The Best Things To Do In Caye Caulker, Belize

May 16, 2023
by belizehubstaff +

Caye Caulker may generate a small-town aesthetic but it is also packed with a variety of things to make any trip a truly remarkable life event. Anyone coming to Belize owes it to themselves to spend a day or two in this place. Keep reading this article to get a good idea of what Caye Caulker has to offer its visitors.

The Coral Reefs Are Gorgeous!

The pristine blue waters of the Caribbean Sea are one of Caye Caulker’s best features. You literally have the planet’s second biggest barrier reef dwelling right off of the coast and just a short boat trip away! Look into diving or snorkeling from the caye to the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol-Chan Marine Reserve, or even The Great Blue Hole and be prepared to see an entire menagerie of marine lifeforms. A lot of tours throughout the area also feature stops at Shark Ray Alley, providing visitors a chance to swim next to (harmless) nurse sharks and small stingrays.

Take a Bike Tour of the Island

Cars may be forbidden on Caye Caulker but golf carts and bicycles are just fine. Furthermore, the island is a flat place that is only 8 km long, making it easy to reach any destination. A lot of the local hotels and Airbnbs also offer bikes and you can freely rent one in the village to explore while also getting in some cardio. Check out the southern portion of the island to commune with its natural surroundings of mangroves and tranquility. Check out the improvised bike path along the shoreline and you can expect to see a lot of neat hotel signs and piers. There’s also “La-Z-Boys,” a venue that has converted sailboats into furniture. Conclude your bike trip with a return to the main village for drinking and dining along the pier.

Investigate The Split

The Split is a spot found along the northern portion of southern Caye Caulker. After the events of Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the caye was literally split up into two parts. While stories conflict on how much of the division was a result of Hattie versus people, the end result is a great place for swimming and boat watching. The Split is also where one can visit the famous “The Lazy Lizard” for drinks, food, activities and music. Park your bike, go for a swim into the crystal blue waters, go grab a drink and repeat as long as you like.

Eat the Freshest Seafood

Head into just about any restaurant in the area and chances are good that you will wander into the smell of open-air grills cooking the day’s catch. Head off by foot or wheel to find the best spots for seafood, often lobster, fish or even shrimp. One notable seafood dish worth trying is ceviche; ceviche consists of one or more types of seafood marinated with lime juice, chilies, diced tomatoes and cilantro. The acidity of the lime and tomatoes helps to give the meat an interesting texture.

Take It Easy

Caye Caulker is an island and island living is never in a hurry. The absence of any massive buildings or developments help as it means less industrial noise agitating you to get on with things. Relax on the pier or while resting in a hammock and kick back with only the natural sounds of the island, a beer or a nice book to keep you chill and comfortable.

Take the Ferry to the Northern Section

While Caye Caulker is where you can find the village and most development, the northern half of the island is where you can find mangroves, beaches and “Koko King.” Anyone interested in checking out the northern half will be pleased to know that there is a ferry on the western portion of the island that deposits guests right at the docks of Koko King. Further, the ferry comes by every half hour until sundown and it is free to take so long as you spend $20 BZD at the beach. Since it is positioned along the west, you can find sprawling sugar-white beaches and even a club vibe missing from the south. You can also rent a cabana, join in on nighttime bonfires and even be in a prime location to bask in the sunset. Be mindful of when the last ferry sets off!

Carouse and Meet New People at a Bar

Go into any bar on the island and you will run into a blend of locals, expatriates and tourists, all of whom will be more than happy to chat up with travelers. The island’s small size also makes it easy to follow people from the Split to the various side bars along the pier, dancing or other afterparty festivities.

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Sea Kayaking

You can rent a sea kayak in the village, possibly even at the place you are staying. The many offshore reefs in the area mean that you will rarely deal with troubled waters. You can kayak out to the north to see the many mangrove forests dotting along that half of the island or out to see to view what Caye Caulker looks like from the ocean. Remember to bring your snorkel in case you want to drop off and swim around beneath the waterline.

Fry Jacks for Breakfast

Fry jacks are a breakfast staple; fry some dough and pack it with things like black beans, cheese, eggs, fruit, honey or jam. However you like them, fry jacks are the best thing to eat before you take a post-meal nap.

Drink a Belikin While Savoring the Sunset

Belikin, a light pilsner, is the leading beer brand in Belize and its flavor profile is the perfect counter to a hot, humid day on Caye Caulker. While the extra-thick glass bottles offer a little less booze than you may be used to, just 9.6 ounces, the price more than makes up for it.