CAYE CAULKER TRAVEL GUIDE
Why Visit Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a chill island in Belize where you’ll find many easygoing travelers, relaxed vibes, karaoke in the evenings, and crystal-blue waters. After our three weeks in Guatemala, this was exactly what we were looking for—and we found it. Caye Caulker is easy to reach, and the sand-covered streets give the island its own special charm. We absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, We couldn’t travel during the ideal season, so make sure to look into the best time for your visit. Now, enjoy our complete Caye Caulker Travel Guide.
We love traveling around Central America, so make sure to check out our 2 week Honduras itinerary and our one day San Salvador guide for tips and ideas. Our Guatemala travel guide is also packed with useful advice for planning your own adventures in the region.
Best Time to Visit Caye Caulker
Temperatures in Caye Caulker range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius 72 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit with the warmest in August. The rainy season lasts from June to December, which is when we visited. The best time to visit Caye Caulker is from January to April. In May the weather can be unpredictable so you are relying on luck. In our Belize travel guide, you can find a more detailed overview of the weather.
As you can see from the two pictures, we experienced very unpredictable weather. Mornings were often nice, but by the afternoon, it became stormy and rainy. For this reason, we recommend that the best season to visit Caye Caulker is from January to April.
How to Get to Caye Caulker
There are several ways to reach Caye Caulker, and in this Caye Caulker travel guide, we share all the transport options, from water taxis to flights, based on our experience exploring the island. No matter where you are coming from, most travelers use the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi, which has terminals in Belize City, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Chetumal, Mexico.
From Belize City Airport to Caye Caulker by Ferry or Flight
In Belize, Uber is not available, so you will need a taxi from the airport to the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminal. The taxi takes around 10 minutes and costs about 25.00 USD or 50.00 Belize Dollars. From the terminal, water taxis depart roughly every hour, and a one-way ticket costs 21.00 USD. Another option is a short flight from Belize City, which takes just 10 minutes and costs around 100.00 USD with luggage. The views from the plane are incredible.
From Guatemala to Caye Caulker by Bus and Ferry
This was the route we took, and it was very comfortable. We used the bus service from Getaway Travels, traveling from Flores to Belize City, then taking the ferry to Caye Caulker. The border crossing was smooth, and as passport stamp collectors, we were excited to add another one. The bus and ferry journey takes about five hours, depending on border traffic. If you are planning to combine Belize with Guatemala, check out our full Guatemala travel guide for tips and ideas.
From Mexico to Caye Caulker by Ferry
Traveling from Mexico is also easy. The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi offers a daily ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker with a stop in San Pedro.Â
The ride takes around three hours and fifteen minutes and costs 77.00 USD.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
When planning your stay in Caye Caulker, our Caye Caulker travel guide highlights our perfect hotel on the island. Even though Caye Caulker is small, choosing a hotel near restaurants, bars, or The Split can make your visit much more convenient.We stayed near The Split, where the crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming. Staying in the northern part of Caye Caulker is an advantage, but not required.
Sophie’s Guest Rooms
We stayed at Sophie’s Guest Rooms, located in the northern part of the island. From the ferry terminal, you can reach it by golf cart taxi for around 10.00 USD, or walk if you are traveling light. With sandy roads, a backpack is easier to manage than a large suitcase.
Sophie’s Guest Rooms offers simple single rooms with different amenities. We stayed in a room with a shared bathroom without air conditioning for about 45.00 USD per night. In hindsight, we recommend getting a room with air conditioning, especially in the hotter months. Rooms are cleaned daily, and the shared bathroom is always well-maintained.
When you step out, you can enjoy direct views of the sea, and each room has a hammock right outside the door. The hotel also has a small beach area, making it convenient for swimming and relaxing in the ocean.
Transport Options in Caye Caulker
As mentioned earlier, the island is very small, and we were able to walk everywhere. If you prefer not to walk or can’t, renting a bike or a golf cart is a great option. If you plan to visit other islands, you can also take the ferry.
The cost for renting bikes is around 7.50 USD for the entire day, while golf carts cost approximately 360.00 USD per week.
Things to Do in Caye Caulker
From snorkeling in the coral reefs to relaxing on a ferry ride, our Caye Caulker travel guide highlights the best things to do in Caye Caulker. A day trip to San Pedro or some time at Secret Beach are just a few of the experiences that make visiting Caye Caulker so special.
Snorkeling Tours in Caye Caulker
A snorkeling tour is a must when visiting Caye Caulker. Tours usually start at 55.00 USD for 3 hours and let you explore the coral reefs and marine life surrounding the island. While we couldn’t join due to a foot injury, we highly recommend including a snorkeling tour in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Split to Split Ferry Ride
For a cheaper and relaxing activity, take the Split to Split ferry across Caye Caulker for just 4.00 USD round-trip. You can bring your bike or golf cart along, and the ride takes you past The Split, one of the island’s most famous spots.Â
On the other side, you’ll find typical Caribbean houses, crabs along the shore, and even more affordable local food.
Day Trip to San Pedro (La Isla Bonita)
San Pedro was not named “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna in her song for no reason. Just a quick information: a day trip there isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it. If you plan to travel to Mexico, it makes sense to spend at least one night in San Pedro, as it saves you the return ferry trip. A return trip with the ferry will cost you 37 USD, and the earliest ferry departs at 7:00 AM, while the latest return is at 4:30 PM.
As soon as you arrive, you should definitely rent a golf cart and head to Secret Beach, just like we did. The drive there is very relaxing! The golf cart costs us 40 USD for 7 hours, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Since many tourists go to Secret Beach and golf carts have more space, you can also try sharing the cost with other tourists. In good weather, you’ll have a stunning place in front of you. As you can see, the weather wasn’t great for us, that is why we strongly recommend again you to visit Belize in the right season.
Once you arrive at Secret Beach, parking is free. On-site, you’ll find several bars, restaurants, sunbeds for rent, and more. We also found a small supermarket along the way.
We chose the restaurant bar Blue Bayou on-site. The food was delicious, and the drink prices were still okay (as long as you don’t want a cocktail). The cool thing is that the staff will bring your food to the tables in the water!
A day trip to San Pedro is definitely worth it. However, in terms of vibe, we found Caye Caulker to be much cooler.
What To Do In Caye Caulker
In our Caye Caulker travel guide, we also cover the best food spots on the island. Even though Caye Caulker is small, it offers plenty of options, from street food and local fry jacks to sit-down restaurants with stunning sunset views. We tried local dishes like chicken and lobster and even enjoyed a banana split while visiting several restaurants across the island.
Best Fry Jacks in Caye Caulker
Fry jacks are a popular Belizean breakfast made from dough fried until golden and puffy. They are usually served warm with toppings like eggs, beans, ham, bacon, or cheese. Rooted in Belize’s Creole culture, fry jacks likely originated from similar fried bread recipes brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. Simple, affordable, and delicious, fry jacks truly capture the local vibe of Caye Caulker.
The best place to try them is Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks. For under 3.00 USD, you can enjoy freshly made fry jacks. You can sit outside on high stools, but unfortunately, there are no fans.
Street Food BBQ in Caye Caulker
For a casual meal with incredible views, try street food BBQ. Lobster costs around 20.00 USD, and dishes like chicken with rice, coleslaw, and plantains are about 8.00 USD. You can watch the fishermen grill the lobster right in front of you, making it a unique and authentic experience. Betty’s Go Slow Grill is our favorite spot for fresh and affordable street food in Caye Caulker.
The whole atmosphere was really cool, the food was affordable, and you can pay with cash or credit card. We ended up coming back several times. At the tables, you’ll likely sit with other travelers and connect with them.
Pelican Sunset Bar
The shrimp ceviche costs 12.50 USD, and the price of the whole fried fish depends on its size—ours was 14 USD. For sides, you can choose between plantains, a garden salad, or fries. The lobster costs 20 USD to 25 USD, depending on the size, and to be honest, it was much better than the one from Betty’s. Cocktails range from 4.50 USD to 9 USD.
Local Fruits and Ice Cream
For just a few cents, you can support local fruit vendors while enjoying some truly delicious fruit. We’ve never had a banana as good as the ones here! Plus, their tropical look adds to the island’s vibe. By the way, the best banana split on the island is at The Creamery Ice Cream Shop for 7.00 USD!
Happy Hours in Caye Caulker
What could be better than relaxing with a cocktail in hand without over paying? Here are three Happy Hours that totally won us over! All the bars we’re recommending are right on the main road leading to the Split. At Paradiso Restaurant, you can enjoy two cocktails for 5 USD while taking in the ocean view and using the free Wi-Fi.
At The Dock Cafe and Bar, the happy hour isn’t the cheapest one, but it’s worth it for the experience. You can enjoy a coconut mojito while sitting at tables in the water. Two coconut mojitos cost 10.50 USD. Compared to Europe or North America, this is still a great deal. For more travel tips and guides from Europe and North America, check out our Europe travel guide and North America travel guide.
Sip n’ Dip is the coolest spot for drinks in Caye Caulker! Great music, bachelorette parties, and really fair prices. We actually came here several times.
As you can see in the pic, we enjoyed the local beer Belikin while sitting at a table in the water. That’s why you travel to the Caribbean! During happy hour, we got two cocktails here for just 4.00 USD!
FAQ
The best time to visit Caye Caulker is from January to April when the weather is sunny and dry. We went in the rainy season and learned that travel plans can easily get delayed, so we highly recommend visiting during the dry months. Temperatures are warm year-round, ranging between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for beach days and snorkeling.
There are several ways to reach Caye Caulker. From Belize City, the easiest option is the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi. It is reliable, runs roundabout every 90 minutes, and offers nice views of the Caribbean Sea. If you are coming from Guatemala or Mexico, buses or ferries are available, and we actually took the route from Guatemala, which was comfortable.
Accommodation is available across the island, but we stayed at Sophie’s Guest Rooms in the northern part of the island. It was close to restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and just steps away from The Split. The rooms are simple, clean, and some even have sea views with hammocks outside. Staying in the north gives you easy access to the main attractions but honestly, the island is small, so anywhere is convenient.
There are plenty of things to do, from snorkeling tours to ferry rides across the island. We loved taking the Split to Split ferry for a cheap, relaxing way to see more of the island. A day trip to San Pedro is also worth it, especially if you rent a golf cart to explore Secret Beach. Snorkeling is a must, with coral reefs and marine life surrounding the island. Each activity gives you a different side of Caye Caulker.
Fry jacks are a must for breakfast, and Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks is the place to go. Street food BBQ and fresh lobster at Betty’s Go Slow Grill are unforgettable. For sit-down meals, Pelican Sunset Bar offers amazing seafood and cocktails with sunset views. We also loved supporting local fruit vendors and to eat a banana split from The Creamery. The food scene combines local flavors with Caribbean vibes.
Caye Caulker doesn’t have to be expensive. Taking ferries instead of private tours, renting a bike or golf cart with friends, and eating at street food spots can save a lot of money. We found that the island offers many free activities, like relaxing at The Split, exploring the northern beaches, and watching local fishermen at work. With a little planning, you can enjoy the island fully without overspending.
Thanks For Reading
We hope our Caye Caulker Travel Guide helped you plan your trip and inspired you to explore the island’s best activities, food spots, and local experiences yourself. For more tips, detailed guides, and insider recommendations, don’t miss our Belize travel guide.
If you have any questions about transportation, accommodation, or things to do in Caye Caulker, feel free to reach out — we are always happy to help. We would also love to hear about your own experiences in the comments below. If you found this guide useful, please consider sharing it to support our travel blog.
Vicky and Malte
