A Caye Caulker vacation is something that anyone would want to have. If you are planning to spend your days in Caye Caulker beaches and bars, here is a short guide to help you make the most of your stay.
Caye Caulker vacation is relaxing
A Caye Caulker vacation is the epitome of
relaxation. Lining the sandy streets of this island village are guesthouses, grocery shops, internet cafes, restaurants, artisans selling crafts, and a few bars. At the end of the village, you will find the legendary split where you can take a dip or grab a drink at the Lazy Lizard bar. Caye Caulker is all about relaxing in a small and quaint environment. You can read a book, chill in a hammock, talk to some local islanders, eat lots of lobster, enjoy some drinks, go for a swim, or just do nothing at all, whatever you like.
Caye Caulker History and Island Motto
Located 21 miles northeast of Belize City, Caye Caulker is just south of Ambergris Caye. A few of the Mestizo refugees who landed on Ambergris Caye after the Caste Wars in Mexico moved and inhabited this island. There are several theories on the origin of the name ‘Caulker,’ but the most convincing is an anglicized version of ‘Hicao,’ which is the island’s Spanish name for coco plum. Today, tourism and fishing form the base of their local economy. They supply most of the lobster food for Red Lobster as well as for Ambergris Caye.
Locals have been cautious in being overrun by the tourism boom, trying to avoid what they think are mistakes made by the island cousin in the north. Because of this, the island was able to retain a lot of the charm that many people feel is lost in the bustling San Pedro. But the low-key atmosphere and cheap prices are precisely its appeal, so it is popular among backpackers. There is a sign in front of Front Street that asks the traffic of bicycles and pedestrians to ‘Go Slow’ best sums up the tranquility of this island.
Caye Caulker Village and The Split
Caye Caulker Village extends a mile from the Split to the airstrip. The Split is a channel formed by Hurricane Hattie that separates the village from the northern mangrove forests. Sunbathers can be seen lounging on sand banks and the winding cement sea well in this popular snorkeling and hangout spot. Many come to enjoy the sunset here while they sip on Belikin Beer at the Lazy Lizard bar. The sandy streets are lined with weathered gift shops and guesthouses. The shore is lined by bars and restaurants, and rows of docks that cater to the busy boat traffic.
The Caye Caulker beaches are narrow, and walking into the water will put you into a bed of sea grass. But the Caribbean Sea is gorgeous as ever, with the second largest barrier reef in the world visible just standing from the shore. There are several good restaurants and ‘nightlife’ is mostly drinks during happy hour, with some bars continuing into the night. Aside from a few European and American expatriates, the island is run and owned by Belizeans, giving it a cozy atmosphere and genuine Belizean hospitality.
Caye Caulker Vacation Sites and Activities
If you can get yourself out of your hammock, you will find that there is no shortage of activities to fill your days. The Caye Caulker Marine Reserve that encompasses the stretch of the barrier reef in front of the island, offers great Caye Caulker scuba diving and snorkeling sites. The popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve is only a few miles away off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Dive trips to Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Turneffe Islands Atoll are also available and highly recommended. Many saltwater flats around the island are known for bone fish and tarpon while the reef is great for barracude and snapper.
Guided nature walks will take you into the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve that encompasses the northern mangrove and littoral forests that are home to more than 130 birds. Renting a kayak will let you explore the shoreline, and might bring you sightings of birds and crocodiles. Afternoon sunset cruises and 3-day sailing excursions to Placencia are available aboard a Belizean-built monohull. You can visit mainland attractions on a boat ride towards the coast. One of the biggest Mayan ruins in Belize, Lamanai, is highly recommended.
What are you waiting for? Book your Caye Caulker vacation now and spend relaxing days on this beautiful island. During your entire stay, you can spend your days in Caye Caulker vacation rentals or Caulker cabanas, which should be easy to find on the island. Talk to tour guides and traveling agencies to help you book your flight and plan your activities now.