Caye Caulker
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Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
Channel splitting the island in two, the social heart of Caye Caulker.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Swim here, but watch boat traffic
- Sunset drinks are popular
- Great place to meet travellers
📷 Photos
- 2
Beach bar north of the Split with swings and a sandy beach.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Take a water taxi or walk
- Good sunset spot
- Bring cash
📷 Photos
- 3
Well-known bar at the Split.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Visit for sunset
- Order a drink
📷 Photos
- 4
Art gallery and gift shop on Front Street.
3 tips
- Good for souvenirs
- Colourful walls for photos
- Check opening hours
📷 Photos
- 5
Protected reef area with abundant fish, a classic snorkel trip.
3 tips
- Book a tour from Caye Caulker
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
- Reserve fee is usually extra
📷 Photos
- 6
Giant marine sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef, a famous dive site.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Long day trip
- Dive or fly-over options
📷 Photos
- 7
Beachfront hotel on the island.
3 tips
- Quiet beach area
- Photogenic dock
- Ask before entering
📷 Photos
- 8
Sandy main street lined with cafes, shops and tour offices.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Go slow
- Book tours here
- Evenings are lively
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Caye Caulker tips
Transportation
- Take the water taxi: Water taxis connect Caye Caulker with Belize City and San Pedro several times a day, an easy and scenic way to arrive.
- Get around by bike or on foot: There are no cars on the island; sandy streets are best explored on foot, by bike or by golf cart.
- Consider a small plane: Local airlines fly between Belize City and the island's small airstrip, a quick option if you are short on time.
Security
- Lock your bike and room: Petty theft can happen, so lock bikes, use your room safe and do not leave valuables on the beach.
- Decline drug offers: You may be offered drugs on the street; politely decline, as penalties can be severe and dealings risky.
- Snorkel with licensed guides: Use registered tour operators for reef trips and follow their instructions around currents and boat traffic.
Saving
- Eat street food: Local stalls sell burritos, fry jacks and barbecue at good prices compared with sit-down restaurants.
- Compare tour prices: Snorkelling and sailing tours vary between operators, so ask around along Front Street before booking.
- Swim at the Split: The channel at the island's north end is a free spot to swim, relax and watch the sunset.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack light, breezy clothes: Caye Caulker is warm year-round, so bring swimwear, light cotton clothes and sandals.
- Bring bug repellent: Sandflies and mosquitoes are common, especially at dusk and after rain, so repellent is essential.
- Know the seasons: The drier months are roughly from late winter to spring, while summer and autumn bring more rain and hurricane risk.
Cultural
- Go slow: The island's motto is go slow, so relax and enjoy the laid-back pace; service can be unhurried.
- Try local seafood: Fresh lobster is a highlight in season, and there is a closed season to protect stocks, so do not order it out of season.
- Talk with locals: English is the official language and Belizean Kriol is widely spoken, making chats with locals easy and fun.
Local Hacks
- Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley: Day trips to these marine reserves offer great snorkelling with nurse sharks, rays and turtles.
- Watch the sunset at the back: The western side of the island facing the lagoon is the best place for sunset views.
- Carry cash: Belize dollars and US dollars are both accepted, but some small shops and stalls only take cash.
1-day itineraries in Caye Caulker
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and around
🕘 9:30–16:15📍 8 stops
- 1Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
- 2Rasta Pasta
- 3Caye Caulker Cemetery
- 4Ice and Beans Cafe
- 5Barrier Reef Sports Bar
- and 3 more
Day 2 of 2
Caye Caulker Forest Reserve and around
🕘 9:30–15:45📍 5 stops
- 1Caye Caulker Forest Reserve
- 2Koko King Beach Bar
- 3The Split
- 4The Lazy Lizard
- 5I and I Reggae Bar