Dreaming of an escape to a truly laid-back corner? A flagship destination for tourism in Belize, Caye Caulker promises an idyllic and unforgettable getaway. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this small islet with its relaxed atmosphere sits on the world's second-largest coral reef.

Caye Caulker breathes tranquility! This charming little vacation village will undoubtedly captivate ocean lovers and sea enthusiasts. At Caye Caulker, no one is in a hurry—the pace follows the rhythm of "go slow." You'll find yourself immersed in Creole island life, where celebrations are always on the calendar.

A Brief History of Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker was sparsely populated, inhabited mostly by mestizos, when it fell under British rule. In 1947, refugees from Yucatán in Mexico settled on the island. Luciano Reyes, one of the Mexican expatriates, is said to have purchased the entire island from Queen Victoria for $300. He then subdivided it into plots and sold them to wealthy families in the region. However, Mr. Reyes did not forget to give the villagers two of his own parcels. Those donations are now used for public purposes.

Etymology

Everyone believed the name Caye Caulker came from the term "caulking," describing the process of sealing wooden boats. Yet the toponym actually derives from the Spanish name "Cayo Hicaco," meaning literally the caye of hicaco. The hicaco is a wild plum found on the island by Spanish navigators and served as a natural remedy against scurvy.

Hurricane Hattie

On October 31, 1961, little Caye Caulker was devastated by Hurricane Hattie. As the most catastrophic hurricane ever to strike Belize, Hattie caused tremendous loss of life and property. During its passage, the hurricane left an indelible mark on the small island, literally splitting it in two at The Split.

Caye Caulker Today

The population of Caye Caulker is predominantly mestizo. Tourism now sustains the island, whereas in the past, everyone made their living from fishing.

In this tiny Belizean caye reigns the philosophy of "go slow." Everyone is invited to slow down—even the animals seem to follow the village's leisurely pace. Creole culture dominates Caye Caulker. Beyond the sound of the sea, reggae sets the rhythm for the entire island.

Caye Caulker has its own unique culture! You'll never feel out of place here.

What to Do in Caye Caulker?

A stay in Caye Caulker means days by the sea, swimming, festive evenings, happy hours, and water activities. For your next Caribbean island vacation, be sure to take advantage of this fabulous caye's magnificent attractions.

A Day at The Split

For a swim, head to The Split!

Located at the northern tip of Caye Caulker, this spot is crossed by a small channel created by Hurricane Hattie. You won't find a conventional beach or white sand or the soothing sound of breaking waves, but the water here is calm, warm, and deep enough for excellent swimming.

The Split is built on a large concrete pier. This rather unconventional structure remains nonetheless very popular with visitors. The spot lets you relax on a lounge chair in the shade of a thatched umbrella, or soak up the sun. At The Split, you can eat with your feet in the water. And don't miss the delicious Pantyripper, the famous cocktail of pineapple juice and coconut rum served at the beachside bar.

A small beach with pristine sand sits just a few meters from The Split. You can stroll along the shore and swim directly in the water without having to jump from a pier.

Exploring the Island by Bike

A bike ride will let you discover this small island stretching about 7 kilometers. Caye Caulker is perfect for cycling—the roads are clear and the scenery is utterly charming.

Water Sports and Activities

If you're a water sports enthusiast, you can embark on kayaking excursions. Or why not try paddleboarding in the calm Caribbean waters?

An Excursion to Central America's Most Beautiful Reef

Near Caye Caulker lies the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Belize Coral Barrier. These are dream destinations where you'll discover impressive biodiversity—sharks, corals, rays, sea turtles, and manatees (in autumn). To explore these natural wonders, you can go snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve with one of the local snorkeling outfitters.

If you're a certified diver, the underwater cave at Caye Caulker is a must. But be warned—only professionals are allowed!

Other sites to visit in the Coral Reef:

• Shark Ray Alley: A marine park where you can safely swim with nurse sharks.
• The Blue Hole: Located in the Caribbean Sea, this natural wonder will leave you speechless. To admire it, you'll need to fly over the area by helicopter—the tour is well worth the cost. It's also possible to visit the Blue Hole by boat, or even better, to dive into it.

A Fun Visit to Caye Caulker Animal Shelter

Animal lover? Welcome to Caye Caulker Animal Shelter. This facility cares for stray dogs and cats. You can pet them, feed them, or even volunteer to contribute to their well-being.

When to Visit Caye Caulker?

With its tropical climate, Caye Caulker is perfect for a glorious sun-soaked getaway. Summer is marked by quite heavy showers, while winter is relatively dry. The best time to visit the island falls between February and April. The months of June, July, and October are less favorable for a Caribbean trip.

Rainfall is light in March. Contrary to October, when precipitation is in full swing. October is indeed hurricane season in this part of Central America. May records the most heat, while January is the coolest month.

Belize City is the nearest city to Caye Caulker. To reach the small island, you must first reach Belize City. Upon arriving at Belize City airport, take a taxi to the water taxi station. The water taxi will take you to Caye Caulker. The journey takes no more than an hour. Finding a water taxi is easy since departures run almost hourly.

At Caye Caulker, you won't encounter cars—the roads are sandy and the island is tiny. Only golf carts circulate along the island's streets. Besides these carts, bicycles abound on Caye Caulker's roads and coast. However, a barefoot stroll will let you discover this splendid caye just as well.

To reach the reef, you'll need to take a boat. You can also navigate the waters by sea kayak.