Caye Caulker, affectionately known as La Isla Cariñosa, is easy-going, but that doesn’t necessarily equal boring. There is plenty to do on this tiny island found 21 miles northeast of Belize City. To help you keep busy while exploring the 5-mile-long island, we’re sharing 10 activities for you to enjoy in Belize on Caye Caulker.
1. Grab a bicycle
Caye Caulker, Belize. Image via @veveordie
Most accommodations on the island offer guests complimentary bicycles, but don’t be afraid to rent one if that option isn’t available to you. You can walk, but venture on a bike to explore the island from north to south like a local. Pedal to restaurants, bars, and to those parts of the island most visitors don’t get to see. Go ahead, explore.
2. Go fishing
Go fish! Image via ROEming Belize
This is another activity popular in Caye Caulker. You can fish right off the docks or book a fishing tour with a local operator, which you can easily find on Front Street. Find out about fishing tours of the day with King Fish Tours or Barefoot Fisherman Expeditions.
3. Sway in a hammock
Caye Caulker. Photo: Leonardo Melendez / LMP Studios
There are hammocks almost everywhere on Caye Caulker. Most small hotels, like Colinda Cabanas, provide their guests with hammocks on the balconies. There are also public hammocks by the beach available as well for rent. Have a hammock moment and go slow while swinging.
4. Go shopping for local arts and craft
There is an area on the island known as Palapa Gardens on the way to The Split, ideal for shopping for locally made tropical goods, clothing, bags, jewelry, woodcarvings, and souvenirs to take back home. It’s a special way to remember Belize.
5. Book a manatee tour
Book a manatee watching tour in Caye Caulker! Image via Live Like Its The Weekend
There is a manatee tour that takes all day and takes you to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. However, if you are lucky enough, you can spot manatees while on regular snorkeling tours on the reef. Manatees are sometimes spotted in those areas.
6. Try Yoga
A full house! Image via Namaste Cafe
Namaste Café offers rooftop yoga in addition to coffee, healthy breakfast bites, and deli-style lunches downstairs. Meanwhile, the classes include yoga mats and blocks while accommodating all levels. The price to attend such classes is actually by donations, so it’s all depending on your budget.
7. Snorkeling the reef nearby
Image via My Waderlusty Life
Snorkeling is an activity in demand on Caye Caulker. In fact, tour operators offer snorkeling tours every single day to either the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve or the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can check the schedule and prices at places like Tsunami Adventures and Caveman Snorkeling Tours.
8. Snapping a pic at the CAYE CAULKER sign
A Caye Caulker photo-op.
Before you reach the popular area called ‘The Split,’ take a pause and pose in front of the CAYE CAULKER sign. It’s colorful and a good option for your Instagram photos or Facebook page.
9. Relax at The Split
Photo by Heyciara
This popular area is located at the end of the north part of the village. At the entrance, the ‘THE SPLIT’ sign will be the first thing to welcome you to this popular hangout hub. In actuality, The Split is a channel that cuts Caye Caulker in two – a result of Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Near the end of the channel is a restaurant and bar called Lazy Lizard, but the area itself is fun and provides some of the clearest waters for swimming for free. Around the restaurant, there are lounge areas to hang out, eat, have a drink, and even play beach volleyball.
10. Kayak around the island
Image by Hey Ciara.
Many will tell you that kayaking around Caye Caulker is a worthwhile way to enjoy the island. Make your way through The Split by gently paddling out into the turquoise water. Kayak at your own pace and let the current guide you, or simply go slow on the water. Most lodgings will provide kayaks. However, if your hotel does not, you can easily find kayak rentals in areas like those by The Split.
Header image by ROEming Belize. This article was published in June 2022.
