Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize. If you find yourself in this Caribbean island, there are many fun things to do in Caye Caulker that will help you rejuvenate.
It is only 5 miles long and 1 mile in width. Caye Caulker is so small that it only has a population of less than 2000 people. It is a popular party island for backpackers in the Caribbean and can be accessed by a water taxi or small plane from Belize city. It is only 20 miles from the city and around 45 minutes ferry ride.
Top things to do in Caye Caulker
1. Snorkel with sharks
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If you want to unwind and enjoy gorgeous turquoise waters while swimming with marine wildlife, snorkeling in Caye Caulker is a must. It is a popular activity for tourists in Belize and for a reason. Aside from the heavenly water, the marine wildlife in Caye Caulker is abundant. From manatees, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays to corals, you are in for a treat.
There are several companies that offer snorkeling trips and paraphernalia that you can rent. For a list of prices, click here.
2. Hang out in the Split
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Caye Caulker was split in two by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. This created a narrow waterway between North and South Caye Caulker and this waterway is called “the Split”. The Split is a good place to snorkel for free, hang out with friends and to socialize with other backpackers. There’s a bar in the area called The Lazy Lizard that offers good food and cold drinks. It’s also one of the few places in Caye Caulker that has space for sunbathing while having easy access to the water.
3. Enjoy the nightlife
Caye Caulker is famous for its lively nightlife. This Caribbean island might be small but the people here do know how to party. Compare to Ambergris Caye, this island is much more affordable to party and drink. As a starter, you can check out the Lazy Lizard in the Split or the Sip n Dip. The cool things about these 2 bars are that they both provide benches and swings by the water. So you can enjoy swimming in the Caribbean sea while drinking your favorite tropical cocktails and watching the sunset.
If you want a quieter place, Koko King in the less crowded area of North Island is your best bet. There’s a free ferry that runs between the South and North islands every 30 minutes from 10:30 am to 2 am. Please note that the ferry is only free if you buy food or drinks in the bar. Otherwise, you will pay US$5 on your return trip.
4. Sunset sailing
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Looking for a romantic activity with your partner? Then be amazed at sunset sailing in the Caribbean. Nothing beats ending your day with the spectacular view of the sunset by the ocean. There are several tours that offer sunset sailing in Caye Caulker and can cost between US$35-50 per person. This normally lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and starts an hour before the sun sets. Food and drinks are provided to further enjoy a romantic night with your partner.
5. Hire a golf car to explore the island
Although Caye Caulker is a pretty walkable small island, it can be quite tiring to just walk around. Especially under the scorching sun. A quite popular activity is to hire a golf buggy to drive around. It has comfortable seats, a good shade, and ideal for the bumpy roads.
6. Check out the seahorse sanctuary
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If you are looking for something different to do, check out a seahorse reserve in Iguana Reef Inn. Seahorses are small marine fishes in the genus Hippocampus. The seahorse’ head shape is somewhat similar to a horse, thus the name. In the same reserve, you can enjoy the sunset while watching pelicans and frigatebirds playing on the water.
7. Go diving at the Great Blue Hole
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The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. This hole is circular in shape with a diameter of 318 meters and depth of 124 meters. It is one of the largest natural formations of its kind and is listed as World Heritage site. The Blue Hole is also part of Belize Barrier reef which is the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The Great Blue Hole holds many distinct marine species. And this makes the Great Blue Hole one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Important information when travelling to Caye Caulker
Currency Conversion
Belize has a very simple currency conversion policy. 1 US dollar is equivalent to 2 Belizean dollars. This is the standard rate everywhere. You can also use USD almost everywhere.
Visa Policy
For visa requirements in Belize, click here. Please note that if you are coming from a Western country, you might be able to enter Belize visa-free. And you can extend it every month up to 6 months. Or if you have US Visa, you can use it as a substitute visa to enter Belize and other parts of Central America.
How to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City
There are 2 ways to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City. However, the flights to Caye Caulker are not in operation until further notice as the airstrip is temporarily closed. So the only option right now is through a water taxi.
Water Taxi
You can take a water taxi or ferry from the Marine Terminal in Belize City. The ride is around 45 minutes one way. Round trip costs US$28 and one way is only US$18 for an adult passenger. To check the schedule, click here.
By Plane
Maya Air offers flights daily between Belize City to Caye Caulker. To book and check their schedule and rates, please check here. (Editor’s Note: The airstrip in Caye Caulker is temporarily closed so verify first before booking your flights)
Where to stay in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker has lots of hotels for all types of budget. Here are some of our recommended accommodations in Caye Caulker.
Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages – If you want private beach and less crowded place, this resort is a good place to enjoy a quiet time while being in the beachfront. They also have their own private pool and spacious rooms. The staff are super attentive without being intrusive as well. For rates, click here.
Tree Tops Guesthouse – This guesthouse is tucked away on a quiet street but still closed enough to the main action. The owner is a wonderful lady who knows customer service to heart. The rooms are quite spacious and clean. For rates, click here.
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