It had been 20 years because the final time we visited Caye Caulker; at the moment, we had been backpacking by way of Central America on a scuba diving journey. This time, we had been targeted on having fun with all the issues to do in Caye Caulker exterior of finding out for our Dive Grasp’s course, and we had been so excited to be again. Hopping on a flight from Belize Metropolis, we landed on Caye Caulker, which is only a 10-minute flight from mainland Belize. As we flew over the turquoise waters plagued by cayes and atolls, we felt excited to revisit locations like Shark Ray Alley and check out new issues, like a scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap. Oh yeah, this was going to be enjoyable!
Finest Issues to Do in Caye Caulker
Backpackers have at all times loved the island vibe and low costs of Caye Caulker over the neighboring island of Ambergris Caye. This tiny island is simply 5 miles lengthy and one mile vast, the place roads are product of sand and automobiles are changed by golf carts. However you’ll quickly see on this Caye Caulker journey information that what Caye Caulker lacks in measurement, it makes up for in journey.
Keep at El Ban Cabanas on Caye Caulker North
The north facet of Caye Caulker is slowly turning into a luxurious escape from the extra backpacker vibe of Caye Caulker South. We stayed at El Ben Cabañas on the island’s north facet and had complimentary water taxis to Caye Caulker city all through the day on a daily schedule. Staying right here felt like a tropical paradise as we had a non-public luxurious seashore cabana with air-con, a wonderful personal veranda, and two outside swimming pools.
El Ban additionally had a superb restaurant value visiting, even if you happen to keep at one of many Caye Caulker lodges on the south facet. It’s simple to get to by way of their free water taxi or the Break up water taxi shuttle, which prices $5 per individual. It’s then only a five-minute stroll to El Ben Cabañas.
1. Nice Blue Blue Gap Scenic Flight
The Nice Blue Gap is a pure surprise that’s an underwater sinkhole positioned off the coast of Belize, close to the middle of Lighthouse Reef. This exceptional geological formation, roughly 300 meters (984 ft) in diameter and 124 meters (407 ft) deep, is seen from area! (So they are saying)
The Nice Blue Gap is a part of the extra intensive Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The opening was initially a limestone cave system earlier than collapsing and forming this spectacular vertical cave.
It grew to become well-known after being explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1971, who declared it one of many high scuba diving websites on the earth.
Taking a scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap was genuinely awe-inspiring. The big darkish blue gap spanning 300 meters (984 ft) throughout stands out from the encompassing shallow turquoise of the Caribbean Sea. We booked a non-public flight with Tropic Air, and spent an hour within the air, taking within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s views and neighboring reefs.
This was essentially the most stunning scenic flight we’ve ever taken over tropical waters and flown over the Maldives and Exuma Cayes! Our tour left from San Pedro, however flights to the Blue Gap will be organized from Caye Caulker and Belize Metropolis with Tropic Air, and Maya Island Air.
The flight wasn’t solely about seeing the Blue Gap; we noticed San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and the Turneffe Atoll earlier than flying over Lighthouse Reef, the place the Blue Gap stands close to its middle. Our flight took us across the Blue Gap 4 instances for optimum viewing. Twice on both sides in order that we each had equal viewing time.
2. Wanderlust Crusing and Snorkel
There isn’t any doubt that vacationers love to go to Caye Caulker for its underwater adventures, and one among our favourite issues to do in Caye Caulker was to mix a snorkeling and crusing tour with Wanderlust Crusing and Snorkeling
The island of Caye Caulker is a gateway to extraordinary marine adventures, due to the close by Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest barrier reef on the earth after Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef.
We’ve taken scenic flights and crusing journeys over Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef, and maybe my reminiscence is failing me. Nonetheless, throughout our time on the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, I used to be struck by how the water round this Caribbean Island is by far essentially the most stunning I’ve ever seen. Take a look at Diving the Nice Barrier Reef – Australia’s Final Journey
3. Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour
We talked about combining a crusing and snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, however many individuals come to Caye Caulker to see its most well-known snorkeling spot, Shark Ray Alley. Shark Ray Alley is positioned throughout the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and is legendary for its abundance of nurse sharks and southern stingrays.
The realm grew to become a preferred feeding spot for native fishermen, who would clear their catch, attracting nurse sharks and rays. Immediately, it’s a protected zone the place guests can safely swim and snorkel alongside these mild marine animals.
The shallow and calm crystal-clear waters make it the proper spot to witness these creatures of their pure habitat. Don’t fear if you happen to don’t have snorkeling expertise; this tour is right for learners and skilled snorkelers.
Witnessing the nurse sharks and stingrays up shut is spectacular. They barely discover you as you watch the ocean life do their common enterprise.
With the ability to snorkel at three snorkeling websites of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with an professional information whereas crusing on a luxurious catamaran from one web site to a different was a dream. We got recent water in reusable containers, recent fruit, and after we had been completed snorkeling, we had rum punch to sip on as we sailed alongside the coast.
I liked how Wanderlust Crusing and Snorkeling didn’t use any plastic water bottles and when our information Juan noticed plastic within the ocean, he scooped it as much as take it out of the water. They had been very conscious of conservation and conserving a secure distance from the marine life to protect this fragile ecosystem
4. A Style of Caye Caulker Meals Excursions
If you first arrive at Caye Caulker, Belize, we propose reserving a Style of Cay Caulker Meals Tour. It’s an effective way to get acquainted with the eating places on the island and study in regards to the native delicacies. Additionally, by the point you end the tour, you’ll have made new mates and really feel heat and welcoming throughout the remainder of your journey.
We visited 4 eating places, sampling scrumptious appetizers, salads, mains, and desserts. I received’t inform you what eating places as a result of you have to to take the meals tour to see them, however they had been a superb number of locations that served genuine Belizean Delicacies and immersed us within the native island life.
Our tour was segmented between 4 totally different locations. We began with a conventional Belizean appetizer whereas sitting on a deck overlooking the ocean after which moved on to a wonderful rooftop view to take pleasure in recent salads. It was then on to a full of life sports activities bar that was filled with folks, and we went upstairs to the patio to pattern 4 predominant dishes.
I actually liked the primary course, the place 4 massive dishes had been set on our desk household type, and we sampled all of them. All programs had been served with robust cocktails, and by the point we reached dessert at a sandy seashore bar the place we ate scrumptious treats alongside one other scrumptious cocktail, we had been feeling high quality and able to benefit from the island life. E-book your Style of Cay Caulker Meals Tour right here.
5. Parasailing
For individuals who wish to do some parasailing, it’s well worth the journey to Ambergris Caye. We took a visit to Boca del Rio Resort with Belize Parasail Ltd for an incredible parasailing journey. We’ve by no means gone so excessive, and our information informed us that we may have gone larger, however I chickened out as soon as we had been far above the Caribbean Sea and gave him the sign that we had been excessive sufficient.
I don’t assume there’s parasailing on Caye Caulker, so making our technique to its neighboring island is quick and simple; plus, it’s value making a day journey regardless.
We took a golf cart taxi from San Pedro to Boca del Rio Resort the place we boarded a pace boat for our hour-long tour on the Caribbean Sea. Inside minutes, our boat stopped, and the parachute got here out whereas our guides hooked us up into harnesses and lifejackets.
It wasn’t lengthy till we soared within the air, feeling like a chook over the ocean. We had stunning views of the island and the reef. From above, we may see the colours altering earlier than our eyes. We even spied manta rays from above. We had been within the air for about 20 minutes.
On the finish of the flight, they dropped us off for a cool, refreshing dip within the sea earlier than touchdown safely on board for an ice-cold drink on our manner again. We actually benefit from the tour in addition to the golf cart experience, it was like having two excursions in a single. An island tour and a parasailing journey. Take a look at Belize Parasail Ltd right here.
6. Day Journey to Ambergris Caye
Simply accessible, San Pedro on Ambergris is only a quick water taxi experience away, providing a fast and scenic journey throughout the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. We took a brief 8-minute flight with Tropic Air, from Caye Caulker, which doubled as one other scenic view and landed in downtown. Ambergris Caye is a superb day journey from Caye Caulker.
We took a morning flight to San Pedro and loved a scrumptious breakfast at Blue Water Grill overlooking the sandy seashore. After breakfast we took a stroll to take a look at the downtown space. San Pedro has just a few extra correct seashores than Caye Caulker, and it was good to stroll alongside the seashore to buy on the distributors lining the shore.
San Pedro’s bustling city ambiance is a pointy distinction to Caye Caulker’s laid-back vibe as golf carts whipped by whereas we strolled alongside the busy streets. San Pedro is the primary city the place most eating places and bars are positioned. Eating places serve all the things from recent seafood to conventional Belizean fare.
Make certain to eat at El Fogon Restaurant, an establishment on the island serving conventional Belizean fare in a full of life ambiance. Higher but, it’s domestically owned and operated!
Varied markets and distributors supply distinctive souvenirs, handmade crafts, and beachwear. The Truck Cease is a transport container meals truck park that could be a must-visit.
Secret Seaside just isn’t so secret anymore and is without doubt one of the hottest locations on the island for seashore time that’s excellent for sunbathing and swimming.
7. Sundown Sail
We had been on the water so much on Caye Caulker and seeing this stunning island from the water at sundown is a should. A sundown sail is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Caye Caulker. A Sundown sail leaves from the Break up and is an effective way to see Caye Caulker’s shoreline and the encompassing sea.
Many sundown sails embrace alternatives for snorkeling, permitting you to discover the colourful marine life because the day transitions into the night. Onboard, calm down with refreshing drinks and light-weight snacks, usually included within the tour. The ambiance is serene and romantic, making it excellent for {couples}, however equally pleasing for households or teams of mates.
8. Go to the Break up
The Break up slender waterway, shaped by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, that minimize the already small island into two distinct elements. Since then, the Break up has grow to be Caye Caulker’s most well-known landmark.
The realm round The Break up is a bustling hub of exercise, with the legendary Lazy Lizard bar and grill offering loud music and a full of life setting for guests to take pleasure in chilly drinks, recent lobster, and sundown views.
The north facet of The Break up provides a extra tranquil expertise, with serene spots and sandy seashores that are perfect for sunbathing and unwinding.
You’ll be able to take a water taxi throughout from one facet to a different on demand. It runs all day with the final run at about 10pm.
9. Get together on the Lazy Lizard
The Lazy Lizard is without doubt one of the finest locations to hang around on the island to take pleasure in chilly Belikan Beer, recent seafood, and a celebration ambiance on the island. Boat excursions from cruises and Ambergris Caye all cease right here to take pleasure in reggae music and dancing. Plus there’s a pure swimming pool proper on The Break up the place you’ll be able to cool off. It seems like you’re on a sandy seashore, despite the fact that it’s all shored up with a sea wall.
Cocktails are expensive, but it surely’s a enjoyable place to hang around for a day. Plus, if you’re actually able to do some partying, attempt the Lizard Juice, a frozen inexperienced cocktail that tastes so good, it may be harmful!
10. Sunday Enjoyable Day – Caye Caulker
Should you occur to be on the island of Caye Caulker on a Sunday, you might wish to be a part of the Sunday Enjoyable Day. On Sundays, you’ll take pleasure in limitless rum punch for $ 25 USD whereas attending to know your fellow vacationers. You’ll take pleasure in video games on the seashore and a sundown cruise on a houseboat.
We didn’t do that, however we met with just a few folks afterward throughout our free water taxi again to El Ban Cabanas they usually had been feeling no ache. (that’s till the following morning I’m positive)
11. Sundown from Rooftop Bar
Throughout our Style of Caye Caulker Meals Tour, we visited a number of eating places from seashore cafes to sports activities bars and rooftop patios. Among the finest issues to do in Caye Caulker is to tug up a chair at a rooftop bar and the very best level on the island is …. the most effective place to soak up panoramic views of this tropical paradise. You’ll be able to from the East to West Facet of Caye Caulker, out to the Caribbean Sea, and all the best way to the northern Island.
12. Seaside events
No Caye Caulker journey information can be full with out mentioning the well-known Caye Caulker seashore events. Caye Caulker is unquestionably the occasion island of Belize and there are popup seashore events in all places you go. Caye Caulker takes its laid-back fame significantly with events that epitomize the essence of Caribbean island life.
Vacationers combine and mingle with one another listening to a mixture of dwell music, starting from reggae to soca, creating an infectious rhythm that invitations everybody to bop barefoot within the sand. The seashore events usually characteristic recent seafood together with Belizean rum cocktails, providing a style of the island’s culinary delights. Whether or not you’re seeking to occasion till daybreak or take pleasure in a relaxed night by the ocean, Caye Caulker’s seashore events are a must-do for an genuine and memorable island expertise.
13. Take a Photograph of the Caye Caulker Signal
It’s quick and candy, however you will need to cease on the Caye Caulker signal. In truth, there are two Caye Caulker indicators the place you’ll be able to seize a selfie to show that you’ve been to the island.
The brand new official Caye Caulker Signal is simply a few blocks from the Break up on the primary highway. This colourful signal captures the texture of all the enduring indicators worldwide. It was in-built 2018 and is a enjoyable cease on the island within the coronary heart of Caye Caulker Village.
Caye Caulker Signal #2
The enduring “Go Sluggish” signal of Caye Caulker is positioned close to the primary water taxi pier on the island. The realm across the water taxi pier is a central hub of exercise on the island, making the signal simple to search out upon arrival.
14. Go Scuba Diving
Being the second-largest barrier reef on the earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s no surprise that individuals come to Caye Caulker with just one factor in thoughts: that’s to scuba dive the Belize Barrier Reef. We didn’t go scuba diving on this journey to Caye Caulker, however in 2003 our prime goal was to do as many dives as attainable.
This majestic reef stretches over 300 kilometers and is dotted with a mess of remarkable dive websites. We’ve already talked about The Nice Blue Gap however there are many different dive websites. For vibrant coral gardens, head to Hol Chan Marine Reserve simply offshore from Caye Caulker.
Turneffe Atoll, one other not-to-be-missed dive spot, boasts various ecosystems and the prospect to come across bigger marine species like barracudas and groupers. Whether or not you’re a newbie or a seasoned diver, the Belize Barrier Reef is a superb diving vacation spot with its calm and shallow waters to deep darkish depths. Skilled divers shouldn’t miss the problem of Sort out Field Canyons, providing deeper dives and the prospect to discover underwater caverns.
15. Feed the Tarpon
Feeding tarpon is a enjoyable expertise that everybody has to do as soon as of their life. Situated on the docks simply down from the Lazy Lizard on the west facet of the island, hungry acrobatic fish are ready to be served their dinner. The fee is 5 Belize {Dollars} ($2.50 US) for a bowl of sardines.
Maintain a watch out for the pelicans, they’re higher at snatching the fish than the tarpins! As within the case of Shark Ray Alley, tarpons had been initially drawn to the docks when native fishermen would clear their catch and discard the stays into the ocean. They’ve been coming again ever since and now demand that vacationers feed them often.
16. Go to the Seahorse Reserve
One other place to go to in Caye Caulker is the Seahorse Reserve. I keep in mind when diving in 2003, it was right here that we lastly noticed seahorses for the primary time.
Situated simply exterior the Iguana Reef Inn on the West Facet of Caye Caulker simply up from the Tarpon dock is a tangle of seagrass the place seahorses like to cover. No touching is allowed however it’s enjoyable to look at them from above. Nonetheless, there’s nothing as particular as recognizing seahorses when diving. It’s such a uncommon alternative.
Caye Caulker is understood for its seahorse conservation efforts. Guests to Caye Caulker can usually discover seahorses within the mangrove areas the place they cling to submerged vegetation. The calm and clear waters round The Break up present a superb alternative for snorkelers to identify seahorses of their pure habitat.
17. Paddle Round Caye Caulker
Dave and I really like getting out on the water each probability we will get, and if a sundown sail or catamaran tour isn’t within the price range, you’ll be able to take a extra reasonably priced journey across the calm waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboards. Kayak leases and SUP leases can be found at many locations across the island and you’ll see all of it in a day.
In case you are new to kayaking or SUP, be sure to begin on the lagoon facet the place the water is calmer, however you probably have a peaceful day, a lot of the water is calm round Caye Caulker.
18. Manatee Snorkelling Tour
Manatees are one thing we didn’t see throughout our first journey to Caye Caulker and we missed them once more! However these mild giants will be noticed on a snorkeling tour to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary is nearer to Belize Metropolis than Caye Caulker. It is just 12 miles off the Belize mainland however excursions can nonetheless be organized from Caye Caulker.
Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly identified for being a haven for the West Indian Manatee. It was established to guard the manatee inhabitants and their pure habitat and it has grow to be a essential feeding and breeding grounds for these mild marine mammals.
A snorkel tour right here provides a novel alternative for guests to watch these creatures as they graze on seagrass beds or playfully glide by way of the water in a accountable and ecologically delicate method.
19. Take a Stroll on the Northern Island – Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is break up into two elements due to Hurricane Hattie within the Nineteen Sixties. And so they each have a really totally different really feel. North Caye Caulker is working to draw a extra upscale clientele that also needs to be near the enjoyable laid-back vibe of the South. It’s simple to get to and from every half of the island utilizing water taxis and the resorts have free shuttles on common schedules.
I really feel it received’t be lengthy earlier than the northern island of Caye Caulker sees extra vacationers. Proper now individuals are drawn to the North Island for finer eating and leisure. El Ban Cabanas is understood to have the most effective eating on the island. The Northside Seaside Membership (previously Koko King) has a restaurant that nonguests can eat at and is value testing.
We liked staying at El Ban as a result of we had outgrown our backpacking days, however we may nonetheless benefit from the chill facet of the island and reminisce about our Caye Caulker Journey in 2003. As soon as we had sufficient of the dreadlock hippy crowd, we may hop on a ship again to peace and luxurious.
20. Scuba Dive The Nice Blue Gap
Most individuals go to The Nice Blue Gap to scuba dive into its deep depths. This huge underwater sinkhole reaches about 124 meters (407 ft), attracting divers from throughout the globe. It’s not solely essentially the most well-known dive web site in Belize, but it surely is without doubt one of the most well-known dive websites globally, inviting superior divers to discover its deep, cavernous depths and historical stalactite formations.
This exceptional gap was a cave that shaped over centuries and is now an underwater collapsed sinkhole much like the cenotes of the Yucatan in Mexico. Because the ocean waters rose, the cave flooded and its ceiling caved in. Immediately, divers can see stalactites, which had been shaped when the cave was above sea stage. A number of species of sharks frequent the Nice Blue Gap and divers see colourful fish in its clear blue waters.
The place to Keep in Caye Caulker
The island of Caye Caulker is split into two halves offering fully totally different experiences. Caye Caulker Motels on the south island have extra of a seashore hut and rustic really feel; nevertheless, you’re within the coronary heart of all of the motion.
Staying on the northern island is way more luxurious and quiet; nevertheless, you do must take a water taxi again every night time or seize a elevate throughout The Break up, which may add up shortly as it’s $5 per individual a technique.
We stayed at El Ban Cabanas, which is the proper mix of luxurious whereas nonetheless being a simple and quick journey to Caye Caulker Village or The Break up.
The place to Eat in Caye Caulker
1. Get pleasure from Contemporary Seafood at The Lazy Lizard Situated on the iconic Break up, The Lazy Lizard focuses on recent seafood like grilled lobster, conch fritters, and ceviche, all seasoned with native spices and flavors.
2. Genuine Belizean Flavors at Syd’s Fried Rooster For these searching for a style of genuine Belizean delicacies, Syd’s Fried Rooster is a must-visit. T
3. Italian Delights at Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana – Craving Italian on a Caribbean island? Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana serves up a pleasant array of Italian classics, from home made pasta to delectable pizzas.
4. Vegan and Vegetarian Choices at Namaste Café – Well being-conscious and vegetarian guests will love Namaste Café. This cozy café provides quite a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies, and well being drinks.
5. El Ban Cabanas – Upscale eating with full wine listing
6. Salty’s – A enjoyable seashore bar with native Belizean delicacies.
How one can Get to Caye Caulker
Most individuals go to Caye Caulker from Belize Metropolis by way of water taxi or ferry. We took a flight from Belize Metropolis with Tropic Air that lasted about 10 minutes. This can be a nice technique to optimize trip time and double as a scenic flight because it takes you over the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and the Belize Barrier Reef.
Should you’re touring from Ambergris, common water taxis are additionally out there, making island hopping a breeze. We additionally flew to Ambergris from Caye Caulker; the flight time was 8 minutes.
Getting Round Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island and you will get round principally by strolling. Nonetheless, golf cart taxis are available you probably have a farther technique to go or are simply seeking to calm down. They value $5 per individual and can take you to wherever you have to go.
When to Go to Caye Caulker
The perfect time to go to Caye Caulker is throughout Belize’s dry season, from late November by way of Could. That is when you should have sunny climate excellent for watersports, snorkeling, and scuba diving. That mentioned, we visited the second week of December and nonetheless noticed fairly a little bit of rain. Local weather change is taking its toll on vacationer locations worldwide, so be ready.
November by way of Could is the height vacationer season when water temperatures are heat; nevertheless, that is additionally the most costly time to go to Belize, with resort charges at their highest.
The wet season from June to November will be fairly moist. For vacationers searching for a stability between climate and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons – early November and late Could – current a candy spot. Throughout these instances, you’ll take pleasure in nice climate with fewer vacationers.
What’s Higher, Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye
Nonetheless, San Pedro has so much to supply, in addition to there are extra resorts and lodges to select from, and lots of the actions we did on Caye Caulker can be carried out on Ambergris. However even if you happen to do make Ambergris Caye a base, be sure to spend at the very least a day or two with its quieter and extra laid neighbor.
We’ve visited each islands and nonetheless choose the quiet Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker’s motto is to “go sluggish,” and it doesn’t take lengthy to undertake that perspective as you sip rum punch whereas watching the sundown. There aren’t any automobiles on Caye Caulker and fewer golf carts than Ambergris Caye zipping alongside its sandy streets. Plus if you happen to keep on Caye Caulker North Island, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an opulent trip …
We hope we impressed you to go to Caye Caulker in our Caye Caulker journey information.
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