Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
You’ll find warm and gracious locals on this five-mile-long island, where the primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart. Join a snorkeling tour to discover the fantastic marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. For those interested in fishing, you can have your catch cooked at one of the restaurants. You’ll also find street grills cooking up great seafood until late afternoon.
Caye Caulker is busiest from January to April during Belize’s dry season. Stay a night or more on this island, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite among travelers seeking a tropical paradise. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Caye Caulker and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
82 within 5 kms
Contribute
Reviews may contain information about traveller safety at this business.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,872 reviews
Excellent
1,974
Very good
614
Average
193
Poor
60
Terrible
31
sunshinelpc
Toronto, Canada1,048 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We were there for 4D/3N but wish we could stay longer! 45 min water taxi from Belize city. Buy r/t tickets which are cheaper and return open ticket is valid for 3 months. You have to go slow as everywhere you go is chill! In march during our stay east side of the island is full of seaweeds and bad smell. The only place you can get into the water is at SPLIT. But west side of the island is calm and a couple of nice small beaches especially in front of Iguana reef inn!! Definitely come back again if I am in Belize again and check out northern Caye!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
betti14
boston, ma219 contributions
Mar 2023
I really enjoyed this place and may have overlooked it if I hadn't spoken to the locals. I was staying in Belize city and wanted a taste of the islands, so I boarded the San Pedro Express water taxi. I first disembarked at San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, but after an hour of walking around that island, took the taxi back to Cay Caulker, to spend the rest of the day there. CC was definitely slower, less congested and more manageable to just walk around, eat/drink and relax. San Pedro appears to be being built up, as there is construction going on, which is not a bad thing, just more stressful for the newbie. CC had great shops, dining and lovely people. I loved Kenny's little animal shelter, Little Blue gift shop, Paulette's Red Flower Gallery and Ice'n Beans for a fresh smoothie. If I come back I will stay on this island. It's an easy water taxi back to the mainland or San Pedro. What a great lifestyle and nice people...
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mjb48072
Berkley, MI8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Kai Essentials for local handmade jewelry. Kenia is awesome. Great service, value, and design. So many pretty items.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
573Lisa
Temecula, CA66 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Spent a day here. Nice small island with beautiful beaches. A great way to spend a relaxing day. There are no cars on the island only golf carts but you can easily walk the island.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul C
41 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
The island is very basic in structure but has all the tourist amenities. There weren't any signs of crime. Locals were all very friendly.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OmanRob
Canmore, Canada1,283 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We researched various beach locations and very glad we settled on Caye Caulker.
It is an island vibe and pace, no high rise development and many places to stay for all budgets
East side of the island get a steady breeze / wind off the sea which makes for churned water but cool in the shade all year round. West has a few beaches but be careful for sandflies - they are brutal.
Locals are friendly and nice, cycling is a great way to get around the island.
There is minimal shopping but about 70 choices of places to eat for all budgets with more expansive places typically disappointing - it’s the roadside places that have the charm and vibe.
Great location much quieter than San Pedro or Placencia
Rob
It is an island vibe and pace, no high rise development and many places to stay for all budgets
East side of the island get a steady breeze / wind off the sea which makes for churned water but cool in the shade all year round. West has a few beaches but be careful for sandflies - they are brutal.
Locals are friendly and nice, cycling is a great way to get around the island.
There is minimal shopping but about 70 choices of places to eat for all budgets with more expansive places typically disappointing - it’s the roadside places that have the charm and vibe.
Great location much quieter than San Pedro or Placencia
Rob
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P.C.
Houston, TX88 contributions
Dec 2022
Its the perfect tropical getaway with the right amount of the USA in it.
They accept US dollars and the rate is 2:1.
Most of the local food is mixed of US, Mexican, Carribean and awesome!
The drinks are really great just about everywhere.
The beer is Belikn which is not bad and I prefer the light beer.
The bottles are the size of a 12oz but is really 9oz and you will guzzle a lot in a short time.
I love this island and will be back !
They accept US dollars and the rate is 2:1.
Most of the local food is mixed of US, Mexican, Carribean and awesome!
The drinks are really great just about everywhere.
The beer is Belikn which is not bad and I prefer the light beer.
The bottles are the size of a 12oz but is really 9oz and you will guzzle a lot in a short time.
I love this island and will be back !
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff I
San Antonio, TX46 contributions
Serious safety incident
Dec 2022
My daughter was sexually assaulted in early December when we were there. The police are investigating and the US Embassy has been of assistance. The guilty party, a local, managed to get something in her drink. It was a good trip until this happened. My advice, especially to young women, is to never be unaccompanied in the bars or at night. My daughter wasn't alone but got temporarily separated from her brother and then fell victim.
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenita
Florence, KY21 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Good experience. Don’t expect to encounter your typical beautiful Caribbean beach as you will not find that in Caye Caulker. The “beach” area is not anything to brag about. This destination has a very laid back vibe. The streets are made of packed dirt so things can get pretty dusty. No cars just golf carts and bikes. The food is great! The place to hang out is “The Split”. Great food, drinking and swimming. You will need to take an inter island airplane or the sea taxi to get to Caye caulker from Belize city. We stayed at a beautiful Airbnb but there are hotels on the island. Not much to do just a slow paced lazy vacation vibe. Enjoy
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen B
Vancouver, Canada488 contributions
Nov 2022
Now, grain of salt as I did have a cold the whole time I was here so maybe wasn't feeling my best, also left with the great gift of really bad travellers diarrhea from one of the beach bbqs (the one right next to Kareems.)
I have been ALOT of places in the world and liked most and this wasn't my fave place to stay at. We stayed 5 days, I wouldn't be in a rush to return but if I was back I would stay along front street or just off it. We stayed too far where we had to take a gold cart everywhere and the roads are all pot holes so it takes a while to get driven in even though it is a small island. Bikes are your best bet if you don't want to spend money but ours were busted at our Air Bnb. We loved our taxi driver Jubalus, driven for one person across the island one way would be 5 belizian, 2 people 10 belizian (5 dollars USD) which was still cheaper then renting a golf cart BUT I would of preferred being in walking distance. If you are a woman, expect ALOT of cat calling while you walk around town, but it doesn't feel dangerous - you will just be told you are beautiful more times than in your entire life. I would have days where I would purposely wear my boys clothes to fully cover because I just didn't feel like that much attention from the locals which helps a bit, but they still will compliment you, some more aggressive than others - but again never felt dangerous. Our biggest disappoint with Caye Caulker and the reason my friend and I discussed not rushing back was 2 main things, taking the boat from Mexico was a 3hr trip turned into 8 because of awful slow immigration etc. (Made us miss our connections on the way home etc).The second is there is no beaches to really enjoy on the whole island, north island there are lots of sting rays and crocodiles even though some of the beaches 'look' nice but they aren't swimmable. On south is where all the docks are and the water has lots of garbage and you can't walk in on sand unless you go to the split where there is public water access but no beach, you are going off a concrete pad to jump in the ocean or snorkel. We were surprised by this and heard a few other tourists bring it up separately as well. We didn't do any excursions and heard that they were awesome but I was too sick to go out on a boat all day, so maybe that would of made things more sparkly. Food was EXCELLETN at namaste cafe, and the lobster at pelican was good. I enjoyed seeing all the sting rays come in at 4pm at iguana inn and seeing one seahorse there. There are so many cool birds on this island if thats what you are into. I am glad I went and saw, but wouldn't be back - next time would do mainland Belize or maybe try sanpedro and def would do a snorkel excursion. The night life was good at a couple of the bars, but I can only handle so much cigarette smoke inside/in my face so only could enjoy for a bit. Everyone really likes the sportbar or the eye and eye on the weekend if you are into night life.
I have been ALOT of places in the world and liked most and this wasn't my fave place to stay at. We stayed 5 days, I wouldn't be in a rush to return but if I was back I would stay along front street or just off it. We stayed too far where we had to take a gold cart everywhere and the roads are all pot holes so it takes a while to get driven in even though it is a small island. Bikes are your best bet if you don't want to spend money but ours were busted at our Air Bnb. We loved our taxi driver Jubalus, driven for one person across the island one way would be 5 belizian, 2 people 10 belizian (5 dollars USD) which was still cheaper then renting a golf cart BUT I would of preferred being in walking distance. If you are a woman, expect ALOT of cat calling while you walk around town, but it doesn't feel dangerous - you will just be told you are beautiful more times than in your entire life. I would have days where I would purposely wear my boys clothes to fully cover because I just didn't feel like that much attention from the locals which helps a bit, but they still will compliment you, some more aggressive than others - but again never felt dangerous. Our biggest disappoint with Caye Caulker and the reason my friend and I discussed not rushing back was 2 main things, taking the boat from Mexico was a 3hr trip turned into 8 because of awful slow immigration etc. (Made us miss our connections on the way home etc).The second is there is no beaches to really enjoy on the whole island, north island there are lots of sting rays and crocodiles even though some of the beaches 'look' nice but they aren't swimmable. On south is where all the docks are and the water has lots of garbage and you can't walk in on sand unless you go to the split where there is public water access but no beach, you are going off a concrete pad to jump in the ocean or snorkel. We were surprised by this and heard a few other tourists bring it up separately as well. We didn't do any excursions and heard that they were awesome but I was too sick to go out on a boat all day, so maybe that would of made things more sparkly. Food was EXCELLETN at namaste cafe, and the lobster at pelican was good. I enjoyed seeing all the sting rays come in at 4pm at iguana inn and seeing one seahorse there. There are so many cool birds on this island if thats what you are into. I am glad I went and saw, but wouldn't be back - next time would do mainland Belize or maybe try sanpedro and def would do a snorkel excursion. The night life was good at a couple of the bars, but I can only handle so much cigarette smoke inside/in my face so only could enjoy for a bit. Everyone really likes the sportbar or the eye and eye on the weekend if you are into night life.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Compass583067
2 contributions
We are cruising Carnival and are not excited about the offered excursions. Would this be difficult for 3 older women? Getting from port to water taxi to island?
Your Next Adventure Travel
Indianapolis, IN65 contributions
Shouldn’t be difficult at all. You’ll just need to be keenly aware of times. The scheduled ferry service between Belize City and Caye Caulker is probably your best option.
CCorreia1224
Toronto, Canada52 contributions
We are taking a cruise to Belize city and would like to see book the excursion to Caye Caulker how long is the boat ride from BeIizeCity port to Caye Caulker? Thanks
samuel d
3 contributions
Hey there, the boat ride is about 45min one way, and I believe the last one is at 530pm
worldwidemoon
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
Hi guys! We’re a young couple looking for a bit of fun and live music. When is the best day to take a day trip to Caye Caulker for this?
Jake V
Denver, CO183 contributions
Weekends
Rachel W
1 contribution
Hi
Does anyone know it there are boat tours from caye caulker to secret beach in san pedro?
Thanx for the help :)
Jake V
Denver, CO183 contributions
Yes. Just ask around. Not sure if private messages are a thing on, here but if they are, message me and I’ll get you contact info.
Cate caulker is actually a very small island. After three to four days, you’ll have met nearly everyone on the island.
Lisa179
Denver, CO2 contributions
We’re so excited for our upcoming family trip to Caye caulkner in February, but still to book a place to stay for 9/10 nights.
We would like to be right on the beach. Doesn’t need to be the “big” beach of the spilt, but just a little patch of sand that my kids can play on and wade in the water (they’re only 2 and 4, so even a short walk to the beach can quickly unravel). Needs a small kitchen/kitchenette, reliable WiFi (my husband will be working remotely) and either 2 bedrooms or a sleeping area in the main area and one enclosed bedroom. Open to anything-Airbnb’s, boutique hotels, cabanas.
Also, can we book a puddle jumper flight and/or ferry upon landing , or do those need to be booked ahead?
Thank you!
John G
Virginia Beach, VA28 contributions
There are dozens of places on AirBnB and VRBO to rent away from the Split, many with dozens of reviews already there for you to read.
You can walk up and purchase your ferry tickets when you arrive. Just get a taxi to the water port, and purchase an open ended round trip ferry, which will save you a few $$. You can book activities like fishing and sailing before you arrive, or when you get there. There are plenty of services to go around.
Julian K
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada4 contributions
Hey! im interested in booking a manatee tour while in caye caulker (im aware there is no guarantees). looking for recommendations on tour companies that offer a manatee based tour opposed to multiple options (hol chan/shark ray etc) as ill be doing these while in san pedro.
thanks in advance
Debra L
Omaha, NE55 contributions
Going to be in Caye Caulker October 23,24,25th. Will there halloween parties that weekend? Do I need to pack a costume:)?
rabroussard
Texas45 contributions
I have never been to Caulker for Halloween! I don’t know the answer to that question. I asked a friend there and of course Koko King, the Sports Bar, and the Split do have Halloween parties as per his answer to me, but he said it’s no big thing. My Halloween costume would be a swim suit!
I hope you enjoy my island! I go two to three times a year . I avoid October because Belize Dive Service is closed in October.
I wouldn’t pack a Halloween costume. Caulker is a working island, people are themselves. It’s not a party island.
debster312
Georgia, USA
Who did you use for your trip to Caye Caulker?
Patty Rhodes
Los Angeles, CA232 contributions
We took a water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker on San Pedro Belize Express, they are the most reliable. We then took tours with Anda De Wata Tours & Raggamuffin Tours on the Island. When you get to Caye Caulker there are golf cart taxis waiting for people who arrive to be taken to their hostels, hotels, airbnb's or guesthouses. You can pretty much walk the entire Island like we did or ride a bike which most hotels or hostels have for your use. Hope this helps!
Mamie R
Auburndale, FL1 contribution
We are taking a cruise in early Feb. 2019. We need to conclude our plans very soon. We would like to know if we must book a snorkeling tour or if we can get to the reef from the shore ourselves. If so, how long of a swim do you think it is? Thank you!
Rhoaming for the frotherz
Gold Coast, Australia93 contributions
You would not be able to swim from the shore to the reef it’s too far the tours are all by boat. I’d say it’s half hour boat ride in quite fast boats and quite dangerous to attemp swimming that far
When we arrived to Caye caulker
We booked the snorkelling tour and did it same day.
You get into boats and they take you to multiple snorkeling spots
Caveman snorkeling is who we did ours through and it was great
Erin K
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
I'm considering planning a trip to CC with my parents (mid 60s) and sister in her 30s. They love kayaking and snorkeling but less enjoy bar drinks.
They are super friendly and love chatting with people but I am worried they might get over the party atmosphere.
Anyone have any idea if it's still worth it?
Christina Estrada
Brandon, MS221 contributions
They would definitely still enjoy it! The scenery itself is an attraction. There are plenty of things to do there even if they don’t like to drink. Of course there are bars everywhere, but I wouldn’t think of Caye Caulker as a party island unless you make it one. There are several restaurants that have great food after a day of snorkeling or diving. The Lazy Lizard is more of an outside bar/restaurant, but they serve virgin drinks and have phenomenal food! If you get bored (which we never do) you can hop on the water taxi and visit Ambergris Caye. It is more fast pace than CC so it has have shops and restaurants to explore.
Riding bikes on the island is an adventure itself, there are so many areas to explore sans booze.
If you decide to visit, your family may enjoy doing Carlos says sunset cruise one evening. It’s truly an island experience that even non-drinkers should enjoy!!
CAYE CAULKER - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Caye Caulker
- Caye Caulker is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Caye Caulker tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Caye Caulker tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Caye Caulker:
- Caye Caulker Split Island Getaway and Tarpon Feeding (From S$59.68)
- All inclusive Snorkeling at Hol Chan (From S$122.02)
- Hol Chan Marine Park and Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling (From S$119.36)
- 10 Nights Bucket List Belize - Do it All - See it All - Luxury Travel (From S$3,112.22)
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel and Caye Caulker Tour 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat (From S$198.94)
- Hotels near Caye Caulker:
- (0.05 km) Vista del Mar Guesthouse
- (0.05 km) Ocean Views in the center of the village-Condo
- (0.19 km) Seaside Cabanas Hotel
- (0.20 km) Iguana Reef Inn
- (0.12 km) Yocamatsu
- Restaurants near Caye Caulker:
- (0.01 km) Happy Lobster Restaurant and Bar
- (0.02 km) Brisas del Mar
- (0.02 km) Juicy
- (0.05 km) Steve's Grill
- (0.05 km) Namaste Cafe