Caye Caulker, BZ
Caye Caulker to me is the gem of Belize. It's the best place to go to visit in the entire country and is certainly the 'don't miss' of the country. I wasn't all that aware of this fact when I was planning on coming. I thought from what I had heard and read that it would be a nice spot, relatively comparable to San Pedro. However it's nothing like San Pedro in my opinion. It's far superior. Caye Caulker is a really small island. Much smaller than Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, and you can feel it almost right away. The small island is lined with quaint colorful houses, all sand streets, local Caribbean-style restaurants, bars, and people. As you walk down the street you'll pass local barbeque spots serving up delicious jerk chicken meals straight from the grill, served at a little plastic table set up on the sand in front of the water. It's local, it's casual, and it's delicious. The island is so small that if you spend any real time on it you will know it within a few days. Every part of it. The people start to look familiar. It's one of those places, and I really enjoyed my time here. There's going to be lots of backpackers around. This place is much more common with backpackers than any other place in the country. So if that's what you are doing, then this is where you should go. There's young travelers all over the place, and there's plenty to do if you are one of them. There's a bunch of bars and stuff like that to go to at night that are fun. Cool local restaurants. Beautiful ocean on all sides. A few cool hostels to choose from, amazing scuba diving, good snorkeling, boat trips etc. Just generally there's a lot to do. I would say that after about a week you will run out of things to do and the island will start to feel mundane, but that's an island, and hey maybe that's exactly what you are looking for. If you are just traveling through a few days is perfect in Caye Caulker. If you want to settle in and just chill for a while, this place is also perfect for that. Long story short, if you have to pick one place to go to in the entire country of Belize, I would say that Caye Caulker is the answer to that question. It's much more authentic than any of the other Caribbean destinations, it's cheaper, prettier — just generally a more enjoyable place to visit and pass the time.
Caye Caulker is located in Northern Belize, about 10 miles south of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. It's just off the coast of Belize city and speaking in terms of islands, Caye Caulker is actually pretty easy to get to. You have a few options — by air and by sea. Obviously it's an island, so there's no way to get here by land. But the trip to get here won't take you all that long. People also frequently will go to San Pedro, then over here to Caye Caulker. If you do that, then go ahead and check out the San Pedro location section. If you are already in San Pedro, it's as easy as a quick ferry ride over to Caye Caulker.
If you are not coming from San Pedro, the directions are pretty similar to getting to San Pedro — just a different island. The ferry company will be the same, etc. etc.
The first thing you will need to do is get to Belize City. Once you have gotten there then there are two ways to arrive at the island. By ferry, or by plane. They have obvious differences when it comes to price, speed and comfort. Personally I think the ferry is a great option, you'll spend less money, and the ride on the ocean is fun and pretty. But the plane ride in will bring some spectacular views as well. Just pick your poison.
1. By Ferry - To get there by ferry you will have to take some form of bus or taxi transport from the airport in Belize City to the ferry station that is located here. You will have to buy a ticket for your ferry. They can be purchased, and schedules can be found here. You just need to get yourself to the ferry port in Belize City, and the rest is pretty straight forward. The ride out will take about an hour-and-a-half, and costs $21 one way, or $37 round trip.
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If you are driving in that is great too. Just be careful in Belize City where you park your car. It's notorious for theft and robberies. If you park it in one of the port lots and want to head out to the islands you won't have anything to worry about though. There's no car ferry out to the islands so you have to leave the rig. It will be fine. It's surveilled, with fences usually, and the golden rule of 'find someone to pay to park your car' is certainly in effect here. Your car will be fine. It will cost like $10 per day to park. I know — pretty brutal, but at least your stuff will be safe.
2. By Plane - You can also take a plane out to the island. This may be a pretty interesting experience, and probably one of the shortest flights you will ever take. The flight leaves from the Belize Airport (BZE) and will arrive at the Caye Caulker Airport (CUK). There are multiple flights per day, and it can be as little as $109 round trip. The flight will take about 5 minutes, it will probably be the shortest flight you ever take. You can see flights here through Maya Island Air. The plane will also be a tiny little 8-seater hopper. If that makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. If you think it's cool, then hey, this little plane might be a good option for you.
Once you arrive in Caye Caulker is pretty self explanatory. Enjoy this extremely chill and laid-back life. The slogan here is go slow, so do that.
One thing that is notable about the island is that it's split into two parts. Literally split by a part called "The Split". There will be more info on that below. The southern portion is much more inhabited. Significantly, actually. With the northern part being primarily mangroves, a few cool beaches and some resorts. It's worth visiting though. In order to get to the northern side of the island from the split, you need to take a boat across. It's super-cheap and certainly worth doing.
HOSTELS, CAMPING, AND HOTELS (IF ANY)
There's a lot of housing options in Caye Caulker. The main draw for the island is tourism, and that's practically where the entire economy comes from so your housing options will be broad. They run up and down the spectrum with semi-luxury hotel options to little fleabag motel types. There's also a lot of Airbnb options that are pretty nice here. You're going to get a cute little spot for not that much money. It's a really good way to stay here on the island I would say.
But other than hotels and Airbnb, the hostel scene here is really good. There's only two of them on the island really. But they are good. Some obviously better than others. They do have a tendency to sell out though. Especially on holiday weekends. I ended up homeless here with nowhere to stay for a few days. — Was lucky enough to rent a hammock for a few nights, but it's never a fun position to be in...
This place is the clear victor when it comes to hostels on the island. It's by far the most popular, the most comfortable, and the most filled with travelers. It's a great spot right on the water with big courtyards, pretty nice dorms, and lots of activities. They have their own boat there too, and they will do sunset and day time booze cruises. Certainly the top choice if you are looking for a nice and social place. Dorms will be like $13.
This is a much more laid-back place. I stayed here in a hammock for a few nights. It's going to be a lot more chill and relaxed than Bellas. A much smaller place as well. It's just a few buildings and a dorm. All really colorfully painted and such. There's a nice little common outdoor area section where everyone kind of congregates. Accom is certainly basic, but that draws a pretty cool crowd as well. If you're looking for something a but more low-key, then tropical oasis could be it. Dorms will be like $16.
EATS
The food in Caye Caulker is pretty good. Belize and the majority of Central America isn't exactly known for its food. But the food here is specific. It's island Caribbean food. With that you're going to have things like Caribbean jerk chicken, lots of chicken and rice. That kind of stuff. Of course there is also tons of seafood. Here in Caye Caulker there are places all over the place to pick up some barbeque. I would say from my time on the island that's the most local thing you can get. Some barbeque from the side of the road.
You will have a lot of options here. It is a tourist island after all. But it's more true to its roots than the other islands and locations in Belize. There's a lot of international options, but still plenty of local flair to keep you busy for a long time.
Restaurants
The best of the best on the island. Absolutely not to be missed. Go for sunset for an awesome 2-for-1 cocktail deal, and then stay for a delicious plate of home-made food. It's all amazing. Go back a few times and try different things. Jerk chicken, lobster, conch, everything Caribbean. It's great. The sides are awesome too.
This is what I am referring to when I talk about the little barbeque pop-up spots on the side of the dirt road. This is just a delicious and easy and cheap stop for lunch. Everything is served in styrofoam boxes (unfortunately), so it's easy to either eat there on their little tables, or to take it to go. The local street food.
A cute little western spot right on the water. They have seats and tables with an ocean view, serve breakfast sandwiches, good sandwiches in general, smoothies, coffee, etc. A great spot for the morning.
A slightly more upscale place to come get nice Caribbean dinner plates. A good place to come out to dinner if you plan to go out at night after.
One of the restaurants on the main road. It's also got a view of the ocean. But almost everything does. This place has really cheap food. If you want to save money and get a decent meal, come here for their specials.
An absolutely delicious, but upscale place on the island. Not for people who are on a budget. My dad came and visited me here, so I was lucky enough to be treated to a fancy meal.
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Best local spot on the island to try the classic fry jacks of Belize.
Best local spot on the island for breakfast and coffee. In a cute little building off of one of the main roads. They will have the typical eggs and fry jacks meal here. — Easy, cheap and good place to start the day.
Okay so this place is special. It was my favorite meal in Belize. A local guy named 'Willy', who is a legend, barbeques food from his kitchen in his house and serves it to people in his backyard. He's open most days, but really whenever he wants to be open. It's a great way to eat local, support local, and literally have a home-made meal. He will often come join you at the table after making your food, for a Belikin and a chat.
A funny little spot. It's a bar as well. They are located next to where the ferry drops off. To stay out of the rain for a bit I stopped here and got some delicious and extremely cheap chicken fingers.
Little low key local spot a few streets back from town. Off the beaten path, but certainly worth it. The food is quality and priced right. Nice spot for a casual dinner.
I would say this place is more of a bar, but it has food as well. It's a great little spot on the west side of the island, so it gets great sunsets. One of the better places to come for a drink and a snack at the end of the day.
and many more...
Go explore. There are restaurants all over the place. I could never even scratch the surface if I tried on food options here, but this is a good start. Go explore — try something new.
NIGHTLIFE
I had a great time when it comes to the nightlife here in Caye Caulker. The Caribbean is certainly a place that is used to having a lot of drinking culture, and Cay Caulker is no exception. There's not a lot to the nightlife here, — only a few places, so it's really easy to get the best out of it right away which I kind of like. There's only a few places to go but they are fun. It's a pretty laid-back nightlife, not to say that people aren't going to be drinking pretty heavily. It's just more like dive-bar vibes everywhere. Wood, salt-stained walls, cheap beer, and shots of well... liquor, bare feet, sweaty tourists, and locals mixed in together.
That all being said about the nightlife, it can certainly get old if you stay long enough. But I would say that most people reading this don't plan to spend weeks in Caye Caulker, so you shouldn't have to worry about that.
Bars and Clubs
So on Google it says that this place is temporarily closed. After doing some research, apparently it burned down. Sad. Going to leave it here in the hopes it reopens. This was pretty much the staple of nightlife here in Caye Caulker when I was there. It was always full of people. There was typically live music, and everyone was always drunk. It was my favorite place to go out here.
Awesome spot in town. It's typically reserved for the late-night gatherings, and from my experience it wasn't open every night, but when it was it was full of people, and quite a party. I would recommend going here at least once. Will be a big local crowd here, which is a reason to go.
This is all the way to the north of the island. As far as you can walk until you get to the split where you have to take a boat to the other side of the island. But this is a huge outdoor bar. It's likely the most popular place on the island to drink. It's a 'must go' at least once for some drinks. They have big parties at the split sometimes, and this is the bar they are referring to. Fun but can be touristy.
A bar out on a dock right over the water. A cool spot to grab a drink on the ocean.
Another bar over the ocean here on a dock. Also a good spot to grab a drink and be right over the sea.
A cool little dive bar spot in the center of town. They frequently have live music, a guy with an acoustic guitar, and not much more, but it's a relaxed and fun place to grab some drinks.
SIGHTS
Caye Caulker is an undoubtedly beautiful place. The water is crystal clear blue, the sand is pure white, and it's a stereotypically stunning piece of the Caribbean. However, I don't know if you have ever been to the Caribbean, but if you stay for long enough you will run out of things to do. There isn't a whole lot to do here other than eat, look at the ocean, swim in the ocean, go out at night, — what have you. There are a number of cool things to do here, but one of the best things to do here is nothing. Take it easy, go slow as they say here in Caye Caulker, and just chill and take it all in.
The scuba diving around Belize is really world class. The reefs surrounding Caye Caulker have excellent diving and if you are a diver, or if you are even looking to learn how to dive then this is a great place to do so. The diving won't be as cheap as it is in other Latin American countries, but it's not super expensive either. I went with Scuba Sensation, and they were really great. Locally owned and all that. You'll see lots of nurse sharks, lion fish, big walls and great reefs.
'The Split' is a narrow channel that divides the island of Caye Caulker into northern and southern parts. It's the most popular destination on the island. Theres a bunch to do over there, like visiting a big bar and restaurant and a huge open sand area. But also you can go over there and pay a few bucks to cross over to the much less inhabited portion of the island on the northern side. There are some beaches over there and it's generally just fun to explore over there. One of the better things you can do to fill up a day.
DO NOTHING
Like I said above you are on an island. Life is slow on this island. Your food will take a lot of time to come. There shouldn't really be any alarm clocks. Open and close hours are very subject to change. Nothing is really adhered to by a strict time-frame. So one of the best things on the island to do is to just do absolutely nothing.
There's a hotel here that for better or for worse feeds a bunch of massive stingrays every afternoon. It's a pretty cool thing to see — about 20 or more stingrays come every day into the shallows, and tourists come to watch them feed. It's touristy, but pretty cool.
SURFING
Flat, flat Caribbean Sea.