Belize, Caye Caulker Travel Guide
Caye Caulker - A perfect 'go slow' relaxed , walkable island - located along the Caribbean of Central America.
Where to Stay?
This is a backpackers haven - think Caribbean destinations, but at a much lower price tag. Whilst the Island does have few luxury resorts to choose from, I opted for a hostel 'Tropical Oasis Hostel 'whilst staying here during my backpacking travels. I booked a private room here with my friend. Whilst the room was quite small and basic, it done the job - although beware there is no air con in the room , just a fan. The hostel vibe matched the islands - relaxed, with hammocks, outdoor showers, and a communal kitchen.
The motto on this island is 'Go slow' and best believe that if you aren't going slow and seem to be rushing around, the locals will give you a gentle reminder to go slow. Saying this, the locals are friendly, the street food is even better than the restaurant food dare I say and the colour of the water? Incredible. Whilst there may not be a lot do on Caye Caulker, this makes it the perfect destination to disconnect, unwind and enjoy relaxing amongst the crystal blue water.
How to get there?
The airport to fly into is Philip S.W Goldson International Airport, or you can do a land border crossing from Mexico or Guatemala.
From Belize City Port, you will take the boat across to Caye Caulker for around $20.
Top things to do in Caye Caulker
Snorkel in the worlds second largest barrier reef
You can only imagine how amazing the marine life is here (until you experience it). There are half day and full day snorkel tours available, I opted for the half day and I had the pleasure of swimming with Sting rays, Nurse sharks (not dangerous) and many different fish and corals. This was my highlight of my time in Caye Caulker and I recommend not to miss out on this opportunity while there! This is a UNESCO site so please be mindful and use Environmentally friendly sun lotion if possible. For a half day tour it was around 90Belizean dollars (around 45euro)
Visit Iguana Reef
Visit the Seahorse Sanctuary
This is located just beside the wooden boardwalk at the Iguana Reef Inn, so if you're there to catch the sunset, sunbath or for sting ray feeding time you might as well try to see a seahorse - I use the word try because this is a talent lol but if a local is nearby they will point them out to you! This is free of charge.
Enjoy the delicious street food!
As a rule of thumb people usually say when travelling not to eat the street food but trust me, the street food here is far better than the restaurants (in my experience). While you are walking to/ from The Split you will pass what looks like a BBQ but this is the BEST food, Jerk Chicken with rice, beans & coldslaw for $7 Belizean Dollars and best believe you're going to be full.
Enjoy a pantyripper
Travel Tips for Caye Caulker
Before I arrived here I was fed the narrative that Caye Caulker is expensive - which it doesn't need to be. As with everywhere, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. By eating street food and buying food/ drink in the local stores instead of dining at fancy restaurants you can simply save some money, likewise choosing a Hostel over a Hotel.
If you are going on a Snorkel tour, ensure the Gopro photos are included in the price of the tour - I know people say you don't need photos of everything sometimes just enjoy the moment, and this is a perfect combination of both , you are enjoying the moment while the guide captures photos which they will then send to you after the tour.
Enjoy a typical breakfast at Fried jacks!
Relax at Sip N'Dip with a fresh cocktail and the perfect views
Use Atlantic ATM when taking out money as this has the lowest fees
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