Here I will tell you the top 18 things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize. After spending 5 days on this beautiful island, I found all the best activities to do and you can find them right here to help plan what to see and do on your trip.
You might think on a small island, like Caye Caulker, there won’t be much to do but located just a mile inside Belize’s Barrier Reef (the world’s second-largest reef), it really is a must-visit destination if you are going to Belize.
In comparison to San Pedro, its closest neighbour, Caye Caulker is smaller, (only 5 miles/ 8 km long and 0.15-1.2 miles/ 0.25-2 km wide). However, there are plenty of things to see and do whilst you are staying there.
Here’s my list of top activities to do on your visit to this beautiful island, off the mainland of Belize. There’s something for everyone, for those who love activities, getting in the ocean or even if you prefer a more relaxing break.
And however long you’ve planned to stay on this tiny island, you’ll certainly want to stay longer when you realise how much Caye Caulker has to offer!
*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
What are the best things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize?
(Top 18 activities)
1. Snorkelling Caye Caulker’s clear waters
- There are many tour companies on Caye Caulker (ages 13+) that do either full or half-day options out to the reefs to swim with marine life including Nurse Sharks!
- Visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve or even book yourself a Manatee tour.
- Top activity in Caye Caulker – Go snorkelling in the Blue Hole
- Full-day tours include lunch/fruit/drinks/water and a half-day tour includes fruit/water.
- Snorkelling equipment all included or you can take your own. (Buy from Amazon before your trip)
- Costs from* – Full day $65 USD/$130 BZ or Half day $35 USD/$70 BZ or Manatee tour (full day) $85 USD/$170 BZ.
2. Diving the world’s second-largest barrier reef in Belize
- Fancy going deeper than snorkelling, well this is the option for you. Again with many dive shops on Caye Caulker Island you have plenty to choose from.
- The Blue Hole is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker and unique to Belize. Don’t miss out!
- I spent a full day with ‘Blue Sea Diving’, visiting Lighthouse Reef Atoll which includes Belize’s famous Blue Hole (scary but one of my highlights).
- Tours start early in the morning around 5.30 am but it’s totally worth it.
Top tip
Wear long-sleeved tops for snorkelling and diving to protect the corals from suncream. These tops are great and come in a range of colours.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker?
Check prices + availability for accommodation in Caye Caulker with Booking.com or £25 off your first stay at Airbnb
3. Hire a bike and go explore Caye Caulker Island
- Want to explore more of the island? Jump on a bike. Cycle to the Split (this is where the island literally splits in two by a body of water).
- Or head in the opposite direction towards the airfield, mini reserve, mangroves and wait for it…. the largest conch wall in the world. Come on that’s a must-see activity! You also create your own mini breeze when you cycle.
- Cost* – $5 BZ for an hour or $15 BZ all day. (I chose this option, although there’s not a full day’s worth of cycling in Caye Caulker it’s nice to have).
Becky’s Tip
For those not experienced with bikes without brakes, to stop or slow down, you simply pedal backwards. I wish I knew this before my poor Teva sandals got a tough time!!
4. Take a scenic flight over Belize’s Blue Hole direct from Caye Caulker
- An expensive thing to do in Caye Caulker, I was so tempted to do this flight but it was out of my price range. Plus I have to leave a few activities to do for next time I visit Belize!
- You also need a minimum of 3 people, not always easy to find (especially moving into the low season).
- Cost* – $200 USD/$400 BZ per person.
- Read about Tanya’s full experience here with Tropic Air Belize
5. Treat yourself to a yummy snack and iced coffee
- Pop into ‘Crepes & Dreams‘ on Caye Caulker main street to visit Chris and Cassie, they are open 7 am – 1 pm for a range of breakfast options and treats.
- You can enjoy a delicious crêpe, Nutella and banana is my recommendation. Yummy!
- They also have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
6. Go out for dinner on the island – Try Wish Willy or Roy’s!
- Try out some of the many amazing restaurants on Caye Caulker island.
- Looking for a traditional meal, try ‘Wish Willy’ – you feel like you are at a home BBQ.
- ‘Roy’s’ restaurant you can try the very pesky Lionfish which has now become a huge problem in Belize due to being introduced to an environment with few natural predators.
7. Top up on your vitamins with some fresh juice
- There are a couple of open-air stalls on the island that will keep you juiced up all day long.
- They do mixers or fruits in a smoothie or you can buy a bottle of your favourite – orange, pineapple, mango, watermelon to pop in your fridge. All for $5 BZ.
Top tip
Take your own cool reusable cup to save using the plastic cups or you could help even further by taking your own metal straws!
8. Visit Seahorse Ranch Reserve in Caye Caulker
- A local hotelier at Iguana Reef Inn created a mini marine reserve right outside his hotel. There are numerous seahorses (very mini ones), an eel, Queen Angel and French Angelfish that visit and live there. Eric the owner is lovely, you might see him around sunset chatting with guests.
- This is also a popular spot for the Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds, you’ll likely to see these here.
You might like to read: Visiting the awesome Belize Zoo
9. Watch the sunset from Caye Caulker (With a beer or cocktail!)
- Maybe an obvious thing to do in Caye Caulker but no harm in reminding you. I missed it the first night as was in a bar on the opposite side of the island!
- There are a couple of good spots, either Seahorse Ranch Reserve by Iguana Reef Inn, Caye Caulker or you can take a boat to the North of the island to Koko King and there’s a great view there.
- And you can buy a beer to enjoy the view!
10. Visit the Split …. the what!
- This is where Caye Caulker island has been split in two by a hurricane, mother nature at it’s strongest. (You might hear rumours whilst you are there that this was man-made – I will let you decide when you see it!)
- Have a drink at the Lazy Lizard, go for a swim or simply chill out and relax – isn’t that what travelling is all about.
*Check prices now for Belize flights with Skyscanner
11. Try a new hairstyle – get your hair braided
- One for the ladies or gents if you have long hair. For a hassle-free time on Caye Caulker island, they can sort your hair disasters out.
- After seawater boat trips and various snorkelling gear mine was a big tangled mess. I was then transformed into a thing of beauty, well not quite, it was me but hey you know what I mean.
Becky’s Tip – Remember to put sun cream where your hair parting is. Yes, I did burn my head and yes it did hurt 🙁
Where to stay in Caye Caulker?
Check prices + availability for accommodation in Caye Caulker with Booking.com
12. Go shopping in Caye Caulker
- Visit the many gift shops and stalls on the island, selling pretty bags, hammocks, jewellery and much more. They also polish the conch shells which look amazing when they have finished.
- Most of the shops in Caye Caulker close for a couple of hours around 12 – 2 pm (it’s pretty hot so you’ll probably want to take a swim).
- A nice activity to do before or after your dinner in the evening.
13. Try one of the many Watersports
- Fancy trying something different, you can: hire a jet ski, try windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, do some exploring whilst kayaking or paddleboarding.
Top tip
Don’t forget to take a reusable water bottle with you! Help reduce plastic waste and keep the waters in Caye Caulker clean
Check out these 18 awesome travel quotes
14. Go fishing from Caye Caulker
- Again, you’re on an island so plenty of options for fishing. I didn’t research these fully but those I did see were costly. Maybe shop around for the best offer.
- Half and full-day options available on Caye Caulker Island.
15. Catch a boat to Koko King
- A water taxi goes every 15/20 minutes from the opposite side of the island, to which you arrived (a 3-minute walk) known as Koko King. And it’s FREE!!
- A perfect place to visit in the evening if you want to go somewhere different on the island.
- There’s a bar, restaurant, a pool and plenty of swings that you can chill out on. A great place to spend the evening.
16. Bird watching around the island
- Caye Caulker is wonderful for birdwatchers.
- There are plenty of birds both on the land and sea to keep any bird lover busy for a few hours.
- Each morning I saw many Brown Pelicans chilling on the posts in the sea.
- There are also lots of Magnificent Frigatebirds and many other smaller ones in the mini reserve.
Top tip
Take some binoculars (if you can fit them in). These ones are great, not too big but have a good lens, bag and strap.
17. Continue the wildlife and nature watching
- Exploring the island either by bike, golf buggy or on foot keep your eye out for the wildlife living on Caye Caulker island.
- By Caye Caulker’s ‘World’s largest conch wall’ you will probably meet iguana’s sunbathing, crabs scurrying along or lizards darting in the bushes.
- Apparently, there are crocodiles too, but I didn’t see any!
18. Swimming in sea
- And lastly, a free activity. Get your best bikini or shorts on and jump in the ocean.
- It is the best way to cool down on a hot and sunny day in Caye Caulker.
Top tip – buy your own snorkelling gear and mask so you can see all the sea life!
Further Information on Caye Caulker Belize
What is the currency in Belize?
- Belizian Dollar
- The exchange rate is $1 USD = $2 BZ (Bank rates vary).
- Credit cards are accepted in some places (extra charge 3-5%).
Arriving in Caye Caulker Belize
Firstly, getting to the island. It only takes about 45 minutes from the mainland Belize City via water taxi. Even if you arrive by plane, it’s 20 minutes in a taxi to the water taxi station.
Then in less than an hour and a half, you are chilling out on this beautiful island. (Check out transport times and costs below).
After a smooth (or bumpy) journey on the boat from Belize City, it was a windy day when I arrived! You dock on a small jetty and walk down to collect your bags. There are palms trees swaying and a few bars along the front.
Already you start to feel that Caye Caulker is going to be an awesome place to spend a couple of days or maybe more.
Caye Caulker’s motto is ‘Go Slow’.
Caye Caulker’s motto is ‘Go Slow’.
See how many ‘Caye Caulker Go Slow’ signs you can spot!
You notice this by the transport, it’s either a bike (which have no gears and are pretty rustic) or the other more random option which is tourists the popular golf buggy.
Who’d have thought that so many people would be driving around the island on these? They do look pretty cool though. Comfy seats, shade from the sun and big wheels to drive over those bumpy roads!
Accommodation – Where to stay in Caye Caulker? Check out prices here at Booking.com
At first, you might think what is there to do on such a chilled and relaxed island? Well believe it or not it’s really easy to spend more than a couple of days in Caye Caulker Belize as there are so many things to do.
It’s easy to see how a couple of days can turn into a week on the island.
How to get from Belize Airport to Caye Caulker?
1. Taxi from Belize Airport to Water Taxi
- These are readily available outside the airport and they accept USD and BZ dollars.
- Cost $25 USD/$50 BZ. (For more than 2 people they will try to charge $30 be sure to haggle).
2. Caye Caulker Belize Water Taxi
Option 1 – Belize Express*
Belize City to Caye Caulker
Departure times: 08.00, 09.00, 10.30, 12.00, 13.30, 15.00, 16.00, 16.30, 17.30.
Caye Caulker to Belize City
Departure times: 06.30, 07.00, 08.00, 09.00, 10.30, 12.00, 13.30, 15.30, 17.00.
Costs:
One-way – $15 USD/$30 BZ or
Return – $25 USD/ $50 BZ
Option 2 – Ocean Ferry (cheaper option)*
Belize City to Caye Caulker
Departure times: 08.00, 10.30, 13.30, 15.00, 17.30.
Caye Caulker to Belize City
Departure times: 06.30, 08.30, 10.30, 13.30, 16.30.
Costs:
One-way – $9.50 USD/ $19 BZ or
Return – $14.50 USD/$29 BZ
* All times and prices correct at time of writing. USD = US Dollars. BZ – Belize Dollars
You might like to read: A mini stop at Half Moon Caye, Belize
Where to stay in Caye Caulker?
There are plenty of great places to stay on Caye Caulker island and the best thing is that none of the hotels or hostels are that far from the main area of Caye Caulker.
There are also a few places in Caye Caulker you can book with Airbnb, register now for £25 off your first stay at Airbnb
Budget options
Yuma’s House Belize (where I stayed), hostel, overlooking a small private beach. Check the latest prices here with Booking.com
Go Slow Guesthouse – 4 and 8-bed dorms. Check availability here with Booking.com
Mid-range options
Try Barefoot Beach Belize or maybe Mayan Falls (which has a swimming pool). Click to check the availability for your trip.
Luxury 4 star options
Jan’s Hotel has a luxury feel, including a private beach on the island.
Or how about a stay at Ocean Front Condos The Club at Caye Caulker. Check latest prices here with Booking.com
Of for all accommodation in Caye Caulker, click right here to search 80+ options!
Check prices + availability for accommodation in Caye Caulker with Booking.com
Have you been to Caye Caulker in Belize, what were your favourite activities on the island?
Have I missed any fun things to do out? Let me know in the comments below.
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As always! You rock Becky such a nicely written post with all the info one may ask for, simply loved it ??
Ah thanks Deepika, that’s such a lovely thing to say. Really made me smile :). Have a lovely day.
This looks like paradise! I was in Belize YEARS ago, but we didn’t do ANYTHING like this. I’d love to see the Blue Hole from above and snorkel in the reefs. On my bucket list!
Ah it really was :). It was funny because I was initially going to do the chill thing at the end of my trip but actually worked out well going here first. Yeah I need to go back to do the Blue Hole from above!
This looks so wonderful and peaceful! I was never in that part of the world and Belize looks amazing, especially the wild life. Wil definitely remeber not to miss Caye Caulker if/when I go ;). Great and informative post!
Ah thanks so much Kat, funny I had always wanted to go to Costa Rica but then picked Belize instead ha ha. Caye Caulker is really a great place to explore and relax, there’s something for everyone!
So Belize was the only country we missed in Central America and I can promise you after seeing your photos and reading your amazing guide (right down to water taxi times) I will be visiting Belize.
I was worried that Belize was super pricey and way out of our budget that’s why we skipped it but it seems like a lot of the exploring and adventures you got up to were free? Sounds great. Really sad I didn’t get to visit Caye Caulker.
Ah yes I did hear that Belize was supposed to be really expensive. I actually did spend quite a bit of money but that was my choice and I could have done things a lot cheaper.
Yes with a bike for the day you can do some good exploring for free on the island but if you’re interested in snorkelling and diving then you might need to get the credit cards out! I guess it’s always nice to have somewhere else to go back to when you visit somewhere. I would have loved to have explore more of Central America but ran out of time!
This looks amazing! I’ve only been to Belize on a one day cruise excursion but it only made me want to go back for a full trip more. Good to know there is so much to see and do in Caye Caulker!
Yeah one day is defintely not enough time there’s so much to do. Hopefully I have tempted you to return 🙂
Wow. Belize looks amazing. I had no idea it had the second largest barrier reef in the world. I also would love to fly over that big blue hole!! Looks so neat!!
Yes it’s funny you sometimes don’t hear about the second largest of things but it’s certainly an amazing destination to go. Yes hopefully next time I will get to fly over but I spent too much money on diving!
I have heard only great things about Caye Caulker. The snorkeling looks incredible!
Well I guess that’s because it’s a great place. Snorkelling was awesome, I would highly recommend 🙂
Great post – I need to visit
Thanks Diana, yes defintely, I hope you get to go soon 🙂
oh this is wonderful! and what an extensive list! i hope to make it to belize in the near future – def on my bucket list!
Thanks Jin, yes I forgot how much there was to do, I just kept adding things as I was writing!!
Gosh, this place looks like fun! I’ve never been to anywhere in Central America, but I’m really itching to! Caye Caulker sounds like a great place to start! 🙂 The Blue Hole looks amazing!
Thanks Sarah. It was my first time in Central America and of course I want to go back already. Yes I would have loved to see it from the air but diving was a pretty cool expirience, maybe next time!
It seem you had lots of fun but you miss the spa in caye caulker there is a few hair salons and healing touch day spa for all those spa goers. Glad you hda so much fun on the caye.
Ah yes Eva, lots of fun. Yes I had no idea there was a spa on the island, so yet more things for people to do on the island. I absolutely loved it and will definitely visit again 🙂
Best part is 1/2 the people on Caye Caulker are barefoot!
Ah yes defintely, I loved that too 🙂
Hi Becky, very nice article, but please note the split was made by a hurricane around 1930s, it is definitely not man made or made on purpose by islanders, it’s from a hurricane.
Ah thanks so much Wendy, I guess that’s island rumours going round!!! I will update my post. Have a lovely day 🙂
Great article, I’ve been to Caye cak r a few times and returning in July. Where is KOKO KING and where do I catch a ferry to it?
Thanks Jamila, yes it’s a great place. Koko King is on the North Island (the other side of the Split!) The ferry actual goes from the opposite side of the island where the main water taxis dock. Just walk to the width of the island, this is the narrowest point, about 5 mins and there’s a dock which has a sign saying Koko King.
Caye Caulker is a favorite. Great article Becky! There is also the crocodile reserve on the north island. It’s good to know they are around. Didn’t know it my first trip and had a close encounter down on the south end of the island in some shallow water.
Thanks Ron, yes I heard about the reserve on my last day there but ran out of time as already stayed longer than I thought. I had no idea about the crocodiles until I saw a sign in the dive shop saying if you have a problem croc to contact them!
I just returned from Caye Caulker this week. It was so relaxing and amazing! We went on a day trip with Carlos on his Catamaran…snorkeling was great and he was great too. Lunch was excellent with all the rum you could drink. ? Our favorite place to eat while there was Reinna’s…a must try for sure! And yes you ar absolutely right about Crepes and Dreams, the Split and Koko King!
Ah fantastic Pam, so glad you had an amazing time too. Ah I didn’t try Reinna’s…. I guess one for next time! So when are you going back again!
And the very best part about Caye Caulker is, you can go barefoot everywhere and I do mean everywhere and no one will even bat an eye at you for it !!!
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You should add the link to koko king’s website on this post
Thanks Alexander, do you not think my description is sufficient enough? I would welcome your thoughts on why you think I should add the website 🙂
So many great things to do and see where do I even begin on choosing?:) Also, great tips on traveling there
Yes I didn’t realise when I first arrived that there was so much to do. Probably why I ended up staying for 5 instead of 3 days!!
Very informative. Great job.
Thanks, Dennis, I’m glad you found it useful. When is your trip? 🙂
Thanks for the tip. Though the Blue Hole isn’t at Caye Caulker. It’s 2+ hours away. Why does EVERY blog say that the Blue Hole is AT Caye Caulker?
Thanks Melanie, I hope you have a fab trip. I booked my scuba trip to the Blue Lagoon from Caye Caulker and also the flights go from there as well so for someone visiting Caye Caulker I would class it as one of the best things to do whilst you’re there 🙂
A decade ago I loved seeing well cared for dogs n cats – KatKen was busy taking them to Belize City for spay n neutering them n had a bike repair n rental shop opposite the water taxi dock. Hope it’s still a kind to pets place to visit.
Ah yes, I hope so too, it’s been a little while since I visited but I remember the cats and dogs on the island 🙂
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