Ruqayyah Snyder
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, with a shallow lagoon in front of the village. The village itself is known as Caye Caulker Village and has a population of around 2,000 people.
The main street in Caye Caulker is Front Street, which runs north-south through the town. The town extends north and south from Front Street, with the Back Bridge or dock at the western side of the island. Caye Caulker is a popular destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers, and tourists looking for beach relaxation at budget prices. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, with traffic-free roads and friendly locals. It is known for its reggae music, street food stands, and nearby Barrier Reef diving.
What You'll Learn
The Split
Today, The Split is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its warm Caribbean waters, beach bars, and lively atmosphere. It's a great place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and socialise. There are also plenty of water activities on offer, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and fishing.
At the heart of The Split is the Lazy Lizard Bar, one of Belize's most famous beach bars. It features a long, wraparound pier with its own diving area, outdoor seating with sun umbrellas, and a vibrant atmosphere. The bar serves a range of drinks, including the signature "lizard juice", a neon-green frozen cocktail.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are hammocks and thatched beach cabanas available for rent. The Split is also known for its breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, especially at sunset.
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Front Street
Caye Caulker is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those seeking a relaxed beach holiday on a budget. The island has a laid-back vibe, with traffic-free roads and friendly locals. The main industry on the island used to be fishing, and it remains an important part of the community today, alongside tourism.
As you disembark your water taxi on Front Street and walk towards the west side of the island, you'll pass Middle Street (or Hicaco Avenue) and Back Street (or Langosta Avenue). Most of the island's restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops are located on or near Front Street. Here, you can mingle with shop owners, enjoy street food, and purchase souvenirs to take home.
If you're looking for a quiet escape, head out on foot and wander beneath the lush palm and sea almond trees. Caye Caulker is a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the gentle breeze and lapping waves. The island is also a popular spot for watersports, including snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and fishing.
The Split, a channel that divides the island in two, is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists. It offers a sandy beach, calm waters, and beach bars serving cool cocktails.
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Middle Street
Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is around 5 miles long and less than 1 mile wide. The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village and has a population of approximately 2,000 people. The island is made up of three main north–south sand roads: Front Street, Middle Street, and Back Street (also known as Langosta Avenue). Middle Street, or Hicaco Avenue, is the second closest street to the water on the east side of the island.
Caye Caulker is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists, with over 50 hotels and a variety of restaurants and shops. The island is known for its relaxed vibe and vibrant turquoise waters. The primary mode of transportation is by golf cart or bicycle, although walking is also a popular option.
In addition to watersports, Middle Street provides access to full-day excursions to see local manatees or explore Mayan temples on the western border of Belize's mainland. Visitors can also take a short boat ride to the north side of the island, which offers peaceful white sand beaches, bike paths, crocodiles, and mangroves.
Caye Caulker is a great destination for those seeking a tropical paradise, with its warm and gracious locals, beautiful beaches, and abundance of activities.
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Back Street
As you walk from Front Street to Back Street, you'll pass from the eastern side of the island, which faces the reef, to the western side, where boats dock at the Back Bridge or dock.
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island, measuring about 5 miles (8 km) from north to south, and less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from east to west. The town on the island is known as Caye Caulker Village and has a population of approximately 2,000 people. The island attracts backpackers and other tourists looking for a relaxed vibe, stunning scenery, and budget-friendly alternatives to Ambergris Caye.
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Caye Caulker Village
The village is a popular destination for scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing, with nearby access to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The village also offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and street food stands serving fresh seafood and authentic island cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get to Caye Caulker by water taxi or small plane. Water taxis are available from Belize City and San Pedro.
Caye Caulker is a popular destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers, and tourists who want to relax on the beach. You can also visit the Split, a channel that divides the island in two, or explore the island's three main roads: Front, Middle, and Back Streets.
The best way to get around Caye Caulker is by walking, bicycle, or golf cart. Cars are forbidden due to the narrow dirt streets.
The population of Caye Caulker is approximately 2,000 people.
Caye Caulker was uninhabited until the middle of the 19th century when it was settled by Mestizo refugees fleeing the Caste War of Yucatan. The area became home to lobster fisheries and later became popular for fish exportation. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists.
