Caye Caulker Things to Do and Travel Guide (+ Map)
TL;DR
Our no-fluff Caye Caulker travel guide shows you exactly why Belize’s most laid-back island is worth your time – and how to snorkel, eat, stay, and go slow without overplanning or overspending.
If you’re searching for a laid-back Caribbean escape with world-class snorkelling, crystal-clear water, and zero stress, Caye Caulker is probably already on your radar.
After spending time on the island ourselves, we’ve put together a practical, honest Caye Caulker travel guide that covers everything you need to know before you go: how to get to the island, where to stay on a budget (or not), how to get around, the best snorkelling tours, and the simple pleasures that make people fall in love with Caye Caulker in the first place.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple, or family, our guide helps you to figure out if Caye Caulker deserves a spot in your Belize itinerary – and make the most of your time once you’re there.
Caye Caulker Travel Guide
Caye Caulker Belize Map
Is Caye Caulker Worth Visiting?
Absolutely – so much so that if you only have time to visit one place in Belize, Caye Caulker should be it. This tiny Caribbean island captures everything that makes the Belize coast special in one easy, unforgettable package: turquoise water, vibrant marine life, warm locals, and a pace of life that instantly helps you unwind. The island’s famous motto, “Go Slow,” isn’t just a slogan – it’s a way of life you’ll feel the moment your feet hit the sandy streets.
Caye Caulker is perfect for travellers who want to take it slow. You can spend your mornings snorkelling with rays and reef sharks, your afternoons lounging by the water with a Lazy Lizard Juice, and your evenings enjoying fresh seafood and live music as the sun sets. Unlike larger, more developed destinations, the island remains refreshingly low-key – no big resorts, no crowds, and no pressure to overplan.
Caye Caulker is welcoming to everyone – from solo travellers and couples to backpackers and families.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
Bella's Backpackers Hostel is the most budget-friendly option on Caye Caulker:
- You can choose between private rooms and dorms.
- It is located on the main street with a bar on the beach. The location is close to the split and all the other important areas on Caye Caulker.
- You can use kayaks for free.
- The communal area is cosy, featuring hammocks, and you can also use the communal kitchen.
Here’s how to find cheap hotels in Caye Caulker:
How to Get to Caye Caulker
First, you have to get to Belize City (which conveniently also is the only city with an international airport in Belize).
Next, you have to get to the ferry pier in Belize City.
There are two ferry companies that run from Belize City to Caye Caulker (and further to San Pedro): Caribbean Sprinter and Belize Express Water Taxi. Both take around 45 minutes to reach the island and cost roughly the same.
There are also direct flights from Belize City as well as San Pedro:
How to Get Around Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is tiny. You can walk across its entire length in under an hour. There are no cars on the island, but you can get around by golf cart. You can also rent a bike for longer distances.
Things to Do in Caye Caulker
1. Snorkelling at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
Caye Caulker is located in the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. The Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is located close to the island, making this the perfect snorkelling spot it you’re short on time, travelling on a budget, or you’re s beginner snorkeller. Here, you can spot sharks, rays, and many colourful fish.
On our snorkelling tour, we visited the South Channel, Stingray Alley, and Coral Gardens. There was also a Tarpon feeding stop.
We have written a full review of our Caye Caulker Marine Reserve snorkelling tour:
2. Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve brings you closer to Ambergris Caye. This is the spot for you if you want the best snorkelling day possible, more wildlife, and a tour that goes the extra mile.
You’ll visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark & Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Additionally, you’ll snorkel at a shipwreck and spot seahorses.
3. Go Slow at The Split
The motto of Caye Caulker is Go Slow, and there’s no better place to do so than the split. The Lazy Lizard is the most famous beach bar on Caye Caulker. There are sunbeds, tables in the water, and even a jumping platform. If you drink alcohol, the Lizard Juice is a must-try!
If you want a slightly more lowkey option, Sip N' Dip is right next door. They have more palapas in the water as well as a ton of hammocks and swings.
4. Visit Caye Caulker’s North Island
Caye Caulker is split into two islands. The South Island is home to the main village and where most visitors stay, while the quieter North Island is often overlooked. You can reach it by ferry or paddle across in your own kayak. Kayaks are often included in your stay (e.g. at Bella’s Backpackers Hostel); if not, you can rent one (e.g. at the Lazy Lizard).
There are a few hotels and local restaurants on the north island. What sets it apart is something the South Island lacks: sandy beaches. Along the west coast, you’ll find rare stretches of sand where you can walk straight into calm, turquoise water. The two best beach bars are currently Northside Beach Club and Bliss Beach.
5. Yoga at Namaste Cafe
We loved yoga at Namaste so much that we went every morning. It takes place on the open-air rooftop with a lovely breeze and a view.
Currently, there are two daily classes at 8:00 am and 9:30 am.
After yoga, Namaste Cafe is a nice spot for breakfast with good coffee.
6. Watch the Sunset
An island day wouldn’t be complete without watching the sunset. The two best places on the western side of the island are
- Iguana Reef Inn
- The Pelican Sunset Bar
Alternatively, the Tiki Bar Pontoon Sunset Boat Cruise looks like great fun.
7. Look for Manatees
Belize is home to a large population of manatees, with a resident group living near Caye Caulker year-round. We were lucky enough to spot one on our snorkelling tour – an unforgettable sight.
For a deeper experience, visit Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area for manatees. Anda De Wata Tours runs an excursion to Swallow Caye most days.
8. Go Scuba Diving
As Caye Caulker lies within the Belize Barrier Reef, it is also a prime destination for Scuba diving. There are a ton of dive sites in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, as well as Spanish Bay with big coral wall drop-offs and spotted eagle rays or Esmeralda with guaranteed nurse sharks a bit further out.
Even further away, there’s the Turneffe Atoll and, of course, the most famous dive site of Belize, the Great Blue Hole.
As far as we know, Frenchie's Diving Services is the best dive shop on Caye Caulker.
9. Fly over the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a massive, perfectly round sinkhole in the Belize Barrier Reef, measuring over 124 m (407 ft) deep and 318 m (1,043 ft) wide.
We didn’t do this ourselves, but a scenic flight is arguably the best way to appreciate the scale of the Great Blue Hole – especially if you’re not a scuba diver.
Departing from Caye Caulker’s airport, you’ll fly in a tiny plane for about an hour, looping several times around the Blue Hole so everyone gets a clear view. Along the way, you’ll also see the stunning colours and patterns of the reef, the Caribbean Sea, and Caye Caulker from the air.
Where to Eat in Caye Caulker
We quite liked the food scene on Caye Caulker. These are our favourites for food:
- Errolyn's House Of Fryjacks – budget-friendly
- Little Kitchen Restaurant – possibly the best lobster on Caye Caulker
- Namaste – great breakfast
- The Magic Grill – amazing views, cool seating options, and tasty food and drinks
And for drinks:
- Lazy Lizard
- Sip N' Dip
- Iguana Reef
How Many Days in Caye Caulker Do You Need
The question is not how many days you need but how many days you want on an island whose slogan is “go slow” – personally, we could have stayed forever. How long do you want to spend mostly chilling – and maybe snorkelling or scuba diving?
For our two week Belize itinerary, we recommend spending at least two full days on Caye Caulker:
Caye Caulker Itinerary
Day 1 – Snorkelling
Snorkelling is the number 1 must-do activity on Caye Caulker, as the island is located in the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, and the underwater world is simply amazing.
You have two main options:
We have written a full comparison of the two best Caye Caulker snorkelling tours to help you decide:
Day 2 – Go Slow
The motto of Caye Caulker is Go Slow, so that’s on your agenda for today. Maybe start your day with yoga at Namaste Cafe.
Afterwards, relax for a while, e.g. at the Split.
If you’re looking for slightly more action, take a kayak or the ferry to the North Island.
For sunset, head to Iguana Reef Inn or go on a sunset cruise.
Caye Caulker Tips
ATMs in Caye Caulker
Currently, there’s one ATM from Atlantic Bank on the island.
Supermarkets in Caye Caulker
We’re not the biggest fans of the supermarkets in Belize in general. There are some small shops with rather high prices dotted around the island – many of them don’t have price tags…
Internet in Caye Caulker
We had great internet both in our accommodation and with our eSIM card.
Is Caye Caulker Safe
Caye Caulker is a tiny island and probably as safe as it gets. If you take the usual safety precautions, you should have no problems on Caye Caulker.
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