Ruqayyah Snyder
The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a narrow channel of water that divides the island in two. It was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, a cyclone that brought 165-mph winds and caused devastating damage to Belize City. While it is believed that the Split was formed as a result of this hurricane, some villagers maintain that it is largely a man-made feature, dredged by hand by locals after the hurricane created a narrow passage. Today, The Split is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and various entertainment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Caye Caulker, Belize |
| Type | Narrow channel of water |
| Formation | Hurricane Hattie (1961) and/or hand dredging by villagers |
| Width | 100 feet (30 m) deep |
| Features | Seawall, wading area, picnic areas, spa, rental shop, restaurants, bars |
| Popularity | Most popular destination in Caye Caulker, frequented by locals and tourists |
What You'll Learn
The Split's formation
The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a stretch of water that divides the small island in two. The Split was created by Hurricane Hattie, a Category 5 hurricane that hit Belize in 1961. The hurricane brought 165-mph winds that tore through the country's coastline.
Prior to the hurricane, in the early 1950s, local fishermen had dug a channel through the mangrove for their boats to pass through. This hand-dug channel widened after Hurricane Hattie, giving the appearance that the island had been split in two. The locals began using the widened channel as a swimming spot and the area became known as The Split.
Today, The Split is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering warm Caribbean waters for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities. The area has also developed to include a seawall, a wading area, picnic spots, a spa, rental shops, restaurants, and bars, such as the famous Lazy Lizard Bar.
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The Split's popularity
The Split is the most popular destination in Caye Caulker, Belize. It's a stretch of water that divides the island in two, with clean, deep waters that are free of seaweed, making it one of the island's best swimming areas. The Split is a favourite hangout spot for both locals and visitors, with its warm Caribbean waters, oceanfront balconies, and beach bars. It has become the heart of the island, with amazing music, drinks, and food.
The Split is believed to have formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Hattie, a Category 5 hurricane that struck Belize in 1961. The hurricane widened a hand-dug channel created by local fishermen in the early 1950s, making it appear as if the island was split in two. The locals started using the newly widened channel as a swimming spot, and the area became known as The Split.
Today, The Split is a lively place with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the sun, drinks, and music. It has a long, wraparound pier with its own diving area, outdoor seats, and sun umbrellas. The Lazy Lizard Bar, one of Belize's legendary beach bars, is located here, offering drinks like margaritas, rum cocktails, and buckets of Belikins.
For those looking for a more sophisticated atmosphere, El Portal, a rooftop lounge above the Lazy Lizard, offers gourmet seafood dishes and amazing views of The Split. Live music, karaoke, and ladies' nights add to the fun.
The Split is also a great spot for snorkelling, with easy access to the water and kayaks and paddleboards available for rent. It's a unique place to experience, whether you're looking for a quiet swim or a lively party atmosphere.
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The Split's amenities
The Split in Belize is a narrow channel of water that separates North and South Caye Caulker, an island that is a laid-back alternative to the busy Ambergris Caye. The Split is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of amenities and activities.
The Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill is a well-known beach bar and restaurant located at The Split. It features a long, wrap-around pier with a diving area, outdoor seating, sun umbrellas, and a lively atmosphere. The bar is known for its specialty "green" drink and offers a range of cocktails, beer, and food. Above the Lazy Lizard is El Portal, a rooftop lounge offering sophisticated gourmet seafood dishes, live music, karaoke, and ladies' nights.
The Split is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for snorkelling, parasailing, fishing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. There is also a dock for sunbathing and easy access to the water.
In addition to the bar and water sports, The Split offers a range of other amenities, including a wading area, picnic areas, a spa, and a rental shop. It is a great place to swim, with clean, deep waters, and a protected swimming area. There is also a jumping/diving platform where people can dive into the water.
The Split has a quasi-party-like atmosphere, with music, drinks, and dancing. It is a popular place to watch the sunset, with many seaside bars and chairs. It is also a social gathering spot, drawing scores of tourists and locals every day.
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The Split's activities
The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a narrow channel that divides the island into two. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a range of activities and attractions.
Swimming and Sunbathing
The Split is known for its clean, deep waters, making it one of the best swimming areas on the island. The waters are free of seaweed and relatively rock-free, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for a dip. The Lazy Lizard bar, a legendary beach bar in Belize, offers a long pier with a diving area and outdoor seating, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the Caribbean waters.
Water Sports
The Split is also a hub for various water activities. You can go snorkelling, with the opportunity to explore the marine life and coral reefs that Belize is known for. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent, allowing you to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Other water activities include parasailing, fishing, and even crocodile-spotting tours.
Dining and Socialising
The Lazy Lizard bar and grill is a popular spot for dining and socialising, offering excellent food, cold drinks, and a lively atmosphere. The bar features music, drinks, and a vibrant crowd, making it a favourite for those seeking a festive experience. For a more sophisticated option, El Portal, a rooftop lounge located above the Lazy Lizard, offers gourmet seafood dishes and amazing views of the Split.
Relaxation
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are hammocks available to kick back and unwind. The Split also features a seawall, a wading area, and picnic areas where you can enjoy a quiet meal and take in the surroundings.
Boat Rides
Boat rides are also a popular activity at the Split, with tours available to nearby attractions and the opportunity to cross to the other side of the island.
The Split in Belize offers a diverse range of activities, catering to those seeking water sports, dining, socialising, or simply a relaxing day by the water.
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The Split's bars and restaurants
The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a stretch of water that divides the island in two, with clean, deep waters free of seaweed, making it one of the island's best swimming areas.
The Split is also home to several bars and restaurants, including the iconic Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill, which is often considered synonymous with The Split itself. The Lazy Lizard is known for its lively atmosphere, with music, drinks, and dancing. It features a long, wraparound pier with a diving area and outdoor seating. The bar serves a range of drinks, including margaritas, rum cocktails, and buckets of Belikins. Above the Lazy Lizard is El Portal, a rooftop lounge offering gourmet seafood dishes and amazing views of The Split.
In addition to the Lazy Lizard, there are several other bars and restaurants in the area. The Anchor at Caye Caulker and Dee N' D's are two restaurants located near The Split. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there are also seaside bars and chairs near the beach, providing a great spot to enjoy a drink and take in the views.
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Frequently asked questions
The Split is a narrow channel that was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. However, some villagers claim that they hand-dredged the waterway, making it largely a man-made feature.
The Split is a popular tourist destination, offering swimming, snorkelling, fishing, sunbathing, and kayaking. There are also several bars and restaurants, including the famous Lazy Lizard.
While the Split is a great place to enjoy the sun and water, it is important to be cautious of the strong currents in the area. There have also been reports of dogs in the area that may pose a risk.
