Top Things to See and Do in Caye Caulker
Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, there's a plethora of things to do. The great thing is that the small size of the island means that you can plan your itinerary at your own pace. Here are some of the best and most popular activities on the Caye.
Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
Located off the coast of Caye Caulker Island,
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and
Shark Ray Alley is one of the most popular destinations for snorkelers in the entire country. The Reserve itself consists of four diverse zones that allow you to really soak in the diversity of the habitat. You'll find coral reef, grass beds, mangrove forest, and the eponymous Shark Ray Alley.
Dive the Reef
If you're looking to plunge a little deeper than what Hol Chan offers, you'll want to make an expedition out to the Barrier Reef. The
Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest habitat of its kind in the world, and it offers one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems you'll find anywhere. Five hundred species of fish, hundreds of invertebrates, and over a hundred varieties of coral all call this reef their home.
Rent a Bike and Explore the Island
The modest size of the island means that it can be explored in its entirety without ever having to rent a car. If you're looking to get out of the village property and ignore the planned itineraries of tour guides, bikes can be rented for a pittance. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the unique environment of this small caye.
Take a Sunset Cruise or Watch a Sunset
The sun looks absolutely gorgeous setting over the Caribbean Sea, and sunset tours have become big business in the area. But you don't have to rent a cruise to enjoy the majesty of the setting sun. Koko King and Seahorse Ranch Reserve are both phenomenal locations for a little sunset spectating.
Visit the Split
If you're going to take a bike to explore the Caye, one of the best places to visit is the Split. This is where the Caribbean Sea literally splits the surface of the island in half. It's a popular launching point for diving, swimming, and snorkeling, and it's also home to a convenient bar and grill.
Go Fishing
Before it was a tourist destination, Caye Caulker was just a rustic, placid fishing village. There's still an abundance of fish to catch, and there are both half day and full day options from the village proper. Even if you don't catch anything, getting out on the open waters is an experience worth having while you're on the island.
Hangout and Relax at Koko King
Koko King is one of the most popular beach destinations in the area, but it's a great place to spend an afternoon even if you aren't staying there. Relax on the seaside swings, take a dip in the Caribbean Sea, or enjoy a nice bite and drink at the full service bar and restaurant.
Bird Watch around the Island
Both boat and kayak bird watching tours are available from Caye Caulker, and the island is rife with flying wildlife. Caye Caulker Forest is a particularly worthwhile spot to visit, as it's home to a robust habitat of birds that includes white herons, hawks, osprey, and ducks all year long. Walking tours are also available.
Partake in Water Sports
Scuba diving and snorkeling are far and away the most popular activities out on the ocean, but they're far from the only ones. If you consider yourself an aquatic athlete, you'll have plenty of options to flex your muscles off the coast of Caye Caulker. Kayaking, paddle board, and jet skiing constitute some of the most popular attractions.
Swim in the Sea
It goes without saying that you can't visit the island without taking a dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The island is so small that you're never too far away from a glistening beach, and you don't have to pay a penny for the privilege of taking a dip.
Visit Swallow Caye to See Manatees
The wildlife sanctuary of Swallow Caye is an easy day trip from Caye Caulker. The shallow waters and prodigious beds of seagrass makes it a particularly appealing safe haven for the gentle and endangered manatee. It may be the best place in the world to meet the placid sea cow in its natural habitat.
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Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a place where everyone's welcomed, and the diversity of activities to be had means that people come from all walks of life. Fortunately, the residents of this small island provide open arms and an expansive selection of accommodations.
If you're backpacking your way through Central America and looking to get by on a shoestring budget, you'll find no lack of hostels, budget motels, and affordable B&Bs. You may want to try browsing Airbnb, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to rent out a private apartment, guesthouse, or duplex at a reasonable rate.
If you're looking to live the good life and be waited on hand and foot, Caye Caulker is also home to some of the best luxury accommodations in the entirety of Belize. Spots like
We'Yu Boutique Hotel,
Caye Caulker Plaza,
Iguana Reef, and
Rainbow Hotel are renowned throughout Belize and throughout the world for their hospitality and the quality of their accommodations. And for those looking for something in between budget housing and utter decadence, there are plenty of mid-range hotels and motels available as well. Another quality option to consider is
Barefoot Beach Belize Resort.
You can generally find a place to stay for a fraction of what you'd pay in America, but whatever your price range, you should make sure to do your research. Between popular sites like
Trip Advisor,
Booking.com, and
Expedia, you can find a place to stay that suits your budget and lives up to the promises they make.