Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, only a 45-minute boat ride away from Belize City. The island is a paradise for travellers seeking the laid-back Caribbean vibe, stunning beaches and exciting sea life! The island is known for its motto, “Go Slow”, inviting travellers to relax, unwind and fully immerse in the local culture and enjoy the beautiful beaches. This Caye Caulker travel guide helps you discover the best things to do, as well as the top bars and restaurants in Caye Caulker. As usual, you can also find an overview of the best places to stay on the island. I promise you, having a look at the pictures alone, you will want to visit this tropical paradise.
Caye Caulker can perfectly be combined with the beauty of Guatemala: check out a 3-week Guatemala & Belize itinerary here.
The easiest way to reach Caye Caulker is with a water taxi/boat from Belize City, with two main companies running ferries: San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Ocean Ferry Belize. We took the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and were very happy with the service and extensive departure times. The tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal. You have to check in your bag, which you can pick up after your arrival. A single ticket costs $21, and a return ticker $37.
If you are travelling from another destination in Belize, such as Hopkins, you would first have to take the bus to Belize City. For this, you can use the James Bus Line.
Check out my Hopkins City Guide.
Travelling from Bacalar in Mexico to Caye Caulker involves a combination of a bus and a ferry. First, you have to take an ADO bus or shuttle service from Bacalar to Chetumal, the Mexican border town. From Chetumal, you can take the ferry directly to Caye Caulker with the before-mentioned San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. The ferry ride takes 2 to 3 hours and costs $77 for a single ride. Alternatively, you can cross the border to Belize by bus to Belize City and take a water taxi from there. However, this journey will take longer.
As Caye Caulker is a small island, the primary mode of transport is walking or cycling. Alternatively, you can rent golf carts to explore the island. However, this would not be my personal recommendation. From the southern island (the main island), it is also possible to take the small Split to Split ferry to the other island. When you take your bike, you can enjoy cycling around and exploring the northern island for a day.
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season, running from late November to mid-April. Generally, you can expect warm and sunny days with clear skies, the perfect weather to enjoy a tropical island.
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Caye Caulker is famous for its beautiful underwater life, both when snorkelling and diving. Close to Caye Caulker, you find the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Furthermore, if you are a vivid diver, the famous Blue Hole also offers an amazing adventure. If you want to go snorkelling, make sure to book your snorkelling tour with Caye Caulker Reef Friendly Tours. This is the tour that we have booked. A half-day trip costs $90. Many organisations are feeding the fish and sharks, so please choose an organisation that is not disruptive. When on a snorkelling tour, you can explore coral reefs, swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley and discover the marine life at the Hoi Chan Marine Reserve.
One of the most popular spots on the island is The Split, an iconic place on Caye Caulker. It’s a great place to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the Lazy Lizard bar, where you can take one of the chairs and relax. Also, you can get cold drinks, delicious food and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
An amazing activity to do on Caye Caulker, and one that you can’t miss, is a day trip to the North Island of Caye Caulker. Rent a bike at, for example, West Coast Tours and take the Split to Split ferry from Lazy Lizard to the North Island. You can bike towards Bliss Beach, which is a serene spot perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the white sand beaches in Caye Caulker. Furthermore, you can enjoy an amazing cheese & meat platter.
In general, one of the best ways to experience Caye Caulker is by renting a bike and exploring the island at your own pace. Next to that, it gives an amazing sense of freedom and relaxation, biking around a tropical island. Visit the local shops and cafes, and enjoy the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
Next to enjoying amazing beach days, tanning and exploring, it is amazing to end your day by watching one of the amazing sunsets on the island. The views are truly breathtaking, and sitting down with a beer is the perfect way to unwind after your day of adventure or relaxation. Iguana Reef is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset, where you can relax with the most amazing views. Alternatively, you can enjoy the beach on the ‘left’ side of the island, where the sunset. We, for example, stayed at Sophie’s Guesthouse, offering a couple of stretchers to enjoy the sunset.
Even though there is plenty of marine life and beach life to explore, the key to your visit to Caye Caulker is to “Go Slow”. This is their official motto, and many locals will tell this to you. Also, signs with “Go Slow” can be found all around the island.
Enjoy your days at the beach or one of the local bars!
If you are keen to explore more of the Belize Barrier Reef, it is also possible to embark on a 3-day sailing adventure. This tour starts from Caye Caulker and takes you on a journey over the clear waters to explore sea life and picturesque islands. Each day, you’ll explore a different part of the marine reserves, and it allows exploring more secluded parts of the ocean. Enjoy fresh meals on board and sleep under the stars. You can, for example, book your tour with Raggasailadventures.
Ice and Beans Cafe – Start your day with a fresh coffee, smoothies or bowls at Ice and Beans Cafe. Also, their bagels are great for lunch! Furthermore, Ice and Beans Cafe opens early, and you can order the day before through WhatsApp. Especially when grabbing an early boat back to the mainland, this is a perfect breakfast place.
Namaste Cafe – A cafe with a tranquil atmosphere and a menu filled with healthy and vegetarian options. On the top floor, they offer yoga classes.
Amor y Cafe – Known for its delicious breakfasts and friendly service, including fresh fruit, homemade bread and coffee in a cosy setting. A perfect place to start your day.
Chef Kareem’s Unbelizable Lunch – My favourite lunch on the island! For an authentic Belizean culinary experience, visit Chef Kareem’s Unbelizable Lunch, where you can choose your fish, meat or veggies for the barbecue. The food is fresh and flavorful, highly recommended by both tourists and locals.
Errolyn’s House of Fryjacks – Another local favourite is Errolyn’s House of Fryjacks to try the local Belizean snack: fry jacks. These fried dough snacks, including, for example, egg and bacon, are the perfect breakfast or a quick bite. We took the fry jacks on our snorkelling tour. Make sure to order in time, as the wait can be quite long.
Chef Juan’s – A local favourite, including traditional Belizean dishes and fresh seafood. The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for an outside meal.
Wish Willy Bar – An ideal spot for backpackers: Wish Willy is known for its relaxed, open-air dining and grilled dishes served in a buffet.
Pelican Sunset Bar – A restaurant that provides stunning views of the sunset, making it a perfect spot for an evening drink followed by a lovely meal.
Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana – If you are done with seafood and meat and crave some Italian food, this is the place to be. A blend of Belizean and Italian cuisine, including pasta dishes and a variety of drinks. The charming garden setting is a plus. As the place is quite popular, a reservation might be needed.
Swings Restaurant & Bar – This is a great spot for casual dining, followed by well-priced cocktails. They offer a variety of Belizean and international dishes. The atmosphere is good, and the service is quick and friendly. A favourite among travellers.
Pasta per Caso – Craving more Italian food? This restaurant serves homemade pasta and sauces in an intimate setting.
Bender’s Beach Bar – My personal favourite for an afternoon drink. Bender’s Beach Bar is located next to Ice and Beans Cafe and offers good value-for-money drinks.
Lazy Lizard – The most popular spot for drinks and socialising on the island, located at the Split. Your visit to Caye Caulker is not complete without the Lazy Lizard.
Sip ‘n Dip – Located next to the Lazy Lizard, Sip ‘n Dip is another -way to relax. You can enjoy a drink while lounging in the shallow waters, sitting at one of the ‘sea chairs’ while taking in the stunning views.
Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill – We found it difficult to find spots for drinks in the evening. However, at Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, there is often plenty to do and therewith a good place for evening drinks.
Caye Breeze Cafe – A great place for happy hour! This vibrant bar next to the harbour is one of the first places you see when arriving at Caye Caulker, and it is also worth returning to!
The amazing beachfront cabanas at Barefoot Beach Belize offer a tranquil experience with a focus on relaxation. This eco-friendly property features cosy, spacious rooms with sea views, making it the ideal spot to unwind and go slow. A cabana at the beach costs €95 a night.
These colourful cabanas are located directly at the beach. Most cabanas have a kitchenette, private porch and all amenities needed for a comfortable stay. With friendy service and a prime location, Colinda Cabanas is a real gem. Prices for a bungelow start at €185.
Peaceful apartments with a relaxing pool area, located just steps from the beach, La Isla Hotel provides perfect value for money. The Split is only a 15-minute walk. The hotel is modern and perfect for couples and small groups. Rooms start from €100 a night.
With spacious rooms and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, Sea Dreams Hotel is a great choice. Located in the social scene of the island, paddle boards, bikes for rent, and breakfast are available, which is a popular choice! Rooms start at €175 a night.
This is the most popular accommodation on the north Island of Caye Caulker: El Ben Cabanas offers luxurious, private cabanas. Perfect if you seek peace and exclusivity, including modern amenities. This is THE location for a relaxing getaway. A cabana starts from €250 a night.
