The Distance Between Caye Caulker And San Pedro: A Quick Island Hop In Belize

Caye Caulker and San Pedro (also known as Ambergris Caye) are two of the most famous islands in Belize. They are close to each other, with Caye Caulker being about a 15-20 minute water taxi ride from San Pedro. Caye Caulker is a small island, less than 8 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, located about 20 miles from Belize City. San Pedro, on the other hand, is the larger of the two and is officially a peninsula, bordering Mexico. It is known for its luxury beach resorts, upscale restaurants, and wide range of facilities. Caye Caulker, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly, with cheaper accommodations and restaurants. It is also smaller and more laid-back, with a Caribbean atmosphere and a slow pace of life.

Travel options between the two destinations

The distance between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, Belize is approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) or 3.8 nautical miles. There are several travel options between the two destinations.

Ferry

The most common way to travel between Caye Caulker and San Pedro is by ferry. There are usually 5 daily and 33 weekly sailings between the two destinations. The average sailing time is approximately 30 minutes, and the average price is around $98. The earliest ferry departures are typically around 08:45.

Water Taxi

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a convenient way to travel between Caye Caulker and San Pedro. It provides safe and comfortable transportation, allowing you to explore the country's natural wonders easily.

Flight

If you want a direct and faster option, you can fly from the Belize International Airport to Caye Caulker. This is the most expensive option but offers a scenic view. You can book flights through Belize's domestic airlines, Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.

Relative popularity of each destination

Caye Caulker and San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) are two of the most famous islands in Belize. They are both situated just off the coast of Belize, with Caye Caulker sitting midway between Belize City and Ambergris Caye.

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

San Pedro is the only city on Ambergris Caye and is the largest of the hundreds of cayes scattered up and down the country's coast. It is about 25 miles long but is never more than a few miles wide. San Pedro is a tourist mecca, boasting great beaches and plenty of dive shops. It is the most popular tourist destination in Belize due to its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and barrier reef that can be seen from the beachfront. It offers a huge selection of accommodations, luxury resorts, amazing restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is much smaller than Ambergris Caye, at only 5 miles long and 1 kilometre wide. It is often referred to as "Ambergris Caye's little sister". Caye Caulker has been a popular destination for backpackers due to its laid-back way of life, cheaper lodging, and easy-breezy bohemian feel. However, it is growing quickly and attracting a broader range of visitors. The primary mode of transportation on the island is by golf cart or bicycle, and the island's sandy streets can also be explored on foot. Caye Caulker is a great option for those seeking an affordable beach destination and a more local Caribbean experience.

Relative Popularity

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) is the more popular and developed of the two destinations. It offers a wider range of facilities, including large supermarkets, fitness schools, clinics, and an array of restaurants and nightlife options. It is also home to some of the most beautiful resorts in Belize, such as the Xanadu Island Resort.

In contrast, Caye Caulker is a smaller, less-visited island that attracts a younger crowd with its budget-friendly options and laid-back atmosphere. It has fewer bars, restaurants, golf carts, tourists, and dive shops than Ambergris Caye, and its development is focused mainly on the north side of the island.

Both islands offer a unique experience, and many visitors choose to spend a few days in each place. Caye Caulker is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and affordable beach vacation, while San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) is better suited for those looking for a wider range of facilities and more luxurious accommodations.

Typical activities at each destination

San Pedro

San Pedro is a great place to enjoy the warm, turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean. Here are some typical activities to enjoy in San Pedro:

• Rent a jet ski and explore the coastline, or ride the wake behind a wakeboarding boat.
• Go parasailing and fly through the air while attached to a parachute.
• Try kitesurfing, a dynamic new sport that combines wakeboarding and windsurfing.
• Go sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or boating.
• Go scuba diving or snorkelling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, the Blue Hole, Turneffe Reef, and Glover's Reef.
• Go bird watching. With over 500 species of birds, Belize is a bird-watcher's paradise.
• Explore the ancient Mayan Centres, like Altun Ha and Xunantunich, and capture some memorable shots.
• Visit the Ecological Nature Trail and take a guided walk through the jungle.
• Enjoy the nightlife at Fido's, Big Daddy's, Jaguar Temple, or Barefoot Iguana.
• Go shopping for souvenirs and crafts, such as mahogany carvings, jewellery, straw hats, and handicrafts.
• Take a day trip to Caye Caulker.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a laid-back Caribbean island with a "go slow" attitude. Here are some typical activities to enjoy on Caye Caulker:

• Go snorkelling or scuba diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
• Visit The Split, a narrow channel of sparkling Caribbean Sea that separates the north and south sides of the island. Enjoy great local food, island drinks, and socialise with locals and travellers.
• Sip on a "Lizard Juice" at The Lazy Lizard Bar.
• Fly over the Great Blue Hole and witness this mysterious sea spectacle from above.
• Go on a sunset cruise and sail away under the stars.
• Rent a kayak and paddle out on the west side of the island, where the lagoon meets the ocean.
• Go biking around the island and take in the ambient energy of Caye Caulker at sunset.
• Visit the Seahorse Reserve at the Iguana Reef Inn and spot the magical little sea creatures.
• Indulge in delicious BBQ, grilled right on the main drag. Try the mouthwatering lobster, snapper, or veggies.
• Take a sea view yoga class at Namaste Cafe.
• Charter a fishing trip and BBQ your fresh catch.

Typical food and drink at each destination

Caye Caulker and San Pedro, Belize, are two distinct destinations with their own unique food and drink offerings. Here are some typical dishes and beverages you can expect to find at each location:

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, a small island located off the coast of Belize, offers a variety of food and drinks that reflect its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Here are some typical food and drink options you can find on the island:

• Seafood: Caye Caulker is known for its fresh seafood, including lobster, conch, and fish. Lobster is a highlight, with many visitors praising its taste and affordable price compared to the US.
• Barbecue: BBQ chicken and other grilled dishes are commonly available from street vendors and beachside grills.
• Belizean Specialties: Traditional Belizean dishes such as stewed chicken, rice and beans, and conch ceviche are a must-try.
• International Cuisine: Caye Caulker also offers a variety of international options, including Italian restaurants like Pasta Per Caso, which serves homemade pasta, and fry jacks, a popular breakfast item.
• Drinks: For drinks, you can find everything from beachside cocktails at bars like Lazy Lizard to iced coffee and bubble waffles at cafes like Ice and Beans.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro, also known as Ambergris Caye, offers a wider range of culinary options due to its larger size and popularity. Here are some typical food and drink options you can expect to find:

• Seafood: Similar to Caye Caulker, seafood is a highlight in San Pedro as well. Lobster is a delicacy, but other options like shrimp, fish, and crab claws are also readily available.
• International Cuisine: San Pedro offers a diverse range of international cuisine, including Italian, Mexican, and Japanese options. You can find everything from pizza and burritos to sushi and tapas.
• Local Specialties: Traditional Belizean dishes like rice and beans, stewed chicken, and pupusas can be found at restaurants like El Fogon and Waruguma.
• Fine Dining: San Pedro also boasts a selection of fine dining establishments, such as Blue Water Grill, which offers a combination of international and regional cuisine in a casual yet fancy atmosphere.
• Drinks: For drinks, you'll find everything from beach bars serving cocktails to craft chocolatiers and coffee shops. The Belize Chocolate Company, for example, offers artisanal chocolates and coffee made from locally grown cocoa.

Relative affordability of each destination

Caye Caulker and San Pedro, Belize, are two of the country's most famous islands, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. However, they differ in terms of affordability, with Caye Caulker being the more budget-friendly option.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker has long been a popular destination for backpackers due to its laid-back lifestyle, cheaper accommodation, and easy-breezy bohemian vibe. While it used to cater mainly to backpackers, Caye Caulker has been growing and developing rapidly, with a broader range of hotels and lodgings now available.

The island is about 5 miles long, and transportation is mainly by bicycle or golf cart. Caye Caulker is known for its beautiful marine life, offering snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities to explore its underwater world. It also has a range of restaurants and street food options, including barbeque and seafood.

Caye Caulker is ideal for those seeking a more affordable, relaxed, and local Caribbean experience. It is perfect for travellers who want to "go slow" and enjoy the island life without breaking the bank.

San Pedro

San Pedro, also known as Ambergris Caye, is the capital of Belize's biggest island and is a popular gateway to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. It offers a range of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving.

While San Pedro has more facilities and fancier restaurants, it is more expensive than Caye Caulker. Living expenses are higher, with property prices and rental costs being significantly more than in other parts of Belize.

San Pedro is ideal for travellers seeking a wider range of amenities, luxurious resorts, and fine dining experiences. It is a popular choice for those who do not identify as backpackers and prefer a more developed and touristy atmosphere.

In Summary

In terms of relative affordability, Caye Caulker is the more budget-friendly option, offering cheaper accommodation, food, and activities. It caters to travellers seeking a laid-back, local Caribbean experience on a budget.

On the other hand, San Pedro is more expensive, with higher living costs and accommodation prices. It offers more luxurious resorts, fancier restaurants, and a wider range of facilities, making it ideal for travellers seeking a more upscale and developed island experience.

Frequently asked questions