Exploring Belize's Remote Caulker Island: Travel Tips

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, with over 50 hotels and a number of restaurants and shops. The island is known for its laid-back vibe and offers a range of activities such as snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Getting to Caye Caulker is straightforward, with two primary options: by water taxi (ferry) or by plane. The most popular and economical way to reach the island is by water taxi, which takes about 45 minutes from Belize City and costs around $20.50 one way or $36.50 return. For a quicker but more expensive option, you can take a flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker, which takes around 8-20 minutes and costs approximately $80-$150 USD round trip.

Travel by water taxi or plane to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island located 21 miles northeast of Belize City. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those seeking a relaxed, budget-friendly beach vacation. The island is known for its stunning natural scenery, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere.

Travel by Water Taxi

The water taxi is a popular and budget-friendly option for travelling to Caye Caulker. There are two water taxi companies that service the island: Caribbean Sprinter (formerly Ocean Ferry) and San Pedro Belize Express. The ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes, and water taxis depart about every two hours. The cost is $25 US round trip, and you can purchase tickets directly at the water taxi terminal.

If you are arriving by plane at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, you will need to take a taxi to the water taxi terminal. Taxis from the airport charge a flat rate of $30 US for a party of two, plus an additional fee for each additional passenger. The taxi ride takes around 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Travel by Plane

For a faster and more convenient option, you can take a short flight from the Belize International Airport to Caye Caulker. There are two local airlines, Tropic Air and Mayan Air, that offer this route. The flight takes approximately 8 minutes and is a more expensive option compared to the water taxi.

Transportation on Caye Caulker

Once you arrive on Caye Caulker, the primary mode of transportation on the island is by golf cart or bicycle. You can easily rent these from local vendors or your accommodation. The island is only about a mile long, so it is also possible to walk to most destinations.

Whether you choose to travel by water taxi or plane, getting to Caye Caulker is quite straightforward. Both options offer a unique perspective on the beautiful scenery of Belize, and the journey is part of the overall experience of visiting this charming island.

Explore the island by foot, bike or golf cart

Caye Caulker is a small island with a laid-back, Caribbean resort vibe. The island is about four miles long, but the town is only about a mile long. The primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart, and the streets and paths are well-defined, so it's easy to get around and explore the island.

If you're looking for a more active way to see the island, renting a bike is a great option. You can pedal the sandy backroads and visit spots like Koto King Beach on the north side of The Split. Most guesthouses have bicycles available for rent.

For those who want a more relaxed mode of transportation, golf carts are also widely available for rent. This can be a fun way to explore the island at a leisurely pace.

Whether you choose to explore by foot, bike, or golf cart, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. The island offers a mix of activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving to fishing and boat tours. The laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural setting make it a perfect destination for those seeking a tropical paradise.

Visit the local restaurants and street food stalls

Caye Caulker has over 50 restaurants, ranging from simple and inexpensive to fancy and extravagant. The island's motto, 'Go Slow', is reflected in its laid-back dining scene, with everything from beachside barbeques to elegant Italian restaurants.

For breakfast, head to Weezie's Patio Cafe, an open-air restaurant serving locally sourced produce from its garden. Happy Lobster, run by Miriam and her family, is another great breakfast spot, also serving lunch and dinner at reasonable prices. For coffee and breakfast, Amor y Cafe, run by a Danish lady called Mika, is a good bet, while for pastries, breakfast and (in the evening) pizza, try the French cafe, Suggestions Cafe.

For lunch, head to Maggie's Sunset Grill, a small, family-run, casual spot on the west of the island, serving amazing fresh seafood dishes. Pasta Per Caso is a tiny Italian restaurant run by an Italian couple, Anna and Armando, who create two special homemade pasta dishes each night. It fills up fast, so reservations are recommended. Il Pelicano is another Italian, serving delicious food in an elegant garden setting. For something cheaper, try Errol's House of Fry Jacks, a local favourite serving fry jacks stuffed with eggs, beans, cheese and more for just a couple of dollars.

In the evening, the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill is the go-to spot for fun, with live music, trivia nights and big-screen sports. For something more low-key, try the Rainbow Grill, which serves consistently good food, from chicken curry to club sandwiches, in a dining room hanging over the Caribbean Sea. Hibiscus is located in the old phone building and has a great Caribbean vibe. It's on the pricier side, but a great choice for seafood, especially the fish and seafood curry.

For vegan and vegetarian food, try Namaste Cafe, which offers plant-based options including puddings, sandwiches, salads and hummus, as well as daily donation-based yoga classes. Juice Dive has a solid menu with lots of vegan choices, including the Impossible Burger.

Other recommended spots include Reina's, a quaint seven-table restaurant serving fantastic, authentic Belizean food, and Chef Juan's, which serves great food at great prices (the stewed chicken and desserts are recommended). Don't forget to bring your own alcohol, though, as they don't serve any. The Pelican Sunset Bar is a great spot to gather to watch the sunset, and the ceviche comes highly recommended.

Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, attracting tourists with its vibrant turquoise waters and laid-back Caribbean vibe. The island is known for its budget-friendly hostels and hotels, making it a popular destination for backpackers and travellers seeking an affordable beach vacation.

One of the main draws of Caye Caulker is the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the surrounding waters. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular snorkelling site, located just a short boat ride from the island. The reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of corals, and several species of sea turtles.

Getting to Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Ambergris Caye, which is a short 15-minute boat ride from Caye Caulker. Many tour operators on the island offer snorkelling trips to the reserve, with experienced guides to lead the way.

What to Expect at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is known for its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. As you snorkel through the channel, you will encounter schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers, as well as green eels and lobsters. The reserve is divided into zones based on marine habitat, allowing you to explore different ecosystems within a small area.

Other Activities at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

In addition to snorkelling, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve also offers diving and night snorkelling opportunities. For those who want to stay dry, boat tours are also available to explore the reserve and observe the marine life from above.

Combining Hol Chan Marine Reserve with Other Activities

Many tour operators combine a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with other activities, such as a stop at Shark Ray Alley, located just 3 minutes from the reserve. Here, you can swim with nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Some tours also include a visit to the island of Caye Caulker, where you can explore the laid-back island culture and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

When to Visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The best time to visit Caye Caulker and snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is during the dry season, from January to April, when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. However, this is also the high tourism season, so prices tend to be higher. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the offseason, from May to November.

Relax at The Split

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize City. It's known for its laid-back, budget-friendly, Caribbean vibe. The island is split in two by, well, The Split—a stretch of water created by a hurricane in 1961.

The Split is the place to be on Caye Caulker. It's the island's most popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill is the place to eat, drink, and socialise. You can sip on a pineapple margarita or a blue tongue-turning cocktail, and listen to live music and the lapping of the waves. The bar has its own diving area and a wraparound pier, and there's a wading area and a dock for sunbathing, too.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard, or try snorkelling or fishing. But be cautious when swimming, as there can be a strong current.

For a more sophisticated experience, head to the rooftop lounge, El Portal, which sits on top of the Lazy Lizard. Here, you can enjoy gourmet seafood dishes, cocktails, and live music, all with amazing views of The Split.

The Split is a great place to hang out and relax, with a friendly, holiday vibe.

Frequently asked questions