Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize

This blog is about the best things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize!

Belize is a country in Central America that I believe is severely underrated! It’s definitely one of the less traveled to countries and it’s the perfect place to explore before it becomes more popular (and more expensive!).

When I went to Belize, we stayed for one week and split our time between two of their islands: San Pedro and Caye Caulker (key caulker). Caye Caulker is a gorgeous small island that is very picturesque and has a slower pace of life compared to Belize City or San Pedro. There is tons of marine life to see, great seafood (and vegan options!), friendly locals, and a charming beach vibe. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Caye Caulker, use this blog as your guide to everything you need to know before you go.

Let’s dive in to the island known for the motto “Go Slow.”

Getting to Caye Caulker

First, how do you get there? There are two ways to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City. First, you need to fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. From here you have two options to get to Caye Caulker. You can take a Belize Express Water Taxi, which is convenient and a scenic way to reach the island. It takes about 45 mins and the taxis run 5 times per day from the city. Prices are usually $21/USD. 

The second option is taking a small plane, Maya Island Air, which is a 15-minute quick flight that offers gorgeous views of the ocean and other smaller islands. Even if you are scared of planes, I highly recommend this option because it’s shorter and the views are unbelievable! It runs 3 times a day. One way is $90/USD and round trips are $180/USD. 

What we did was take the plane to San Pedro, and then from San Pedro we took a water taxi to Caye Caulker. If you can afford it, definitely try both options!  

Exploring the Island

Once you get to the island it’s time to explore! Most people stay on the South side of the island. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and local culture. We stayed at a boutique hotel known as Sea n Sun Guest House! 

It was the perfect place to stay, they have private guest houses and the staff are super nice. It’s a reasonable price as well. They have a sea view, an inner courtyard, free kayaking and bikes, a communal kitchen, games, books, and so much more! 

​We didn’t get to explore the North Side, but we learned from locals that it is less crowded, and has more nature and wildlife.

To get around in Caye Caulker you can walk, ride your bike, or rent a Golf Cart! There are no cars on the island so Golf Cart rentals are a very popular way to get around and explore the island at your own pace. 

Must-Visit Spots

Even though Caye Caulker is a small island there is SO much to explore!

The Split and Lazy Lizard Bar

If you’re going to Caye Caulker, then you definitely going to spend time by The Split! The Split is a narrow channel that splits Caye Caulker into the north and south sides. It is the aftermath of Hurricane Hattie that happened in 1961. Luckily now, it’s a popular destination to swim, relax, eat great food and drink some delicious cocktails! 

You can spend the full day here and not be bored! 

Sting Ray Beach + Shark Ray Alley

One of the best parts of Caye Caulker was seeing all the marine life up close! Sting Ray Beach is a must-see place when you’re visiting! Every day at 4 pm on the island, Sting Rays will come by the beach and they will swim right up to you! I promise it’s not scary, and they are very kind! Here you can watch the sunset, enjoy the beach, lounge on the chairs, get some food and drinks, and enjoy the marine life. 

Shark Ray Alley is only accessible through licensed tour groups. On the day we went snorkeling, we were able to swim with friendly nursing sharks! It was truly the highlight of the trip. The sharks are super friendly and harmless to swimmers and snorkelers. 

Activities and Adventures

There are tons of activities to do on Caye Caulker!

We were adamant about doing several water activities when we were there! Our favorite was joining the half-day snorkeling trip with Caveman Snorkeling Tours. They were so friendly, respected the environment and marine life, and it was such a great trip! We got to swim with stingrays, nursing sharks, crabs, starfish, and explore the barrier reef (the second-largest barrier reef after Australia). 

We didn’t have time to do scuba diving, but it’s definitely on our list for next time! We met many people who did scuba diving in Caye Caulker and loved it! It’s a great way to explore the underwater beauty of the Caribbean Sea. 

Lastly, we were able to spend the afternoon kayaking, for free courtesy of our hotel. It was a great way to explore the island, see more marine life, and enjoy the spectacular views! 

Dining and Nightlife

There are SO many great dining options in Caye Caulker! For my seafood lovers, this island is a paradise for delicious and fresh Caribbean seafood. While I’m vegan, my partner enjoyed the seafood curry, shrimp, and fried fish. 

One place I highly recommend is Chef Kareem’s Unbelizable Lunch. They have delicious seafood, jerk chicken, and a vegan curry! It was so good that we went back for seconds. 

​There are tons of great bars to choose from when walking through Caye Caulker. Besides The Lazy River, we loved Bender’s Beach Bar! They had great happy hour options and their staff were so friendly! 

Caye Caulker is not known for its vibrant nightlife, but there are great bars where you can meet locals and tourists alike and still have a fun night out. 

Want to learn more about nightlife in Belize? Check out “The Best Nightlife in San Pedro Belize Clubs & Music.”

Best Time to Visit

When is it the best time to visit Caye Caulker? Their dry season is from January to April, when you can expect blue skies and sunny weather. This is peak season, so expect it to be a bit more expensive. 

We visited during the last week of May, which marks the end of their dry season. Don’t let that stop you! The weather was warm throughout our stay (we were almost hoping for some rain!). It was more affordable at this time, but the island still had enough visitors to feel like peak season.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Caye Caulker is not expensive, but it’s definitely not the cheapest island either! Belize’s exchange rate is 2:1 compared to the USD, which makes it easier to understand the pricing difference. This favorable exchange rate means your dollar stretches further, letting you enjoy more of the island without breaking the bank. 

Despite not being the cheapest, the value for your money on Caye Caulker is fantastic, given the unique experiences and beautiful surroundings it offers.

Overall, Caye Caulker is a relatively safe island, and I never felt worried walking around at night. However, it’s always wise to follow general safety tips when traveling!

Caye Caulker Final Thoughts

Caye Caulker is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From exploring The Split and enjoying a day at the Lazy Lizard Bar to snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences. The island’s unique charm, vibrant culture, and friendly locals make it a must-visit destination.

Whether you’re indulging in the delicious local cuisine, kayaking around the island, or simply soaking in the laid-back beach vibes, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this underrated paradise before it becomes more popular and pricey.

So pack your bags, embrace the island life, and make unforgettable memories on Caye Caulker. You won’t regret it!

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