Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker
4.5
About
You’ll find warm and gracious locals on this five-mile-long island, where the primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart. Join a snorkeling tour to discover the fantastic marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. For those interested in fishing, you can have your catch cooked at one of the restaurants. You’ll also find street grills cooking up great seafood until late afternoon. Caye Caulker is busiest from January to April during Belize’s dry season. Stay a night or more on this island, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite among travelers seeking a tropical paradise. – Tripadvisor
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- Paul SandmannBerlin, Germany169 contributionsPirate hideoutYears and years ago this used to be a pirate hideout - some say (in creole) there’s still treasures hidden on this island. In the mornings you can see Kolibris flying from flower to flower. At the beach you can find Pelicans. If you’re here you should definitely take a sailing boat to the nearby coral reef - it’s beauty is unforgettable.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 29, 2023
- shawnagillyWinnipeg, Canada5 contributionsDinner Caye CaulkerLa Fogata pizza a must!!!! If travelling in Caye Caulker - take the ferry over to the north side of the split and eat at La Fogata. By far the best pizza in Belize (the wings are amazing too). Live music and the owner Heather runs off her feet to accommodate her patrons!Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 14, 2024
- Wanderlust2travlersLos Angeles, California178 contributionsNorth Island GemCaye Caulker is a lovely gem off the coast of Belize. Divided by The Split, the island has a south and north. The south is where Caye caulker village is located and all the activities. The north has a couple of resorts and a number of homes, beautiful white sand beaches, bike paths, crocodiles (yep) and mangroves. The North Island is peaceful and a great place to stay if you want to divide your time between crowds and action with enjoying sunrise and sunsets solo on the beach. It’s a short boat ride to the south and you can return to paradise within 15 minutes to the north.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 15, 2024
- Dawna KSault Ste. Marie, Canada15 contributionsHeaven on Earth! Best travel experience ever!Just got home from the most beautiful trip I’ve ever experienced ♥️ Total island vibe, so relaxing yet lots to do. Loved driving the whole island on golf cart, so many delicious restaurants to eat at, swimming at the split, feeding stingrays at Reef Inn, feeding Tarpon fish to laying in the beautiful beaches. The Belizean people are so awesome, down to earth and friendly. Weather was perfect and will definitely go back!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 20, 2024
- NRoho14 contributionsWanderlust Catamaran and Anda de Wata snorkeling.Caye Caulker is a small island withgreat weather and lots of casual places to eat and drink. You really need to get on a boat for decent snorkeling Our tour group went on a full day catamaran sail and snorkel with Wanderlust. We had a very pleasant day hanging out while sailing. Stopped at 3 places to snorkel and had a tasty lunch of chicken beans and rice, The 5 man crew kept us happy with water, food, and punch after snorkeling. On another day I did a full day boat trip with 7 snorkeling stops with Anda de Wata. It was a small boat and gave more time for snorkeling. It was less crowded than some of the other boats we saw and the crew of 2 were very nice and helpful. We had tacos on San Pedro for lunch. We had the requisite rum punch before heading home for tarpon feeding. Check out utube. It’s crazy.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 11, 2024
- Alicia BTucson, Arizona15 contributionsParadiseCaye Caulker is an amzing piece of paradise. We stayed 10 days and could have stayed 10 more. Loving people, laid back atmosphere and some of the prettiest water I have been to. Go Slow and enoy!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 23, 2024
- TravisWhitefish, Montana22 contributionsCaye Caulker is worth the visitCaye Caulker is much more laid back than San Pedro. Backpackers, hostels, cheap (and delicious) food and great bars on (or sometimes in) the water. You can easily bike from end to end of the island in 5-10 minutes. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend to anyone. Highlights of things to do are fishing, snorkeling/diving and sailing, basically anything water related. The one thing it really lacks is a good sandy beach so get your swims in from the piers or boats.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten March 7, 2024
- Passenger7936217 contributionsLOVE ITThe best relaxing vacation! Safe, such a nice people and perfect weather. Best re-set get-a-way ever!!!! Ice and Beans is a coffee house must. The Happy Lobster is best food. The water bars are so relaxing..Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 15, 2024
- Tracey B63 contributionsA relaxed and authentic island experienceCaye Caulker is the ultimate casual and authentic island experience. There are no cars on the island, only golf carts and bikes; and there is no upscale shopping or high end restaurants. It’s down to earth, friendly, and wonderful. Most of East side of the island, which is where we stayed and which was up against the barrier reef, did not have beaches but rather docks that protruded into the ocean where you could kick back on a lounge chair at the end of the dock and walk down steps into the ocean if you wanted to cool off. Or go to the small pool that was in our condo complex. The West side of the island had some beaches but they were small and never overcrowded. There were no skyscraper hotels or mega resorts. We loved this because it gave us a different kind of “beach” vacation, one that was more relaxed and authentic.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 19, 2024
- Chuck O5 contributionsGreat day trip from Ambergris!We did a day trip from Ambergris to Caye Caulker and really enjoyed the slower pace and excellent food! Our favorite activity was feeding the Tarpon. Some of the fish near the dock were huge and really attacked the fish we hand fed them.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 21, 2024
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Masque2Fer
109 contributions
Oct 2019
TIP:
We learned this from a local: "The 'ordinaries' are not to blame" for the dirty beaches and lack of sanitation in some areas. You need to look at how the things have developed since the mid-1980s. The people are the 'eye' of the city and they should be called upon to help work on keeping it beautiful and clean."
We learned this from a local: "The 'ordinaries' are not to blame" for the dirty beaches and lack of sanitation in some areas. You need to look at how the things have developed since the mid-1980s. The people are the 'eye' of the city and they should be called upon to help work on keeping it beautiful and clean."
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
San Anselmo, CA50 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We last visited Caye Caulker 27 years ago. Unbelievably, the island remains quiet and serene and for the most part, undeveloped in the ways of its neighbor to the north. The locals are gracious and kind. The Go Slow pace of Caye Caulker truly sets in after a few days.
There are a few unsettling notes, we witnessed the clearcutting of nearly all the mature palm trees at See-Breeze Hotel grounds on the southern end to make way for more construction and a walkway. The island's charm is with its trees, it's simplicity, not more efficient walkways and higher cabanas.
Highlights:
A stay at the immaculate Tree Tops Hotel, snorkel and sail with Steve of Black Hawk Sailing, sunsets at Pelican Sunset Bar, dinner at Il Pellicano and Suggestion Cafe, coffee at the Caribbean Colors, serene lunch at Namaste Cafe and renting kayaks from Kevin next to Maggie’s to paddle over to the sands of Koko King.
All in all, a most relaxing and wonderful stay on this special jewel of an island. I hope it can stay slow for years to come.
There are a few unsettling notes, we witnessed the clearcutting of nearly all the mature palm trees at See-Breeze Hotel grounds on the southern end to make way for more construction and a walkway. The island's charm is with its trees, it's simplicity, not more efficient walkways and higher cabanas.
Highlights:
A stay at the immaculate Tree Tops Hotel, snorkel and sail with Steve of Black Hawk Sailing, sunsets at Pelican Sunset Bar, dinner at Il Pellicano and Suggestion Cafe, coffee at the Caribbean Colors, serene lunch at Namaste Cafe and renting kayaks from Kevin next to Maggie’s to paddle over to the sands of Koko King.
All in all, a most relaxing and wonderful stay on this special jewel of an island. I hope it can stay slow for years to come.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rt6570
Seabeck, WA53 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed our two weeks in Caye Caulker but were disappointed in not finding many beaches to hang out on. We found a resort with a decent beach, comfy chairs and a dock. We paid $5 per day to use their amenities which was really nice but their weren’t a lot of other options other than paying a fortune to hang out at the Split and buy way overpriced drinks.
We also went on a 1/2 day snorkel trip with Caveman tours which was excellent, and we did a full day catamaran snorkeling trip with Carlos Tours which was also outstanding. We would highly recommend these two companies.
There are several good restaurants in Caye Caulker: we particularly enjoyed Steve’s Grill, Belizean Flavas, Reinas, and Rainbow grill (awesome burritos). I doubt we’ll return to Caye Caulker because there’s too many other Caribbean islands to explore!
We also went on a 1/2 day snorkel trip with Caveman tours which was excellent, and we did a full day catamaran snorkeling trip with Carlos Tours which was also outstanding. We would highly recommend these two companies.
There are several good restaurants in Caye Caulker: we particularly enjoyed Steve’s Grill, Belizean Flavas, Reinas, and Rainbow grill (awesome burritos). I doubt we’ll return to Caye Caulker because there’s too many other Caribbean islands to explore!
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sylvia F
Nampa, ID9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We took the water ferry from Ambergris Caye which only took about 30 minutes. On the Island we walked around looking at items for purchase from the street vendors, enjoyed and ice cream cone from a shop on the main pier. We went to the split had a drink and hung out on a picnic table sheltered under a palapa siting in the water. Nice feature to wet your legs and still stay out of the sun. The most interesting thing we did was to hand feed Tarpon. For just a few dollars we receive a bowl of small fish which we held over the water and soon a hungry fish jumped out of the water and gobbled the fish right out of our hand. We had planned on a full day but for our group personally we ran out of interesting things to see and do and left about 2:30. We felt like a 1/2 day at the island would have been sufficient.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen B
Muskegon, MI1,229 contributions
Jan 2020
Caye Caulker is beautiful! The people are friendly and there are plenty of places to eat and find water activities for the day with experienced guides. The locals live to a lower standard than most tourists but they work hard for what they have. I would love to visit Caye Caulker again. If you visit, please respect their local customs and eco-system, never litter and never touch or remove wildlife.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefani S
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
I’ve dreamed of coming to Belize for years now and especially wanted to come to the island of Caye Caulker. Most any travel blogger will tell you it is THE place to be and see in Belize. While I do not like writing negative reviews or making bad publicity, I really feel deceived. Upon arrival, we at first found people to be quite friendly and chatty…until they offered us drugs. We quickly realized that most any local that seemed friendly was only trying to sell us something and the amount of people selling substances is astounding for how small the island is. Countless people ask us for money or food and when we politely say no, we have often been verbally harassed, followed and yelled at. Our host had to intervene with one local who threatened us after forcing my partner to take a tiny amount of pot in his hand that he did not want and then demanded 40 USD for it. There are also a lot of drunks, which is fine, but they can be aggressive and I have both witnessed and heard people fighting, yelling and arguing. The prices are very high here as well, not budget friendly for backpackers. We blew our budget in two days and we didn’t buy anything other than food and a few magnets. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying everyone is like this, but our negative experiences outweigh the positive ones. There is also sadly a lot of garbage on the shorelines and I have personally witnessed locals throwing their garbage on the ground. We did come at the end of rainy/slow season (End of October) so it has been nonstop rain but we knew what we were getting into. Be forewarned, the bugs are aplenty with the rain and the streets are flooded. Overall, I am sad to say this visit to Caye Caulker has been incredibly underwhelming and often stressful. I don’t want drugs, I don’t want to be yelled at, I don’t want to be bullied into giving money or my food that I can barely afford here. Normally we are generous when we can be, but not when people demand it and cuss you out if you’re not able to. I also really love photography and have hardly taken any photos, there’s just not much to capture on land.
Written October 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuneKL
Fords, NJ21 contributions
May 2021
Caye Caulker is wonderful. I am so glad we decided to visit the island. My husband and I were staying in San Pedro and we thought twice about making the trip to Caye Calker because we thought it would be small and honestly boring. Boy were we wrong. The island is adorable and you felt the culture as you walk the town. It has a charm that is hard to describe. It has something that San Pedro lacked. At the end is the famous "Split" and the Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant is the spot to hang, eat, drink and go in the water. We visited the island 3 times during our stay. Once from the boat as we stopped at Lazy Lizard for lunch! Don't miss this!
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristine B
Kenai, AK85 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We absolutely enjoy this gem of a island. The restaurants, street grills, barrier reef trips & local crafts are all so great & worth the trip. I would like to add that the highlight for us has been the gracious, kind local folks. Such a gorgeous mix of happy Caye Caulker life long residents & Expats from all over the world. Good live music from many places & always seems to be a reggae beat in the air.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie T
Midland, Canada184 contributions
Mar 2020
We spent 9 days on the island. That was too many days as there is not a lot to do there. No vehicles allowed so your main transportation is golf cart or bicycles. We rode bikes. All dirt roads. Most restaurants have dirt floors. Are very small.
People are very friendly. Good food from the street vendors. You can go to Iguana Reef Inn and use their beach and loungers. Just support the bar while there. Lots of snorkelling and sailing tours and would highly recommend doing one of those. The water is amazing. No long beaches to walk on. All in all a great island to come to to spend a few days.
People are very friendly. Good food from the street vendors. You can go to Iguana Reef Inn and use their beach and loungers. Just support the bar while there. Lots of snorkelling and sailing tours and would highly recommend doing one of those. The water is amazing. No long beaches to walk on. All in all a great island to come to to spend a few days.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunshinelpc
Toronto, Canada1,044 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We were there for 4D/3N but wish we could stay longer! 45 min water taxi from Belize city. Buy r/t tickets which are cheaper and return open ticket is valid for 3 months. You have to go slow as everywhere you go is chill! In march during our stay east side of the island is full of seaweeds and bad smell. The only place you can get into the water is at SPLIT. But west side of the island is calm and a couple of nice small beaches especially in front of Iguana reef inn!! Definitely come back again if I am in Belize again and check out northern Caye!
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can someone tell me where the animal shelter is in Caye Caulker?
Written December 20, 2023
We are cruising Carnival and are not excited about the offered excursions. Would this be difficult for 3 older women? Getting from port to water taxi to island?
Written December 20, 2022
Shouldn’t be difficult at all. You’ll just need to be keenly aware of times. The scheduled ferry service between Belize City and Caye Caulker is probably your best option.
Written December 21, 2022
We are taking a cruise to Belize city and would like to see book the excursion to Caye Caulker how long is the boat ride from BeIizeCity port to Caye Caulker? Thanks
Written November 27, 2022
Hi guys! We’re a young couple looking for a bit of fun and live music. When is the best day to take a day trip to Caye Caulker for this?
Written June 25, 2022
Hi
Does anyone know it there are boat tours from caye caulker to secret beach in san pedro?
Thanx for the help :)
Written January 15, 2022
Yes. Just ask around. Not sure if private messages are a thing on, here but if they are, message me and I’ll get you contact info.
Cate caulker is actually a very small island. After three to four days, you’ll have met nearly everyone on the island.
Written January 16, 2022
We’re so excited for our upcoming family trip to Caye caulkner in February, but still to book a place to stay for 9/10 nights.
We would like to be right on the beach. Doesn’t need to be the “big” beach of the spilt, but just a little patch of sand that my kids can play on and wade in the water (they’re only 2 and 4, so even a short walk to the beach can quickly unravel). Needs a small kitchen/kitchenette, reliable WiFi (my husband will be working remotely) and either 2 bedrooms or a sleeping area in the main area and one enclosed bedroom. Open to anything-Airbnb’s, boutique hotels, cabanas.
Also, can we book a puddle jumper flight and/or ferry upon landing , or do those need to be booked ahead?
Thank you!
Written November 15, 2021
There are dozens of places on AirBnB and VRBO to rent away from the Split, many with dozens of reviews already there for you to read.
You can walk up and purchase your ferry tickets when you arrive. Just get a taxi to the water port, and purchase an open ended round trip ferry, which will save you a few $$. You can book activities like fishing and sailing before you arrive, or when you get there. There are plenty of services to go around.
Written November 16, 2021
Hey! im interested in booking a manatee tour while in caye caulker (im aware there is no guarantees). looking for recommendations on tour companies that offer a manatee based tour opposed to multiple options (hol chan/shark ray etc) as ill be doing these while in san pedro.
thanks in advance
Written December 16, 2019
Going to be in Caye Caulker October 23,24,25th. Will there halloween parties that weekend? Do I need to pack a costume:)?
Written August 19, 2019
I have never been to Caulker for Halloween! I don’t know the answer to that question. I asked a friend there and of course Koko King, the Sports Bar, and the Split do have Halloween parties as per his answer to me, but he said it’s no big thing. My Halloween costume would be a swim suit!
I hope you enjoy my island! I go two to three times a year . I avoid October because Belize Dive Service is closed in October.
I wouldn’t pack a Halloween costume. Caulker is a working island, people are themselves. It’s not a party island.
Written August 20, 2019
We took a water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker on San Pedro Belize Express, they are the most reliable. We then took tours with Anda De Wata Tours & Raggamuffin Tours on the Island. When you get to Caye Caulker there are golf cart taxis waiting for people who arrive to be taken to their hostels, hotels, airbnb's or guesthouses. You can pretty much walk the entire Island like we did or ride a bike which most hotels or hostels have for your use. Hope this helps!
Written January 27, 2019
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