People looking for the perfect summer destination with a laid-back vibe, fantastic nightlife, and deep turquoise water don't have to look any further than Caye Caulker, located off the coast of mainland Belize. This small island is roughly 4 miles long, and people visiting it lately didn't want to leave after they saw its beauty and experienced its magic. Although small, Caye Caulker boasts many activities, from eating, shopping, and drinking to playing and swimming.
Thus, the Belizean island is big enough to keep its visitors entertained. However, what's so unique is that due to Caye Caulker's small size, people will run into the same locals and visitors during their vacation, making for an intimate feel rarely found elsewhere in the world. Here's a guide to making the most of a summer vacation in Belize's Caye Caulker.
How To Get To Caye Caulker Island In Belize & Where To Stay
Ocean Ferry Belize offers ferry rides to the island of Caye Caulker. The trip departs from Belize City and needs 45 minutes to complete. To reach the ferry terminal from the Belize City airport, people must take a taxi requiring around 20 minutes to arrive.
Departure times: Ferry trips depart to Caye Caulker five times a day: 8 AM, 10:30, 1:30 PM, 3, and 5:30. People must note that the ferry boat is small, and they must expect to rub shoulders with the locals. This is why they have to be prepared to pack in.
Because Caye Caulker is a tiny island, no accommodation is not centrally located or inconvenient. Moreover, there are tons of accommodation options in the area.
- Recommended: People visiting Caye Caulker are advised to stay at Caye Reef. The latter is located close to The Split. Thus, staying at the accommodation offers the perfect location since people can pop in and out of The Split several times a day to get something into the room. It is also convenient at night because people can immediately leave their accommodation to go outside and enjoy the party.
Best Things To Do During A Stay In Belize's Caye Caulker
The Split is the perfect destination for day drinking, mingling with other travelers, and lounging in the sun when spending summer vacation on Belize's Caye Caulker. This island region consists of a narrow channel dividing Caye Caulker into the northern and southern sides of the island. There's a bar known as The Lazy Lizard on The Split, where people head to take a dip off the dock, order Pina Coladas, and lounge on the deck chairs. Moreover, there's a live DJ and a diving tower for daytime competitions. Another activity that people enjoy partaking in on Caye Caulker is taking the catamaran cruise with captain Carlos. The latter has the Gypsy Queen boat, which takes people on a sun and swimming day tour. The trip involves three stops at various coral reefs, with one allowing people to swim with nurse sharks. A yummy local lunch is offered on the boat alongside the rum punch signature cocktail.
- Recommended: A trip to Caye Caulker is never complete without booking a scenic flight over the Blue Hole. Several operators offer such activities, including Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, and Astrum Helicopters.
Windy days in Caye Caulker are perfect for windsurfers, who head during the day and at sundown to the most northern tip of the island near The Split to take advantage of the weather.
People visiting Caye Caulker head to Koko King across from The Split for a perfect beach day. The place consists of a restaurant and bar located on a sandy beach, where people love to stay for sunset to behold the beauty of the sun going down over the turquoise water.
Koko King is reachable via a quick 2-minute water taxi from the central part of Caye Caulker. Guests of the restaurant have the chance to take the ferry ride for free with every purchase of $25 BZN per person. Moreover, Koko King boasts hammocks and lounge chairs for people to camp up all day.
Other activities people enjoy partaking in in Caye Caulker include strolling through town, scuba diving with Frenchies, standing up paddleboard, and doing rooftop yoga.
Best Places To Eat When Visiting Caye Caulker In Belize
The Northern end of Caye Caulker is home to a unique restaurant offering a yummy and affordable take-out style breakfast. The restaurant is Errolyns House of Fry Jacks.
Another place in Caye Caulker, boasting a unique rooftop yoga studio on its top floor, is Namaste Cafe, ideal for healthy and fresh eats like chia pudding, smoothies, and salads.
An excellent open-air spot off the main drag in Cage Caulker, Roy's Blue Water Grill is perfect for a fresh and delicious seafood meal.
Lovers of Italian food can enjoy dining at Il Pelicano Cucina, which also offers live music and is located away a bit off the main street of Caye Caulker.
Other great dining options on the island include Ice n Beans, Crepes and Dreams, Juans, Glenda's Cafe, and more.