Complete Guide to Visit Caye Caulker Belize

Caye (pronounced Key) Caulker is for you if you crave slow island living. There are no cars, no roads, and, if you’re unlucky enough, you’ll find grown men walking around with no shoes.

The island is split between friendly local vendors and sunburnt foreigners dragging their heels in the sand. The air smells like barbecue jerk chicken, saltwater, and bud. The sky and water are usually perfectly blue. It’s the definition of paradise.

I loved it so much my first time that as soon as I left I booked another trip to go back. This is everything you need to know to plan your own trip.

Money

You can exchange into local currency but they accept dollars every where you go. Unfortunately, credit cards are not as widely accepted. There are only two ATMs in town so remember to bring cash!

Getting There

The closest airport to Caye Caulker is on the neighboring island Ambergris Caye. It is more expensive to land there. Only go if you plan on staying there as well.

Otherwise, you need to fly to Belize City, get a cab to the port, then taking a 40 minute ferry ride to Caye Caulker. The more money you pay, the nicer the ferry.

When you arrive, you can walk to your stay or pay for a golf cart (see below) to take you. Golf carts are the only vehicles on the island.

The island itself is so tiny that you can walk across it in about ten minutes. In a week, you can try every restaurant there and circle back to your favorites. To spare you the trouble, I’ve made a list of all the best spots and activities.

The Split

Years ago, a storm tore through the island creating a “split.” Since then, people mostly stay on the southern end which is more development and activities.

The Lazy Lizard

The Lazy Lizard is a restaurant/bar located on the “split” itself. It’s so laid back you don’t even have to buy anything. Simply lay on a lounge chair and hang out all day.

My friends and I spent three days in a row there because we loved it so much. Their playlist was fantastic and one of the waitresses may or may not have helped us allocate some special goods. We tipped her accordingly.

The North End

You can catch a two minute boat ride at the split and go across the water to the northern end. It’s mostly jungle and a couple of beach front hotels. It’s a nice day trip if you want to bike around and/or sip drinks at one of the beach bars.

Food

Best breakfast: Ice & Beans

Best Ceviche: Fantasy Dining

Freshest Seafood: Chef Juan’s Kitchen

Best Ice Cream: Amigo Ice Cream

Best Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings EVER: Roy’s Blue Water Grill. They’re slightly sweetened, super spicy, and made with pure love.

The street food is also excellent. As you walk towards the Split, people are usually grilling on the right hand side. Get a coconut across the street. If you’re nice, the guy who sells them pours rum inside.

Ice & Beans breakfast lattes & juice

Roy’s Blue Water Grill buttered Lobster

Snorkeling

The Belize Barrier Reef is a part of the largest reef system in this hemisphere (from Mexico to Honduras) and the second largest in the world. The wildlife and biodiversity is amazing. You MUST go snorkeling.

You don’t have to be a strong swimmer. I went with a friend who is terrified of open water. By the end of the tour she was comfortably swimming with sharks. I swear.

Below are some tour options although you don’t have to book online. All of the tour shops are next to each other and you can easily book the day before. That is ideal anyway as you can’t predict the weather/current conditions until the day before.

Partying

Sports Bar is the one bar everyone goes to at night. It’s a mix of hip hop, reggae, and top 40 from the last 20 years. Unfortunately, they also have a karaoke night.

Reggae Bar is the after party after Sports Bar. If you get lost, follow the crowd.

It’s not the best place to party. But if you’re looking to chill and sip cheap drinks, you can always find a happy hour somewhere.

Sunrise

The best place to see the sunrise is on the boat docks all along the east side.

Sunset

Everyone heads to Iguana Reef Inn for sunset. Beware of the birds and the sting rays.

Lastly, this is a VERY tiny island with a small town charm. Locals will recognize & greet you almost immediately. However, if you do some dumb shit, it can also be very awkward. Trust me and enjoy!