10 Best Things To Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
Despite Caye Caulker being diminutive in size, it packs a whole lot of personality. There are also plenty of fun things to do in Caye Caulker meaning that though it’s tiny, you’ll never get bored.
Without exception, visitors tend to fall utterly head over heels with this place. And Caye Caulker Belize is popular with a diverse crowd ranging from backpackers to wealthy expats.
“Go Slow” is the island’s very fitting motto. In fact it immediately tells you a lot of what you need to know about this Belizean tropical paradise.
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10. Hit The Split Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is an island that’s literally been chopped in two. The halves are separated by a narrow channel of turquoise water that’s about 50 meters across called The Split. On Caye Caulker The Split’s formation is something of a mystery. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different story over how it happened. Some will say it was created by the devastating Hurricane Hattie that hit in 1961. Alternatively you’ll be told it was hand dredged by locals after the storm.
The idea being to allow canoes and small boats to conveniently pass from one side of the island to the other. This made it far quicker than going all the way around it and helped aid the clean up efforts.
9. Swim With Sharks
Yes that’s right, one of the very best things to do in Caye Caulker is to swim with sharks.
Now before you start picturing bloody death scenes from Jaws, know that these are Nurse Sharks. This variety of shark are almost harmless to humans.
Rest assured, Nurse Sharks absolutely won’t bite you unless seriously provoked. But apparently the force with which they suck the water in with while feeding can make you an unwitting victim.
8. Go Scuba Diving
One of the main draws for many visitors to Caye Caulker is its proximity to the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Belize lays claim to almost 200 miles of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It runs all the way from Mexico down to Honduras, and this section is renowned for being particularly spectacular. For this reason, in Caye Caulker, diving and snorkeling are huge attractions. The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
You’ll encounter hundreds of species of fish and coral. Plus you may get a peek at the plenty of other sea life that’s not even been discovered yet.
7. Check Out a Sensational Sunset
We think that sunsets are nature’s ultimate free show. We love to wonder at them at every opportunity in every part of the world we visit.
On Caye Caulker they’re absolutely sublime and definitely not to be missed. Once you’ve witnessed the deep blue sky melting from shades of gold and yellow into purples and pinks, you too will understand why catching a sunset is one of the best things to do on Caye Caulker.
One of the best places to witness them on the island is right next to The Split.
6. Walk Around the Whole South Island
At 5 miles long and a mile across at its widest, Caye Caulker is a pretty tiny island. In fact in some parts it takes just 2 minutes to walk from one side to the other. It feels as though you could easily throw a stone across the distance. But because of this, it’s extremely easy to get around by foot. If you enjoy a good walk then you’re in luck because Caye Caulker has some stunning scenery to explore.
Set aside a morning or an afternoon and take a wander around the perimeter of the whole south island.
5. Eat Fry Jacks for Breakfast
Fry jacks is a traditional Belizean dish made from puffed up, deep fried pieces of dough. They’re then stuffed with all manner of mouth watering fillings from stewed chicken to eggs and bacon.
They’ll put a smile on your face and start a party in your mouth. You’ll be craving them all day and night until the following morning.
4. Feast on Lobster
Wherever you go on the island you’ll see smoky grills covered with grub that’ll make your stomach do somersaults of joy. And nothing has that effect on us quite like a barbecued lobster.
If you’re into your seafood as well then you’ll agree. Feasting on these succulent crustaceans is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker.
3. Enjoy Caye Caulker’s Nightlife
Caye Caulker’s compact centre is packed full of bars, restaurants and clubs. So if you’re after a night out then you’ll definitely find a good party here. It doesn’t usually get really wild and raucous. The vibe is more chilling to some laid back reggae beats with a few cocktails or beers in most places. Many bars run specials on alternating days. Because of this you’ll find the crowds pop up in different places throughout the week.
This is great because it’s easy to spot the more lively places if that’s what you want. And it’s also pretty easy to avoid them if you don’t.
2. Hang Out at Koko King
The north island of Caye Caulker remains largely untouched and is covered in natural reserves full of interesting wildlife.
In recent years however, parts of this half of the island have begun to be developed. One of those newer developments is the Koko King complex, now called “Northside Beach Club”. You can reach it by a water taxi which runs every half an hour throughout the day, ferrying people across The Split.
Alternatively you can just swim the short distance across, or even paddle board or kayak over if you’ve hired one for the day.
1. Visit the Seahorse Reserve Caye Caulker
On the west side of the south island there’s a tiny seahorse sanctuary that’s home to dozens of these strange little creatures.
At first glance you probably won’t see anything but some netting that looks like it’s covered in seaweed. But stay there, be patient and let your eyes adjust. After a few moments the magical little beasts will start to appear before your eyes. What you thought was bits of old rope begin to move gracefully around the sanctuary.
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