Caye Caulker
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Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

Small Belizean coral island with no cars, budget guesthouses, and reef trips from The Split.

Caye Caulker is a small coral island about 35 km northeast of Belize City, and the budget traveler's alternative to the more developed Ambergris Caye. The main village is spread along one road — no cars, just bicycles and golf carts. The motto "Go Slow" is not just for tourists.

The island was split in two by Hurricane Hattie in 1961; the northern half (The Split) is now a popular swimming and sunbathing spot with beach bars. The rest of the island has a laid-back, slightly scruffy charm — cheap guesthouses, open-air restaurants, and fish tacos.

Snorkeling and diving trips to the barrier reef are the main activities, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve is accessible from here as well as from San Pedro. Most visitors book day trips directly with the many tour operators along the main street.

Water taxis from Belize City take about 45 minutes (BZ$30-40 one way). You can also continue to Ambergris Caye in another 30 minutes.

Guide

Getting Around

Caye Caulker is tiny — everything on the island is within a five-minute walk. There are no cars. Electric golf buggies can be hired, but most people get around on foot or by bicycle.

Guide

Getting There

Water taxis run regularly from the Downtown terminal in Belize City and take about 45 minutes (BZ$30-40 one way). From Caye Caulker you can continue to Ambergris Caye in another 30 minutes. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air also fly small planes from Belize City's municipal airport.

Guide

Things to Do

Caye Caulker is not a place for elaborate itineraries. The main activities are snorkeling and diving on the barrier reef, swimming at the Split, eating grilled fish, and sitting in a hammock. Tour operators line the main street and can book you onto reef trips departing most mornings.