Swimming Across The Split In Belize: Is It Possible?

The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a thin channel of water that separates the northern and southern parts of the island. Created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the channel is free of seaweed and seagrass, making it one of the best places to swim on the island. The water is clean and deep, and there is a seawall, a wading area, and picnic tables. The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant is located on a pier overlooking the Split, and there are also kayaks and paddleboards available for rent. While the Split is a popular destination for swimming, it is also a site for snorkelling, with access to the surrounding mangroves and the chance to spot stingrays and other marine life.

The Split is a popular recreational site for swimming, snorkelling, and socialising

The Split has become a favourite hangout spot for both locals and visitors to Caye Caulker. It offers clean, deep waters that are free of seaweed and seagrass, making it one of the best swimming areas on the island. The recent construction of a seawall, a wading area, and sheltered picnic tables has further enhanced its appeal. Visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards or explore the surrounding mangroves by snorkelling. The Split is also a great place to socialise, with several bars and restaurants nearby, including the famous Lazy Lizard bar, known for its lively atmosphere, music, drinks, and dancing.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the rooftop lounge, El Portal, offers gourmet seafood dishes and a sophisticated atmosphere with amazing views of The Split. Caye Caulker itself is a laid-back alternative to the nearby Ambergris Caye, offering a slow-paced island life experience.

The Split is easily accessible, with water taxi companies providing daily trips from Belize City and Ambergris Caye. Once on Caye Caulker, it's just a short 10-minute walk to the northern tip of the island, where The Split is located. The crystal clear waters, fun atmosphere, and range of recreational and social activities make The Split a must-visit destination when exploring the beauty and charm of Belize.

The channel is relatively deep and visited by stingrays

The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a stretch of water that divides the island in two. It was formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which brought 165-mph winds that ripped through Belize's coastline, leaving a wide channel of water running through the island. This channel is now a popular destination for swimming, with its clean, deep waters free of seaweed and seagrass. It is also a great place to hang out, with a seawall, wading area, picnic tables, a spa, and restaurants and bars nearby.

The channel is relatively deep, and its warm Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming. The recent construction of a seawall has made it even more accessible, with a wading area and sheltered picnic tables. The Split is also a great place to spot marine wildlife, as Belizean waters are home to countless species. Among the most common are graceful rays, including Southern Stingrays, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Manta Rays.

Southern Stingrays are often seen in shallow waters, so a stroll along the beach can almost guarantee the chance to spot these large rays catching some sun and grazing on plankton near the shoreline. Spotted Eagle Rays and Manta Rays, on the other hand, inhabit depths of 262 feet or more, so divers often see these majestic creatures soaring through the ocean tide. With its depth and clear waters, The Split offers a great opportunity to spot these rays in their natural habitat.

In addition to swimming and wildlife spotting, The Split is also a popular spot for water sports and other activities. Rental businesses provide kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats, allowing visitors to explore the area from the water. For those looking for more adventure, there is also kiteboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. The Split truly offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a relaxing swim, a chance to spot wildlife, or an adrenaline-pumping water sport.

The Split is free to access and offers free snorkelling

The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a stretch of water that divides the island in two. It was formed in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie hit the Belize coastline with winds of 165 mph. Today, it is a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and hanging out at local beach bars.

The Split is also a great place to swim, as the water is clean and free of seaweed and rocks. There is a dock for sunbathing and easy access to the water. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. The Lazy Lizard bar has a long, wraparound pier with its own diving area and outdoor seats with sun umbrellas. It is a favourite hangout spot for locals and visitors, with music, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

In addition to swimming and snorkelling, The Split offers a variety of other activities. There is a fishing area, and kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent. The Lazy Lizard bar hosts dancing, karaoke, and drinking contests. Nearby, there is also a spa and several restaurants and bars.

The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant is a popular spot for food, drinks, and music

Caye Caulker is a small island that offers a laid-back alternative to the busy Ambergris Caye in Belize. The most popular destination on the island is The Split, a stretch of water that divides the island in two, created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Today, it is a favourite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike, offering warm Caribbean waters for swimming, as well as a seawall, a wading area, picnic spots, and a few bars and restaurants.

One of these legendary beach bars is The Lazy Lizard, a popular spot for food, drinks, and music. The Lizard features a long, wraparound pier with its own diving area, outdoor seating with sun umbrellas, and a lively atmosphere. It is also one of the rare shore access spots for snorkelling in Belize, with a deep channel and surrounding mangroves that make it an original snorkelling location. The wooden pier at The Lazy Lizard is the best option for water entry, and snorkelers can explore the channel and mangroves, spotting stingrays, starfish, and various species of fish.

The Lazy Lizard offers a range of drinks, including margaritas, rum cocktails, and buckets of Belikins, which can be enjoyed on the beach or from the rooftop lounge, El Portal. El Portal offers gourmet seafood dishes, live music, karaoke, and ladies' nights, along with amazing views of the Split.

The Lazy Lizard also serves food, with reviews mentioning good chicken fried steak, shrimp and fish platters, and chicken sandwiches. The restaurant has a full bar and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is located in the Quality Inn and is open from 4 pm to 2 am, providing a convenient spot for drinks and dinner for those staying at the hotel.

The Split is a great place to watch the sunset

The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a great place to watch the sunset. Created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the channel of water that divides the island in two is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The warm Caribbean waters and oceanfront balconies of the local beach bars make for a perfect sunset viewing experience.

The Lazy Lizard Bar, one of Belize's legendary beach bars, is located at the northern tip of the island, where The Split stretches out into the sea. With its long, wraparound pier, diving area, outdoor seating, and sun umbrellas, it is the ideal spot to grab a drink and enjoy the sunset. For a more sophisticated atmosphere, head to the top of the Lazy Lizard to El Portal, a rooftop lounge offering amazing views of The Split, gourmet seafood dishes, and live music.

If you're looking for a more active sunset experience, The Split is a great place to go kayaking or paddle boating. You can also rent a boat for a romantic sunset cruise around the island. And if you're feeling adventurous, try kiteboarding, windsurfing, or jet skiing!

The Split truly comes alive during golden hour, with the sun lighting up the old town buildings and the sea in a beautiful glow. So grab a blanket, a bottle of wine, and head to the western end of the Riva for a quiet, romantic sunset experience. Whether you're looking for a lively evening at a beach bar or a peaceful moment to reflect, The Split in Belize is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

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