I first stepped foot on the sandy streets of Caye Caulker, Belize, in 2018 and was immediately enthralled by the island’s unique atmosphere. So much so, after spending three months on vacation there, I decided to make it my home. Now, I’m sharing my recommendations on what do to, where to eat, sleep and more.
By Britteny Dee
Instagram: @brittenydee
Caye Caulker is Belize’s second-largest island and a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, as well as backpackers and budget-conscious travelers who want to have some fun in the sun.
If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s time to start planning your escape to Caye Caulker. The island’s motto is “Go Slow,” and that’s exactly what most people do here. There are no cars on the island — except for a few work vehicles — and the vibe is decidedly relaxed and easygoing. Caye Caulker is about five miles long and only a mile wide, so everything is easy to get to by walking, biking or on a golf cart.
Unlike other major nearby tourist destinations, like Tulum and Cancun, where you might feel compelled to pack your fanciest resort wear and makeup, Caye Caulker is as casual as it gets. You can walk around barefoot in a swimsuit your entire vacation and never feel underdressed. Sound like your ideal getaway? Read on for the ultimate guide to the island’s best hotels, restaurants and activities.
Where to stay?
From budget-friendly hostels to cozy guesthouses to luxurious beachfront hotels, there’s a lodging option for every traveler on Caye Caulker. While most of the hotels are located in town, there are also a few on the island’s north side and plenty of Airbnbs in quieter areas of the south side.
Weezies Oceanfront Hotel is about a 15-minute walk from town — but totally worth the trip. As the name implies, it’s located right on the ocean, and it’s one of the most luxurious options on the south side. There are a variety of room types, from the Penthouse to Oceanfront Suites and Studios, as well as a pool and a cafe/bar. There’s also a pier that extends from the property with a palapa at the end — perfect for relaxing after a long day of snorkeling or exploring the island.
Barefoot Beach will always have a special place in my heart, as it’s the first place I stayed in Caye Caulker. The brightly colored suites and cabañas exude island charm and offer travelers a quaint, quiet place to rest their heads each night. Barefoot Beach is laidback island lodging at its finest.
If seclusion is what you’re after, head to El Ben Cabañas on Caye Caulker’s north side. While only a short boat ride from town, arriving at El Ben feels like you’re miles away from the rest of the world. With a large restaurant and bar area and two pools, this oceanfront property has everything you need.
What to eat?
From street vendors serving up bbq chicken, grilled seafood and rice and beans to a small Italian restaurant where the pasta is made fresh daily, the dining options on Caye Caulker are varied and plentiful.
This colorful island gem is both an art gallery and restaurant. Claim your spot at one of the several outdoor tables, and then admire the many paintings, postcards and other treasures spread throughout the space as you wait for your food. Speaking of, the menu is very plant-forward, with several salads and smoothies to choose from. There are plenty of heartier options too, such as burritos, omelets and pancakes (the cafe serves breakfast and lunch only). The Gluten Free Savory Crepe, made vegan by swapping the feta cheese for chickpeas, is a personal favorite.
Italian food on a Caribbean island might sound strange, but dinner at Pasta Per Caso is a must when visiting Caye Caulker. This husband-and-wife-run restaurant serves homemade pasta — some of the best I’ve ever had — in a cozy-chic space perfect for date night or dinner with friends. The service is exceptional, and the entire dining experience is one you won’t soon forget.
Come for the sunset views, stay for the delicious local fare and relaxed, casual ambiance. There are plenty of seafood options, ranging from grilled lobster (when in season) to coconut shrimp, as well as vegetarian and vegan options like coconut vegetable curry and rice and beans. Arrive early — or make a reservation — to secure one of the tables directly over the water.
What to do?
Caye Caulker might be small, but there’s plenty to do on this laidback Caribbean island. I recommend starting your day the Caye Caulker way — slowly. Sip on a cup of coffee in a hammock or at a picnic table on the beach at Ice and Beans or at Namaste Café, where yoga classes are also hosted on the top floor.
From there, it’s up to you how you spend the rest of your day. The beauty of the island is that you can have an active vacation where every day is packed with activities or a sleepy escape spent lounging in a hammock, with a drink or good book in hand.
If you’re certified, diving is a must. If not, you can still explore the Belize Barrier Reef — the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere — and all the plants and animals that call it home by taking a snorkeling tour. There are countless tour companies on the island, but Carlos Tours is my go-to.
The Split is another top attraction and the perfect place to soak up the sun and cool off with a swim. The Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill is the main bar and restaurant at The Split, but there are a few smaller spots to eat and shop too, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Come sunset, I suggest heading to a bar on the water for drinks with a view. The Pelican Sunset Bar makes some of the island’s best cocktails (with freshly squeezed juice) and ceviche (get the vegetable option if you don’t like seafood), and at Iguana Reef, you can see sting rays and seahorses while sipping your drink of choice.
For a taste of Caye Caulker’s nightlife scene, head to Barrier Reef Sports Bar after 9p.m. for drinks and dancing. Or, check out Open Jam on Friday night, followed by more live music by Andrew Kingston and the Go Slows, an island favorite.
Save the List:
1. Beach day at The Split
2. Snorkeling with Carlos Tours
3. Feed the tarpons
4. Friday Jam at Sports Bar
5. Sunset drinks and ceviche at Pelican Sunset Bar
6. Explore Northside Caye Caulker
7. Shopping at Caye Caulker Craft Market
8. Eat a fry jack at Errolyn’s House Of Fryjacks
9. Yoga at Namaste Cafe
10. Watch the sunset with stingrays at Iguana Reef
About Britteny
Britteny is a freelance writer and founder of Britteny Morgan Marketing, a boutique marketing agency dedicated to helping vegan and purpose-driven brands thrive. She’s also the co-owner of the Caye Caulker Liquor Bin.
Instagram: @brittenydeeWebsite: https://www.brittenymorganmarketing.com
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August 2023 | Life Lovers Magazine.
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