Caye Caulker And Caye Corker: Two Distinct Destinations In Belize

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is located 20-21 miles north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Caye Caulker Village is the town on the island, with a population of approximately 2,000 people. The island is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, offering over 50 hotels, restaurants, and shops. The main industries on the island are fishing and tourism, with scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing being popular activities for visitors.

Caye Caulker's history and population

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is located approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. The island is made up of a sand bar over a limestone shelf and has a population of approximately 2,000 people.

Caye Caulker is thought 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 the massacres taking place in the Yucatán. The area of the village was granted to Luciano Reyes by Queen Victoria around 1870, and lots were sold to six or seven families, most of which still have descendants on the island today.

The main industry on the island used to be fishing, as it sits in the middle of natural migration routes for fish and feeding grounds for conch and lobster. During World War II, fishermen living on the island also collected debris from torpedoed ships in the Caribbean, including bales of rubber. Today, the fishing industry is thought to support about 80 families on the island.

In recent years, Caye Caulker has become a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists. There are over 50 hotels and a number of restaurants and shops on the island. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant marine life, and turquoise waters. It is a great place to enjoy tropical respite, fresh lobster, warm sea breezes, and a supremely casual vibe.

The most popular activities on Caye Caulker include snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and fishing. The island is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the sun and sea.

How to get to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is located around 20 miles north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane.

If you are flying into Belize, you will land at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. From there, you have a few options to get to Caye Caulker:

Fly

Domestic flights to Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) are available from both Belizean airlines: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. The flight takes around 15-20 minutes and costs approximately US$80 one way.

Water Taxi

Water taxis are a popular option for travelling between Belize City and Caye Caulker. Two companies operate this route: Ocean Ferry Belize and Belize Express Water Taxi. Boats depart hourly from 8 am to 5:30 pm and the journey takes about 1 hour. Tickets cost around US$20.50 one way or US$36.50 return.

To get from the airport to the Belize City harbour, you can take a taxi for around US$25.

Getting Around Caye Caulker

Once you arrive on Caye Caulker, the primary modes of transportation on the island are by foot, golf cart, or bicycle. The island is only 5 miles long, so it is easy to get around and explore.

Getting to Caye Caulker from Mexico

If you are coming from Mexico, you can take a ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker. This ferry stops in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, where you will need to get off the boat to pass through immigration. The entire boat ride takes around 2.5 hours.

To get from the Chetumal Airport to the ferry pier, take a taxi for a short ride of a few dollars. At the pier, look for the Caye Caulker water taxi, which operates this route. Ferry tickets do not usually need to be booked in advance, but it is recommended to check the schedule online.

Please note that if you are entering Mexico, you will be provided with an FMM card, which you must present upon exiting the country. This card is your tourist visa, so it is important to keep it safe.

Getting to Caye Caulker from Guatemala

If you are coming from Guatemala, you can travel to Caye Caulker via Belize City. Take a bus from Flores to Belize City, which takes around 5 hours. Once in Belize City, walk or take a taxi to the pier, and then catch a water taxi to Caye Caulker.

Things to do on the island

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It's a popular destination for backpackers and tourists seeking a relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. Here are some things to do on the island:

Explore the Island by Bike or Kayak

Caye Caulker is a small island, measuring about five miles long and less than a mile wide. The best way to get around is by bicycle or golf cart, which are readily available for rent. Exploring the island by bike or kayak offers a unique perspective and allows visitors to discover hidden gems.

Visit the Seahorse Reserve

The Iguana Reef Inn is home to a seahorse sanctuary, where visitors can admire these magical creatures up close. Seahorses are masters of camouflage, so it may take a careful eye to spot them among the algae and netting.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

With its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, Caye Caulker offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in the world. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are teeming with marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays, turtles, and a variety of coral species.

Relax at the Beach

While Caye Caulker may not have many traditional sandy beaches, the North Side of the island is home to what is considered the best beach on the island. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beach and enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Caye Caulker offers a variety of culinary delights, from fresh seafood to BBQ and street food. Errolyn's House of Fryjacks, Chef Kareem's Unbelizeable Lunch, and Maggie's Sunset Kitchen are some popular spots for authentic Belizean cuisine.

Hang Out at the Split

The Split is a narrow channel that divides the island into two parts. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals to socialise, offering great food, drinks, and music. The Lazy Lizard bar is a favourite among visitors, serving up strong drinks and bar food.

Accommodation options

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 variety of restaurants and shops. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and condominiums.

For those seeking a more luxurious stay, there are several options available, including:

• Blu Zen Caye Caulker: A beautiful new resort offering modern rooms, exceptional service, and amenities such as multiple pools, a gym, and an on-site restaurant.
• Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages: A charming hotel with stunning penthouse suites, clean rooms, beautiful grounds, and beach access.
• Island Magic Beach Resort: A charming resort featuring ocean-view balconies, a waterfront location, a delightful pool, and a swim-up bar.
• Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel: An ocean-view hotel with a rooftop space, pool, gym, and well-equipped rooms.
• Coral View Hotel & Resort: A modern hotel offering spacious rooms, balconies, and a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic island views.

For travellers on a budget, Caye Caulker also has several affordable options:

• Bella's Backpackers: A lively hostel with delicious food, friendly staff, and a popular backyard area and social atmosphere.
• Go Slow Caye Caulker: A clean and quiet hostel with basic but comfortable dorm rooms and an ensuite bathroom.
• Popeyes Beach Hostel: A basic hostel with clean, shared rooms, and a simple complimentary breakfast.
• Blue Wave Guest House: A guest house with beautifully landscaped grounds and clean, comfortable rooms.
• Tropical Paradise Hotel: An oceanfront hotel with a nice pool, a swim-up bar, and a convenient location near the water taxi dock.

In addition to these options, Caye Caulker also offers a range of vacation rentals, condominiums, and cottages, providing travellers with a variety of choices to suit their preferences and budget.

The best time to visit

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 atmosphere, with life moving at a slow pace and no real roads—most people get around by golf cart or bicycle.

So, when is the best time to visit Caye Caulker? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. The island is a year-round destination, with a tropical monsoon climate. The busiest month for tourism is January, followed by February and March. These months offer good weather and are considered the dry season in Belize, so you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. However, prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider visiting Caye Caulker during the off-peak season. The rainiest months are June, July, August, September, and October, so you may want to avoid these months if you're looking for dry weather. The least humid month is April, so this could be a good time to visit if you're looking to beat the heat.

Keep in mind that Caye Caulker is known for its budget-friendly options, so even during the high season, prices may be more affordable than other destinations. The island has a variety of accommodation options, from hostels to boutique hotels, so you can find something that fits your budget.

Overall, the best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season from January to April. However, if you're looking for lower prices and don't mind the rain, the off-peak season from May to October could also be a good time to visit.

Frequently asked questions