Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast ofBelize, 1.6 km (1 mi) west of the Barrier Reef. Caye Caulker is popular with backpackers and budget travellers for its (relatively) cheap prices, laid-back vibe, and abundance of restaurants and bars.
It's about 8.2 km (5 mi) in length with a population of 2,000. Temperature is usually below30 °C (86 °F) in the snowbird season.
There aren't really any proper beaches to speak of, but plenty of docks are spread around the island where you can pull up a plastic chair and get your sun on, or hang out at one of the ocean front restaurants or walk down to "The Split" which is a popular swimming area and if you're feeling a bit thirsty, The Lazy Lizard Bar is just a couple of steps away from the water.
There are only three main roads in town, all sandy. Front Street runs along the east coast, Back Street along the west coast, and Middle Street exactly where you'd expect it. The vast majority of places of interest to a visitor will be found along Front Street and the west coast.
The local cultural influences are Mestizo, Garifuna, and Creole.
On early British maps the island's name is spelled Cay Corker. Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicised pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name.
Its population started to rise when Mestizo refugees fleeing the Mexican Caste Wars (1847-1901) arrived. With few inhabitants, food could be grown with sustainable methods of agriculture. The coconut and the fishing industry became important economic staples of the island. Even today, a few of the older women continue to process coconut oil for their own use and to sell, although generally the coconuts are harvested and shipped to the mainland.
If you're coming in from Mexico, you can fly from Corozal, 20 minutes from the Mexican border at Chetumal. The flights stop in Ambergris and Caye Caulker if there's demand, and will save you the more than 4-hour bus ride to Belize City.
Catch a water taxi inBelize City orAmbergris Caye to17.74265-88.0261062Caye Caulker Ferry Terminal. They have frequent runs to the island everyday rain or shine. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and then it continues on to San Pedro. On windy days the trip can be a little rough, but most times it's smooth. Sit towards the back of the boat for a smoother ride.
If you are coming from Mexico, you can get a boat directly from Chetumal to San Pedro and then to Caye Caulker, it runs every day, US$71 - book the tickets in advance online from the Belize Water Taxiwebsite. Tickets can be bought at the Maritime Terminal or Muelle Fiscal if the boat isn't full. (Aug 2023)
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There are only three main streets on Caye Caulker, namely Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street, none of which are paved.Front Street, the easternmost street, is the busiest and has almost everything for tourists on it. Everything is within walking distance, it takes approximately 20 minutes to slow-walk from the Front Pier to almost anywhere.
Everyone gets around on golf carts, bicycles or on foot. With a golf cart, you can go around the entire island in 30 minutes.
There are many places on the island that rent bicycles.
For golf carts check with C&N Golf Cart Rentals and Caye Caulker Golf Cart Rentals.
Every tour-operator has signed an agreement so they all have the same prices for the Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley-Tours - which is US$90 for the full day trip (Aug 2023).
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Caye Caulker is a small, very laid-back Caribbean island. In fact, its motto is "Go Slow" and that is exactly what you should do. It is an ideal place to spend a few days while taking a break from travelling around the rest ofCentral America. The Belizean dollar (BZ$) is officially pegged to the US dollar (US$) at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1.
Chill out atThe Lazy Lizard at "The Split," a little bar on its own near what can only be described as the island's only beach, however, do not expect Rio or Hawaii - there is no sand here. The "beach" is a sunken area of a picnic area surrounded by concrete seawalls. On the walls you'll see the young and hip lazing about, catching a tan. When it gets too hot, you can jump into the water and climb back again, or make the short walk to the Lazy Lizard to refresh your drink.
Much of the activity on the island centers around snorkeling and diving (about a dozen operators offering trips) and scuba diving. The prices at all the shops are basically the same. The local diving is at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a 30-minute boat ride away. A little further out is Spanish Bay, Caye Chapel, and some other sites. Long distance trips to Turneffe Atoll and the famous Blue Hole are regularly available.
Short "half-day" snorkeling tours are offered by numerous local businesses for approximately BZ$70 per person (April 2015). They usually leave at 10:30AM (back at 1PM) and 2:30PM. Stops include the local reef, the Coral Garden, and Shark and Ray Alley.
Longer "full-day" snorkeling tours are offered by numerous local businesses, for approximately BZ$180 (Aug 2023). They usually leave around 10AM and return around 4:30PM. Stops include the Coral Garden, Shark and Ray Alley, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Be sure to check whether your tour guide will include lunch, since some only include snacks. Some of them include lunch, snacks, and a rum punch "happy hour" on the way back. With all operators, check to make sure they have equipment that is in good shape.
Every tour-operator has signed an agreement so they all have the same prices for the Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley-Tours. (Aug 2023)
The creation ofSwallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary - a manatee reserve near Belize City is due to the efforts of a Caye Caulker local named Chocolate. He offers guided tours to theManatee reserve approximately every other day, as do a few other tour operators. Be warned that you don't get to swim with the manatees in the sanctuary and some days may be more difficult to see them. Most manatee tours include one or two snorkeling stops. Manatees can be seen all year long, and in the summer months can be seen near Hol Chan Marine Reserve as well as other local areas. The younger ones are curious and will swim close to you, unlike the more mature manatees, which generally avoid people (for good reason).
Caye Caulker is popular with divers and there are severaldive shops on the island. Contact them a few days in advance to find out what their schedule is. PADI certified dive shops are available offering recreational diving andopen water courses. These courses normally take 3–4 days, providing the weather is fair. The certification includes 2 shallow-water dives, and 4 open-water dives. All dives are done in the ocean.
The local dive shops all offer dive trips to the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Spanish Bay, Turneffe North, and Turneffe Elbow, prices vary depending on the dive site.
There are also operators on nearbyAmbergris Caye that can pick you up if the local shops aren't going where you want.
Thecost of various trips varies according to the distance from Caye Caulker. Typical costs are:
You can also book various activities at many places on the island, such as
Like most of Belize, most shops accept US dollars: US $1 equals $2 Belizean. Prices will be posted in Belizean dollars, but always confirm before making a purchase.
There are two ATMs on the island. One ATM is at Atlantic Bank (no fees) and the other at Credit Union. Often on holiday weekends, ATMs run out of money, so stock up on your money in Belize City.
Gift shops along the Front Street sell mainly t-shirts, hammocks, and souvenirs. Vendors can be found along the main street selling a variety of crafts and jewelry.
Large American-style supermarkets are not found on Caye Caulker. Convenience stores and tiny grocery stores with limited selection are what is available.
There is not much to do in the night in regards to partying. While nearbyAmbergris Caye is known for its nightlife, Caye Caulker is more relaxed and most bars shut down before midnight. The I&I Reggae Bar and Oceanside Night Club are the only bars with dancefloors. Holidays and long weekends are when events and dances are held on the island by individual committees of the island.
Caye Caulker offers a good spread of high quality lodging facilities ranging from budget accommodation to higher end hotels and serviced apartments.
Caye Caulker has internet access. With the introduction of fiber optics and wifi available at accommodations, bars, and restaurants you will be able to connect on most all of the island.
Water taxis leave the island forBelize City from early in the morning till the end of the day.
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