15 Totally Awesome Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
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Welcome to Caye Caulker! A stone’s throw from mainland Belize, Caye Caulker embodies the essence of the care-free Caribbean with its signature slogan “go slow.” So, of course, one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker is simply sinking into a hammock, with an ice-cold Belikin in hand…
But only after scuba diving, snorkeling, or SUP-ing, and biking on the boardwalk at sunset! Caye Caulker is Belize’s s, after all!
Between walkable island activities, off-shore excursions, underwater explorations, and sipping on “Lizard Juice” at The Split, there is an abundance of incredible things to do in Caye Caulker.
Ready to bring out your playful spirit under the warm Caribbean sun? Consider this your ultimate guide to all of the best things to do on Caye Caulker!
15 Unmissable Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
1. Snorkeling
The snorkeling in Caye Caulker is always off the hook! The Belize Barrier Reef System is the second-largest barrier reef in the world (after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to some of the brightest coral and the most variety of fauna I’ve ever seen!
The Belize Barrier Reef system hosts thousands of fish species and various aquatic animals. Ever swam with a manatee?
If you like the idea of sharing space with sea creatures, this snorkel trip in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is perfect for you!
Snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
Make a splash snorkeling with plentiful local marine life and all types of brilliant coral species on this Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour.
Along the way, you’ll stop by Shark Ray Alley (within the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve) to swim with lots of nurse sharks and eagle rays. Don’t be scared, though! These creatures are harmless (in most cases). If you’re polite to them, they’ll be polite to you! Remember, the Golden Rule?
I suggest booking this snorkel trip within the first couple days of visiting Caye Caulker. The stunning Hol Chan Marine Reserve will inspire you to keep exploring underwater throughout your Central America travels!
This snorkeling trip is, undoubtedly, the best thing to do in Caye Caulker – and one of the best things to do in Belize – so don’t miss it! Click here to book your snorkeling trip.
2. Hit The Split
The area around The Split is the spot for tourists, locals, and expats to meet and mingle over cocktails and half-submerged dining furniture.
Legend has it that, in 1961, devastating Hurricane Hattie single-handedly created this iconic divide. While others say that locals hand-dug it after the cyclone in an effort to create a passable channel for boats. Either way, this narrow channel of sparkling Caribbean Sea is ideal for enjoying all kinds of water activities.
What to Do at The Split
Come here to enjoy great local food, island drinks, and to chat with locals and other travelers alike. Sip potent “Lizard Juice” (I warned you!) at The Lazy Lizard Bar and enjoy all-day reggae music right at the edge of The Split.
Want a swankier but just as buzzing party? Head upstairs to El Portal Island Lounge for live music and a killer vista.
Remember to bring a little extra cash since restaurants are pricier in this area. Oh, and of course, snap a picture at the Caye Caulker sign for your friends and fam!
HOT TIP: Head to Sip N’ Dip nearby to enjoy drinks at a slightly more reasonable price tag. You’ll find a sublime atmosphere, in-water hammocks, inner tubes, and floating lounge chairs! While I was floating on a lounge chair, I had to make a quick escape to land from a nearby 20-foot-long Bull Shark! (Word to the wise: keep your eyes peeled.)
3. Scuba Dive in the Great Blue Hole
A world-famous dive site and perhaps Belize’s greatest wonder, the Great Blue Hole Natural Monument lies at the center of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef. This mysterious sea spectacle offers a unique experience that divers say can be quite eerie at times… Since you can’t be certain what lurks way down deep! Why not discover the mystery for yourself?
Keep in mind, you’ll need the Advanced Open Water Diving Certification to scuba here.
Whether you want to get certified or book a dive trip, you’ll find no better dive shop on Caye Caulker than Frenchie’s Diving.
HOT TIP: If you aren’t scuba certified (and don’t plan to be), no worries. You’ll see just as many amazing underwater creatures with a snorkel. Make sure to book this snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. It has a full 5-star rating for a reason.
4. Cross The Split
Ferry, kayak, SUP, or swim across the 20-foot channel of The Split to reach Caye Caulker’s north island. The North Side is less developed, but steadily turning into one of the most popular places to visit in Caye Caulker.
Due to the success of Northside Beach Club (which is temporarily closed) – a hotel, restaurant, bar, pool, club, and event space – the north island has become a bit “boujee,” so to speak.
North Side of Caye Caulker
When you first arrive in Caye Caulker, you’ll notice that there aren’t very many white sandy beaches – which you’d typically expect from a Caribbean island… But here’s an exception!
The North Side (the northern island) of Caye Caulker is home to, arguably, the best beach in all of Caye Caulker.
Though the Northside Beach Club is currently closed (keep an eye on their Instagram to find out when they re-open), there’s a new hotspot on the island!
And it’s none other than Bliss Beach Lounge and Beach Bar. There, expect to find a stunning white-sand beach, imaginative signature cocktails, shaded lounge chairs and couches, and endless sea views. What a vibe!
Want to explore more on the North Side? You’ll find a couple of unmissable restaurants, like North Side Happy Lobster and La Fogata.
If you’re looking to stay somewhere off the beaten track with amazing ocean views, check out Bay Towers and El Ben Cabañas.
Ready to book your visit to Caye Caulker? Click here to find all the best deals on accommodation on the island – from beachside resorts and hotels to comfy cabins and guesthouses!
5. Fly Over the Great Blue Hole
Not a diver? One way or another, you’ve still got to see the Great Blue Hole!
And let me be honest, flying over the Great Blue Hole is the best way to appreciate it!
If you can include a scenic flight in your travel budget, then do it. Soaring over the Great Blue Hole in an adorable “puddle jumper” (tiny airplane) is a magnificent experience. It may just be my favorite thing to do in Caye Caulker!
The Great Blue Hole is enormous (1,000 feet across, to be exact), but this flight is the best way to understand how grand it truly is. Seeing the Great Blue Hole really puts into perspective how small we (and our worries) truly are. I’ll never forget the sight of seeing my first “pilot’s glory”* just after passing over the Great Blue Hole.
You can book this incredible experience through Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
*ICYDK: A pilot’s glory is an optical illusion when the plane’s shadow is cast on a cloud, surrounded by a rainbow halo.
This is a must on any Belize itinerary!
6. Relax on a Sunset Cruise
Getting a little island fever? Hop aboard a tiki bar boat tour to sip on island-style rum punch, see marine life and birds in the mangroves (occasionally dolphins, manatees, and turtles), and fully appreciate Caye Caulker’s colorful sunsets!
As you sail away on the Caribbean Sea under thousands (billions?) of stars, you’ll thank your lucky ones that you chose to go on a boat tour while in beautiful Caye Caulker, Belize.
Note: This can be one of the more romantic things to do in Caye Caulker, perfect if you’re with a special someone!
Click here to book your tiki bar boat tour!
7. Take a Kayak out for a Paddle
One of the best things to do in Caye Caulker is going kayaking!
There are plenty of kayak rental shops to choose from in town, but if you can find a clear-bottom kayak to rent, even better!
Paddle out on the west side of Caye Caulker, where the lagoon meets the ocean for a unique experience. This side of the island is away from the main street on the east side, and provides a more tranquil atmosphere.
Maneuver around the mangroves to see schools of huge tarpon fish swimming around your kayak! Many snorkeling tours stop to feed these massive fish, but from a kayak, you can enjoy an intimate, less invasive encounter.
8. Bike Around the Island
Caye Caulker is adored for being a chilled-out, tiny island in comparison to Belize’s Ambergris Caye (home to party town San Pedro). Caye Caulker measures about 1.5 miles long (south of The Split), and less than one mile across, so it’s perfect for a two-wheeled expedition!
There’s not a car in sight, and plenty of bikes to rent… Why not start your day off with a leisurely bike ride to the southernmost part of the island – where the (also tiny) airport is? Find a fresh perspective!
A favorite pastime of mine is ending the day with a bike cruise to take in the ambient energy of Caye Caulker at sunset… Best when paired with an ice cream stop at The Creamery along the way! Delish.
Convinced to visit Caye Caulker? Click HERE to find all the best deals on accommodation – from beachside resorts and hotels to comfy cabins and guesthouses!
9. Visit the Seahorse Reserve
If you were hoping to see a seahorse on your underwater adventures, but didn’t – don’t fret! The Iguana Reef Inn is home to an adorable seahorse sanctuary. If you’re in the area, head to the dock and look for a wooden sign reading “Seahorse Ranch Reserve.”
Masters of camouflage, it may be challenging to spot them amongst the algae at first, so look carefully! Take a peek into the water and you’ll see the netting that the seahorses (mostly yellow, green, and brown) love to hang onto with their tails!
From the end of the dock, you’ll likely also see huge tarpon swimming around and jumping out of the water. And maybe even some lobsters, stingrays, and nurse sharks too. This area is known as a marine life haven!
The reserve allows hotel guests and visitors to admire these magical little sea creatures (for free!), while keeping the herd out of harm’s way; every year, millions of seahorses are removed from the oceans, dried, and used to make traditional medicines.
10. Sample the Best Eats on the Island
Street Food
Indulging in a rich meal is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker. You can’t go wrong with the mouthwatering BBQ, grilled right on the main drag. Grab a big plate of fresh lobster, snapper, or veggies and indulge right on the sand.
- Errolyn’s House Of Fryjacks: Fryjacks are a staple Belizean street food. Think of them like pancake sandwiches! Fryjacks are wonderful because they’ll hit the spot at any time of day. My favorite is the egg, bean, and cheese-stuffed fryjack with salsa on the side.
- Chef Kareem’s Unbelizeable Lunch: You can find great (albeit pricey) lobster all over Caye Caulker. If you want some of the best, stop at Chef Kareem’s street food BBQ! In addition to the most delicious whole-grilled lobster on the island, think: jerk chicken, ribs, whole snapper… Prepared right in front of your eyes.
Healthy Eats
- Namaste Café: Fresh fruit juice, crisp vibrant salads, and homemade kombucha? Say less. Namaste Café has this and more PLUS rooftop yoga with ocean views to make for one serene savasana!
Island Favorite
- Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen: Definitely chow down on the day’s fresh catch at Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen. This local favorite on the west side offers authentic Belizean food and an epic sunset view over the water. Plus, a great happy hour and a warm, welcoming Caribbean atmosphere! Maggie’s never disappoints.
11. Visit the Barrier Reef Sports Bar
Craving an ice-cold Belikin? Want to get some good people-watching in? The Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill will provide this, plus great appetizers (try the Belizean dip), and an amazing happy hour.
Referred to simply as the “Sports Bar,” this is the most happening spot to gather for sports games, holidays, or post-diving beers (after one day of rest, of course).
Sports Bar also has solid live music acts and DJs for dancing. Did I mention karaoke and trivia night? Stop by for Sunday brunch and take your coffee (or Bloody Mary) on the back deck, then relish in a mystical sunset over the water.
This is the quintessential sports bar in Caye Caulker that has it all!
12. Take a Sea View Yoga Class at Namaste Cafe
You don’t have to be a professional yogi to take one of Jessie’s famous rooftop yoga classes in Caye Caulker. Yoga is for everyone! Whether you’re preparing for a scuba dive, snorkeling trip, or a long day of relaxing at the Lazy Lizard, a morning yoga session is going to set you up for success.
Drop in for an “island style” vinyasa yoga class, Monday through Friday, at 8 am or 9:30 am (during the high season). Starting around April 24th, Namaste Cafe yoga classes are offered just once per day at 8 am.
Bring a little donation, since class is donation-based – and be sure to show up a few minutes early! Namaste Cafe’s yoga is definitely not a secret!
Mats are provided, but this Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat for Travel is everything. It’s the perfect travel yoga mat to take with you to Caye Caulker and beyond!
13. Charter a Fishing Trip & BBQ Your Fresh Catch
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Then this Private Full-Day Reef Fishing Tour with Snorkeling and Beach BBQ is right up your alley.
Choose your pick-up spot and get ready to be whisked away by boat to the reef’s most bountiful fishing spots. Yellowtail snapper, grouper, and swordfish are just a few of your possible prize catches! Plus, you’ll visit a snorkeling spot or two along the way.
This customized trip has it all. Reef fishing, snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and chilling at The Split or a semi-private island are a few of your options. Then, you’ll BBQ your fresh-catch for a traditional and delicious lunch!
Just don’t forget your adventure hat, natural and reef-safe sunscreen, and a swimsuit, the crew has everything you need for an incredible day fishing around Caye Caulker Belize!
Click here to book your Private Full-Day Reef Fishing Tour with Snorkeling and Beach BBQ!
14. Experience Belizean Hospitality
To aid your quest to slow down and chill out in Caye Caulker… Do you know what you need?
Warm, friendly Belizean hospitality. Colorful Caribbean-style décor. A hammock to laze away the days in. Maybe an ocean view. (Ahhhhhhh, life is good.) A swimming pool. And a little air conditioning to help you sleep like a baby. (Did I mention it will probably be humid when you visit Belize?)
No matter your price range, here are the best places to stay in Caye Caulker:
- Caye Reef Condos ($$$)
- Jan’s Hotel ($$$)
- Island Magic Beach Resort ($$)
- Hummingbirds Cabins ($$)
- Sea n Sun Guesthouse ($)
Click here to find all the best deals on Caye Caulker hotels– from beachside resorts and hotels to comfy cabins and guesthouses!
15. GO SLOW
Ultimately, life in Caye Caulker is island life, so embracing the motto “go slow” will serve you well. Let your schedule fall away and don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. If the restaurant doesn’t have every ingredient to make your decadent dessert, remember: you’re 20 miles away from Belize City… by boat.
Everyone appreciates it when visitors embrace the go-with-the-flow attitude. It’s part of what makes Caye Caulker so charming! Of all the things to do in Caye Caulker, going slow is absolutely not one to forget.
So put your phone on silent, release the need for control, and take a deep breath! You’re in a tropical paradise. Trust the island time! Everything is working out perfectly.
15 Fun Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
Now that you know the 15 most essential things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize, I bet you’re excited to plan your trip to paradise! Will you make it a relaxing Caribbean island vacation or an exciting adventure? Maybe a bit of both?
No matter what you do, you will love Caye Caulker!
Between admiring spectacular sunsets, swimming in warm crystalline waters, getting up close with sea life, and meeting the friendly people of Caye Caulker, endless fun in the sun awaits you!
Caye Caulker Packing List
- Swimsuit(s)
- Quick-dry Turkish towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (natural and reef safe!)
- Insect repellent (natural and eco-friendly!)
- Floppy sun hat
- Flowy summer dresses
- Long and beachy skirts
- Light scarf/shawl (for evenings and sun protection)
- Light, breathable clothes for warm weather
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops or beach sandals
- Cute yet comfy sandals
- GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier Bottle
- Waterproof drybag for boat trips
- GoPro for underwater photos
- Travel yoga mat
- Travel insurance (Please, make sure you’re covered while abroad. Accidents happen.)
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Caye Caulker, Belize Travel FAQs
The ideal amount of time to spend on Caye Caulker is between 4-7 days. With 4-7 days, you’ll have plenty of time for adventures – from going on an amazing snorkeling tour of Shark Ray Alley to taking a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole. Plus, time to relax, unwind, chill out, and go slow. That’s what Caye Caulker is all about!
Yes, you can definitely walk around Caye Caulker! In fact, you don’t have many other options, since there are no cars on Caye Caulker! Most of the island’s restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels are concentrated on the northern tip of the south island. Walking from The Split to the southern end of town takes less than 20 minutes! Biking or driving golf carts around the island are also popular options. You can easily pick up a bicycle or golf cart rental when you arrive, which will make exploring more of this beautiful island easy!
Caye Caulker does have parties, but if you’re looking for a party island, you’ll find one a stone’s throw away on Ambergris Caye (in the town of San Pedro, to be exact). Caye Caulker is known for its mellow energy and motto “go slow,” but if you’re looking for a party on Caye Caulker, you can always find one. In this post, I’ve detailed the best places to find cocktails, tunes, and high vibes.
Yes, Caye Caulker is definitely worth visiting. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations to visit in Belize, along with San Ignacio and Hopkins. This unique island in Central America may be known for its chill vibes, but there’s more to do in Caye Caulker than just relaxing. The island’s clear blue waters and warm Caribbean sun will bring out your playful spirit to snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, sip sunset cocktails, and much more!
The small, sandy limestone island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed, care-free Caribbean atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, stunning sea water, and amazing scuba diving and snorkeling sites. Of course, Caye Caulker is also known for its signature phrase go slow.
The vibrant coral reefs around Caye Caulker are some of the world’s best. So of course, the best things to do in Caye Caulker are a snorkel tour or scuba diving trip. (If you’re not already scuba certified, you can get certified on the island.) Eating local Belizean street food, going kayaking, having sunset cocktails at The Split, and biking around the island are some of the other best things to do in Caye Caulker. This post details all of the essential things to do when you visit Caye Caulker!
Whether you’re in Belize City or Ambergris Caye, the best way to get to Caye Caulker is by ferry (A.K.A. water taxi). There are flights from the airport, but they can be quite expensive (and not the most eco-friendly option), but I won’t judge you!
If you’re coming from Belize City or Belize’s international airport, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to make it to Caye Caulker. A standard ferry ride to Caye Caulker will take about 1 hour and set you back just $19 USD.
If you’re coming from Ambergris Caye, the ferry to Caye Caulker will take just about 30 minutes at the same price.
Click here to book your ferry rides to Caye Caulker.
Looking for more Belize travel inspiration? READ MORE:
Belize Itinerary (For 1 & 2 Weeks) for Adventure Lovers
Belize Travel Tips: 12 Things to Know Before You Visit Belize
10 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Belize ASAP!
Where to Go in Belize: 5 Most Beautiful Belize Destinations
26 Amazing Things to Do in Belize: Ultimate Belize Travel Bucket List
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