Finding Sobriety In Paradise: Aa Meetings In Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize, is a small island located 21 miles northeast of Belize City. Known for its laid-back, relaxed vibe, the island is a popular destination for travellers seeking a budget-friendly beach vacation. While the island has become increasingly focused on tourism, it still retains a fishing community feel. Caye Caulker is known for its vibrant turquoise waters, sandy streets, and abundance of water sports and outdoor activities. The island is also known for its party atmosphere and nightlife. With a variety of hostels, affordable lodging, and restaurants, Caye Caulker offers a range of options for travellers looking to experience the local culture and natural beauty of Belize.

AA meeting locations in Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker, a small island located 21 miles northeast of Belize City, is known for its vibrant turquoise waters and laid-back Caribbean vibe. With a focus on budget-friendly travel and a rich history, the island offers a unique setting for AA meetings, providing a tranquil environment for recovery and reflection.

Blu Zen Resort

The Blu Zen Resort, a beautiful location in Caye Caulker, will be hosting the "Meeting in Paradise" event from November 15 to 17, 2024. This annual gathering aims to showcase the hard work of Belizeans in carrying the message of AA throughout the country. Attendees are invited to experience the island's unique charm, with its sandy streets and relaxed atmosphere. The event includes speakers, a traditional Belizean beach dinner, and meetings starting at 3 pm on Friday and ending at 11 am on Sunday.

The Split

The Split, a natural channel that divides the island into two halves, is a central gathering point for both locals and visitors. It offers a peaceful setting with calm, shallow waters, making it a perfect spot for socialising and recreation. The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant, located at The Split, provides a convenient space for conversations over food and drinks.

Local Churches

While specific information about AA meetings in Caye Caulker is limited, it is worth noting that the island has a diverse population, including Latinos, Creoles, and a few expats. With a growing focus on tourism and a history of fishing cooperatives, Caye Caulker is likely to have AA meetings in local churches or community centres. These meetings provide support for individuals seeking help with alcohol addiction, and details can often be found through local hotlines or community boards.

Nearby Locations

For those willing to travel a short distance, there are AA meetings in nearby locations such as San Pedro, Belize City, and Ambergris Caye. These meetings can be accessed via water taxis or domestic flights, providing additional support options for individuals in recovery.

In conclusion, Caye Caulker, Belize, offers a unique setting for AA meetings, combining natural beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, and a vibrant local culture. The Blu Zen Resort's "Meeting in Paradise" event specifically caters to the AA community, while The Split provides a natural gathering point for social connections. With a range of accommodation options and a focus on budget-friendly travel, Caye Caulker is an ideal location for individuals seeking a tranquil environment to support their recovery journey.

The history of AA in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker, a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize, has a rich history when it comes to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The island, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere, has been a source of support and community for individuals seeking help with alcohol addiction.

It wasn't until March 27, 2019, that the Caye Caulker Bilingual group was established, marking a significant milestone for the island. The group held its meetings at the Caye Caulker Community Center on Hicaco Avenue, providing a space for English and Spanish speakers to come together and find support in their journey towards sobriety.

The opening of the Caye Caulker Bilingual group contributed to the establishment of the General Service Office of AA in Belize, strengthening national unity and service structure. Belize was officially recognised as a member of AA World Services in November 2018, and today, the AA fellowship in the country has over 100 members.

The path to establishing an AA presence in Caye Caulker was not without its challenges. The island's small and tight-knit community, with a population of approximately 2,000 people, may have initially posed barriers to those seeking discreet support for their addiction. Additionally, Caye Caulker's reputation as a tourist destination, known for its budget-friendly accommodations and vibrant nightlife, could have been a hurdle for those trying to maintain their sobriety while surrounded by a party atmosphere.

Despite these challenges, the dedication and perseverance of a few trailblazers led to the successful establishment of the Caye Caulker Bilingual group. Their efforts ensured that individuals in Caye Caulker struggling with alcohol addiction had access to the support and community that AA provides, fostering a sense of unity and recovery on the island.

Transportation to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a laid-back Caribbean island in Belize, with colourful houses, amazing snorkelling opportunities and the Belize Blue Hole. It is located just a few miles off the coast of Belize City and is a popular stop for travellers seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. The island is only five miles long and less than a mile wide, so it is easy to get around on foot.

Getting to Caye Caulker

To get to Caye Caulker, you will first need to fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. From there, you have a few options:

• Take a domestic flight to Caye Caulker. Both Belizean airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, fly to Caye Caulker. The flight is approximately US$80 and takes around 15-20 minutes, with fantastic views of the barrier reef and neighbouring islands.
• Take a water taxi from Belize City. Water taxis leave daily from the Belize City harbour and take about 1 hour to get to Caye Caulker. Boats depart hourly from 8 am to 5:30 pm and cost US$20.50 one way or US$36.50 return.
• If you are already in Southern Mexico or Guatemala, you can take a bus to Chetumal in Mexico and catch a ferry from there. The ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker takes about two and a half hours and leaves in the afternoon.

Getting Around Caye Caulker

Once you have arrived in Caye Caulker, the primary modes of transportation on the island are golf cart or bicycle. Golf cart taxis are readily available and charge a rate of BZ$5 (US$2.50) per person for most destinations. If you prefer to explore the island at a slower pace, you can wander the sandy streets on foot or rent a bicycle from your hotel.

Accommodation in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, catering to diverse traveller needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the accommodation choices in Caye Caulker:

Hostels and Guest Houses:

• Bella's Backpackers: A lively hostel with a social atmosphere, offering free bikes and kayaks, organised snorkelling tours, and delicious food.
• Blue Wave Guest House: Features beautifully landscaped grounds, clean rooms, and a public area with hammocks and a cooking option.
• Popeyes Beach Hostel: A basic hostel with clean rooms, offering a simple breakfast and located close to the beach.

Hotels:

• Blu Zen: A beautiful new resort offering modern rooms, multiple pools, a gym, on-site activities, and the Lotus Restaurant.
• Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages: Charming hotel with a stunning penthouse, beach access, a restaurant, and various activities.
• Jan's Hotel: A secure and clean beachfront hotel with good internet service, located near The Split.
• Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel: Features well-equipped rooms, a rooftop space, a pool, and a gym.
• The Caye Hotel: A modern and affordable hotel, conveniently located close to everything.
• Rainbow Hotel: Known for its friendly and accommodating staff, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Coco Beach Resort: A clean and well-maintained property with friendly and helpful staff, offering excellent service.
• El Ben Cabañas: A design-focused property with friendly staff and delicious food at the on-site restaurant.
• Island Magic Beach Resort: Features clean and comfortable rooms, a delightful pool, a swim-up bar, and a charming decor.
• Colinda Cabanas: Beachfront property with clean rooms, excellent customer service, and convenient transportation options.
• Tropical Paradise Hotel: Oceanfront hotel with a pool, a swim-up bar, and a convenient location near the water taxi dock.
• Coral View Hotel & Resort: Modern hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, and panoramic island views.
• Anchorage Resort: Quiet beachfront accommodation with clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

Condos and Apartments:

• Caye Caulker Condos: Spacious and well-furnished rooms, offering kitchenettes, bikes, and a small gym.
• Caye Caulker Oceanfront Condo Resort: Seafront condos with private pools, located in the village.
• Valarosa: A sweet one-bedroom home with bikes, AC, a full kitchen, and more.
• Caye Reef Condos: Boutique property with modern amenities and a laid-back atmosphere.

Resorts:

• Seaside Cabanas Hotel: Features exceptional customer service, a convenient location, a rooftop bar, kayaks, paddleboards, and delicious dining options.
• Low Caye Cottages: Located away from the main town, offering a quiet and tranquil stay with a pool and well-loved cabins.

Things to do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, with a relaxed, care-free Caribbean atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, crystal-clear seawater, and amazing scuba diving and snorkelling sites. The island's motto is "go slow", so it's the perfect place to unwind and relax. Here are some fun things to do during your visit:

• Explore the island by bike: With no cars on the island, a bicycle is the perfect way to get around and see the sights.
• Visit the Seahorse Reserve: Head to the Iguana Reef Inn, where you'll find a small sanctuary home to adorable seahorses.
• Snorkelling: Caye Caulker is located just outside the world's second-largest barrier reef, so it's the perfect place to snorkel and see an array of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays and colourful coral.
• Hang out at the Split: This narrow channel of sparkling Caribbean Sea is the place to be for water activities, great food and drinks, and socialising with fellow travellers and locals.
• Try the local food: Indulge in delicious BBQ, fresh seafood and street food. Don't miss the chance to try fry jacks, a Belizean staple—Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks is a great spot for this.
• Take a sunset cruise: Sail away on a tiki bar boat tour, sipping on rum punch and taking in the stunning Caribbean sunset.
• Feed the tarpons: Head to the west side of the island, where you can hand-feed massive tarpon fish for just a few Belizean dollars.
• Scuba dive in the Great Blue Hole: For experienced divers, this mysterious sea spectacle offers a unique and eerie experience.
• Fly over the Great Blue Hole: If scuba diving isn't your thing, you can still appreciate the enormity of the Great Blue Hole by taking a scenic flight.
• Yoga at Namaste Cafe: Start your day with an energising yoga class at Namaste Cafe, followed by a fresh and healthy breakfast.

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