Top 10 Things to Do on Caye Caulker, Belize
Last Updated on January 12, 2024
Belize was one of the highlights of our five-month trip in South and Central America. Here are our personal recommendations on the top things to do on Caye Caulker!
Traveling from Mexico to the Caribbean coast of Belize, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t welcome the transition. From the touristy towns and bumpy streets of the Yucatan Peninsula, we arrived to the breezy reggae beats and killer beaches on Caye Caulker. I threw my hands in the sky and let the wind take me.
Caye Caulker is the Caribbean without all-inclusive resorts and holidaymakers. Instead you’ll find clear waters, lots of hippies and reggae-loving locals, laid-back hostels and Caribbean atmosphere. There are no roads, no pollution, no loud noises. Just soft winds, light music and the endless sea. It turned out to be the favorite part of our Belize itinerary. For those who want to get to know the island inside out, here are some of the essential things to do on Caye Caulker.
Table of Contents
- Top Things to Do on Caye Caulker
- 1. Snorkel with Sharks
- 2. Eat Barbecued Seafood at Wish Willy
- 3. Dive the Blue Hole
- 4. Chill at the Split
- 5. Stay at Popeye’s Beach Resort
- 6. Groove to Reggae Music
- 7. Go Sunset Sailing
- 8. Try Street Tacos
- 9. Kayak to the Northern Mangrove Reserve
- 10. Mingle with the Locals
- Enjoy your Belize Trip!
- What did I miss? What’s your favorite thing to do on Caye Caulker?
Top Things to Do on Caye Caulker
1. Snorkel with Sharks
You heard me. You get to literally swim around schools of nurse sharks and large stingrays at the famed Shark-Ray Alley. Don’t worry, they don’t bite. Visibility in the water is as clear as it can get and snorkeling conditions are close to perfect. This was by far our favorite thing to do on Caye Caulker.
If you only have time for one day trip, make it this trip. Snorkeling trips that take you out here also bring you to nearby Hol-Chan marine reserve. Marine life is abundant here – we even got to swim beside a manatee! It was a surreal experience as the giant slowly glided past us, so gently and relaxingly.
READ: How to Get to Caye Caulker Island
2. Eat Barbecued Seafood at Wish Willy
You can’t go to Belize and not try barbecued seafood (vegetarians, maybe make an exception?). Fresh lobsters, fish and shrimps literally go from the sea to barbecue pits, and they don’t get any fresher than that. Wish Willy’s on Caye Caulker definitely stands out as the cheapest, tastiest and most atmospheric.
It’s a simple wooden shack right on the beach, but it’s got all the personality you can ask for. The friendly owner welcomes everyone like an old friend. I recommend the seafood buffet, with unlimited lobster, fish, meat included for 40 Belizean Dollar (US$20). They’ve got really good cocktails like margaritas and mojitos as well.
3. Dive the Blue Hole
This submarine cave is legendary and many scuba divers from around the world come to Belize just for the Great Blue Hole. The circular Blue Hole is over 330m in diameter and 120m deep. From the air, the round patch of dark blue waters surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and coral reefs looks unbelievable. It was formed when the roof of a limestone cave system collapsed during the ice age.
Sadly this is not for beginners: we didn’t get to try it as we only had the PADI basic open water license. For those with advanced licenses, check out Scuba School and Family Dive Center, which has the best reviews on TripAdvisor.
4. Chill at the Split
The Belizeans’ positive and laid back attitude shows at the Split. They’ve transformed the result of a disaster into something beautiful. The Split was formed in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie hit, splitting Caye Caulker in two. Located at the northern end of Front Street on Caye Caulker, it’s a popular place to chill, snorkel and hang out. The shallow waters are clear, refreshing and full of marine life. Plus there are beach bars right on the side of the Spit, so you can literally pull your beach benches out and sit in the water while drinking an ice cold beer.
5. Stay at Popeye’s Beach Resort
If you’re looking for somewhere casual, simple and local to stay at, then you’ll have to check out Popeye’s Beach Resort. We stayed here for a week and really enjoyed hanging out and mingling with locals right at our hostel. It’s perched on the waterfront, right next to the water taxi dock and steps from other bars, so you can’t get more central than that. It’s cheap and clean, and you can choose from dorm beds to private rooms. Alberto and I chose a private room, but we still found it easy to make friends and socialize with people because of the atmosphere at the resort. Check prices here.
6. Groove to Reggae Music
Knock back a Belikin (local beer) or two at I&I Reggae Bar on the southern end of the caye. This is a true Caribbean reggae haven – swings hang from the ceiling, hammocks on the rooftop, oh and a perfect spot to catch the sunset. Ask around, and all the locals will point you in this direction. This was our favorite bar to hang out at during the week we spent at Caye Caulker. You’ll also find it easy to meet Belize locals here. It’s got good vibes baby!
7. Go Sunset Sailing
Sail off into the wind, with rum punch and shrimp cerviche in hand and a Rastafarian captain – sunset sailing trips are a great way to get under Belize’s skin. Instead of taking a long and boring bus ride, four-day sailboat trips are also an excellent alternative to get from Caye Caulker to other parts of Belize. Ragga Muffin Tours arrange overnight sailboat trips from Caye Caulker to Placencia. What’s on the itinerary? Fishing, chilling, island-hopping and fresh seafood everyday. Alternatively, daytrips on the sailboats can also be organized, with snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley included. We absolutely loved our sailing trip and couldn’t have asked for a better way to enjoy the sea in Belize.
8. Try Street Tacos
Street food is always top on my list of food to try in a new country. It’s such a great way to get to know a place and its food. on Caye Caulker, you can easily find tacos stands across the marine terminal where the main pier is at. These are usually really cheap — around three tacos for 2 Belizean dollars (US$1). There are even more street tacos stands in San Pedro, a bigger town on Ambergris Caye. The town’s plaza (main square) is lined with tons of tacos stands, in true Mexican style.
9. Kayak to the Northern Mangrove Reserve
The northern end of Caye Caulker is uninhabited, occupied by dense mangrove swamps. Kayaking to the mangrove reserve makes for a fun excursion, especially in the mornings when birdlife is rich. Tsunami Adventures arrange kayaking trips for B$15 (US$7.50) in the first hour and B$10 (US$5) for subsequent hours. It’s really easy to kayak in the calm waters around the northern part of Caye Caulker, so don’t worry if you don’t have any experience. Book their trips here!
10. Mingle with the Locals
Belizeans are a friendly bunch of people – this is after all the Caribbean. Locals love making jokes, chatting anyone up on the streets and just having a good time. We had dinner with our boat man, who told us stories about Caye Caulker and how it was like growing up on Caye Caulker. Like they say, the best way to know a country is through its people, so don’t be shy and get to know the locals! It will make your trip all the more meaningful.
Enjoy your Belize Trip!
I hope this list of things to do in Caye Caulker has helped you plan your trip. There are plenty of things to do in Belize: we continued on to Ambergris Caye from Caye Caulker and then ventured further to Placiencia and inland to San Ignacio. If you’re looking for more Belize tips, check out this post on things to do in San Ignacio, Belize.
If you need help planning what to do on your trip, refer to this 1-week Belize itinerary or this one that includes Guatemala.
What did I miss? What’s your favorite thing to do on Caye Caulker?
The Comments
Carmel
Oh wow, I cant believe that snorkling, and they definetely dont bite?
Nellie
Carmelyeh they really don't. They're nurse sharks, not big whites. At Shark Ray Alley, there're also tons of manta rays that glide by you with no qualms. The unfortunate thing is that they bring tourists out there, and guides tend to feed the sharks and make it all seem abit like being in the aquarium. Nonetheless, they really take good care of their nature park, and it's an incredible experience getting so close to the marine life.
Carmel
NellieI bet it is, and there seems to be so many of them aswel, Id love to think I wouldnt panic but Im pretty sure I would :)
nomadic matt
The split looks just as good as it did when I went to belize but wish willy's as sure blown up! When I went there 3 yrs ago, you either got fish or chicken and there was no buffet and a lot less people.
Nellie
nomadic mattSad to hear that, but that's what happens when tourism develops. Even Caye Caulker, relatively less touristy than most places in the region, is getting more and more hyped and receiving more travelers by the day. :( Let's think of the bright side – it's good for the Belizean economy and the local folks.
Spot
Perhaps the most beautiful natural sight I've seen in my life was off of Caye Caulker. It was an overnight sailing trip. There were absolutely no clouds and no wind. The sea was like glass and reflected the bright stars above such that it was impossible to tell where the sky stopped and the Caribbean began. It was exactly like being on a sailboat in the middle of the universe.
admin
Hey Justin, wow compliments coming from another travel writer – I really appreciate that! Thanks and I’m glad it was of help. I did some guidebook writing in Guatemala as well, what book are you researching for? I’ll be checking out your travels as well, stay in touch.
ayngelina
I really didn’t like Caye Caulker at all, felt it was too touristy for my RTW. That said, you did a great round up of what to do there and the taco woman really is a highlight there and should not be missed.
Pauline Fisk
I visited Caye Caulker in 2008 whilst in Belize researching for a novel about gap year volunteering(In the Trees, published by Faber& Faber). I agree with all you’ve said, especially about the people. Look up Oasi Apartments with their lush, green garden and Tina’s Backpacker Hostel which was great for hammocks, good company and lovely seafront location. An early morning bird walk with a lady called Dorothy who lives down in the mangroves in the littoral forest at the south of the island was pretty special too.
Teporah
I loved Cay Caulker, thanks for bringing back the memories
Leticia S Eismann
Kayaks, Manta rays, snorkeling, seafood, tacos, sailboats and reggae =) I love all that !!! I think I wanna go and live there as my retirement plan, and I can help develop sustainable tourism which is my expertise in Brazil :) I speak both english and spanish , do you think I have a chance? Is there any shelter for hurricanes in the island? Thanks for the inspirational post!
Parker
Hello Nellie,
The Mangrove Kayak tour sounds amazing and definitely something we want to do when we’re in Caye Caulker the middle of January. I wasn’t able to find details regarding Tsunami Adventure’s guided tours from their site. Is it a good trip to do yourself without a tour guide?
Thanks!
Parker
Nellie Huang
Parkerhi Parker, yes you can easily rent kayaks and head over there yourself. It’s relatively easy though will take a few hours for a return trip. That said, you need to be experienced in kayaking.
Armando Med
By any chance you can provide the price to sunset sailing
Nellie Huang
Armando MedI’m afraid it’s been a while since we went on the sunset sailing trip. Here’s a link to the Raggamuffins TripAdvisor page where you can read more reviews and contact them directly for prices.
marlene garay
Hi everyone. Wanted to let you all know about an attraction that’s not listed on this site. It’s called the Belize zoo and tropical Education Center. It’s located 25 miles from Belize City. It’s a fantastic zoo, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. My sister is the founder and director of that zoo.
Sharon
Loved Belize! The barrier reef snorkeling was fantastic as well as the shark swim. After the shark swim we were served fresh pineapple and cool water. So refreshing. Best shrimp ceviche and cinnamon buns on Caye Caulker. Great article!
Lala Maverick
AWe the memories- Coffee, morning conversation with Maurice, split all day, the Barrier Reef Sports bar until close (FreeBird) off to I&I then off to a bar at the very southern point ( Can’t remeber the name), yes street Tacos with Bats flying over. I belize! Next time the sailing trip. I left out fishing with Piggy!
Thanks for writing- enjoyed the walk back in time and always no bad days!
Sophie Brentlinger
Hi there! Thanks for the informative article, makes me very excited for my upcoming trip to Belize! How long do you think a traveler should stay in Caye Caulker? We are visiting many places in Central America, and originally had planned for three days in Caye Caulker. From what I’ve learned, it sounds like we should extend our stay!
Nellie Huang
Sophie Brentlingerhey Sophie, it’s not a big island, so three days are enough. We had also originally planned for three days, but we fell in love with the island so ended up staying much longer.