Why Caye Caulker Should be Your Next Tropical Vacation
21 miles northeast of Belize City sits Caye Caulker—a small, beautiful island where there are no cars, just bicycles and golf carts. The island boasts a laid back, caribbean vibe where you will find yourself plotting your next trip back the moment you step on its sandy roads.
Getting There
Reaching Caye Caulker is fairly easy, just a 2 hour ferry ride from the mainland. You’ll be rewarded with crystal clear water and superb wildlife on an island that is still untouched from mass tourism, as Caye Caulker is still a quiet and unhurried beach town. Colorful buildings which house family run restaurants and bars, serving up fresh seafood dishes and fruity cocktails, dot the main street. If you’re looking for fancy hotels or raging nightlife, then this is not the island for you.
Getting Around
While the island is pretty accessible by foot, to make the most out of your stay be sure to rent a bicycle or golf cart. All of the roads on the island are made of sand and you’ll find yourself dodging potholes as you bike around. The majority of shops and restaurants are along the main street, which stretches from the ferry dock down to The Split—but there are a few hidden gem restaurants scattered throughout the island as well.
Visit the Split
The most happening place on the island is probably The Split—named after the channel that divides the island in two. The Split, which started as a small natural channel, was widened in 1961 during Hurricane Hattie. Now it's a 20 foot channel that is the hub of the island, home to multiple bars, it is the place to party and relax by the bright blue water. If you venture onto the north end of the island, accessible via a small homemade ferry that regularly crosses the channel, you’ll find a much less developed side of the island. This is mainly due to a protected forest reserve making up a large portion of the island, where it is home to dense mangroves and diverse wildlife. You can find a few hotels, resorts, and restaurants here but it is much less lively than the main side of the island.
Activities
There are endless ways to fill your day while visiting Caye Caulker. The island benefits from the northeast trade winds consistently, making it a windsurfer’s dream. It is also extremely popular with both snorkelers and scuba divers alike—with the Belize Barrier Reef a mere one mile off shore, making day trips extremely rewarding. While visiting the infamous Blue Hole is a bit farther away at 71 miles, it is also a doable day trip, albeit a full day!
Private beach at Iguana Reef Inn
If swimming with the wildlife isn’t your thing, you can spot plenty of sea animals from the shore. If you’re lucky you’ll find nurse sharks, sting rays, and fish from any dock in town. However, if you want to ensure your wildlife encounters then head to Iguana Reef Inn. Every evening stingrays flock to the hotel's private beach like clockwork, as the hotel feeds them, and it draws quite a crowd. This beach is also home to the “Seahorse Ranch Reserve”—a small netted area that acts as a safe haven to the tiny, elusive sea creatures. Head to the end of the dock and look carefully (they’re quite good at hiding!) and you should be able to spot a few seahorses hanging around. The Iguana Reef Inn is also a great place to escape from the often craziness of The Split—it has a calm and relaxing private beach, blocked by the winds that often batter the main side of the island. The beach is free for hotel guests and those who purchase food and/or beverages from the bar.
Nurse sharks in Caye Caulker, Belize
If you’re looking for a more luxurious or lively vacation, Caye Caulker’s neighbor Abergris Caye might be a better fit for you. However, if you’re looking for a budget destination with a lot of character, that isn’t overly developed, and has as much beauty that you can pack into a destination—Caye Caulker is your spot.
