The Island Paradise of Caye Caulker, Belize

The motto of "go slow" is easy to follow once your bare feet touch down on the island of Caye Caulker. Both residents and tourists alike stick to a laidback rhythm set to palm trees swaying in the breeze. Accessible only by water taxi or plane, the Caribbean oasis is next to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (second-largest coral reef system in the world) and approximately 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Belize City.

The off-the-beaten-path island is an affordable destination for travelers looking to experience the Kriol culture and spectacular ocean life of Belize. Enjoy fresh seafood, reggae music, and chill vibes in between snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. Brad and I hung out in Caye Caulker for one week. The friendly people, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere made it hard to leave. So dial your mindset to R&R and discover why this little slice of paradise is in a league of its own!

Colinda Cabanas

Caye Caulker has a variety of accommodations to suit your preferences. We opted for a mid-range stay at Colinda Cabanas on the southern end of the island. Each unit comes with a pair of bikes. Kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear are also available for guests. I highly recommend the boutique hotel if you desire a bit of peace and quiet.

The cozy blue and yellow bungalows are right off the sparkling water! Take a dip, sunbathe, read a book, or simply listen to the waves on the pier. Even though our room didn't have air conditioning, we were plenty comfortable with some electric fans. Housekeeping was immaculate, hammocks were easy to come by, and the kitchenette even included a blender for homemade cocktails. Dirty monkeys anyone?

Top Activities

Anytime of the year is great to visit Caye Caulker, but there are several annual festivals which may influence your travel dates. Fortunately, Brad and I were around for Lobster Fest (June/July). We ate the succulent crustacean as often as we could!

Explore the Streets

Caye Caulker has a no-frills attitude. Tourists stroll around in swimsuits, street food vendors offer cheap nibbles, and dogs nap in the shade. Homes are weathered from the salty air and vivid hand-painted signs are in every direction. The island has a quirky and inviting character.

Even though Caye Caulker is walkable, a bike is a fun alternative to explore the sandy avenues. Road hazards include the occasional golf cart, pot hole, and iguana. Rent one in town if your accommodation lacks a set of wheels. Looking for a souvenir? Head to the east side of the island for unique craft stalls. One of my favorite stores was the Little Blue Gift Shop. The black and white "go slow" signs are adorable!

The Split

Inevitably, you will encounter The Split on the north end. The narrow channel, expanded by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, divides the island in two. The Lazy Lizard is a popular spot for beach bums to drink a cocktail and cool off. Beware of the mysterious lime green slushy with an unusual flavor known as lizard juice. I couldn't quite put my finger on the contents and hoped for the best the following morning!

Another bar worth a round is the Sip N' Dip, which has affordable 2x1 rum punch deals. Relax in the calm turquoise water at one of the partially submerged palapa tables while little fish dart around your legs. The awesome view is another perk!

Caveman Snorkeling Tours

Adventure seekers will have a blast with the crew of Caveman Snorkeling Tours! A full day tour costs $90 USD per person and includes park fees, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. Our guides, David and Zack, took us and several others on a small boat to five different locations. After a quick stop to check out the hungry tarpons, we made our way to Coral Gardens to see the expansive reef system and manatees.

The snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve took my breath away! We saw sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, schools of diverse fish, and a little moray eel. I was giddy with excitement watching the glorious ecosystem from above.

We dropped anchor at Shark Ray Alley after lunch. Fishermen have been using the area to clean their catch for decades. Eventually, nurse sharks associated the sound of the boat motors with a dinner bell. Dozens of gentle nurse sharks came within several inches of me as they swarmed the side of the boat. The one-of-a-kind experience was chaotic, yet super exhilarating!

We ended the tour at a sunken barge full of dancing sea fans and ornate corals. I found sea urchins, beautiful fish, and crabs while peeking inside of the metal structure. The magical haven was a neat place to practice my free diving skills.

Caveman Snorkeling Tours truly respects the ocean environment. David and Zack told us about the devastating practice of some cruise ships illegally dumping garbage in the area. Brad and I retrieved several pieces of plastic while snorkeling. Please do the same if you come across any objects to help marine life!

TIP: Stick with the rice and beans option for lunch (our chicken and beef burgers were underwhelming). Soft drinks, water, and fresh fruit are provided. Bring sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Iguana Reef Inn

One of the best places to watch a sunset is at Iguana Reef Inn. Grab a beverage at the bar, although not required, before taking a seat along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for stingrays, pelicans, tarpons, and nurse sharks.

Next to the pier is a rope habitat where bright yellow and dark brown seahorses frequent in the late afternoon. Don't get discouraged if you can't locate any right away because these camouflage creatures are experts at hide and seek. The window of opportunity for a sighting is small, but worth the effort!

Kayaking

Cruising around Caye Caulker in a kayak is a fantastic way to burn off some rum punches. Weave in between pockets of mangroves and wooden piers while searching for fish in the shallow water. Brad and I made our way around the southern half of the island in about four hours. Paddling through the strong current next to The Split was the most challenging part. Luckily, patrons at The Lazy Lizard cheered us on as our jello arms begged for mercy!

Great Blue Hole

One of Jacques Cousteau's favorite scuba diving locations was the Great Blue Hole; a perfectly round limestone sinkhole with stalactites. Measuring 300 m (984 ft) wide and 124 m (407 ft) deep, this natural wonder is best for experienced scuba divers interested in topography. Snorkeling at the surface isn't worthwhile due to the lack of colorful corals and marine species. Consider chartering a plane to see the natural wonder for approximately $300 USD.

Restaurants

Not only is Caye Caulker an island paradise, but a food one as well! Enticing smells and al fresco dining options are abundant. Popular Belizean dishes include curries, grilled seafood, and jerk chicken served with rice and beans. Sweet or savory fry jacks (deep fried dough) are a must-try breakfast staple. Below are my top recommendations for a mouthwatering meal.

• Breakfast - If you need a jolt of caffeine to wake up, wander over to Ice N' Beans. Remedy morning grogginess with an iced mocha latte and bag of freshly made mini cinnamon sugar donuts. The cheery yellow picnic tables and ocean views will also help jumpstart your day.

• Lunch - My brain produced excess serotonin levels whenever I saw charcoal grills with sizzling food. The side-by-side stalls of chefs Esther and Kareem south of The Split are legendary. Try the phenomenal grilled lobster smothered in mango chili butter at Esther's Crusty Crab. The succulent jerk chicken and garlic butter snapper at Kareem's Beach BBQ were delicious. Plates include a portion of rice and beans, cold side salad, and roasted plantain.

• Dinner - The Pelican Sunset Bar is an oceanfront spot ideal for gorgeous sunsets and simple entrées bursting with flavor. Try the zesty shrimp ceviche and curry fish sticks served with seasoned potato wedges. The chill vibes and fruity rum punch are too good to pass up!

Runner Up - San Pedro

Our first impression of Belize was San Pedro. Unfortunately, Brad and I didn't jive with the resort town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The narrow streets were cramped with golf carts and nightlife was underwhelming. There isn't much for backpackers to do besides hang out at the Palapa Bar and Grill. Overall, I could've skipped San Pedro. My advice is to stick with Caye Caulker if you prefer a low-key trip without the hustle and bustle.

In a (Coco) Nut Shell

Easygoing locals welcome travelers with open arms. A smile proved to be the gateway to understand the mentality of island life. Happiness is truly found in the little things. Dolphins breaching at the surface, impromptu bike rides with your soulmate to find unexpired cans of coconut milk to make frozen cocktails, or toes wiggling in the gritty sand.

Caye Caulker is like a box of crayons. Everything from the picturesque landscape to the rich cuisine bursts with color. We couldn't get enough of the quaint avenues, contagious energy, and warm banana bread. Is it possible to fall in love with such a place? You better Belize it!