Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village and has a population of around 2,000 people. The island is located approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane.
Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, offering a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels and affordable lodging. The island has a laid-back, Caribbean vibe and is known for its sandy streets, vibrant turquoise waters, and nearby Barrier Reef. The primary mode of transportation on the island is by golf cart or bicycle, with cars being forbidden due to the narrow dirt streets.
Chapoose Street, located at the corner of Langosta Street, is home to the Sandy Lane Guest House & Cabanas. This guest house is within walking distance of many of the island's restaurants and bars, making it a convenient base for exploring Caye Caulker.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | 20-21 miles north-northeast of Belize City; 11 miles south of Ambergris Caye |
Population | Approximately 2,000 people |
Size | 4-5 miles long; less than 1 mile wide |
Main Industries | Tourism and fishing |
Transport | High-speed water taxi, small plane, bicycle, golf cart |
Accommodation | Over 50 hotels, hostels, and guesthouses |
What You'll Learn
- Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea
- The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village
- Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists
- The island is divided into two by The Split
- Caye Caulker is known for its laid-back, relaxed vibe
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea
Caye Caulker is a great spot to experience Belizean culture and enjoy a beach vacation. The island has vibrant turquoise waters and a hip, low-key Caribbean feeling. It is a prime stop for travellers looking to "go slow" and enjoy a relaxed vibe. The island attracts a lot of young individuals and backpackers seeking an affordable beach destination.
The island has a rich history and several theories exist about how it got its name. It is believed to have made its way onto British maps as "Caye Corker", as sailors knew of its abundant fresh water and would stop to replenish and "cork" their water bottles. Another theory is that Caye Caulker is the Anglicized pronunciation of its Spanish name, Cayo Hicaco, which translates to "island of the cocoplum".
Caye Caulker has a variety of things to do, including water sports such as snorkelling, diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are also excellent fishing opportunities, and you can even have your catch cooked at one of the local restaurants. The island's "Split" is a popular hangout spot, with calm, shallow waters and a bar serving strong drinks.
Caye Caulker is busiest from January to April during Belize's dry season. This is also the peak tourism season, so things can get a little more expensive. However, the island is relatively unchanged during the off-season, and you may even find some discounts on accommodations.
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The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village
Caye Caulker Village, often referred to simply as 'the village', is the small town located on the island of Caye Caulker. The village is approximately one mile long and has a population of around 2,000 people.
The village is known for its sandy streets and laid-back, Caribbean vibe. The primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart, although many residents and tourists choose to walk. The village is also known for its beachside grills, serving up fresh seafood, and its nearby underwater caves and shallow lagoon.
Caye Caulker Village has a rich history, with the area being granted to Luciano Reyes by Queen Victoria in the 1870s. The village was initially inhabited by around six or seven families, most of whom still have descendants on the island today.
Today, the village is a popular tourist destination, known for its budget-friendly accommodation and relaxed atmosphere. It is a great spot for snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, as well as fishing. The village has a variety of restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious local cuisine, including barbeque and fresh seafood.
Caye Caulker Village is the perfect place to experience Belizean culture and enjoy a beach vacation, all while on a budget.
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Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists
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, offering a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant culture. Here are four to six paragraphs detailing why Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists:
The Island's Charm and Natural Beauty:
Caye Caulker is a picturesque Caribbean island surrounded by turquoise blue waters, abundant wildlife, and friendly locals. The island exudes a relaxed and chilled-out vibe, inviting visitors to embrace a slower pace of life. Its small size, measuring about five miles long and less than a mile wide, adds to its charm and makes it easy to explore. The island is known for its sandy roads and lack of cars, with golf carts and bicycles being the primary means of transportation. The natural beauty of the surrounding sea, the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, and the vibrant marine life all contribute to Caye Caulker's allure.
Affordable and Budget-Friendly:
Caye Caulker is often seen as a more affordable alternative to nearby Caye Ambergris. It offers a range of accommodation options, from hostels to boutique hotels and guesthouses, catering to different budgets. While some restaurants and activities can be pricey, there are also budget-friendly choices, such as street grills and local eateries serving delicious seafood and traditional Belizean cuisine. Backpackers can find inexpensive dorm beds and enjoy free or low-cost activities like swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the island on foot.
Diverse Activities and Attractions:
Caye Caulker offers a variety of activities and attractions to suit different interests. Watersports are a major draw, with snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing being popular choices. The island is also a great spot for fishing, and visitors can have their catch cooked at local restaurants. Other activities include exploring the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, visiting the Split, a narrow waterway that divides the island, and enjoying the lively bars and nightlife. Caye Caulker also serves as a launch point for scuba diving at the Great Blue Hole, a popular dive site.
Local Culture and Hospitality:
Caye Caulker is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are happy to share their culture and way of life with visitors. The island has a diverse population, with influences from Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and other ethnic groups. The local cuisine, music, and art scene reflect this cultural richness. Additionally, the island has a growing community of painters and musicians, adding to its artistic appeal.
Ease of Access and Transportation:
Caye Caulker is easily accessible from Belize City by high-speed water taxi or small plane. The island's small size and walkability make it convenient to get around. Golf carts and bicycles are readily available for rent, and the lack of cars adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The island's airport, Caye Caulker Airport (CUK), offers domestic flights, providing easy connections for travellers.
Caye Caulker's popularity among backpackers and tourists can be attributed to its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, cultural offerings, and the range of activities it provides. Its affordability and ease of access also make it an attractive destination for those seeking a tropical island experience in Belize.
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The island is divided into two by The Split
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 home to a diverse range of marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.
The Split is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering calm and shallow waters for swimming and snorkelling. It is also home to the Lazy Lizard bar and grill, which serves food and strong drinks, including the infamous lizard juice. The Split is an ideal place to socialise and enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibe of Caye Caulker.
The north side of the island, accessible by a short boat ride from the south, offers a more peaceful atmosphere with white sand beaches, bike paths, crocodiles, and mangroves. It is a great option for those seeking a balance between crowds and action, and quiet solo time on the beach.
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Caye Caulker is known for its laid-back, relaxed vibe
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for backpackers, and is known for its relaxed and laid-back vibe.
The island is just five miles long and is known for its "Go Slow" motto, which is embraced by both residents and tourists. Cars are forbidden on the island, with the primary mode of transport being golf carts or bicycles. Alternatively, you can walk or even go barefoot, as many of the streets are sandy.
Caye Caulker is divided in two by a narrow waterway known as "The Split", which was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The Lazy Lizard bar is located at The Split, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to hang out and enjoy a drink. The island's "go slow" attitude is perhaps best embodied by The Split, where people can be found chilling in the water or lounging in the surrounding beach area.
The island is a great spot to experience Belizean culture and enjoy a beach vacation. It is known for its warm and gracious locals, and its vibrant turquoise waters. Caye Caulker is also a fantastic place to enjoy seafood, with street grills cooking up delicious seafood until the late afternoon.
The island has a rich history, with theories suggesting that its name came from British maps, where it was labelled "Caye Corker", as sailors would stop by to replenish their water bottles. Another theory is that Caye Caulker is the Anglicized pronunciation of its Spanish name, Cayo Hicaco, which translates to "island of the cocoplum".
Caye Caulker is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed and laid-back vibe, with its serene atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning natural surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea.
Caye Caulker is an island in Belize, which is a country in Central America.
You can get to Caye Caulker by water taxi or small plane. There are regular water taxi services from Belize City to Caye Caulker, which take around 30-50 minutes.
Caye Caulker is a popular destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing, and beach relaxation. It is also known for its nightlife and parties.
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season from January to April, which is also the high season for tourism.