Island Escape: 7 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

FOLLOW & SHARE WITH A FRIEND!

Courtesy of Shutterstock: Go Slow Motto at Caye Caulker in Belize

With an island motto of “Go Slow,”  Caye Caulker takes the concept of island time to a whole different level.

Locals want you to keep this in mind as you will see signs stating, “we have 2 cemeteries but no hospital.”

There are no cars. You get from Point A to Point B along the roads by foot or bike. Bike rentals are $7.50 USD per day or $30 per week.

Occasionally, you’ll see a golf cart.

You can take a quick 30-minute water taxi to get to Caye Caulker from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

However, a more exciting option to see all the highlights of Caye Caulker (plus 2 snorkeling spots including Shark Ray Alley) is a sailing trip from a local guide!

Oh, and it includes an all-day open bar!

Shark Ray Alley in Belize

Remember, you are vacationing right next to the world’s second largest barrier reef!

Since we were staying in Ambergris Caye, we snorkeled with a company that was based there for convenience.

Shark Ray Alley is a must-do experience!

If you are spending a few nights in Caye Caulker though, there are several companies to choose from that will also take you to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

Salt Life Eco Tours seems to be the most popular and highly rated company.

In addition, the Caye Caulker tour companies will also take you to a few additional locations including Chatos and a small shipwreck if you do a full-day tour.

You may also have the chance to see some manatees and seahorses!

Courtesy of Shutterstock: manatee at Caye Caulker

Courtesy of Shutterstock: The Split at Caye Caulker Belize

The Split is where Caye Caulker is divided into two sections.

Many stories circulate about how this occurred. Supposedly fishermen initially dug a channel here to get their boats through.

Then that channel was further widened by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Now, The Split has become the heart of the island.

You can swim, rent a kayak or paddleboard, listen to reggae music, or sip on a tropical cocktail at the iconic Lazy Lizard Bar.

The drink to try is the famous Lazy Lizard Juice, which is a sweet, bright green, frozen concoction.

Supposedly it can sneak up on you like a Long Island Iced Tea. I did not try it but would love to hear from those who have!

The Split at Caye Caulker in Belize

Seahorse at Caye Caulker outside of Iguana Reef Inn (sorry for the bad quality photo … this was the best I could get)

I am fascinated by seahorses.

I had heard these cute little creatures were a common sighting at the Frederiksted Pier in St. Croix, USVI. Unfortunately, we did not see any when we snorkeled there.

But … when my husband and I went to Caye Caulker we finally had the chance to see one in person!

The Seahorse Ranch Reserve is located on the beach beside the dock area outside the Iguana Reef Inn. A quick 5-minute walk from the water taxi will get you there.

Now finding the seahorses is really tough because they are tiny and camouflage so well into their surroundings.

An incredibly kind local told me I could find one if I looked under the pier.

Luckily, my petite frame came in handy for once as I wiggled my body underneath the wooden boards. Once my eyes adjusted, I finally saw this adorable little creature hanging on to a rope with its tail as it bobbed up and down with the current!

Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks at Caye Caulker in Belize

Who doesn’t like fried dough?

Every country seems to have its own version. We had koesisters in Cape Town, South Africa, funnel cakes at local fairs in the United States, and picarones in Peru.

You must try this popular Belizean food, and the place to sample it is Errolyn’s House on Caye Caulker.

Eating a fry jack at Errolyn’s House in Caye Caulker in Belize 

Order it stuffed with your favorite combination of fillings, with options such as ham, cheese, egg, beans, or chicken.

Cheap (1.50-5.50 BZD depending on the filling). Delicious. Super filling.

Advise only 1 per person (they are huge!).

Grab a fresh juice from the fruit stand next door to wash it down.

This local food made with tortilla dough is typically consumed at breakfast but is also popular as a lunch item or snack. Its half-moon shape kinda reminded me of the empanadas we had in Argentina.

To truly appreciate its deliciousness, consume them while they are hot!

I believe they are still closed on Mondays, so check their hours to make sure before heading over.

Local lunch at Reina’s in Caye Caulker

There are only a few tables situated on the sandy floors at this small unassuming restaurant.

Reina’s is a 1-man shop. Elvis was our bartender, our waiter, and our chef!

We have had a few incredible meals run by 1 person including Sawada in Japan and Gostilna Theodosius in Slovenia when touring the wine country.

This was yet another great culinary experience due to the intimate interaction.

Friendly service. Food options listed on the chalkboard menu included ceviche, chicken (BBQ, curry, garlic, or mango), and shrimp dishes (garlic, curry, or shrimp creole).

Simple. Fresh. Flavorful. Good value.

Food just tastes different when you can clearly see the pride and love a chef puts into the meal.

Local island lunch at Reina’s in Caye Caulker in Belize

We did not have the chance to try them, but the restaurant is also known for its delicious meat pies.

They sell out quickly, so come early in the morning if you want to try one.

We did not spend the night (Ambergris Caye is more of our speed), but we still enjoyed visiting Cay Caulker as a fun day trip.

Snorkel, sail, go slow, and eat some delicious local authentic food. That sounds like a perfect day to me.

REACH OUT, FOLLOW, OR SHARE THIS POST WITH A FRIEND!

Questions about my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize?

Let me know in the comments below!