On Caye Caulker, you won’t find cars, packed restaurants, or overly crowded beaches. What you will find: bikes, golf carts, casual beachfront restaurants and a thriving Caribbean pulse (don’t be surprised to find casual drumming sessions on the beach). After all, the small Central American island is just a wee portion of the largest reef system in North America (which means top-notch diving and snorkeling). Meanwhile, its tropical mangroves offer prolific bird watching. Rustic bars line its sandy streets and bear the mantra, “no shirt, no shoes, no problem,” while small, family-run accommodations, like Jan’s Hotel, exude “welcome home.”
A Verified ‘Go Slow’ Schedule
Photo by Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
Caye Caulker tends to be the more budget-friendly island compared to Ambergris Caye, which is why it’s also a backpacker’s first choice. Although, budget-friendly does not mean sacrificing any of the welcomed comforts of vacation. Instead, the island puts a refreshing and unique twist on what everyone might refer to as a “tropical holiday”. The island runs on a verified “go slow” schedule, with traffic on its sandy streets reduced to simply bicycles and barefoot beach-lovers. Arrive by ferry from Belize City, like with San Pedro Belize Express, or by propellor plane with carriers like Maya Island Air. Besides, you can’t beat the latter for uninterrupted views of the Belize Barrier Reef or for selfies with the pilots!
Authenticity Awaits
Caye Caulker aerial. Photo by Kevin Quischan Photography
At five miles long, and a mile across at its widest point, the petite but perfectly-formed island of Caye Caulker is perfect to roam around by SUP, kayak, bicycle, buggy, or barefoot. Caye Caulker does not have its entire coastline as your typical beach, but there’s plenty more excursions to keep you entertained. Hand-feed giant yet tame tarpon, visit the Sea Horse Reserve at sunset for sweeping seascapes against anchored sailboats, socialize on the island’s most popular spot at The Split, cruise by catamaran with XSite Belize Sailing & Adventures, or bar hop into the night. After all, Belize just eased its travel restrictions – allowing for even more exploring!
Header photo by ROEming Belize Travel Agency.
