Cart is empty It’s Friday again and today I am exploring Caye Caulker, Belize.
If you are thinking about escaping the hustle and bustle of the modern world for peace and tranquility, then Caye Caulker is the place for you. No cars, just giggling children, bright painted houses, and slow-paced lifestyle. Caye Caulker, with its astonishing natural beauty, friendly and laid back atmosphere, was the perfect vacation for me.
All I had was a book back with a few underwear, T-shirts, slippers, and my sunglasses.
How to get to Caye Caulker
Flights to Caye Caulker are available on Tropic and Maya Island Air from Belize Municipal/International Airport. A cheaper option is to take the ferry for about $20 round-trip. I took the ferry to Caye Caulker but I flew back to the airport using Tropic Air for $70.
A Little History
History presents Caye Caulker as the shipbuilding and a coconut export community. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means “the island of the Cocoplum.” Coconut still forms the main ingredient of the many delicious desserts found in local restaurants, delis, and carts. While fishing continues to be an important industry, the economy has also received a boost from tourism with many hotels and other businesses flourishing with each passing day.
The famous split was a result of a hurricane that separated the island into two parts. Caye Caulker has mainly Mestizo culture, speaking Spanish (English closely follows on the second spot). Other cultures include Maya, Garifuna, Creoles, Mennonites and, of course, the increasing breed of tourists bewitched by the white sands. If you like reggae, then Caye Caulker is the place to be because of the Caribbean influence in Belize. I met and partied with the locals while staying in Caye Caulker.
The main mode of transport on the island is walking, but I was too lazy to walk so I opted to rent a golf cart instead. Bicycling is also cheaper and will get you around this beautiful island.
Things to do in Caye Caulker
Water activities – Caye Caulker offers a plethora of water activities, making it a mecca for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers and tourists who want some beach fun. I am not a big fan of water sports so I partied instead.
- The robust east wind allows for Wind Surfing for experts and novices.
- Whatever Fishing form you follow, go for the big catch in the deep blue ocean with fishing guides to take you to the right spots
- Scuba Diving can be real fun here as there are many spots with day and night options to explore. You can get your scuba diving certification here, typically lasting for 4 days.
- Snorkeling at Caye Caulker is out of this world. Bright colored fishes, corals, sponges and other water delight await you when you immerse yourself in the blue waters.
- Manatee (Sea Cow) Tour gives you a glimpse of these docile creatures and makes for great vacation pictures.
- Land activities – For those who are too lazy like me to leave the sand, some impressive alternatives can be explored.
- Bird watching and Nature Trails that are guided walks let you get amazed by over 100 species of birds and land creatures like salt-water crocodiles.
- Dancing is at the heart of Belize culture. Whether it is some festival, holiday celebration, fundraiser, event, dancers here always find a reason to let them loose.
- A Trip to Maya Ruins, which completes your Belize trip experience is a must visit. Get ready to feel the beauty of mangrove lagoon, orchids, and howler monkeys while you visit the ruin site.
- Shopping is simple and fun on the island with over two dozen gift shops offering you a wide variety of clothes, antiques, souvenirs, and collectibles.
- Dining is a pleasure for the foodie in you with over 30 restaurants serving top quality seafood like fresh lobsters, conch and red snapper and other Chinese/Mexican varieties. Fresh fruits and homemade bakery items will treat your senses like never before.
- Photography is a sensational experience here with so many scenic things to capture and frame. Professionals and amateurs can have a swell time with their lens at the island.
Accommodation and Travel
There are some cool options on the island to stay ranging from easy-going luxury with modern amenities to private beach camping for incredible sights. There are approximately 30-40 hotels on the island, and the majority of them cater to budget travelers.
I stayed in a basic room on the beach for $40 per night. You can choose from very low budget hostels with shared bath (costing US $10-20) to low budget hotels with private baths (costing US $25-35) to moderate studio apartments with air-condition, TV and refrigerator (costing US $65). You can go for the campsite option too by shelling approx. US $6 per person per night. For the high-end travelers, there are hotels with swimming pools and charging up to US $160 a night.