Caye Caulker Travel Guide
Caye Caulker is popular with backpackers and budget travelers looking to sample the laid-back atmosphere of Belize but reluctant to pay the high prices on nearby Caye Ambergris.
In Caye Caulker, life moves at a snail’s pace. No one is in a rush. There aren’t any real roads (you drive around in golf carts). You visit Caye Caulker to relax on the beach, get a tan, eat lobster, and spend the evenings dancing at one of the reggae bars.
Diving and snorkeling are also popular here due to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef and world-class dive sites like the Blue Hole Natural Monument.
But, overall, there isn’t a whole lot to do here other than slowing down and enjoying the natural surroundings of this tropical paradise.
This Caye Caulker travel guide will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this tropical paradise!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Caye Caulker
1. Visit Caye Caulker Forest Reserve
This beautiful nature reserve on the island of Caye Caulker covers 100 acres and is home to a plethora of marine and plant life, as well as over 170 species of birds. The reserve is home to the glossy black catbird, known for its curious ability to mimic cats, as well as the white-crowned pigeon and several species of herons. This delicate ecosystem has a few lagoons and mangroves that are home to turtles, iguanas, boas, and other reptiles — including the American crocodile. Kayakers are welcome here, and kayaks are usually available to rent at your accommodation if you want to explore.
2. Feast at Lobsterfest
July marks Lobsterfest in Caye Caulker, the festival honoring all things crustacean. This nationwide culinary event and huge celebration also takes place in San Ignacio and Placencia but expect slightly lower prices in Caye Caulker. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy competitions, cocktails, beach parties, and music by top DJs and local bands. Visitors can check out restaurants and cafes for the chef’s best take on their lobster dishes, allowing you to feast on every conceivable lobster dish, from lobster ice cream to lobster ceviche. Just be sure to book your accommodation in advance as the island fills up.
3. Explore the Split
A visit to this Caye Caulker wouldn’t be complete without a visit to “the split,’ a stretch of water that divides the island in two. With its stunning, crystal-blue water and natural tropical biodiversity, it’s one of the most popular spots on the island. Hurricanes ripped through the island in the 1960s and 90s forming “the split” and on one side are the mangroves of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and, on the other is the inhabited part of the island. The Split is great for lounging around, swimming, snorkeling, or having a drink. The best snorkeling spot is by the Lazy Lizard pier where you can see coral, live sponges, and colorful sea anemones as well as puffer fish, starfish, and even stingrays. You can rent a kayak or a canoe here too. It’s the place to be on the island.
4. Go manatee watching
Manatees are huge, docile but highly endangered animals and are protected in Belize. There are only about 300-700 manatees throughout Belize so it’s a real treat to see these gentle creatures up close since they average around 3.5 meters in length (about 12 feet) and weigh up to 1,500 kilos (2,500 pounds)! You can see them on one of the many tours to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, an ideal manatee spotting site. Entrance to Swallow Caye is 10 BZD, but it’s usually included in the price of a tour (the only way to get there).
5. Snorkel Shark Ray Alley
Snorkelers flock to Shark Ray Alley at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve for the chance to get up close and personal with nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles at feeding time. Don’t worry, the nurse sharks are only around 4-5 feet long (1.2-1.5 meters) and harmless. The water is warm and clear, so you can get in to swim, pose for pictures with them, and even pet them as they are used to human contact. Tours are around 4–5 hours.
Other Things to See and Do in Caye Caulker
1. Go snorkeling
The Belize Barrier Reef is just a few minutes from the island and provides an ideal underwater world for snorkelers to explore. The largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere (and the second largest in the entire world), it spans almost 200 miles (300 kilometers). The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to rays, sharks, sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and much more. Depending on the season and location, visitors may encounter nurse sharks, eagle rays, manatees, and huge schools of tropical fish. The reef’s shallow areas are particularly accessible to snorkelers, while deeper sites offer opportunities for experienced divers to explore walls, drop-offs, and coral formations.
2. Go diving
Caye Caulker and its surrounding areas are a diver’s paradise. There is the barrier reef, as well as the Blue Hole Natural Monument and Half Moon Caye. The Great Blue Hole is a 400-foot-deep (121-meter) hole with a cave and is one of the most popular dive sites in the world. Conditions vary throughout the year, so it’s worth allowing some flexibility in your schedule if diving is a major part of your trip.
3. Windsurf
Year-round winds and warm shallow waters make windsurfing a big draw here. The island’s shallow, relatively sheltered waters make it a good place to learn, while the steady trade winds provide plenty of opportunities for more experienced riders. Several operators offer lessons and equipment rentals, so it’s worth comparing prices and checking conditions before heading out.
4. Go kayaking
Sea kayaks are available to rent all around the island and you can head to the northern island, past the Split, to explore the mangroves. The calm, shallow waters around the island are well suited to kayaking, although conditions can become windier and choppier depending on the weather. Check out Ocean Academy to support the local high school, as you can make a donation in exchange for rentals. For longer trips, bring water, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your valuables.
5. See the South End
The southern end is an area rich in crocodiles, bird-nesting, and raw natural beauty. Swimming at this end of the island offers a wide array of anemones, sponges, gorgonians, fish, and more. Most people don’t come down here, so you’ll have the area all to yourself. The mangroves and surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for wildlife, while the shallow waters offer opportunities for swimming and spotting marine life. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as facilities are limited compared with the main village.
6. Sail at sunset
A sunset sailing trip is a relaxing way to experience Caye Caulker from the water, with boats typically heading out shortly before sunset and returning after dark. Tours generally last around 2–3 hours and may include rum punch, snacks or ceviche while you watch the sun set over the Caribbean.
7. Go fishing
Fishing is a popular way to get out on the water around Caye Caulker (especially if you don’t like diving), with local operators offering half-day and full-day trips for reef, fly and sport fishing. Depending on the season and location, you can target species such as snapper, grouper, barracuda, tarpon and bonefish, while some trips combine fishing with snorkeling or other activities. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for many species, and experienced local guides can take you into the mangroves, flats or reef areas depending on what you’re hoping to catch.
How to Stay Safe in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a very safe place to visit. Violent crime is rare, although theft can be a problem. There have been several reports of hotel keys being stolen and then used to ransack the room, so make sure you have your valuables stored safely.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended at the beach and if you go out to the bar, only bring the money you need.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). But be sure to read one of the many solo female travel blogs on the island for specific tips.
Scams here are rare and not something I would worry about.
If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Belize, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker only has a few options for budget travelers. Here are my suggested places to stay:
Caye Caulker Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – 35–50 BZD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 100 BZD per night
- Budget hotels – 100–150 BZD per night (double during peak season)
- Luxury hotels – 300–400 BZD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 200–400 BZD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 150–500 BZD per night
Food
- Cafe breakfast – 10–15 BZD
- Street food – 10–20 BZD
- Sit-down restaurants – 20–35 BZD
- Groceries for a week – 100–150 BZD
Make sure you eat at Wish Willy’s, the best restaurant on the island. You get a great chicken or fish meal there. It’s tasty and affordable!
Caye Caulker Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 90 BZD Per Day
This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, walking everywhere, and enjoying lots of free activities like swimming and lounging on the beach. If you want to party or eat out more, add another 20 BZD per day.
Midrange – 250 BZD Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a cheap Airbnb or private hostel room. You’ll be able to eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, rent a bicycle to get around, and do watersports like snorkeling or windsurfing.
Upscale – 450 BZD Per Day
On this budget, you can stay in a hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, rent a golf cart or bicycle, and do more tours (including diving trips). This is just the ground floor for luxury though!
Caye Caulker Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Caye Caulker can be an expensive place to visit if you do a lot of tours and activities. But if you’re just chilling on the beach and staying in a dorm, you won’t spend a ton of money. Here are ways to save money in Caye Caulker during your visit:
Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier will come particularly in handy here. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Shop around – There are a lot of dive companies on Caye Caulker and competition is fierce so be sure to shop around. Most will give you a free dive in the hopes of getting you to sign up for their PADI certification course.
Snorkel The Split – If you snorkel the Split, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of fish without paying money for an expensive tour of the reef. Same animals, lower price.
Travel off-peak – The most expensive time to visit is between October and April. By traveling in the off-season, you can significantly reduce prices for accommodation and flights.
Combine trips – Many tour operators offer trips that combine popular excursions. These are a good way to save on transfers to each tourist destination as well as possibly get dropped off at your next destination.
Happy hour – Most bars have a happy hour in the late afternoon and offer discounts on drinks. Ask your accommodation staff for tips on where to go to save.
Drink local – Imported alcohol and cocktails can quickly blow your budget. Instead, stick to local beer/rum rather than imported drinks.
Book accommodation away from the waterfront – Accommodation just a few blocks inland can be noticeably cheaper, while you’re still only minutes from all the main areas.
Walk everywhere – Caye Caulker is small and famously walkable. You generally don’t need a golf cart or other transport to get around, so save your money and stroll!
How to Get Around in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a relatively small island and is easily walkable. If you’re staying outside the main village, there are a few other ways to get around:
Bicycle – Other than on foot, bicycle rentals are your cheapest option for getting around. You can find them for as little as 30 BZD per day, or 60 BZD per week. Ask your hostel if they have bikes to rent.
Golf cart – Golf carts are definitely not a budget option, with hourly rentals starting from 20–25 BZD. You can also rent them daily for 125–150 BZD, or weekly for 550–600 BZD. I don’t recommend this mode of transportation unless you have mobility issues or have a group of friends you want to share one with.
Water taxi – Water taxis can take you to the mainland for about 70–90 BZD for a round-trip. Two water taxis that service Caye Caulker are:
- San Pedro Water Taxi
- Caribbean Sprinter
When to Go to Caye Caulker
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is from the end of November to mid-April. This is Belize’s dry season (and it’s also peak season). However, it never gets too crowded at Caye Caulker. The temperature here never varies much and very rarely dips below 77°F (25°C).
February–April offers the best weather. It’s sunny, warm, and there’s little rain or wind. Expect daily highs around 82–86°F (28–30°C).
March to April is the best time for diving, as the waters are clearest during this time. May is great too, though there’s generally more rain, which might impact conditions. Overall, diving is popular November–May, though the increased winds from November through March might make the seas rougher.
The rainy season lasts from September to October, so I would avoid traveling to Caye Caulker during those months. It won’t rain all the time, and it’s still quite warm at 82–84°F (28–29°C), but the weather varies a lot. That said, prices will be lower during this period.
Caye Caulker Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
