BZ
Caye Caulker
A car-free Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef, with snorkelling, sharks and rays and a “go slow” pace
A car-free Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef, with snorkelling, sharks and rays and a “go slow” pace
This channel through the north of the island, widened by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, is now the main spot to swim and gather at sunset.
Watch for boat traffic in the channel.
Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0
Belize’s best-known marine reserve has coral, fish and turtles, and is visited on snorkelling trips from the island.
Photo: Bernard Dupont, CC BY-SA 2.0
Part of Hol Chan, this shallow area is known for nurse sharks and stingrays that gather around boats.
Do not touch or feed the wildlife.
Photo: Bernard Dupont, CC BY-SA 2.0
The island’s sandy main streets are lined with wooden houses, guesthouses, restaurants and tour shops.
Photo: James Willamor, CC BY-SA 2.0
The barrier reef runs parallel to the island. Trips also go to the Great Blue Hole and to see manatees.
Photo: James Willamor, CC BY-SA 2.0
Seafood is the focus: grilled lobster (in season from mid-June to mid-February), fish, conch and shrimp, often cooked on beach barbecues. Try Belizean rice and beans, fry jacks and local hot sauce.
Lobster Fest celebrates the opening of the lobster season each June.
Water taxis run from Belize City in about 45 minutes, and between Caye Caulker and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Small planes fly to the island’s airstrip from Belize City.
Walk, cycle or hire a golf cart on the island.
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), fixed at two to one US dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.
Three days for the reef and the island.
Walk the island, swim at the Split and watch the sunset.
Take a snorkelling trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.
Dive the Blue Hole or relax by the water.
Easy from Belize City.
Use reef-safe sunscreen.
August to October has the highest risk.
Rent a bike to get around.
Quick answers for planning time in Caye Caulker.
By water taxi from Belize City, about 45 minutes.
No; people walk, cycle or use golf carts.
A channel through the island widened by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, now a swimming spot.
Yes, nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.
November to April, in the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Belize travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.