Embrace the “Go Slow” Vibe in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, a peaceful island in Belize’s Caribbean Sea, offers a lovely escape from busy city life. This island has a mix of relaxation and adventure, with great restaurants and the gateway to the world-famous Great Blue Hole. It’s perfect for a calm vacation. Here’s all you need to know about visiting Caye Caulker.

How to get to Caye Caulker

By Plane

Getting to Caye Caulker is straightforward thanks to well-connected transportation options. If you’re arriving from abroad, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is the primary gateway. From Belize City, you can reach Caye Caulker by taking a water taxi or a short domestic flight.

By Bus and Boat from Belize City

Another option is to take a bus to Belize City and then connect to a water taxi. This cost-effective combination is popular among budget-conscious travelers, costing around $50 USD for both bus and boat. Buses with ADO from Mexico are available, including a night bus. From the bus station, a $5 taxi ride will take you to the harbor. Check 12GO for booking options.

By Bus and Boat from Mexico

For a faster route from Mexico, take an ADO bus to Chetumal and then a taxi to the ferry terminal. Prices are around 50 MXN. Water Jets operates in the morning, and San Pedro Belize Express usually departs in the afternoon. Expect to pay 110 BZD (55 USD) for a one-way ticket. After paying a $30 USD exit fee at the ferry terminal, you will travel to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, cross the border into Belize (with a 4 BZD port fee), and continue to Caye Caulker.

By Water Taxi from Belize City

Water taxis from Belize City offer a scenic journey to Caye Caulker. Several operators provide regular services, with one-way tickets costing around $15 USD.

What to do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, a serene island in the heart of the Caribbean, lives by the motto “Go Slow.” In fact, people may kindly ask you to slow down if they see you rushing—a true story! Luckily, there are still some nice activities to do on and around the island.

Enjoy the Lazy Lizard at The Split

“The Split” is a popular spot where you can relax at the beach bar “The Lazy Lizard.” Open from 10 AM, it’s a great place to sunbathe, swim, play volleyball, or rent a SUP board or kayak.

Explore the famous Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a world-renowned attraction for both divers and non-divers. This nearly perfect blue circle, located near Lighthouse Reef, draws travelers from around the globe. Originally a limestone cave that collapsed about 10,000 years ago, the Blue Hole is approximately 130 meters deep and 300 meters in diameter. It’s so large that it’s even visible from space!

Diving the Blue Hole is a bucket-list experience for many. Lucky divers might encounter turtles, rays, and various shark species, including nurse sharks, hammerheads, and reef sharks. The site’s famous stalactites are found at around 40 meters deep, making this dive challenging. An Advanced Open Water Diver Certification or equivalent is required to explore this unique site. More about diving the Great Blue Hole can be found in this article.

If diving isn’t your thing, consider a scenic flight to admire the Blue Hole from above. Flights depart from Caye Caulker’s small airport in planes accommodating up to 10 passengers. The Blue Hole comes into view after about 15 minutes, and the plane circles the site several times, offering breathtaking aerial views. Companies like Maya Island Air offer these flights, providing a spectacular perspective on this natural wonder. Flights start at $200 per person.

Dive into the Underwater World

Snorkel or dive at Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks and rays. For a more eco-friendly experience, choose tours that do not feed the wildlife. Other spots include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Other possible dive and snorkel spots are in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or the closer reefs of Caye Caulker. If you really want to see the stunning spots of the Belize Barrier reef, then you have to get further out to sites such as the Turneffe Atoll, Halfmoon Caye or Lighthouse Reef. Read more about diving in Belize in our extensive article!

Enjoy the Island’s Beautiful Sunsets

Sunsets on the northeastern side of Caye Caulker are truly spectacular. There are several great spots to watch the sunset, with Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen being a top choice. This lovely restaurant offers seating with stunning sunset views. Another favorite spot is the beach near Iguana Reef Inn, one of the few places on the island where you can walk directly into the ocean, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.

However, to attract visitors to this side of the island, birds and rays are often fed, drawing them close to the shore in the late afternoon. While this offers a unique opportunity to see these animals up close, it is important to remember that they remain wild. We don’t encourage feeding or touching them. Instead, enjoy their presence from a respectful distance to help protect their natural behavior and environment.

Party All Night Long

Caye Caulker is a popular spot for backpackers, making it a lively place to party all day long. Many start their evening with drinks at the Lazy Lizard at The Split, especially during happy hour from 5 to 6 pm. After dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants, head to the Sports Bar, the go-to spot for after-dinner fun. To cap off the night, visit the Reggae Bar before strolling back to your accommodation.

Where to eat in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker offers a range of dining options to suit every taste and budget:

• Errolyn’s Fry Jacks: Famous for delicious fry jacks, priced between 3 to 5 BZD. Try these Belizean breakfast treats filled with eggs, ham, or cheese.
• Wish Willy’s: Enjoy seafood and meat in a garden setting for around 30 BZD per meal. Wish Willy, the chef, is a character in his own right and his casual, relaxed dining spot is beloved by both locals and tourists.
• Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Lunch: Offers BBQ lunches on the beach with options for everyone, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes.
• The Cake Lady: Renowned for her daily baked cakes, available from 4 PM. Her selection varies each day, typically featuring 5-6 different cake options.
• Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen: Perfect for dinner with a sunset view, offering amazing grilled dishes. The restaurant’s beachfront location makes it an ideal spot to end the day with delicious food and breathtaking views.

Where to stay in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island, and therefore you can’t really go wrong with the location of your accommodation. Everything on the island is a short walk away. Most action takes place on the northern part of the island, so if you want to be right at the action, consider staying in that area.

Caye Caulker Beach Hotel is a simple beachfront hotel on the island. The location is ideal to explore the island and it is located next to a small supermarket. The hotel has a rooftop, where you can enjoy the sunset. Double rooms start at €80 and this makes it one of the cheaper hotel options on the island.

If you want a more luxury accommodation and a pool, then La Isla Resort and Island Magic Beach Resort are good options. A bit more expensive at €100-€150 for a double room.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic and peaceful escape to Caye Caulker. Enjoy the tranquility, activities, and the unique charm of this beautiful island.