· ·

Ultimate Guide to Caye Caulker: Best Things to Do on Belize’s Best Island

Caye Caulker may be small, but there’s no shortage of Caye Caulker things to do, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and embrace the island’s “Go Slow” mindset. This laid-back Belizean island is all about life on the water—snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, sailing at sunset, and kayaking through calm, mangrove-lined lagoons.

While you won’t find long stretches of sandy beaches here, you will find crystal-clear turquoise water, incredible marine life, and a welcoming, easygoing vibe that makes it hard to leave.

Spending your days swimming at The Split, biking along the island’s sandy paths, or enjoying fresh-caught lobster is just the start. There’s also a great mix of local restaurants, beach bars, and even live music spots where you can kick back and take in the island’s charm. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can snorkel with nurse sharks, take a boat to San Pedro, or even dive the famous Great Blue Hole.

Whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or planning to stay longer, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Caye Caulker, from must-try experiences to hidden gems. Whether you want to explore the island by bike, paddle board through bioluminescent waters, or sip a coconut mojito at a beachfront bar, there’s something here for everyone. So slow down, soak up the Caribbean breeze, and get ready to enjoy everything this tiny island has to offer.

Just a quick note: This page might include affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything from the links I receive a tiny commission to support this website. The good news? I only recommend products I actually use and believe in. So you're getting the best products at a super good price.

Is Caye Caulker Worth Visiting?

Caye Caulker might no longer be the budget, backpacker’s paradise it once was, but that doesn’t make it any less magical to visit. With a laid-back attitude and a “go slow” mindset, you’ll find yourself soaking in life at a much slower pace. The island’s small size and walkability make it easy to explore without the need for cars, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind.

While it doesn’t have long stretches of sandy beaches, Caye Caulker shines when you’re on the water, not just near it. Whether you’re snorkeling with nurse sharks, kayaking through mangroves, or sailing at sunset, there’s no shortage of ways to experience its natural beauty. Add in great local food, live music, and colorful beachfront bars, and it’s easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with this tiny island.

Caye Caulker or San Pedro: Which is Best?

Oftentimes tourists visiting Belize have to choose between visiting Caye Caulker and San Pedro and honestly, it can be difficult to determine which island is best for you. It really boils down to what type of vacation you’re looking for.

Caye Caulker is the epitome of laid-back island life. It’s a small, walkable island with no cars—just golf carts and bicycles. If you’re a budget traveler or looking for a relaxed vibe, Caye Caulker is the perfect fit.

San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, is larger and more developed, with a mix of resorts, lively nightlife, and a wider range of restaurants. It’s certainly for those looking for a faster pace with more amenities – think resort life.

Either way both options give you access to sandy beaches, blue waters, and plenty of ocean activities.

Getting to Caye Caulker

You can get to Caye Caulker from Belize City two ways: by boat or by plane. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, primarily with time and money. Let’s break down both options to see which one will work best for your trip.

>> Traveling to San Ignacio? Be sure to check out this helpful guide to get the Caye Caulker from there!

How to get to Caye Caulker by Boat

Getting to Caye Caulker from Belize City is cheapest by water taxi. If you’re arriving at Belize International Airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to the ferry terminal (rates are fixed by the airport). Once there, you can purchase a roundtrip ticket to Caye Caulker for $37. The San Pedro Express Water Taxi is the most reliable and recommended option.

Tickets can be bought in advance or at the counter, with both cash and credit cards accepted. If you’re coming from the airport, it’s best to buy tickets at the ferry station rather than online to avoid issues if your flight is delayed. Boats run every hour or two during the day, with the last departure usually around 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and luggage is stored separately but handled carefully.

How to get to Caye Caulker by Plane

Daily domestic flights run from Belize International Airport to Caye Caulker, operated by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. These short, 15-minute flights use small aircraft and land directly at the island’s tiny airport. While flying is the fastest option, it’s also the most expensive—expect to pay around $180 roundtrip, compared to just $37 for the water taxi.

Flights run frequently throughout the day, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season. If your international flight arrives late, you may need to stay overnight in Belize City since domestic flights don’t operate late at night. Luggage restrictions apply, so check weight limits if you’re bringing large bags.

Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker may be small, but it’s packed with things to do both on and off the water. Whether you want to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, sail at sunset, bike to hidden beach bars, or just float at The Split, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

The island’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for relaxing, but if you’re craving adventure, you’ll find plenty of ways to get active—from kayaking with manatees to diving the Great Blue Hole.

While you’re here, take time to explore local art, catch live music in the evenings, and consider a day trip to nearby San Pedro for a change of pace. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best things to do in Caye Caulker.

>> Spending more time in Belize? Check out this complete 7-day itinerary

Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef

Snorkeling in Caye Caulker is a must for most travelers. Not only does the Belize Barrier Reef offer some of the best snorkeling in Belize, but you’ll also get close encounters with rays, nurse sharks, and possibly even sea turtles or manatees. Tours typically visit multiple sites, including Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens, ensuring a variety of underwater experiences.

Thanks to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the coral is well-preserved, and marine life is abundant. Many operators follow eco-friendly practices, helping to maintain the reef’s health while allowing snorkelers to enjoy its beauty.

The current along the reef can be strong, so guides will provide flotation devices if needed. Even strong swimmers should be mindful of changing conditions. A long-sleeve sun shirt is a great idea to protect against sunburn since sunscreen can harm the reef. Most tours provide snorkeling gear, but if you have a mask that fits well, bringing your own can make the experience even better.

Check Out the Local Artists

Caye Caulker has a few artist studios and the Caye Caulker Craft Market, making them perfect spots for a rainy afternoon or a souvenir hunt. The craft market features artisans selling everything from handmade jewelry to baked goods and paintings.

For a deeper look at local art, visit the Old Salt Gallery, where artist Victor Matthew Campbell captures nautical life in colorful, detailed designs. Another must-visit is the Red Flower Gallery, where Paulette Salo’s artwork showcases a more classical take on island life.

Many artists are happy to chat about their work, making each visit a more personal experience. Keep an eye out for live painting sessions, which occasionally happen at these galleries.

Visit the Great Blue Hole

There are three ways to visit the Great Blue Hole in Belize: by air, snorkeling, or diving. For many, it’s a bucket-list dive site, but trust me—it’s just as breathtaking from above. Located 71 miles from Caye Caulker, it’s easy to find and book tours to experience this natural wonder.

To dive the Great Blue Hole, you’ll need a PADI certification. Certification usually requires a few days of training, so plan ahead if you’re not already certified. If you’re looking to get scuba certified, Frenchie’s Diving in Caye Caulker offers affordable courses and certifications. Most dive trips also include stops at Half Moon Caye and the Aquarium, two incredible dive sites with vibrant marine life.

While you can snorkel the Great Blue Hole, it’s honestly not worth it—you’re mostly looking at a deep, dark hole. If snorkeling is your focus, you’ll have a better experience booking a Belize Barrier Reef tour instead.

For a truly unforgettable view, book a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole. Both Maya Island Air and Tropic Air Belize offer private and group flyovers. At $250 per person, it’s a splurge, but the aerial perspective of the Blue Hole and surrounding atolls is incredible.

Sailing and Catamaran Tours

Certainly, a great way to relax in Caye Caulker is to join a Belize sailing tour. Catamaran tours are offered almost daily, with both day trips and sunset excursions to choose from. These sails usually include some appetizers (like ceviche), and of course, a trip isn’t complete without complimentary rum punch.

Unlike other tours, you won’t find most sailing and catamaran trips bookable on large tour aggregator sites, so here are a few I recommend:

Enjoy The Split

One of the highlights of a trip to Caye Caulker is certainly The Split. Back in 1961, Caye Caulker experienced a hurricane that created a channel separating the island into two. It’s a narrow strip of sea with fast-moving currents that now separates south Caye Caulker from its less populous neighbor to the north.

At The Split, you’ll find pretty much everyone from the island—locals and tourists—enjoying everything the island has to offer. There you’ll find the Lazy Lizard, an island bar with overpriced drinks, decent bar food, and perfect chairs for sunbathing. You can also swim, snorkel, or just float in the clear blue water. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the diving platform for a fun jump into the sea.

Rent Bikes and Explore the North

A highlight when visiting Caye Caulker is renting bikes. You’ll find plenty of hidden gems, like quaint beachfront bars, artist studios, and alleyways that lead to hidden alcoves on the shoreline. There is no better way to get around Caye Caulker!

Many hotels offer bikes for free. If you need to rent one, most golf cart rental shops in town have bikes for about $2 an hour. After renting a bike, ride along the beachfront before taking the ferry to North Caye Caulker.

The north is more remote, with mangroves, dirt roads, and unique bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to unwind, explore, and enjoy a quieter side of the island. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as manatees and exotic birds are often spotted here.

Visit the Seahorse Ranch Reserve

Located just outside Iguana Reef Inn, the Seahorse Ranch Reserve is a hidden gem worth checking out. This small, protected area serves as a safe haven for seahorses, giving visitors a rare chance to see these tiny, delicate creatures up close in their natural habitat.

At first, spotting them can be tricky since they blend in with their surroundings using their natural camouflage. But if you take your time and look closely from the dock, you’ll start to see them gently swaying with the water. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the lighting makes it easier to spot them.

This area is free to visit, and while it’s not an official tour stop, it’s a great quick stop after a day of exploring. While here, take a moment to enjoy the sunset views at Iguana Reef Inn, which also happens to be one of the best places on the island to see stingrays gliding through the shallows.

Spend an Evening with Live Music

Caye Caulker may be a small island, but it has a lively music scene that makes for a fun night out. Whether you’re into reggae, acoustic sets, or upbeat island tunes, there are plenty of spots to enjoy live music while sipping a drink by the sea.

One of the best places for live music is I & I Reggae Bar, known for its laid-back vibe and rooftop lounge with great ocean views. The Lazy Lizard at The Split also hosts live bands occasionally, making it a great spot to catch the sunset while enjoying local talent. Another popular option is Barrier Reef Sports Bar, which regularly features live performances and has a fun, social atmosphere.

Music nights vary depending on the season, so it’s always a good idea to check local event boards or ask around to see who’s playing.

Eat Some Lobster

If you’re visiting Caye Caulker during lobster season, you have to try the fresh, local lobster. Whether it’s grilled, curried, or served in a buttery garlic sauce, this island staple is one of the best meals you’ll have in Belize.

Lobster season in Belize runs from July 1st to February 28th, meaning you’ll only find fresh lobster during this time. If you visit outside of these months, you won’t see it on menus—it’s illegal to catch or serve lobster during the closed season to help maintain the population.

If you happen to be on the island in July, you might even catch Lobster Fest, a weekend-long celebration with live music, beach parties, and all the lobster dishes you can imagine.

Most restaurants serve a whole grilled lobster with sides for $15-25, making it one of the best fresh seafood deals you’ll find anywhere. Whether you grab it from a beachside grill or enjoy it with a cocktail at sunset, eating lobster in Caye Caulker is a must.

Where to get lobster in Caye Caulker: Though a lot of restaurants and street stalls cook up lobster during the season, Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Lunch is known to have some of the best grilled lobster in Caye Caulker.

Go Kayaking or Paddle Boarding

Getting onto the water is certainly a highlight for visiting Caye Caulker. The west side of the island has slow currents and a lot of wildlife to spot, too. Here you’ll find manatees, especially in the morning hours. You can kayak or paddle board the west side of the island pretty easily.

Reef Break Surf Shop is a highly rated place to rent paddle boards. They offer rentals by the hour but also offer paddle board lessons and tours, too. Their mangrove exploration and manatee spotting tour is certainly one to check out.

The Lazy Lizard, a bar located on The Split, also has kayaks as well as paddle boards to rent by the hour.

Check out the Beaches

If you’re looking for long stretches of white, sandy beaches, Caye Caulker might not be what you expect. The island does have small beach areas, but the true gem of Caye Caulker is being on the water, not just near it. The coastline is more about seawalls and docks than traditional shorelines, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beach day.

For a great place to sunbathe and swim, head to The Split, where you’ll find lounge chairs, sandy spots, and clear, turquoise water perfect for a dip. The Lazy Lizard bar offers drinks and food, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon here. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, check out North Caye Caulker. There are a few resorts that can offer day passes to enjoy the white sandy beaches.

Wonder at the Bioluminescence

Night tours in Caye Caulker are certainly a unique way to experience the island. These tours take you through the bioluminescent lagoons, where the water glows with movement, creating an almost magical effect.

As you glide through the water, you’ll watch the sea light up beneath you—whether it’s fish darting by or the wake from your boat shimmering with neon blue. It’s a surreal experience that gives you a completely different perspective of the island at night.

If you’d rather experience the bioluminescence without a tour, you can do it on your own with a kayak or paddle board. The best spots are on the west side of the island, where the waters are calmer, and the glow is more noticeable away from artificial light. Head out on a clear, moonless night for the brightest effect. Just dip your paddle or hand in the water, and you’ll see tiny glowing streaks appear.

Take a Day Trip to San Pedro

A day trip from Caye Caulker to San Pedro is an easy and worthwhile excursion, offering a livelier atmosphere, more dining options, and access to some of the best resorts in Belize. Whether you want to explore the town, relax on a nicer beach, or take advantage of resort amenities, there’s plenty to do on Ambergris Caye.

One thing I think is a great use of a day trip to San Pedro us taking advantage of their amazing beachfront resorts. If you’re looking for a nicer beach, pools, and resort amenities for the day, booking a ResortPass is a great option. Many resorts in San Pedro offer day passes that let you experience luxury without an overnight stay.

Getting There

The quickest and most affordable way to get to San Pedro from Caye Caulker is by water taxi. Both San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize operate daily ferries between the islands. The ride takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs 11 to 22 USD one way.

Ferries run throughout the day, starting around 6:30 AM, with the last boat back to Caye Caulker departing in the late afternoon. It’s best to check the ferry schedule in advance and book tickets online or at the dock.

Where to Eat in Caye Caulker

I found the food in Caye Caulker to be tourist expensive, even for an island, but the food was also delicious. So I didn’t seem to mind paying for it. You’ll find a variety of options from local restaurants serving up Caribbean classic flavors with fried and grilled fish, and of course coconut rice and beans. There is also no shortage of Belizean ceviche on the island.

But some of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker are also fusion restaurants. With pub foods, burger joints, and more flavors tourists enjoy popping up around the island.

(Mini-Guide) Best Places to Eat

Best Places to Stay in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker isn’t as budget-friendly as it once was, but there are still options for different price ranges. Basic guesthouses with minimal amenities start at $80-$100 per night, while mid-tier hotels with air conditioning and pools range from $150-$180 per night. Luxury resorts with beachfront access and upscale amenities cost $250+ per night.

Prices vary based on season and demand, with high season (December-April) bringing higher rates and rainy season (June-November) offering better deals. Booking in advance helps secure lower prices, especially for mid-range and luxury stays.

For budget travelers, a few hostels offer dorm beds for $15-$25 per night. Cheap hotels do exist, but if you want beachfront access, pools, and modern amenities, expect to pay more.

Budget-friendly Hostels + Guesthouses

Tropical Oasis | Hostel with bunkhouse rooms starting at around $20 a night. The hostel truly has an “island life” feel to it and is situated in a great location to explore the island.

DreamCabanas | Everything you need in your own private cabana with a less than 3-minute walk to Caye Caulker beach.

Mid-Range and Boutique Hotels

Jan’s Hotel My Top Pick! | Adorable beachside hotel with clean rooms at a mid-range traveler’s price point. This hotel is close to everything – perfect in every way!

My top hotel choice!

Jan’s Hotel

Book a Room

Yocamatsu | Beachside, adults-only property with cabana-style rooms that are perfectly painted for the island.

Luxury Resorts on Caye Caulker

El Ben Cabanas | Located in North Caye Caulker the El Ben Cabanas is perfect if you’re truly looking to escape on an island getaway. Keep in mind that most amenities on the island are on South Caye Caulker, so you’ll need to ferry your way across the island to visit.

Island Magic Villas | If you’re looking for an extended stay or just like having an entire living and sleeping space then this might be the right place for you.

Best Time to Visit Caye Caulker

Shoulder season is the best time to visit Caye Caulker to get good weather and better prices on hotels and airfare, too. Shoulder season on the island runs April to May and again October to November—right before and right after the rainy season.

High season is dry season on the island, running from December to April. This time of year brings little rainfall, warm but not terribly hot conditions of the summer months, and much higher hotel prices. Expect more tourists, especially around Christmas and Easter. Booking accommodations early is recommended, as popular hotels fill up quickly.

The low season, June to September, is the rainy season with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Some businesses reduce hours or close temporarily. While hurricanes are rare, travelers should monitor forecasts if visiting during this time.

FAQs

How many days should I stay in Caye Caulker?

You can see and do most of what the island has to offer in about three days, but if you want to truly relax, five nights might be better.

A short stay (1-2 days) works if you’re on a tight itinerary and just want to experience The Split and a snorkeling tour. Three to four days lets you explore the island, enjoy local food, and take a sunset sail without feeling rushed. If you love slow travel, staying longer gives you time for day trips, kayaking, or just unwinding with no agenda.

Is Caye Caulker a party island?

Though Caye Caulker has a night life it’s more of a laid back atmosphere compared to the party island of San Pedro. You will find beach bars with live music and happy hours but you won’t find nightclubs. Here on Caye Caulker the island is more about sipping your frozen mojito overlooking the sunset.

Is Caye Caulker safe?

As a small island with a lot of foot traffic, Caye Caulker is incredibly safe to visit. Though petty theft can occur the island feels safe, especially compared to larger cities. And while most visitors have no issues during their stay it’s important to consider basic travel safety, like locking up your valuables and not leaving them unattended in public places.

More Belize Tips + Inspiration

Similar Posts