The Split
4
About
Great place to spend the day! There is a great bar and grill called The Lazy Lizard that has excellent food and cold drinks. The split is a body of water separating North and South Caye Caulker. It is a great place to snorkel for free. There is a dock for sun bathing and easy access to the water. There is also a fishing area for those that want to try their luck. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience The Split and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
89 within 3 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Cecilia HGulf Breeze, Florida178 contributionsBeautiful place but not too localThis is a beautiful location and the water is so clear, great people watching, fun high jump, boats passing by, enclosed area for kids to swim. There are also chairs or wall for sunset watching and tables with shade plus corn hole and other games. My only complaint is no outside food or drink is allowed and the prices are quite high compared to other bars on the island. It is worth once but not every day. There are bathrooms but they are pretty nasty.Visited March 2020Traveled with familyWritten April 23, 2020
- Joshua DAlbuquerque, New Mexico55 contributionsAll of Caye Caulker, Not Just The SplitAs of late 2019 anyway, free of roads, crowds and stress. Just a 40 minute water taxi away from Belize City, Caye Caulker is the ideal destination if a generally quiet but partying-friendly Caribbean scene with minimal pressures at a reasonable cost is your goal. English and the dollar are used, which makes it easy to navigate. Speaking or which, on my first visit, I managed to walk up and down and across every road south of the split in eight hours. Wonderful feeling, nearby reef with copious boat, sailing, snorkeling, diving and other excursion options, great, calm beaches and some good food as well. Across the Split, sunrise and sunset are just 100 meters or less apart. Hard to beat for the ease, cost and relaxation.Visited November 2019Written March 15, 2020
- graypoe4 contributionsWorth the trip!The Split at Cay Caulker, Belize, is a party-like fun little spot to chill, relax and enjoy the Caribbean without being hazed by pushy over-zealous sales tactics... in fact, this was the only place I went to where I was NOT constantly being sold or uphold by someone pushing their items on me. It was sooo nice to be able to just sit, relax, have a nice lunch and reasonably priced cocktails while watching the sunset after an exhilarating day of snorkeling with sharks and rays! I'll definitely add this to my "must come back to" list! :)Visited March 2020Written March 16, 2020
- disappointed1 contributionRip OffThis was our second time visiting Caye Caulker and the island has severely declined. They were charging to use the bathroom at the split so my friend was looking for another location to go to the bathroom and fell and broke her wrist. I think they are greedy and the food is lacking.Visited January 2020Written February 19, 2020
- Claire198 contributionsFun hangout spotDidn’t stay here for long but loved the location. You can eat, drink or swim in the ocean right next to the restaurant. You can just hangout and have fun here. We got the famous lazy lizard drink that turns your tongue blue! Really a great tourist spot and you can take lots of pictures here. If you are at caye calker you should come here! This place is especially fun for family’s with older kids or young adults.Visited July 2019Traveled with familyWritten May 11, 2020
- First AboardNew York City, New York46 contributionsAwesome time at The SplitSuch a relaxed and friendly vibe- you are bound to put your feet up and enjoy. Many great seaside bars and chairs near the beach. Great picture opportunity in front of “The Split” sign. Music is played from one of the cafe bars, so the vibe is really easygoing and fun-filled. A good mix of locals and tourists enjoying their time.Visited May 2021Traveled soloWritten May 24, 2021
- ScmSeattle, Washington120 contributionsNice Amenities - But Busy and OverpricedThe split is the quintessential tourist trap. While the grounds themselves are pretty fun and open, overall it feels like it falls short due to the constant influx of booze boats showing up from San Pedro. The drinks are approximately double to triple other places nearby. The place gets overcrowded around the mid-afternoon by all the boats from San Pedro - and they HEAVILY cater to those folks vs. the people who walk in. Worth stopping by, but I doubt you will spend more than an hour/two drinks.Visited February 2020Written April 7, 2020
- Rowan HCairns, Australia1,353 contributionsThe place for sunsetThe Split is a channel that divides Caye Caulker into northern and southern components. It was believed to have formed in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Hattie that hit Belize in 1961. From a tourist perspective ‘The Split’ is used as ‘the’ daytime swimming and hangout place. Because it doesn’t collect seaweed like a lot of the beaches and is relatively free of rocks it is a good place to swim. It’s turquoise waters also add to the allure. A number of bars have also set up around the split including ‘The Lazy Lizard’ which screams “I’m on holiday”. We found it a lovely place to enjoy sunset and have a swim and drink. Once darkness occur the whole place shuts down and the party moves more towards the central dock area of the island.Visited September 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten September 11, 2022
- connyp561Madison, Wisconsin133 contributionsNoisy and dirtyThis highly-hyped area of Caye Caulker is the "social gathering spot", drawing scores of boats of tourists every day. If you want a party atmosphere, here's your spot. We were looking for quiet relaxation, but the amplified music, kareoke contests, diving contests, drinking contests, all destroyed the beauty of this place. We understand that this area was bought by an international corporation several years ago. They have ruined the spot. Trash and litter is left lying everywhere, even though there are trash cans available.Visited March 2020Written March 19, 2020
- Ottilia BYork, United Kingdom120 contributionsProbably overratedIt's OK. The views of the water is just amezing but for actually getting in the water we found a nicer spot on Caye Caulker. It is generally very busy with drinking adults, so if you are there to meet people it could be a good place. The current is very strong by the split and people ofter underestimate it. My husband had to guide two very panicked people how to get out of the water after jumping in without actually looking at the water before. The protected swimming area is fairly small. Planty if sunbeds around although it can get busy when the tour-boats arrive.Visited December 2021Traveled with familyWritten December 31, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
552 reviews
Excellent
243
Very good
174
Average
92
Poor
27
Terrible
16
disappointed
1 contribution
Jan 2020
This was our second time visiting Caye Caulker and the island has severely declined. They were charging to use the bathroom at the split so my friend was looking for another location to go to the bathroom and fell and broke her wrist. I think they are greedy and the food is lacking.
Written February 19, 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.
Claire
198 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Didn’t stay here for long but loved the location. You can eat, drink or swim in the ocean right next to the restaurant. You can just hangout and have fun here. We got the famous lazy lizard drink that turns your tongue blue! Really a great tourist spot and you can take lots of pictures here. If you are at caye calker you should come here! This place is especially fun for family’s with older kids or young adults.
Written May 11, 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.
First Aboard
New York City, NY46 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Such a relaxed and friendly vibe- you are bound to put your feet up and enjoy. Many great seaside bars and chairs near the beach. Great picture opportunity in front of “The Split” sign. Music is played from one of the cafe bars, so the vibe is really easygoing and fun-filled. A good mix of locals and tourists enjoying their time.
Written May 24, 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.
Scm
Seattle, WA120 contributions
Feb 2020
The split is the quintessential tourist trap. While the grounds themselves are pretty fun and open, overall it feels like it falls short due to the constant influx of booze boats showing up from San Pedro.
The drinks are approximately double to triple other places nearby.
The place gets overcrowded around the mid-afternoon by all the boats from San Pedro - and they HEAVILY cater to those folks vs. the people who walk in.
Worth stopping by, but I doubt you will spend more than an hour/two drinks.
The drinks are approximately double to triple other places nearby.
The place gets overcrowded around the mid-afternoon by all the boats from San Pedro - and they HEAVILY cater to those folks vs. the people who walk in.
Worth stopping by, but I doubt you will spend more than an hour/two drinks.
Written April 7, 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.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,353 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The Split is a channel that divides Caye Caulker into northern and southern components. It was believed to have formed in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Hattie that hit Belize in 1961.
From a tourist perspective ‘The Split’ is used as ‘the’ daytime swimming and hangout place. Because it doesn’t collect seaweed like a lot of the beaches and is relatively free of rocks it is a good place to swim. It’s turquoise waters also add to the allure. A number of bars have also set up around the split including ‘The Lazy Lizard’ which screams “I’m on holiday”.
We found it a lovely place to enjoy sunset and have a swim and drink.
Once darkness occur the whole place shuts down and the party moves more towards the central dock area of the island.
From a tourist perspective ‘The Split’ is used as ‘the’ daytime swimming and hangout place. Because it doesn’t collect seaweed like a lot of the beaches and is relatively free of rocks it is a good place to swim. It’s turquoise waters also add to the allure. A number of bars have also set up around the split including ‘The Lazy Lizard’ which screams “I’m on holiday”.
We found it a lovely place to enjoy sunset and have a swim and drink.
Once darkness occur the whole place shuts down and the party moves more towards the central dock area of the island.
Written September 11, 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.
connyp561
Madison, WI133 contributions
Mar 2020
This highly-hyped area of Caye Caulker is the "social gathering spot", drawing scores of boats of tourists every day. If you want a party atmosphere, here's your spot. We were looking for quiet relaxation, but the amplified music, kareoke contests, diving contests, drinking contests, all destroyed the beauty of this place. We understand that this area was bought by an international corporation several years ago. They have ruined the spot. Trash and litter is left lying everywhere, even though there are trash cans available.
Written March 19, 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.
Ottilia B
York, UK120 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
It's OK. The views of the water is just amezing but for actually getting in the water we found a nicer spot on Caye Caulker. It is generally very busy with drinking adults, so if you are there to meet people it could be a good place. The current is very strong by the split and people ofter underestimate it. My husband had to guide two very panicked people how to get out of the water after jumping in without actually looking at the water before. The protected swimming area is fairly small. Planty if sunbeds around although it can get busy when the tour-boats arrive.
Written December 31, 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.
M. C.Canuck
29 contributions
Feb 2020
The split is a nice place to hang out for the day. It has a nice quasi- party-like atmosphere and there are sufficient places to swim and with shade. (The Caye strangely has a lack of beach and access to water as the beachside as is a continuous marina.) The Split does not allow peddlers as they have a constable assigned to that site. It’s a nice place to intermingle and converse with people from all over the world.
Written March 10, 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.
michelle h
8 contributions
Jul 2022
My family and I (kids 14, 13, 10) visited this spot in July 2022 a few times on our trip. We enjoyed the proximity to our hotel. It wasn't super crowded at least during the off season. The kids LOVED swimming and playing on the yellow ring floatation toy with the local kids and other tourists. They also had a blast jumping off a dive platform into the water. There is a current that looks strong between the islands, but they didn't venture off far enough for it to be a problem. It would also be a fun place to have drinks for partying with friends. There is loud music playing the whole time so this isn't the place to hangout out if you want peace and quiet. My oldest joined in on a volleyball game too.
Written August 4, 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.
maserk
Colorado Springs, CO1,748 contributions
Feb 2021
It was really windy the day we visited, so we would have enjoyed the swimming and lounging in the sun a little more if it had been slightly warmer. We sat in the chairs overlooking The Split to enjoy the sun, birds, and water. We got smoothies from the little shake/smoothie shack nearby.
There is a place you can walk down some stairs and get into the sea water where it's sort of walled off and shallow, almost like a kids pool. You can take a drink and sit on stools in the water there, which would be great on a hot day.
On the east side of that area is a jumping/diving platform where you can jump into the water. The current in the split itself was fairly strong, which you could "ride" like a fast "lazy river" from the shallow area part way down The Split to a ladder where you could climb out. If you missed the ladder though, I'm not sure how you would get out, as it's pretty high up to where the chairs are overlooking the water.
The next day, after we had been out snorkeling on a nice catamaran, we went through The Split to get back to the southeast side of the island where we had embarked. It was a great view of the area from the water.
There is a place you can walk down some stairs and get into the sea water where it's sort of walled off and shallow, almost like a kids pool. You can take a drink and sit on stools in the water there, which would be great on a hot day.
On the east side of that area is a jumping/diving platform where you can jump into the water. The current in the split itself was fairly strong, which you could "ride" like a fast "lazy river" from the shallow area part way down The Split to a ladder where you could climb out. If you missed the ladder though, I'm not sure how you would get out, as it's pretty high up to where the chairs are overlooking the water.
The next day, after we had been out snorkeling on a nice catamaran, we went through The Split to get back to the southeast side of the island where we had embarked. It was a great view of the area from the water.
Written March 1, 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.
zbethnj
Norristown, PA81 contributions
How wide is the split? Can you swim across it?
King David Belize
Belize City, Belize53 contributions
if you are a great swimmer and swim across strong currents then yes you can swim across . It maybe be about 5 to 6 boat lengths thereabouts
Nathen B
Dubach, LA99 contributions
What is the ideal form of transport to Caye Caulker? We will be on a cruise ship and have time restrictions. We would prefer a water taxi.
BudhaCanada
Lindsay, Canada39 contributions
Sorry, just saw this. Yes there is a 30 min water taxi ride in a very nice taxi.
Jen
Hastings, Canada42 contributions
How does one get from across the split to the other side of the island?
BillyK1980
Melbourne, Australia2,387 contributions
I swam across
pamscottshandy
Lenexa, KS86 contributions
We have never been to Caye Caulker and wondering if it's okay to go for 9 days. And is it easy to get on a ferry to go other places and to go to Belize City. Do we just take the airport and Ferry with our car 2K Caulker
Laura
North Carolina34 contributions
Hi there! I would say you could definitely spend 9 days if you're going to do excursions off the island like going to Mayan ruins, cave tubbing or snorkeling. The island is beautiful and you'll have an amazing time, but 9 days just on the island could get to be too much if you don't venture out.
The ferry is offered by two companies, but the San Pedro Express company is a little bit of a nicer boat, though slightly more $. You would take an airport taxi to the water taxi terminal (about $50BZD though more for many passengers). Then, you'll check your larger bags with the water taxi staff at the curb, walk to the office to purchase tickets, and wait for the next water taxi. It's kind of chaotic when waiting in line for the taxi, but you'll make it aboard! The ride is about 45 minutes and stops at Caye Caulker before going on to San Pedro (assuming you use the San Pedro Express company).
If you want to go on many excursions or very far into the country of Belize, I don't advise staying on Caye Caulker for the full 9 days. For example, if you want to go to the ATM Caves or Xunantunich ruins, you'd have about a 45 min water tax ride & 2 hour bus ride each way (at least). If you want a more jungle experience, stay at Pook's Hill Lodge or Bocawina Lodge. They're both very authentic and have amazing staff. I hope this help!
Lrcat
Boulder, CO27 contributions
We are planning to visit in May. Does anyone know when renovations will be complete? thanks
Hi Lrcat,
The main swimming area and seawall will be completed by then. There will be renovations ongoing for the back of our property, but the bar/restaurant area and swimming/Beach area will be completed. It has taken longer than the estimate that the engineers gave us. It is going to be beautiful when done. Even with the construction, there is no better place on the island for the wonderful Caribbean breeze and beautiful view from our second floor dining area. Looking forward to having you as our guests :)
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingThe Split - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Split
- We recommend booking The Split tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Split tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Split:
- (0.04 mi) Mara's Place
- (0.10 mi) CayeReef
- (0.05 mi) Sea Dreams Hotel
- (0.05 mi) Caye Caulker Condos
- (0.07 mi) Sophie's Guest Rooms
- Restaurants near The Split:
- (0.01 mi) Gelato italiano Anna & Armando
- (0.02 mi) Pizza Al Taglio
- (0.03 mi) The Anchor at Caye Caulker
- (0.04 mi) Lazy Lizard
- (0.09 mi) Dee N' D's
The Split Information
Excellent Reviews | 243 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 174 |
The Split Photos | 354 |