthouse unit with a rooftop jacuzzi. The vibrant beachfront apartments and Colinda Cabanas have hammocks slung from their patios and expansive ocean views. Blu Zen, a 25-room property, has modern two-bedroom condominiums directly on the beach, lovely tropical gardens, and a penthouse on the third story with views of the dawn and sunset. If you’d prefer something even more wealthy, consider staying on Ambergris Caye, the most oversized island in Belize, just north of Caye Caulker. You’ll find the stylish casitas of Matachica Resort & Spa and Victoria House Resort & Spa there.
Best Time to Go to Caye Caulker
Belize has pleasant year-round weather, making it a well-liked travel destination in any season. The wet season, which occurs in June and July, can cause significant flooding due to the frequent and intense downpours. The dry season lasts from February to May. November through March is when the weather is coldest and most comfortable, while May through September is when you should visit for the warmest water temperatures. Generally speaking, January through April are the ideal months to see since they offer the most comfortable weather overall and help you escape hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Directions to Caye Caulker
Most tourists travel to Caye Caulker via regular boat, which leaves from Belize City and takes 45 to 1 hour for each trip. In addition to making the journey, the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi transports passengers to Chetumal, Mexico, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Another reliable ferry service that links the three locations is Water Jets International.
Maya Island Air operates flights to Caye Caulker Airport from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. The flight takes 20 minutes. Tropic Air also travels from Belize City to Caye Caulker, a short flight.
