Exploring Caye Caulker: A Small Belizean Paradise

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. Measuring about 5 miles (8.0 km) by less than 1 mile (1.6 km), the island is known for its laid-back and budget-friendly vibe, attracting travellers seeking a tropical paradise. With a population of approximately 2,000 people, Caye Caulker offers a mix of hostels, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals, making it a popular destination for backpackers and tourists alike. The island's motto, Go Slow, reflects its relaxed pace, with golf carts, bicycles, and walking as the primary modes of transportation. Caye Caulker is known for its stunning seascapes, diverse water sports, eco-tours, and friendly community, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a unique Caribbean experience.

Caye Caulker's size

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. The island is about 5 miles long and less than 1 mile wide, with the town itself being only about a mile long. Caye Caulker is divided into two by a narrow waterway known as the Split, which was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The village of Caye Caulker, located on the island, has a population of approximately 2,000 people.

The island is made up of a sandbar over a limestone shelf, with an underwater cave named Giant Cave found below the Caye in the limestone. In front of the village is a shallow lagoon that meets the Belize Barrier Reef to the east. This reef is known as a dry reef, with the reef exposed at the surface, while further north, the reef lies under 2 to 8 feet of water and is a popular area for windsurfers.

The packed sand streets of Caye Caulker accommodate the primary modes of transport, including bicycles, golf carts, and exploration on foot. There are no cars or trucks on the island, and only a few golf carts, so the environment is peaceful and slow-paced. Crossing the island takes around 20 to 40 minutes on foot. Bicycles and golf carts are commonly used by locals and tourists and can be easily rented.

Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, with over 50 hotels and a variety of restaurants and shops. It is known for its stunning seascapes, diverse water sports, eco-tours, and friendly community. The island has a laid-back and low-key atmosphere, attracting tourists who are seeking a relaxed and budget-friendly beach vacation.

Transport on the island

The primary mode of transport on Caye Caulker is by bicycle or golf cart. The island is traffic-free, with only occasional golf carts and pedestrians on its roads. Cars are forbidden due to the narrow dirt streets and lack of infrastructure. The island is only five miles long, so it can easily be explored on foot.

Walking is the main mode of transport once on the island. The roads are well-defined, and it takes 20 to 40 minutes to cross the island, depending on road conditions. Bicycles and golf carts are also common and can be rented easily.

To get to Caye Caulker, you can take a water taxi or a small plane. Water taxis run daily from Belize City to the island, with boats leaving on an hourly basis from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The boat ride takes about an hour and costs $20.50 one way or $36.50 return.

If you prefer to fly, you can take a domestic flight from the Philip Goldson International Airport near Belize City. Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly to Caye Caulker, and the flight takes around 15-20 minutes, costing approximately $80.

Once you're on the island, you can also take a ferry if you want to cross The Split, the channel that divides the island in two.

The Split

In addition to swimming and water sports, The Split offers a range of amenities and entertainment options. There is a seawall, a wading area with sheltered picnic tables, a spa, and a rental shop for kayaks and paddleboards. Music, drinks, and dancing are all part of the vibrant scene. The adjacent Lazy Lizard Bar adds to the experience with its lively atmosphere, although some may find the loud music and crowds less appealing.

The village and its history

Caye Caulker Village is located on a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. Measuring about 5 miles (8 km) long and less than 1 mile (1.6 km) wide, the village is home to a population of approximately 2,000 people. The island is made up of a sandbar over a limestone shelf, with an underwater cave called Giant Cave found below the Caye in the limestone.

Caye Caulker is believed to have been inhabited for hundreds of years, but its recent population growth began during the Caste War of Yucatan in 1847 when many mestizos of mixed Maya and Spanish descent fled massacres in the Yucatán. Queen Victoria granted the area of the village to Luciano Reyes around 1870, and lots were sold to six or seven families, most of which still have descendants on the island today.

The village's main settlement has remained unchanged for hundreds of years due to its protected location. The bay at the back of the village provides shelter for boats, while the reef at the front protects it from large waves. The coral sand near the village also provides better anchorage than the soft mud found elsewhere on the island.

In modern times, Caye Caulker has become a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, with over 50 hotels and a variety of restaurants and shops. The island's economy was traditionally based on fishing, but it has diversified in recent years to include lobster, fish, and tourism. The village is also becoming a centre for painters and musicians.

The village is divided by a narrow waterway called the Split, which is believed to have been created by a combination of natural erosion and human dredging. The Split is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, offering calm, shallow waters for swimming and socialising.

Activities and attractions

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 4-5 miles long and less than 1 mile wide. The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village and has a population of around 2,000 people. The island's motto is "Go Slow", reflecting its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

• Snorkelling and Diving: Caye Caulker is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef, located just off the island, is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular snorkelling and diving spots include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Great Blue Hole.
• The Split: A narrow channel that divides the island into two parts, the Split is a popular spot for tourists and locals to hang out and enjoy the Caribbean Sea. It offers great swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling, as well as bars and restaurants like The Lazy Lizard and El Portal Island Lounge.
• Water Sports: In addition to snorkelling and diving, Caye Caulker offers a variety of other water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Fishing: Caye Caulker is known for its fishing industry, and visitors can try their hand at traditional Belizean fishing or charter a fishing trip. The island is also a great place to try some fresh seafood, with restaurants and street vendors offering dishes like BBQ chicken, conch, and lobster.
• Nature and Wildlife Tours: Caye Caulker is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and birds. Visitors can take nature and wildlife tours to spot these creatures and learn about the island's ecosystem.
• Yoga and Spa: For a more relaxing experience, Caye Caulker offers rooftop yoga classes at the Namaste Cafe, as well as several spas and massage services.
• Art and Crafts: The island has a small crafts market, Palapa Garden, where visitors can find locally made goods such as clothing, jewellery, artwork, and souvenirs. There are also several art galleries, including the Red Flower Gallery and the Old Salt Gallery, featuring works by local artists.
• Festivals and Events: Caye Caulker hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including Lobster Fest, a three-day celebration of Caribbean spiny lobster with live music, performances, and competitions.
• Historical Sites: Caye Caulker has a rich history, with evidence of habitation dating back hundreds of years. The village area was granted to Luciano Reyes by Queen Victoria in the 1870s, and the influence of the early families can still be seen today. The island was also impacted by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which created The Split and caused significant destruction.

Frequently asked questions