20 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker Belize

It had been 20 years because the final time we visited Caye Caulker; at the moment, we have been backpacking by means of Central America on a scuba diving journey. This time, we have been targeted on having fun with all the issues to do in Caye Caulker outdoors of learning for our Dive Grasp’s course, and we have been so excited to be again. Hopping on a flight from Belize Metropolis, we landed on Caye Caulker, which is only a 10-minute flight from mainland Belize. As we flew over the turquoise waters suffering from cayes and atolls, we felt excited to revisit locations like Shark Ray Alley and take a look at new issues, like a scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap. Oh yeah, this was going to be enjoyable!

Greatest Issues to Do in Caye Caulker

Backpackers have at all times loved the island vibe and low costs of Caye Caulker over the neighboring island of Ambergris Caye. This tiny island is barely 5 miles lengthy and one mile extensive, the place roads are manufactured from sand and vehicles are changed by golf carts. However you’ll quickly see on this Caye Caulker journey information that what Caye Caulker lacks in measurement, it makes up for in journey.

Keep at El Ben Cabañas on Caye Caulker North

The north facet of Caye Caulker is slowly changing into a luxurious escape from the extra backpacker vibe of Caye Caulker South. We stayed at El Ben Cabañas on the island’s north facet and had complimentary water taxis to Caye Caulker city all through the day on a daily schedule. Staying right here felt like a tropical paradise as we had a non-public luxurious seashore cabana with air-con, a fantastic non-public veranda, and two outside swimming pools.

El Ben additionally had a superb restaurant value visiting, even if you happen to keep at one of many Caye Caulker motels on the south facet. It’s straightforward to get to by way of their free water taxi or the Break up water taxi shuttle, which prices $5 per particular person. It’s then only a five-minute stroll to El Ben Cabañas.

1. Nice Blue Blue Gap Scenic Flight

The Nice Blue Gap is a pure marvel that’s an underwater sinkhole positioned off the coast of Belize, close to the middle of Lighthouse Reef. This outstanding geological formation, roughly 300 meters (984 ft) in diameter and 124 meters (407 ft) deep, is seen from area! (So they are saying)

The Great Blue Hole is a part of the extra intensive Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The opening was initially a limestone cave system earlier than collapsing and forming this spectacular vertical cave. It grew to become well-known after being explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1971, who declared it one of many prime scuba diving websites on the earth. And Discovery named it one among High 10 Superb Locations on earth!

Taking a scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap was genuinely awe-inspiring. The large darkish blue gap spanning 300 meters (984 ft) throughout stands out from the encircling shallow turquoise of the Caribbean Sea. We booked a non-public flight with Tropic Air, and spent an hour within the air, taking within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s views and neighboring reefs.

This was probably the most lovely scenic flight we’ve ever taken over tropical waters and flown over the Maldives and Exuma Cayes! Our tour left from San Pedro, however flights to the Blue Gap may be organized from Caye Caulker and Belize Metropolis with Tropic Air, and Maya Island Air.

The flight wasn’t solely about seeing the Blue Gap; we noticed San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and the Turneffe Atoll earlier than flying over Lighthouse Reef, the place the Blue Gap stands close to its heart. Our flight took us across the Blue Gap 4 occasions for optimum viewing. Twice on all sides in order that we each had equal viewing time.

2. Wanderlust Crusing and Snorkel

There is no such thing as a doubt that vacationers love to go to Caye Caulker for its underwater adventures, and one among our favourite issues to do in Caye Caulker was to mix a snorkeling and crusing tour with Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling 

The island of Caye Caulker is a gateway to extraordinary marine adventures, due to the close by Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest barrier reef on the earth after Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef.

We’ve got taken scenic flights and crusing journeys over Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef, and maybe my reminiscence is failing me. Nonetheless, throughout our time on the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, I used to be struck by how the water round this Caribbean Island is by far probably the most lovely I’ve ever seen. Try Diving the Great Barrier Reef – Australia’s Ultimate Adventure

3. Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour

We talked about combining a crusing and snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, however many individuals come to Caye Caulker to see its most well-known snorkeling spot, Shark Ray Alley. Shark Ray Alley is positioned throughout the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and is known for its abundance of nurse sharks and southern stingrays.

The world grew to become a well-liked feeding spot for native fishermen, who would clear their catch, attracting nurse sharks and rays. Right now, it’s a protected zone the place guests can safely swim and snorkel alongside these mild marine animals.

The shallow and calm crystal-clear waters make it the right spot to witness these creatures of their pure habitat. Don’t fear if you happen to don’t have snorkeling expertise; this tour is right for inexperienced persons and skilled snorkelers.

Witnessing the nurse sharks and stingrays up shut is spectacular. They barely discover you as you watch the ocean life do their common enterprise.

With the ability to snorkel at three snorkeling websites of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with an professional information whereas crusing on a luxurious catamaran from one web site to a different was a dream. We got recent water in reusable containers, recent fruit, and after we have been completed snorkeling, we had rum punch to sip on as we sailed alongside the coast.

I liked how Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling didn’t use any plastic water bottles and when our information Juan noticed plastic within the ocean, he scooped it as much as take it out of the water. They have been very conscious of conservation and holding a secure distance from the marine life to protect this fragile ecosystem

4. A Style of Caye Caulker Meals Excursions

If you first arrive at Caye Caulker, Belize, we recommend reserving a Taste of Cay Caulker Food Tour. It’s a good way to get acquainted with the eating places on the island and study in regards to the native delicacies. Additionally, by the point you end the tour, you’ll have made new pals and really feel heat and welcoming throughout the remainder of your journey.

We visited 4 eating places, sampling scrumptious appetizers, salads, mains, and desserts. I gained’t inform you what eating places as a result of you will want to take the meals tour to see them, however they have been a superb collection of locations that served genuine Belizean Delicacies and immersed us within the native island life.

Our tour was segmented between 4 totally different locations. We began with a standard Belizean appetizer whereas sitting on a deck overlooking the ocean after which moved on to a fantastic rooftop view to take pleasure in recent salads. It was then on to a vigorous sports activities bar that was filled with folks, and we went upstairs to the patio to pattern 4 fundamental dishes.

I actually liked the principle course, the place 4 giant dishes have been set on our desk household fashion, and we sampled all of them. All programs have been served with sturdy cocktails, and by the point we reached dessert at a sandy seashore bar the place we ate scrumptious treats alongside one other scrumptious cocktail, we have been feeling effective and able to benefit from the island life. E-book your Taste of Cay Caulker Food Tour here.

5. Parasailing

For individuals who need to do some parasailing, it’s definitely worth the journey to Ambergris Caye. We took a visit to Boca del Rio Resort with Belize Parasail Ltd for an incredible parasailing journey. We’ve got by no means gone so excessive, and our information advised us that we might have gone larger, however I chickened out as soon as we have been far above the Caribbean Sea and gave him the sign that we have been excessive sufficient.

I don’t suppose there may be parasailing on Caye Caulker, so making our method to its neighboring island is quick and simple; plus, it’s value making a day journey regardless.

We took a golf cart taxi from San Pedro to Boca del Rio Resort the place we boarded a pace boat for our hour-long tour on the Caribbean Sea. Inside minutes, our boat stopped, and the parachute got here out whereas our guides hooked us up into harnesses and lifejackets.

It wasn’t lengthy till we soared within the air, feeling like a chicken over the ocean. We had lovely views of the island and the reef. From above, we might see the colours altering earlier than our eyes. We even spied manta rays from above. We have been within the air for about 20 minutes.

On the finish of the flight, they dropped us off for a cool, refreshing dip within the sea earlier than touchdown safely on board for an ice-cold drink on our manner again. We actually benefit from the tour in addition to the golf cart trip, it was like having two excursions in a single. An island tour and a parasailing journey. Try Belize Parasail Ltd here.

6. Day Journey to Ambergris Caye

Simply accessible, San Pedro on Ambergris is only a quick water taxi trip away, providing a fast and scenic journey throughout the attractive Caribbean Sea. We took a brief 8-minute flight with Tropic Air, from Caye Caulker, which doubled as one other scenic view and landed in downtown. Ambergris Caye is a good day journey from Caye Caulker.

We took a morning flight to San Pedro and loved a scrumptious breakfast at Blue Water Grill overlooking the sandy seashore. After breakfast we took a stroll to take a look at the downtown space. San Pedro has just a few extra correct seashores than Caye Caulker, and it was good to stroll alongside the seashore to buy on the distributors lining the shore.

San Pedro’s bustling city ambiance is a pointy distinction to Caye Caulker’s laid-back vibe as golf carts whipped by whereas we strolled alongside the busy streets. San Pedro is the principle city the place most eating places and bars are positioned. Eating places serve every part from recent seafood to conventional Belizean fare.

Be certain to eat at El Fogon Restaurant, an establishment on the island serving conventional Belizean fare in a vigorous ambiance. Higher but, it’s regionally owned and operated!

Varied markets and distributors supply distinctive souvenirs, handmade crafts, and beachwear. The Truck Cease is a delivery container meals truck park that may be a must-visit.

Secret Seashore shouldn’t be so secret anymore and is among the hottest locations on the island for seashore time that’s good for sunbathing and swimming.

7. Sundown Sail

We have been on the water quite a bit on Caye Caulker and seeing this lovely island from the water at sundown is a should. A sundown sail is among the most romantic issues to do in Caye Caulker. A Sundown sail leaves from the Break up and is a good way to see Caye Caulker’s shoreline and the encircling sea.

Many sundown sails embody alternatives for snorkeling, permitting you to discover the colourful marine life because the day transitions into the night. Onboard, calm down with refreshing drinks and lightweight snacks, typically included within the tour. The ambiance is serene and romantic, making it good for {couples}, however equally gratifying for households or teams of pals.

8. Go to the Break up

The Break up slender waterway, fashioned by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, that minimize the already small island into two distinct elements. Since then, the Break up has turn out to be Caye Caulker’s most well-known landmark.

The world round The Break up is a bustling hub of exercise, with the legendary Lazy Lizard bar and grill offering loud music and a vigorous setting for guests to take pleasure in chilly drinks, recent lobster, and sundown views.

The north facet of The Break up affords a extra tranquil expertise, with serene spots and sandy seashores that are perfect for sunbathing and unwinding.

You possibly can take a water taxi throughout from one facet to a different on demand. It runs all day with the final run at about 10pm.

9. Get together on the Lazy Lizard

The Lazy Lizard is among the finest locations to hang around on the island to take pleasure in chilly Belikan Beer, recent seafood, and a celebration ambiance on the island. Boat excursions from cruises and Ambergris Caye all cease right here to take pleasure in reggae music and dancing. Plus there’s a pure swimming pool proper on The Break up the place you’ll be able to cool off. It looks like you might be on a sandy seashore, although it’s all shored up with a sea wall.

Cocktails are dear, nevertheless it’s a enjoyable place to hang around for a day. Plus, in case you are actually able to do some partying, strive the Lizard Juice, a frozen inexperienced cocktail that tastes so good, it may be harmful!

10. Sunday Enjoyable Day – Caye Caulker

If you happen to occur to be on the island of Caye Caulker on a Sunday, chances are you’ll need to be part of the Sunday Enjoyable Day. On Sundays, you’ll take pleasure in limitless rum punch for $ 25 USD whereas attending to know your fellow vacationers. You’ll take pleasure in video games on the seashore and a sundown cruise on a houseboat.

We didn’t do that, however we met with just a few folks afterward throughout our free water taxi again to El Ben Cabanas they usually have been feeling no ache. (that’s till the following morning I’m certain)

11. Sundown from Rooftop Bar

Throughout our Style of Caye Caulker Meals Tour, we visited a number of eating places from seashore cafes to sports activities bars and rooftop patios. Among the best issues to do in Caye Caulker is to tug up a chair at a rooftop bar and the very best level on the island is …. the very best place to soak up panoramic views of this tropical paradise. You possibly can from the East to West Facet of Caye Caulker, out to the Caribbean Sea, and all the way in which to the northern Island.

12. Seashore events

No Caye Caulker journey information could be full with out mentioning the well-known Caye Caulker seashore events. Caye Caulker is certainly the occasion island of Belize and there are popup seashore events in every single place you go. Caye Caulker takes its laid-back status severely with events that epitomize the essence of Caribbean island life.

Vacationers combine and mingle with one another listening to a mixture of reside music, starting from reggae to soca, creating an infectious rhythm that invitations everybody to bounce barefoot within the sand. The seashore events sometimes function recent seafood together with Belizean rum cocktails, providing a style of the island’s culinary delights. Whether or not you’re trying to occasion till daybreak or take pleasure in a relaxed night by the ocean, Caye Caulker’s seashore events are a must-do for an genuine and memorable island expertise.

13. Take a Photograph of the Caye Caulker Signal

It’s quick and candy, however you will need to cease on the Caye Caulker signal. The truth is, there are two Caye Caulker indicators the place you’ll be able to seize a selfie to show that you’ve got been to the island.

The brand new official Caye Caulker Signal is simply a few blocks from the Break up on the principle highway. This colourful signal captures the texture of all the enduring indicators worldwide. It was inbuilt 2018 and is a enjoyable cease on the island within the coronary heart of Caye Caulker Village.

Caye Caulker Signal #2

The enduring “Go Gradual” signal of Caye Caulker appears to be gone. (No less than we couldn’t discover it) However this one is positioned close to the principle water taxi pier on the island. The world across the water taxi pier is a central hub of exercise on the island, making the signal straightforward to seek out upon arrival.

14. Go Scuba Diving

Being the second-largest barrier reef on the earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s no marvel that individuals come to Caye Caulker with just one factor in thoughts: to scuba dive the Belize Barrier Reef. We didn’t go scuba diving on this journey to Caye Caulker, however in 2003, our prime goal was to do as many dives as attainable.

This majestic reef stretches over 300 kilometers and has many distinctive dive websites. We’ve already talked about The Nice Blue Gap however loads of different dive websites exist. Head to Hol Chan Marine Reserve simply offshore from Caye Caulker for vibrant coral gardens.

Turneffe Atoll, one other not-to-be-missed dive spot, boasts various ecosystems and the prospect to come across bigger marine species like barracudas and groupers. Whether or not you’re a newbie or a seasoned diver, the Belize Barrier Reef is a good diving vacation spot with its calm and shallow waters to deep, darkish depths. Skilled divers shouldn’t miss the problem of Deal with Field Canyons, providing deeper dives and the prospect to discover underwater caverns.

15. Feed the Tarpon

Feeding tarpon is a enjoyable expertise that everybody has to do as soon as of their life. Positioned on the docks simply down from the Lazy Lizard on the island’s west facet, hungry acrobatic fish are ready for dinner. The fee is 5 Belize {Dollars} ($2.50 US) for a bowl of sardines.

Preserve a watch out for the pelicans; they’re higher at snatching the fish than the tarpins! As within the case of Shark Ray Alley, tarpons have been initially drawn to the docks when native fishermen would clear their catch and discard the stays into the ocean. They’ve returned ever since and demand that vacationers feed them frequently.

16. Go to the Seahorse Reserve

One other place to go to in Caye Caulker is the Seahorse Reserve. I bear in mind when diving in 2003, it was right here that we lastly noticed seahorses for the primary time.

Positioned simply outdoors the Iguana Reef Inn on the West Facet of Caye Caulker, simply up from the Tarpon dock, is a tangle of seagrass the place seahorses like to cover. No touching is allowed, however it’s enjoyable to look at them from above. Nonetheless, there may be nothing as particular as recognizing seahorses when diving. It’s such a uncommon alternative.

Caye Caulker is understood for its seahorse conservation efforts. Guests to Caye Caulker can sometimes discover seahorses within the mangrove areas the place they cling to submerged vegetation. The calm and clear waters round The Break up present a superb alternative for snorkelers to identify seahorses of their pure habitat.

17. Paddle Round Caye Caulker

Dave and I like getting out on the water each likelihood we are able to get, and if a sundown sail or catamaran tour isn’t within the funds, you’ll be able to take a extra reasonably priced journey across the calm waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboards. SUP and kayak leases can be found at many locations across the island; you’ll be able to see all of it in a day.

In case you are new to kayaking or SUP, begin on the lagoon facet, the place the water is calmer, however in case you have a peaceful day, many of the water is calm round Caye Caulker.

18. Manatee Snorkelling Tour

We didn’t see manatees throughout our first journey to Caye Caulker, and we missed them once more! However these mild giants may be noticed on a snorkeling tour to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Plus, we’ve been fortunate to see them in Florida previously.

The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary is nearer to Belize Metropolis than Caye Caulker. It’s only 12 miles off the Belize mainland, however excursions can nonetheless be organized from Caye Caulker.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly recognized for being a haven for the West Indian Manatee. It was established to guard the manatee inhabitants and their pure habitat, and it has turn out to be a important feeding and breeding floor for these mild marine mammals.

A snorkel tour right here affords a singular alternative for guests to look at these creatures as they graze on seagrass beds or playfully glide by means of the water in a accountable and ecologically delicate method.

19. Take a Stroll on the Northern Island – Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is cut up into two elements due to Hurricane Hattie within the Nineteen Sixties. And so they each have a really totally different really feel. North Caye Caulker is working to draw a extra upscale clientele that also desires to be near the enjoyable laid-back vibe of the South. It’s straightforward to get to and from every half of the island utilizing water taxis and the resorts have free shuttles on common schedules.

I really feel it gained’t be lengthy earlier than the northern island of Caye Caulker sees extra vacationers. Proper now, persons are drawn to the North Island for finer eating and leisure. El Ben Cabanas is understood to have the very best eating on the island. The Northside Seashore Membership (previously Koko King) has a restaurant that nonguests can eat at and is value trying out.

We liked staying at El Ben as a result of we had outgrown our backpacking days, however we might nonetheless benefit from the chill facet of the island and reminisce about our Caye Caulker Journey in 2003. As soon as we had sufficient of the dreadlock hippy crowd, we might hop on a ship again to peace and luxurious.

20. Scuba Dive The Nice Blue Gap

Most individuals go to The Nice Blue Gap to scuba dive into its deep depths. This large underwater sinkhole reaches about 124 meters (407 ft), attracting divers from throughout the globe. It’s not solely probably the most well-known dive web site in Belize, nevertheless it is among the most well-known dive websites globally, inviting superior divers to discover its deep, cavernous depths and historic stalactite formations.

This outstanding gap was a cave that fashioned over centuries and is now an underwater collapsed sinkhole much like the cenotes of the Yucatan in Mexico. Because the ocean waters rose, the cave flooded and its ceiling caved in. Right now, divers can see stalactites, which have been fashioned when the cave was above sea degree. A number of species of sharks frequent the Nice Blue Gap and divers see colourful fish in its clear blue waters.

The place to Keep in Caye Caulker

The island of Caye Caulker is split into two halves offering utterly totally different experiences. Caye Caulker Resorts on the south island have extra of a seashore hut and rustic really feel; nonetheless, you might be within the coronary heart of all of the motion.

Staying on the northern island is way more luxurious and quiet; nonetheless, you do have to take a water taxi again every night time or seize a carry throughout The Break up, which might add up rapidly as it’s $5 per particular person a method.

We stayed at El Ben Cabanas, which is the right mix of luxurious whereas nonetheless being a straightforward and quick journey to Caye Caulker Village or The Break up.

The place to Eat in Caye Caulker

1. Get pleasure from Recent Seafood at The Lazy Lizard Positioned on the iconic Break up, The Lazy Lizard focuses on recent seafood like grilled lobster, conch fritters, and ceviche, all seasoned with native spices and flavors.

2. Genuine Belizean Flavors at Syd’s Fried Rooster For these searching for a style of genuine Belizean delicacies, Syd’s Fried Rooster is a must-visit. T

3. Italian Delights at Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana – Craving Italian on a Caribbean island? Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana serves up a pleasant array of Italian classics, from home made pasta to delectable pizzas.

4. Vegan and Vegetarian Choices at Namaste Café – Well being-conscious and vegetarian guests will love Namaste Café. This cozy café affords quite a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies, and well being drinks.

5. El Ben Cabanas – Upscale eating with wine and cocktails

6. Salty’s – A enjoyable seashore bar with native Belizean delicacies.

Learn how to Get to Caye Caulker

Most individuals go to Caye Caulker from Belize Metropolis by way of water taxi or ferry. We took a flight from Belize Metropolis with Tropic Air that lasted about 10 minutes. This can be a nice method to optimize trip time and double as a scenic flight because it takes you over the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and the Belize Barrier Reef.

If you happen to’re touring from Ambergris, common water taxis are additionally out there, making island hopping a breeze. We additionally flew to Ambergris from Caye Caulker; the flight time was 8 minutes.

Getting Round Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island and you will get round principally by strolling. Nonetheless, golf cart taxis are available in case you have a farther method to go or are simply trying to calm down. They value $5 per particular person and can take you to wherever you want to go.

When to Go to Caye Caulker

The perfect time to go to Caye Caulker is throughout Belize’s dry season, from late November by means of Might. That is when you should have sunny climate good for watersports, snorkeling, and scuba diving. That stated, we visited the second week of December and nonetheless noticed fairly a little bit of rain. Local weather change is taking its toll on vacationer locations worldwide, so be ready.

November by means of Might is the height vacationer season when water temperatures are heat; nonetheless, that is additionally the costliest time to go to Belize, with lodge charges at their highest.

The wet season from June to November may be fairly moist. For vacationers searching for a steadiness between climate and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons – early November and late Might – current a candy spot. Throughout these occasions, you’ll take pleasure in nice climate with fewer vacationers.

What’s Higher, Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye

Nonetheless, San Pedro has quite a bit to supply, in addition to there are extra resorts and motels to select from, and most of the actions we did on Caye Caulker can be completed on Ambergris. However even if you happen to do make Ambergris Caye a base, ensure that to spend at the least a day or two with its quieter and extra laid neighbor.

We’ve got visited each islands and nonetheless favor the quiet Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker’s motto is to “go sluggish,” and it doesn’t take lengthy to undertake that angle as you sip rum punch whereas watching the sundown. There are not any vehicles on Caye Caulker and fewer golf carts than Ambergris Caye zipping alongside its sandy streets. Plus if you happen to keep on Caye Caulker North Island, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an opulent trip …

We hope we impressed you to go to Caye Caulker in our Caye Caulker journey information.

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