Caye Caulker
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Belize
Did you know?
- The Split pairs a swimming spot with the Lazy Lizard bar.
- The northern mangroves can be explored by kayak.
- Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street are all sandy.
See also
Ambergris Caye
Belize18.01°N 87.93°W
Chetumal
Mexico18.50°N 88.31°W · 2 m
Overview
Caye Caulker offers a relaxed island stay close to Belize's barrier reef. Restaurants, bars and a backpacker following give its small settlement a sociable atmosphere.
Languages: Belizean Creole, English, Spanish
Why go?
Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, 1.6 km west of the Barrier Reef. It's popular with backpackers and budget travellers for its cheap prices, laid-back vibe, and abundance of restaurants and bars. The island is 8.2 km in length with a population of 2,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Caye Caulker can be reached by water taxi from Belize City, with services running from early morning until end of day. There is also a small airport with flights from Belize City by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, costing approximately US$75 one-way from the international airport and about US$45 from the municipal airstrip, taking 10-15 minutes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
There are three main streets: Front Street, Middle Street, and Back Street, all sandy. Everything is within walking distance, about 20 minutes from end to end. Golf carts, bicycles, and walking are the main modes. Bicycle rentals are available, and golf carts can be rented from C&N Golf Cart Rentals and Caye Caulker Golf Cart Rentals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The temperature is usually below 30°C in the snowbird season (winter). The island has a relaxed vibe year-round, but check weather for hurricane season.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Caye Caulker offers a good spread of lodging from budget to high-end. Budget options include Blue Wave Guesthouse (BZ$60/night), Popeyes Beach Resort (BZ$60/night), and Chila's Accommodations (US$55). Mid-range options like Anchorage Resort (US$50-60) and Ocean Pearl Royale Hotel (USD40 fan/52.50 a/c) are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Dining options range from local Belizean take-out at Auntie's Take Out Food to breakfast places like Glenda's (US$3.50 for eggs, bacon, cinnamon roll, coffee) and Errolyn's House of Fryjacks (BZD5.50-11.00). For drinks, the Lazy Lizard at The Split offers happy hour with two rum drinks for BZ$5, and Bender's Beach Bar has happy hour 3-6PM with $5 local cocktails.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Activities include snorkeling and diving trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley (US$90 for full day), visiting The Split for swimming and the Lazy Lizard bar, kayaking in the northern mangroves (BZ$15 per hour for a two-person kayak), and birdwatching in the Forest Reserve. Scuba diving is available with operators like Frenchie's Diving Services and Scuba Sensation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Daily budget for a backpacker: accommodation from BZ$60, meals from US$3.50 to BZD11, and activities like snorkeling trips from US$90. Most shops accept US dollars at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1. ATMs available at Atlantic Bank and Credit Union.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Caye Caulker has internet access with fiber optics and wifi available at accommodations, bars, and restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include snorkeling or diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Blue Hole. Water taxis also run to Belize City from early morning until end of day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Water taxis leave the island for Belize City from early in the morning till the end of the day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Anchorage Resort
Possibly has the nicest beach on the island. The rooms have A/C, TV, hot water and fridge, and are all in one concrete building with a great ocean view.
Recorded price: US$50-60
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Blue Wave Guesthouse
Rooms with balcony, cableTV, private bathroom. Nice and new.
Recorded price: BZ$60 per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
CayeReef Beachfront Boutique Condo Hotel
Boutique apartment hotel with 6 spacious units accommodating 2-6 guests. Swimming pool, roof top hot tub, spectacular views, balcony, A/C, cable, WiFi, safe, fully equipped kitchen, telephone.
Recorded price: US$160 per unit per night and up
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chila's Accommodations
Ideal for the budget traveller. On the beach front. Nice sea view, private hot/cold shower, cableTV, fridge, coffee pot, microwave, toaster, balcony with hammock. Split unit A/C, 1 double bed, WiFi and complementary bicycles. Good for a couple or a single person and safe for females traveling alone.
Recorded price: US$55
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Colinda Cabanas
Beachfront location facing the reef with frequent easterly breeze. All units have hot and cold reverse osmosis purified water, fridge, coffee pot with beans and grinder,several fans, large porches and hammocks. Daily maid service, complimentary kayaks, snorkel gear and bicycles. A 175-ft (53-m) dock with palapa and hammocks, safe swimming area.
Recorded price: Private oceanview cabana with fan only - US$69, A/C beachfront suite-US$150
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Da Real Macaw
Great place, quiet, hammocks on porches right across from beach.
Recorded price: US$150-210 two beds
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Iguana Reef Inn
Hotel with private pool, beach, dock, free continental breakfasts, safes and small refrigerators in each room, A/C, free WiFi and shower. They have their own bar. No children under 10 years old allowed.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Oasi
3-room guest house south of downtown, near the airstrip. Each suite has a kitchen, porch with hammock and free use of bicycles.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Money
US dollars widely accepted at BZ$2 to US$1. Confirm currency before purchase. Two ATMs on island, but may run out on holidays.
Safety
Nurse sharks can bite; avoid touching. ATMs may be empty on holidays, bring cash.
Transport
Walking, bicycles, and golf carts are main modes. Everything within 20 min walk.
Weather
Temperature below 30°C in snowbird season (winter). Check hurricane season.