Explore Caye Caulker: Belize's Tropical Paradise

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize in Central America. It's known for its laid-back, Caribbean atmosphere, with the motto Go Slow reflecting the relaxed pace of life on the island. The island is divided into two parts, the north and south, by a narrow channel of water called The Split, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals to hang out, swim, and enjoy drinks from the nearby bar, The Lazy Lizard.

Caye Caulker is part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, offering excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular spot for snorkelling, where you can see a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. The Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole, is also a popular dive site, offering a unique and eerie experience.

In addition to water activities, Caye Caulker has colourful cafes and beachfront bars. The local cuisine features seafood, Caribbean jerk chicken, and fry jacks, a traditional Belizean dish of puffed-up, deep-fried dough stuffed with various fillings. The island also has a variety of accommodation options, from cute cabanas to budget hostels.

So, if you're looking for a tropical paradise with a mix of water activities, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere, Caye Caulker, Belize, is the place to be!

Explore 'The Split'

Caye Caulker's "Split" is a stretch of water that divides the island in two. It was created by Hurricane Hattie, a 1961 cyclone that hit Belize with winds of up to 165 mph. The storm widened a hand-dug channel that local fishermen had initially created in the early 1950s, making it appear as though the island had been split in two.

The Split is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its stunning crystal shades of blue water and natural tropical biodiversity. It's a great place to lounge, swim, snorkel, or enjoy a drink. The Lazy Lizard pier, which has its own diving area, is a popular spot for snorkelling, where you can see coral, live sponges, and colourful sea anemones, as well as puffer fish, starfish, and stingrays. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent.

The Lazy Lizard Bar is a legendary beach bar in Belize, known for its long, wrap-around pier, outdoor seating with sun umbrellas, and lively atmosphere. It's the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy the sun, music, and stunning views of the Split. Above the Lazy Lizard is El Portal, a rooftop lounge offering amazing views, gourmet seafood dishes, and a more sophisticated atmosphere. El Portal features live music, karaoke, and ladies' nights.

The Split is also a great place to meet and mingle, with several restaurants and bars in the area. It's the local hangout spot for people from all around Belize, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the warm Caribbean waters and vibrant atmosphere.

Snorkel with nurse sharks

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, known for its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and amazing scuba diving and snorkelling sites. The island's clear blue waters and warm Caribbean sun attract tourists looking to snorkel and dive, as well as kayak, sip cocktails at sunset, and relax.

Snorkelling with nurse sharks is one of the most popular activities in Caye Caulker. Nurse sharks are slow-moving bottom-dwellers and are mostly harmless to humans, though they can grow up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) and have strong jaws filled with thousands of tiny, serrated teeth.

There are several snorkelling tour companies in Caye Caulker that offer the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks. These tours typically last four to five hours and cost around 180 BZD. The most popular spot for this activity is Shark Ray Alley, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a few miles north of Caye Caulker. Here, you can swim with nurse sharks and eagle rays, which are attracted to the noise of the boat engines and will come up to greet you. The area has a constant depth of 4-8ft (1.5-3m) and features sandy and grassy beds.

When snorkelling with nurse sharks, it's important to enter the water as soon as the boat arrives, as this is when the sharks and rays are most curious. You can easily get close to them, but they will swim away if you make any sudden movements. It's also important to note that while most stingrays are docile, they can be harmful if they feel threatened, so always maintain a respectful distance.

In addition to nurse sharks and stingrays, Shark Ray Alley is home to a variety of other marine life, including horse-eye jack, Bermuda chub, smooth trunkfish, small barracudas, and queen conch. The water is generally calm and clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling.

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable underwater experience in Caye Caulker, be sure to add snorkelling with nurse sharks to your itinerary!

Scuba dive the world's second-largest barrier reef

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize that attracts visitors with its laid-back atmosphere, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. One of the most popular activities on the island is scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Here are some details on scuba diving at this incredible destination:

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a diver's paradise and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and spans almost 200 miles (300 kilometres). The reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including rays, sharks, sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and more. It is also known for its bright and colourful coral.

Scuba Diving at the Belize Barrier Reef

Scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The reef has something for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Half-day and full-day scuba diving tours are readily available from Caye Caulker, with prices starting at around 260 BZD. The best time for diving is from November to April when the waters are at their clearest.

What You'll See

The Belize Barrier Reef is teeming with marine life. You may encounter nurse sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and a variety of colourful fish. The reef is also home to protected species such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles, manatees, and black and elkhorn corals.

Other Underwater Activities

In addition to scuba diving, the Belize Barrier Reef offers excellent snorkelling opportunities. Snorkelling tours are a popular way to explore the reef and get up close and personal with the marine life. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even swim with manatees at the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.

Other Things to Do in Caye Caulker

When you're not scuba diving, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Caye Caulker. You can visit the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, a nature reserve home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and crocodiles. The Split, a channel that divides the island in two, is a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy cocktails at the Lazy Lizard bar. You can also explore the north side of the island, which is less developed and home to beautiful white-sand beaches, such as the one at Bliss Beach Lounge and Beach Bar.

So, whether you're a scuba diving enthusiast or a beginner, Caye Caulker and the Belize Barrier Reef offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the world's most remarkable underwater ecosystems.

Watch the sunset

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, known for its relaxed, carefree Caribbean atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and stunning sea views. The west side of the island offers the best viewpoints to watch the sunset. Here are some suggestions on where to watch the sunset in Caye Caulker:

Iguana Reef Inn

Even if you're not staying at the Iguana Reef Inn, you can head there for happy hour and a front-row seat to watch the sunset. The bar staff will bring drinks straight to you, so you won't miss a moment of the beautiful sunset.

I & I Reggae Bar

Located at the south end of the main road in Caye Caulker, this double-story reggae bar is a highlight on the island, with good music, drinks, and fairy lights. The ultimate spot to watch the sunset is from their crow's nest, but you have to be the first one there!

Maggie's Sunset Kitchen

The name says it all. Maggie's Sunset Kitchen offers a clear view of the sunset along the jetty out front of the restaurant. There aren't many spots, so it's first-come, first-served for the best seats.

The Lazy Lizard

While it may not offer the best view of the sunset, The Lazy Lizard is still one of the most popular bar spots on the island. It's a great place to soak up the sunset vibes and enjoy good drinks and good vibes at the end of the island.

Terry's Grill

Now also known as Dee 'n' D's, this spot offers delicious local dinners with traditional Belize BBQ food. It's a few tables set up by the water with a couple of guys cooking BBQ in the middle, but the food is delicious. They offer local Belize dishes and cocktails, and the friendly staff create a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect way to spend an island evening.

Tiki Bar Boat Tour

Hop aboard a tiki bar boat tour to sip on island-style rum punch and watch the sunset. As you sail away on the Caribbean Sea, you'll get to see marine life and birds in the mangroves and fully appreciate Caye Caulker's colourful sunsets.

Wander the south island

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The island is divided into two by a narrow waterway known as "the Split", which was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The more developed southern portion, where Caye Caulker Village is located, is bustling with activities for tourists. Here are some things to do and see when wandering the south island of Caye Caulker:

• Explore the village – Stroll through the sandy streets of Caye Caulker Village, taking in the local culture and atmosphere. The village is home to colourful gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving up delicious Belizean cuisine.
• Visit the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve – This 100-acre nature reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and marine life. You can rent a kayak and explore the little lagoons and mangroves that are home to turtles, iguanas, and even crocodiles.
• Indulge in local cuisine – Sample the best eats on the island, from mouthwatering BBQ and street grills to fresh seafood. Don't miss the chance to try the famous Belizean street food, fryjacks, at Errolyn's House of Fryjacks.
• Party at The Split – The Split is the place to be for socialising and enjoying the beach. You can sip on cocktails, listen to reggae music, and even swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Head to the Lazy Lizard bar for a taste of the infamous "lizard juice".
• Go snorkelling – Caye Caulker is known for its nearby snorkelling spots, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. You can swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, and a variety of fish species.
• Take a kayak out – Rent a kayak and paddle out to the west side of the island, where you can explore the mangroves and see schools of tarpon fish up close.
• Wander the streets – Caye Caulker is a walkable island, with well-defined roads. Take a leisurely stroll and discover the local charm, colourful buildings, and laid-back atmosphere.

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