Wondering what to do on Caye Caulker? I’ve rounded up the real highlights from iconic favorites to fun, local finds that won’t blow your budget.
I’ve been visiting the island every Easter since I was a kid, and I've seen it transform from a quiet local getaway to a well-known backpacker paradise.
For most first-timers in Belize, I usually tell my friends to visit the rainforest and at least one island — Caye Caulker of course.
While the island can be pricey, I've included a handful of fun, free activities like visiting the local animal shelter plus the must-do touristy things.
Caye Caulker isn’t known for its beaches, but I’ll show you how to reach the north side, which makes for a fun day trip with better swimming spots.
Here's how to explore Caye Caulker the local way while still crossing off your bucket list.
My Top 3 Local Picks 👇
More About Caye Caulker
Best Beaches In Caye Caulker
While I love this little island, the truth is, it doesn't have amazing sandy beaches. It's mostly surrounded by sea wall. Placencia or Hopkins have more options and fit the beach chair & chill vibe more. The most pristine beaches are found off the coast on smaller islands like Moho Caye.
Caye Caulker Beaches recommended by locals:
A Local Guide To Caye Caulker
There's a bunch of touristy activities at Caye Caulker, but I'm deliberately leaving out some of those things like feeding the tarpons, stingrays and seahorses.
Personally, I don't think it's ethical but to each their own.
Top Things To Do
Snorkel At The Reef
I've snorkeled at the reef a couple of times now, and I never really appreciated marine life until I had a guide explain to me how everything in the sea is a living breathing rainforest. I guarantee this will be one of your trip highlights.
For an eco-friendly experience, consider booking a tour with a local guide that doesn't feed the wildlife and respects the single use plastic rules. While I haven't used this tour company, Salt Life Eco Tours claims to do exactly this.
Additional Info
- Price
- $45.00 USD
- Hours
- 8AM–5PM
- Location
- 5 Mins Away
Bike Around The Island
Should you rent a bike or not? I think you should. Riding on a caye where there are mostly golf carts, is a special experience. Add the cool sea breeze, and you get lost in complete freedom & relaxation.
Bikes can be rented at any Chinese store, but I recommend supporting local vendors like West Coast Tours. The iconic beach cruiser bikes even have a front basket for snacks or beer. Bike rental fee is for 24 hours.
Additional Info
- Price
- $7.50 USD
- Hours
- 8AM–6PM
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Swim At The Split
Unfortunately there are not a lot of beaches on the island. But there is The Split – a division said to have been created by a hurricane. But guess what? That's a lie.
It was actually a man-made drench created to provide passage for canoes which grew through natural erosion. Not quite as exciting as a hurricane splitting a caye in half right?
Beachside bars like Lazy Lizard are pretty overpriced because of location. Bring your own beer or beverage and chill.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Fly Over The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is known as one of the top scuba diving sites in the world but did you know you can also fly over it? The tour can be booked through Tropic Air or Maya Island Air and includes several fly-bys of the majestic blue hole, a view of the Atolls and even a large shipwreck sitting on the edge of the reef.
Both fly-over tours and diving excursions are available at Caye Caulker to this unique attraction.
Additional Info
- Price
- $300
Free Things To Do
Visit The Local Animal Shelter
If you're a dog lover and looking to do something out of the norm, the animal shelter is the perfect place to visit. This site hosts stray dogs and besides donating, the best way to help out is by stopping by and playing with the doggies and cats here. The owner Kenny Sampson has been running the non-profit for more than a decade.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- 8AM–6PM
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Visit The North Side
The north side of the caye is undergoing development at the moment, so it's somewhat of the wild side of Caye Caulker. You can also take your bike using the local ferry.
While you're exploring the north side, look out for the famous Pineapple Dome Home - a strange but cool looking structure. It reminded me of Sponge Bob's house in Bikini Bottom.
How to get across the split
Go by canoe - there are some Rasta looking men that own canoes, and they charge you $2.50 USD ($5.00 BZD) to get across. You can find them at the split. Don't let them scam you please. One of the guys tried scamming me and I immediately told him not to do that to locals nor foreigners. Open Map Location
Take a free boat ride - a resort called North Side Beach Club (Previously Koko King) has a free ferry service for those that buy something at their bar. It's a short 2-minute boat ride and they move as soon as they have enough people on the boat. Open Map Location
Take the Split to Split Ferry - there is now a tinny ferry boat that transfers passengers, bikes and even golf carts for $5.00 BZD. Check out out their FB Page to get some more information.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Explore The Entire Caye
Caye Caulker is so tiny. It's literally four streets with water surrounding it. But if you walk all the streets, you get to meet locals, look at unique wooden houses, mangroves, and even some birds.
Wear sunscreen. The white sand means the sun hits twice: directly on your face and from the reflective ground. Don't forget to take bug repellent as well. Mangroves are breeding grounds for mosquitos.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Watch Island Sunsets
One of the magical things about cayes is that it's the only place in Belize where you can watch the most perfectly undisturbed sunset ever. The cayes are special because there are no buildings or mountains to get in the way of the sunset.
The most popular spot to watch sunsets and also see stingrays is at Iguana Reef Inn which is linked below. Pelican Sunset Bar is also another crowd favorite.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- Always Open
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Do Island Yoga
Doing sunrise yoga on a dock is next level. If yoga classes are more your style, Namaste Cafe offers classes for $10 USD (Previously by donation). I highly recommend the food at the cafe. It's also an excellent location to do some remote work.
Additional Info
- Price
- Free
- Hours
- 7:30AM–2:30PM
Unique Things To Do
Estuary of Caye Caulker
Did you ever think of visiting crocodiles on a beautiful island in the Caribbean? There's an estuary in Caye Caulker that includes a unique nature trail in the northern part of the island.
While I wasn't able to do this tour because of covid, my friends were able to recommend Richard's Adventures Tour Company. The tour involves a lot of walking but you're rewarded with possibly the most interesting thing to do on the island.
Additional Info
- Price
- $40.00 USD
- Hours
- 8AM–6PM
- Location
- 20 Mins Away
Kayak Around The Island
Caye Caulker is literally just 5 miles (8km) long by 1 mile (1.6km) wide. Kayaking around the entire caye will be a fun adventure especially if you're a beginner.
If you're not a fan of kayaking, you can try paddleboarding.
Additional Info
- Price
- $27.50 USD
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Go Manatee Spotting
Belize has one of the largest concentrations of manatees in the world. If you would like to swim with these gentle giants, I suggest taking a trip to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. You can go by the main street and inquire with tour companies about Manatee Watch Tours.
And, remember to do so responsibly and not touch them, feed them or put them in any danger. Be patient and enjoy the magical encounter.
Additional Info
- Price
- $120.00 USD
- Hours
- 8:30AM–6:30PM
- Location
- 5 Mins Away
Go On A Sailboat Trip
Described by many as the trip of a lifetime, going on a three-day sailing adventure hopping from island to island can be a magical experience. If three days is too much, you can opt for a same-day sunset tour.
The multi-day tours is designed as an island hopping adventure visiting tiny islands like Rendezvous Caye, Tobacco Caye, Goffs Caye and South Water Caye.
Additional Info
- Price
- $300.00 USD
- Location
- 1 Hour Away
Go Scuba Diving
This isn't a local activity nor is it cheap, but I watched my friend go through her scuba diving refresher course in Belize while I snorkeled, and it struck me as a beautiful experience.
The Belize Barrier Reef hosts 65 species of coral and around 500 species of fish. It's like an underwater rainforest.
Additional Info
- Price
- $140.00 USD
- Hours
- 8AM–5PM
Grab Some BBQ
Street food is unique throughout Belize since it has influences from the bordering countries. It's no different at Caye Caulker. While strolling down the main street, it won't be hard to spot a food vendor.
BBQ Stalls are everywhere on the main street (East Side of the island). There are even veggie options now so it's not all lobster and meat.
If lobster is important to you, the season is closed between March & June. It reopens in July with a lobster festival and lasts until February.
While on the island, I also always try my favorite treat, coconut tart – an open pastry with sweet coconut. I've loved it since I was a kid.
Additional Info
- Price
- $12.50 USD
- Hours
- 11:30AM–5PM
- Location
- Walkable Distance
Final Thoughts
Caye Caulker is a backpacker paradise and one of the main reasons tourists come to Belize. While it's small, it has a lot of personality.
It can be a chill place to do nothing, and it can also be adventurous with water activities. Regardless, it's the island life that should definitely be experienced if you're visiting Belize — all while staying on budget
Remember to be kind to the wildlife, respectful to locals, and take only what you need.
And of course, wear reef-safe sunscreen!
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
Frequent Questions
Is it necessary to rent a golf cart in Caye Caulker?
The main part of the island is about 1.25 miles (2km) so you can walk the entire island in roughly 20 mins. Renting a bike is also a good option.
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