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 it goes without saying: One of the best things to do in Caye Caulker is simply sinking into a hammock – and swaying in the balmy breeze to the serene rhythm of this sandy island.
But if you like a little adventure, rest assured. There’s more to do in Caye Caulker than just kicking back and relaxing under the warm sun! The island’s vivid blue waters and high-vibe energy will call on your playful spirit to snorkel, scuba, SUP, sip on “Lizard Juice” at The Split, and more.
Consider this your ultimate guide to all of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize. Between walkable island activities, off-shore excursions, and underwater exploration, boredom stands no chance!
Here are the 13 best things to do in Caye Caulker!
13 Unmissable Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
1. Snorkeling
The snorkeling in Belize 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), but definitely the most impressive. It’s a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and thus home to some of the brightest coral I’ve ever seen! Not to mention 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 abundant 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, 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. But 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 for some of the most immaculate vibes around. Sip potent “Lizard Juice” (I warned you!) at The Lazy Lizard 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 the northern part of Caye Caulker. The north island 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 – a hotel, restaurant, bar, pool, club, and event space – it’s become a bit “boujee,” so to speak. (If you’ve visited Caye Caulker before, you know this place as Koko King!)
Northside Beach Club (formerly Koko King)
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! Northside Beach Club’s beach is arguably the best beach in all of Caye Caulker.
The north island is an island escape from an island escape and offers exclusive vibes. Some nights, they host huge full moon parties, and almost always have a live DJ, beach games, and happy hour. Float off into the sunset (but not too far!) on a floaty tube and “cheers” fruity drinks on the double-decker roof!
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!
If you can include a scenic flight into your travel budget, then do it. Soaring over the Great Blue Hole in an adorable “puddle jumper” (tiny airplane) is one of the most magnificent things to do in Caye Caulker. I promise!
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. Plus, seeing this wonder helps put 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.
Be sure you don’t miss this incredible aerial view by booking this specific trip with Tropic Air from Caye Caulker!
*ICYDK: A pilot’s glory is an optical illusion when the plane’s shadow is cast on a cloud, surrounded by a rainbow halo.
6. Sail at Sunset
Getting a little island fever? Hop aboard a sailboat for the evening with island-famous Raggamuffin Tours for a delightful evening under the night sky.
Sunsets on the Caribbean Sea are one-of-a-kind. Captivating. Intoxicating, even! Or is that the rum punch? Not to worry, the fresh-caught fish ceviche is here to help.
Note: This can be one of the more romantic things to do in Caye Caulker, perfect if you’re with a special someone!
7. Take a Kayak out for a Paddle
Paddle out on the west side of Caye Caulker, where the lagoon meets the ocean for a very unique experience! This side of the island is away from the main street on the east side, so it’s a bit more tranquil.
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 experience.
Rent a Clear-Bottom Kayak
Kayak rentals are not hard to come by in Caye Caulker, but the experience of paddling out on a clear-bottom kayak is special! You can lock down your rental by booking ahead of time.
8. Bike Around the Island
Caye Caulker is adored for being a chilled-out, tiny island – in comparison to Ambergris Caye (home to party town San Pedro), for example. Caye Caulker measures about 1.5 miles long (south of The Split), and less than one mile across.
Since 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. And stopping to get a scoop of ice cream 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.”
There, in the water, you’ll see ropes/netting that the seahorses (mostly yellow, green, and brown) love to hang onto with their tails! Masters of camouflage, it may be challenging to spot them amongst the algae at first, so look carefully!
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 for 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.
- Vegan Kitchen: Street-food-loving veg-heads, rejoice! At Vegan Kitchen, you’ll find local Carib-style food with a vegan twist. I can attest to this sweet woman’s savory coconut curry, which I promptly took home and ate in the comfort of my bed. Some nights are just like that, am I right?
- 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. 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’s humid in 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 accommodation in Caye Caulker – from beachside resorts and hotels to comfy cabins and guesthouses!
13. 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, on island time! Everything is working out perfectly.
13 Fun Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
Now that you know the 13 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, every day on sunny Caye Caulker is delightful.
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!
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Caye Caulker, Belize Travel FAQs
The ideal amount of time to spend on Caye Caulker is between 5-7 days. With 5-7 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 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!
If you’re looking for a party island, you’ll find one a stone’s throw away from Caye Caulker, over 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!
A 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 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 top thing to do in Caye Caulker is a snorkel tour… Or a 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!
How To Get To 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).
If you’re coming from Belize City, a standard ferry ride will take about 1 hour starting at $19 USD. From Ambergris Caye, it will only take 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
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
A Week in Hopkins, Belize: Relaxation & Adventure
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