Search for your next flight
'%3e%3cpath%20d='M47.04%2025.9043H0.959961V37.3329H47.04V25.9043Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M7.67988%2037.333H2.87988V43.0473H7.67988V37.333Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M45.1203%2037.333H40.3203V43.0473H45.1203V37.333Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M42.2399%2020.1904H5.75992C3.64792%2020.1904%201.91992%2021.9047%201.91992%2024V25.9047H46.0799V24C46.0799%2021.9047%2044.3519%2020.1904%2042.2399%2020.1904Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M39.3598%204.95215H8.6398C6.5278%204.95215%204.7998%206.66643%204.7998%208.76167V20.1902H43.1998V8.76167C43.1998%206.66643%2041.4718%204.95215%2039.3598%204.95215Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M18.2396%2012.5713H12.4796C10.3676%2012.5713%208.63965%2014.2856%208.63965%2016.3808V20.1903H22.0796V16.3808C22.0796%2014.2856%2020.3516%2012.5713%2018.2396%2012.5713Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M35.5199%2012.5713H29.7599C27.6479%2012.5713%2025.9199%2014.2856%2025.9199%2016.3808V20.1903H39.3599V16.3808C39.3599%2014.2856%2037.6319%2012.5713%2035.5199%2012.5713Z'%20stroke='%23987F61'%20stroke-width='2'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_42_2225'%3e%3crect%20width='48'%20height='48'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fast and simple hotels with Booking
Book your next excursion with Viator
Save on nomad travel insurance
After spending time on Caye Caulker myself, I’ve put together this complete guide with everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Caye Caulker. The guide includes how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time in paradise. No matter if you’re backpacking through Central America or if you’re only visiting Caye Caulker on a romantic getaway, I’ve got you covered!
About Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker (pronounced Key Caulker) is a tiny island off the coast of mainland Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It’s part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Caye Caulker has it’s own special vibe that just needs to be experienced! It’s rustic, colorful and care free. I absolutely loved it here and can’t wait to go back one day!
What to know about Caye Caulker
- Size The island is just 5 miles long and less than a mile wide. The inhabited part is mainly on the southern half
- Population Roughly 2,000 residents, most of whom are of Creole, Mestizo, or Garifuna descent
- Money & ATM Cash is essential. Most small businesses don’t take cards. There are ATMs, but they occasionally run out of money.
- Language The official language of Belize is English, a huge plus for travelers! You’ll also hear Kriol, Spanish and Garifuna.
- Safety Caye Caulker is generally very safe. I felt totally at ease walking alone at night, and the local community is friendly and welcoming.
How to get to Caye Caulker from neighboring countries
From Mexico
If you’re traveling to Belize as a part of a bigger trip from Mexico and into Central America, the easiest way is to go directly from Chetumal in Mexico to Caye Caulker. From Chetumal you can take a direct ferry operated by the San Pedro Belize Express. The boats run once per day and the immigration is handled at the ferry terminal. Easy peasy! So if you’re coming from Mexico you should start your Belize itinerary in Caye Caulker.
From Guatemala
The most natural place to come from would be Flores in Northern Guatemala. If you don‘t want to make a stop in San Ignacio on the way you can choose a direct shuttle from Flores to Belize City where you can take the ferry to Caye Caulker.
How to get to Caye Caulker from within Belize
From Belize City
No matter where you are in Belize, you first have to get to Belize City. There are no ferries going to Caye Caulker from other places in Belize other than San Pedro island. There are two water taxi companies operating in Belize City at the moment. The first one is San Pedro Belize Express, and the second one is Ocean Ferry Belize. They depart from almost the same place and cost the same so it really doesn’t matter which one you choose. Just find the time that works for you and book. The last water taxi from Belize City leaves around 5:30 PM so book a night in Belize city if you come later than that.
How to get around on Caye Caulker
You won’t find any cars on Caye Caulker, which is one of the best things about the island. However, you can easily get around yourself by walking or renting a bike. You will also find tuk tuks or golf carts operating as local taxis.
Best Time to Visit Caye Caulker
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the the dry season which runs from December to May. This is also the High season so expect more crowds. Not that the crowds ever get that big to be honest. Just be prepared to book your accommodation more in advance. The weather is warm, sunny and ideal for snorkeling.
If you can avoid the rainy season I would try to do that. The Rainy season runs from June to November and you can expect very hot and humid weather with rain showers now and then.
From August to October is hurricane season so I would choose to visit Caye Caulker at another time.
Personally, I visited in March and found the weather to be absolutely perfect with warm days, breezy nights, and clear turquoise water.
Best things to do in Caye Caulker
For a full list check out my dedicated post about the best things to do on Caye Caulker that won’t break the bank.
Even though Caye Caulker is a place you could easily come to and just relax, there are lots of things to do here as well. The highlights include:
Snorkel in Shark Ray Alley
Take a tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for up-close encounters with nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. We opted for a half day tour with the Caveman Tours and were super happy with our day!
Relax at The Split
Swim, sunbathe, and sip cocktails at the liveliest part of the island. They also have a jumping platform you can enjoy!
Sunset at Iguana Reef
Stingrays, sunsets, and a dreamy beach bar atmosphere. You will also be able to feed the stingrays here in the evening.
Rent a bike and head to Bliss beach
Bliss beach is located on the Northern island but should not be missed! Rent a bike and spend the day there.
Find a hammock at Ice and Beans
Find a spot there and relax in a hammock for the day. Maybe not an activity, but a must do on Caye Caulker in my opinion.
The best places to stay on Caye Caulker
You can check out my full guide about the best places to stay on Caye Caulker for every budget here.
There you can also read about the different areas on Caye Caulker and what to look for when you’re choosing where to stay. Below you will find the highlights for every budget option.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Caye Caulker
This is not a party hostel, so it’s perfect for those craving a bit more laid back environment. The location is really great in the middle of town so you’re in walking distance from everything you want to do.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Caye Caulker
Colinda Cabanas feels like a peaceful little sanctuary. It’s located on the quieter end of the island (which means no golf cart traffic or party noise), but it’s still just a short bike ride from the main area.
I would say that Sea Dreams is one of those under-the-radar gems. It’s located right near The Split (a.k.a. the island’s swimming hotspot), but it still manages to feel tucked away and intimate.
This hotel is just steps from the water, and also has a pool and beach bar. This one feels a little more resort-y without the resort price tag. The rooms are modern and clean, and the location is excellent. Ask for a seafront room for those incredible sunrise views!
This is where we stayed and even though we booked last minute I really loved this place. It’s located in the center of the island, easily walkable to all things we wanted to see and do. It’s also right across from the Ice and Beans where we went for breakfast every morning.
Best Luxury Hotels in Caye Caulker
If you’re ready to treat yourself, Weezie’s is where you want to be. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful places to stay in Caye Caulker. Think oceanfront pools, private balconies, hammocks, and designer-style decor without feeling snobby.
Jan’s Hotel sits right on the beach near the center of town, so you’re close to everything while still having a peaceful space to relax. The rooms are spacious and modern, with balconies overlooking the ocean.
If you’re someone who wants a little comfort and convenience without over-the-top prices, Jan’s hits the sweet spot. It’s not ultra-luxury, but it’s still very much a treat-yourself kind of stay.
Best places to eat on Caye Caulker
For a full list check out my dedicated post about the best places to eat and drink in Caye Caulker. Below you will find my absolute favorites!
Ice and Beans cafe
Definitely my favorite place in Caye Caulker, but it’s mostly breakfast and lunch food. They have delicious bagels, waffles, smoothies, and yogurt. After trying a few different breakfast spots, we ended up coming back here almost every day… and sometimes again for a snack or lunch.
The Creamery Ice Cream Shop
The ice cream here is amazing! It’s just a small hut, but they seem to have new flavors almost every day. At least they had something new every time I went. Everything I tried was delicious and an added bonus is that they also make their own homemade cones.
Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana
Definitely my favorite place for dinner in Caye Caulker. It’s the best Italian food we tried on the island, maybe even all of Central America. Both the pizza and the pastas were amazing. We came back multiple times and even tried to go on our last night, but unfortunately, they were closed. Mondays are apparently their day off even though it says it‘s open on Google.
Barefoot Caribe Bar and Grill
This place is surprisingly often empty, and I have no idea why. We ate here four times, and the food was always amazing—we tried a lot of different things, and everything was delicious. You need to try the key lime pie!
The interior inside is a bit plain, but the outdoor seating makes up for it. There are hammocks and beach views, and you get a nice breeze in the evening.
Roy’s Blue Water Grill
We almost skipped this place because they have a bouncer—and I usually avoid places that need to rope people in. But it was packed with people, and the barbecue outside smelled like heaven, so we gave it a shot.
And wow, it was so worth it. Everything from the grill was absolutely delicious.
The Pelican Sunset Bar
We only came for drinks here, but the people around us were raving about the ceviche. Either way, it’s the coziest spot to watch the sunset over the ocean in my opinion.
Final thoughts about Caye Caulker
After exploring all of Central America I have to say that Caye Caulker is high on the list of my favorite spots. So if you’re thinking of going or wondering if it’s worth to add to your Belize itinerary, the answer is yes! You probably want to stay even longer than you initially planned once you get there. That’s what I did!
