No cars, no stress and reggae music drifting through the air at all hours of the day. Caye Caulker might not have the idyllic white beaches of its more famous neighbour Ambergris Caye, but it has something arguably better: an irresistible, completely unhurried charm that makes you forget you ever had a schedule to keep. This small island runs entirely on bikes and golf carts, the motto is quite literally “Go Slow” and after about twenty minutes you will find yourself nodding along. Caye Caulker is also the home base of the legendary Raggamuffin Tours and the starting point for some of the best snorkeling in Belize. This Caye Caulker guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect visit.

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Caye Caulker Guide

How to get there and get around

From Belize City, water taxis run regularly to Caye Caulker and take around 45 minutes. If you are coming from Ambergris Caye, the crossing takes about 30 minutes and the views over the reef on a clear day are worth the trip alone. Once on the island, leave all transport expectations at the dock: bikes, golf carts and your own two feet are all you need. One of the first things every Caye Caulker guide will tell you is to slow down, and the island makes that very easy to do.

Before you go, make sure you have a working data connection. I always travel with a Saily eSIM: download it before departure and you are online the moment you land, without any SIM card queues or roaming surprises.

Best hotels

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

The accommodation options on Caye Caulker are more low-key than on Ambergris Caye, which is precisely part of the appeal. Think charming guesthouses, colourful budget spots and a handful of small hotels with genuine personality. My favourite was Sea Dreams Hotel: a beautiful property built around a giant Banyan tree, close to the Split and the lively Lazy Lizard bar. The rooms are compact but well equipped, bikes and paddleboards are complimentary and the bar serves two-for-one cocktails from 5pm. The Coconut Martini is very good and very dangerous in equal measure. Owner Haywood also offers fly fishing lessons and actively gives back to the community, with a goal to establish the first high school on Caye Caulker. One more reason to book here.

ROOMS AND RATES SEA DREAMS HOTEL

For more options across Belize, check out my roundup of the 7 best hotels in Belize, from jungle lodges to beachfront retreats. And if you enjoy the idea of sleeping in a treetop suite deep in the jungle, my stay at Caves Branch Adventure Lodge is worth a read.

Best restaurants

I arrived during lobster season and proceeded to eat lobster every single day for around 12 US dollars. No regrets whatsoever. The price level on Caye Caulker is noticeably lower than Ambergris Caye and the food is just as good, if not better in the local spots. As I mentioned on my Instagram at the time, the lobster ceviche alone was worth the trip.

Where to eat on Caye Caulker

Dee N D’s: fresh lobster and fish at local prices, with Cuba Libres for 3 US dollars. Not fancy, not trying to be. Exactly the kind of place you come to Caye Caulker for.

Ice & Beans: the best iced coffee on the island, served with a freshly baked mini donut. Vegan options available and the wifi is reliably good, which matters when you have been at sea for a few days.

The Little Kitchen: a genuine hidden gem with excellent lobster and local dishes. It is a bit remote and tricky to find, so I would not recommend walking there alone after dark.

Alladin’s: the owner is from Jordan and makes the best hummus I had in all of Belize. The mezzes and vegetarian dishes are outstanding and the fresh fruit shakes are a very good reason to come back twice.

The Sportsbar: the go-to spot for drinks at night, with karaoke evenings, outdoor seating and a relaxed crowd. Flip flops are not just acceptable here, they are practically required.

Things to do: snorkeling and Raggamuffin Tours

The snorkeling around Caye Caulker is some of the best in Belize. A short boat ride brings you to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you swim alongside nurse sharks, southern stingrays and sea turtles in genuinely clear, warm water. I have snorkeled in a lot of places and this experience genuinely stood out.

The highlight of my entire Belize trip, however, was the three-day sailing adventure with Raggamuffin Tours. They are the only company offering a sailing trip from Caye Caulker to Dangriga, with two nights on deserted islands, reggae music, fresh-caught fish and a drink called the Panty Ripper that is better than it sounds. Do not expect luxury; do expect one of the best experiences of your life. No Caye Caulker guide is complete without recommending this trip. Affordable too, which is almost suspicious.

MY 3-DAY SAILING TRIP WITH RAGGAMUFFIN TOURS

Raggamuffin Tours, Caye Caulker

Exploring the rest of Belize

Caye Caulker pairs beautifully with a few days on Ambergris Caye, the larger island just 30 minutes north. Furthermore, if you are heading inland, the Cayo District is worth every hour of the drive: jungle, rivers, Mayan ruins and the extraordinary ATM Cave, one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of Central America. Additionally, the beaches of Hopkins and Placencia in the south offer a quieter, more local side of Belize that is seriously underrated.

MY VISIT TO THE ATM CAVE
BLANCANEAUX LODGE BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Caye Caulker guide: frequently asked questions

Is Caye Caulker worth visiting?

Absolutely. Caye Caulker offers a laid-back, authentic Belizean experience that Ambergris Caye can no longer quite deliver. The snorkeling is world class, the food is excellent and affordable, and the relaxed atmosphere is genuinely rare. If you only have time for one island in Belize, this Caye Caulker guide makes a strong case for making it this one.

How many days do you need on Caye Caulker?

Two to three days is enough to cover the highlights: snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley, eating your body weight in lobster and watching the sunset from the Split. If you add the three-day Raggamuffin sailing trip, build in extra time on either side to recover from how good it was.

What is the difference between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye?

Ambergris Caye is larger, more developed and better set up for resort-style holidays with private beaches and upscale restaurants. Caye Caulker is smaller, quieter and significantly more affordable, with a backpacker-friendly vibe and a stronger local character. Both are excellent; the choice comes down to the kind of holiday you want.

Is Caye Caulker safe?

Generally yes. I felt safe throughout my stay on the island. As with any destination, common sense applies: avoid isolated areas after dark and keep an eye on your belongings. The one exception I would flag is The Little Kitchen restaurant, which is quite remote and not easy to find at night.

Can you rent a car on Caye Caulker?

No, and you would not want to. There are almost no cars on the island. Bikes and golf carts are the standard way to get around, and both are easy to rent for the day. Everything worth visiting is within easy reach on two wheels or four very slow electric ones.

• Find the best hotels on Caye Caulker at Booking.com
• For the best tours and activities check GetYourGuide.com
• Rent a car for your Belize trip at Discover Cars
• Book your eSIM at Saily

MY GUIDE TO AMBERGRIS CAYE
SOUTH BELIZE: HOPKINS AND PLACENCIA

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