15 EPIC Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize

Welcome to Caye Caulker, Belize’s most charming, colorful little Caribbean island! Even though the island’s motto is ‘go slow,’ there are tons of fun things to do in Caye Caulker, from snorkeling to Belize Barrier Reef to biking around the lesser visited North Island.

Since I have family in Belize, I’ve visited several times in the past few years, and I can’t wait to share all my Caye Caulker travel tips! Soon you’ll be watching the sunset over the Caribbean from a tiki cruise, sipping rum punch at the Split, snorkeling with stingrays and sharks (if you dare!), and maybe even day tripping to Belize’s stunning Mayan ruins!

A few of the best things to do in Caye Caulker: sunset tiki cruise, snorkeling, and exploring the North Island via bike

15 Best Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize

1. Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef

The world’s second largest barrier reef (and largest living reef) is just a short boat ride away from Caye Caulker! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is consistently ranked as one of the top places to snorkel in the world, with underwater canyons lined by vibrant coral and diversity of marine life—tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, octopus, and even manatees!

There are a lot of places (within the Belize Barrier Reef) to snorkel near Caye Caulker, but the reef is a bit offshore. While you can technically kayak or swim from the island to the reef (it’s that close!), I definitely recommend going on a snorkel tour with a local guide who knows all the best spots.

I’ve been on four different snorkel tours in Belize and my recommendation is Salt Life Eco Tour’s full day snorkel adventure. Their boat tour includes SEVEN different snorkel spots, and they’re one of the few operators that don’t feed wildlife or chum the water (which is problematic and dangerous, especially when snorkeling with sharks). I go into detail on this tour specifically and some other options in my guide to the best Caye Caulker snorkeling tours.

👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛

2. Explore Caye Caulker’s North Island

Did you know that Caye Caulker is split in two?! The north side of Caye Caulker is only a 2-minute boat ride (or swim!) across “The Split” but it feels worlds away with very few people, secluded beaches, and only a few businesses.

While you could walk around the North Island, I definitely recommend taking a bike instead since the island is quite spread out (you’ll thank me later!) Some hotels and Airbnbs have bikes for guests, but you can also rent a bike from several shops on the south island.

Once on the North Island you can spend time swimming in the calm Caribbean waters at Wild Beach or Refugee Beach, see the Palapa Pineapple House (looks like Spongebob’s house!), or relax at Bliss Beach Club. I have even more spots pinned on my Belize map, and more details on how to visit on my Caye Caulker North Island travel guide!

3. Bike around the island

While you have that bike, take some time to cycle around the main (southern) part of Caye Caulker. My husband and I especially loved exploring the southern end past the airport. Down there you’ll find a tree-lined bike trail and loops around, passing little beaches and piers along the way.

A bike is also my favorite way to get around Caye Caulker—many people rent golf carts, but parking finding a parking spot for a golf cart can be tricky (and it’s such a small island that I think a golf cart is unnecessary). Riding a bike is a fun, eco-friendly alternative.

4. Hang out at the Split

Can you really say you’ve been to Caye Caulker if you didn’t visit the Split? This is the iconic spot where the island splits in two, with a canal breaking up the two parts of the island.

At the Split you’ll find the Lazy Lizard bar, which is a fun place to hang out, drink, and even snorkel. I’ll admit, they probably have the most expensive drinks on the island, and I don’t think they’re particularly good drinks. But hey, it’s more about the location than the bar itself, and a Belikin beer is always a good choice!

Sip N’ Dip is another popular bar and restaurant a few steps from the Split. Here you can dine and drink in a submerged table right in the salty turquoise water. You’ll either love it or hate it! Either way, it’s a Caye Caulker classic.

5. Go on a tiki sunset cruise

One of my favorite things to do on Caye Caulker is go on this sunset tiki cruise. You board a fun tiki-themed pontoon boat at the Split and then cruise beside the North Island as dolphins jump beside you and the sun goes down.

The small boat only seats 6 max passengers, so it easily becomes an intimate experience with a private-tour feel. The captain and guide are both locals who grew up on Caye Caulker, and they shared island history that you won’t be able to hear anywhere else.

The ride is chill and relaxing, with a great Caribbean playlist and unlimited rum punch!

6. Go night snorkeling

Night snorkeling is another one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker. And I promise it isn’t as scary as it sounds! If you’ve been dreaming of seeing octopus in the wild (thanks My Octopus Teacher for the inspo) or are curious about what other marine creatures come out at night, you have to give it a try!

There are only a few local tour companies on Caye Caulker that offer night snorkeling. I chose to go with Anda da Wata and had a lovely experience. They took our group out to the reef at sunset and briefed us as the sky darkened. When the time was right, we all jumped in the water, flashlights in hand, and followed our guide through the dark water!

We saw all sorts of species that are more difficult to see during the day: several octopus, lobster, crabs, and a diversity of fish. Keep in mind that conditions need to be right for night snorkeling, so consider booking it for the beginning of your Caye Caulker vacation. If the snorkel guide has to cancel due to weather, they should be able to rebook you later on during your trip.

7. Fly over the Great Blue Hole

Belize’s Great Blue Hole is one of the largest ocean sinkholes in the world, and it’s a short flight away from Caye Caulker! Seeing the stunning structure from above is one of the top bucket list activities in Belize, and many people come all the way to Belize just to see the Blue Hole!

The round-trip scenic flight from Caye Caulker lasts 1 hour and costs about $225 per person. You can book it with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. Book in advance as tickets sell out!

You can also go scuba diving in the Blue Hole, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. The main reason to skip diving at the Blue Hole is the choppy 6-hour round trip boat ride to get there. I’m not a scuba diver myself, but I have heard that there are actually better diving spots closer to Caye Caulker. So, if you want to experience the Blue Hole, fly over it instead!

8. Kayak around the island

Kayaking around the island gives you the chance to explore parts of Caye Caulker that few visitors ever see. No matter where you go, you’ll get the chance to spot sting rays and tropical fish through the crystal clear water—the marine life around the island is so abundant!

Kayak on the west side of the island for the calmest water. On the west side you can find the iconic tarpon dock (with tons of tarpon that’ll jump up if you hold your hand out—trying to get food), and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll spot the entrance to Caye Caulker’s massive underwater cave. This is also the side of the island where you can spot manatees!

You can also kayak around the Split, cross the Split to the North Side, or explore the eastern side of the island. The Belize barrier reef is less than a mile offshore to the east, so if you’re a confident sea kayaker (and snorkeler), you could kayak to the reef. I’d ask the kayak rental shop about this before attempting.

There are a few places to rent a kayak around the island. My recommendation is Rip Tide Sports near the Split, where a single kayak is $15 BZE ($7.50 USD) per hour.

9. Have dinner at a sunset bar

At least one time during your Caye Caulker vacation, you have to watch the sun go down while dining at a sunset bar on the western side of the island.

My favorite is the Pelican Sunset Bar, a small bar situated right on the docks with the perfect sunset view. I’ll be honest, though, my husband and I never got here early enough to get an actual seat at the bar (we sat on the dock two different times). If you’re visiting in the high season (winter), be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to grab a table.

Iguana Reef Inn’s bar is another popular spot at sunset. It’s attached to a small beach where they feed sting rays each evening (I don’t agree with feeding wildlife). There are a lot more places to sit on the sand, but it tends to be louder here.

10. Jump in the water at Shark & Ray Alley

A short boat ride from Caye Caulker will take you to Shark Ray and Alley where you can face your fears and swim with some of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals!

The nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley associate the sounds of boat motors with being fed, so dozens of them approach tour boats here every single day. You can jump in the water and swim amongst them.

My favorite Caye Caulker snorkel tour is a full-day experience that includes a stop at Shark and Ray Alley. If you want to skip all the other snorkel stops and head straight to Shark and Ray Alley, check out this 1.5 hour Shark Ray Alley Tiki Cruise. It’s a more chill option with an excellent local crew on a fun tiki pontoon boat with plenty of rum punch!

11. Go scuba diving

Belize has some of the best dive sites in the world, many of which are easy to access from Caye Caulker. While I’m not a scuba diver myself, diving is absolutely one of the best things to do on Caye Caulker, so I had to include it in this guide!

Some of the best dive sites nearby include Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the Blue Hole, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can also go on a night dive just off the shore of Caye Caulker!

The two most reputable dive shops on Caye Caulker include Frenchie’s and Blue Wave Divers. Both offer half day, full day, and overnight dives. Check out their websites for more details!

12. Sunbathe on Caye Caulker’s many docks

There are tons of wooden docks around Caye Caulker, stretching out into the shallow, blue water. According to locals that I asked, most of the docks are open to the public! Unless it’s obviously part of a hotel, you can use it!

Since there aren’t many beaches on the main part of the island, the docks are the best place to soak in the sun, and take a few dips in the water. Just be careful when choosing a dock, some are not in the best condition.

Even if you don’t plan to spend much time on the docks, be sure to walk out on them to spot fish and sting rays! We saw several graceful eagle rays and southern stingrays from the docks, it was like snorkeling without getting in the water!

13. Get an ocean-side massage

$65 will get you an excellent massage at Julz Holistic Massage Studio, an open-air massage studio built on stilts over the beautiful Caribbean water.

The studio is small, but has several massage tables (and masseuses) if you want to get a couple’s massage. I didn’t get the chance to get a massage here, but other travelers highly recommended this place (check out their 5-star reviews)!

14. Take a day trip to Belize’s Mayan ruins

Belize is sometimes referred to as the ‘Heart of the Maya’ because it has over 1,400 recorded Mayan sites, the highest concentration of Mayan ruins in Central America. And Belize’s best Mayan ruins are much less crowded than the ruins nearby on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula—plus you actually climb to the top of many of Belize’s Mayan pyramids (unlike in Mexico).

If you are staying on Caye Caulker for the entirety of your Belize vacation, consider taking a day trip to the mainland to see one of Belize’s stunning Mayan ruins. Caye Caulker is only a 45 minute ferry ride from the Belize City ferry terminal, where you can join a Mayan ruins day trip with plenty of local tour operators (round-trip transportation included)!

The easiest site to visit from Belize City is Altun Ha, but my favorite is Lamanai—the Lamanai tour includes a fun jungle river boat ride since the ruins are not accessible by road.

15. Go slow!

The best thing to do in Belize is ‘go slow,’ it is the island’s motto, after all! Roam around this gorgeous piece of Caribbean paradise, and make sure to leave plenty of time to soak in the sun, read by the water, and live life on island time!

Three of the best places to stay on Caye Caulker: Weezie’s, El Ben Cabañas, and the Colinda Cabanas.

Caye Caulker Travel Guide

How to get to Caye Caulker

You can either take a water taxi (ferry) or plane to Caye Caulker. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and costs $21 per person. Meanwhile, the plane ride only takes about 10 minutes (not including time spent in the airport) and costs around $90 on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

There are two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. San Pedro Express sails more often, so its typically the more popular choice. If you take the ferry, you don’t need to book in advance, just show up and pay for your ticket onsite.

Where to stay on Caye Caulker

🌺 Weezie’s: My favorite hotel on Caye Caulker. Probably the most luxurious hotel on the main island of Caye Caulker, Weezie’s has a gorgeous property on a quieter part of the island with a large private dock and waterfront area, and beautiful pool. Check current rates.

🥥 El Ben Cabañas: Situated on the more secluded North Side of Caye Caulker, I love the feel of El Ben Cabañas, with gorgeous high-end thatched-roof cabanas, incredible service, a pool, and picturesque setting on the turquoise blue Caribbean. Check current rates.

🌴 Colinda Cabanas: These budget-friendly colorful cabanas are a short walk from all Caye Caulker’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. The property is right by the water, too! Check current rates.

Caye Caulker Belize FAQs

Is it worth visiting Ambergris Caye on a day trip from Caye Caulker?

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is only a 30-minute ferry ride away from Caye Caulker, so you can certainly take a day trip!

That said, Ambergris Caye is more touristy than Caye Caulker, and San Pedro is a little gritty. The caye is much bigger than Caye Caulker, and you a can’t get around top popular spots (like Secret Beach) without a golf cart.

In my opinion, the best thing Ambergris Caye has to offer is the nicer hotels, but if you’re not staying at one, there isn’t much else worth exploring that you won’t get on Caye Caulker.

Should I stay on Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye?

Ambergris Caye has resorts and more luxurious hotels compared to Caye Caulker, but Caye Caulker has more of a local feel with small hotels. Caye Caulker is also walkable, whereas Ambergris Caye is not. For those reasons, I personally much prefer Caye Caulker over Ambergris Caye. The nicest hotel on Caye Caulker is Weezie’s, which has a beautiful property and pool, and is also within walking distance from everything Caye Caulker has to offer. If you’re looking for more luxury hotel options, you could consider Ambergris Caye instead.

How many days should I spend on Caye Caulker?

Spend at least four days on Caye Caulker to have time to go on a snorkel tour, explore the island, and ‘go slow’ Caye Caulker style. You can stay longer, but you might start running out of things to do on Caye Caulker. If you expect to get bored on a small island, spend four days on Caye Caulker then spend a few more days on the mainland to experience the jungle side of Belize!

Where else should I visit in Belize?

There is so much to see in Belize! After spending nearly two months exploring Belize, these are my favorite areas:

• 🌲 Mountain Pine Ridge: Escape the heat for a few days in the cooler Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful mountainous area with plenty of waterfalls and striking caves. Check out my guide to Mountain Pine Ridge.
• 🤙🏽 Hopkins Village: I heard somewhere that if you follow the sound of a Caribbean beat, it’ll lead you straight to Hopkins. This charming Belize beach town has a rich culture (and incredible Garifuna drumming) and amazing snorkeling and diving!
• 🌿 The Hummingbird Highway: This lush scenic drive between Hopkins and San Ignacio has so many fun stops along the way—a cenote, waterfalls, caves, and even the Marie Sharp’s tasting room! Check out my guide to the Hummingbird Highway.
• 🥾 San Ignacio & Nearby: San Ignacio is considered the adventure capital of Belize, and for good reason! Within an hour of this small Belizean city you can go cave tubing, explore Mayan ruins, and experience the world-famous ATM Cave tour.
• 🏝️ Smaller Islands & Atolls: Belize is home to more than 200 stunning islands and atolls, many of which you can visit on island hopping tours like this one. Or stay on a tiny island like South Water Caye!