Explore the best things to do in Caye Caulker with our ultimate guide, featuring top activities, hidden gems, unique experiences, and local tips. From snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef to finding blissful beaches, here’s how you can make the most of 3–4 days on this dreamy little island.
🗺️Includes Google Map Links
Contents
- Introduction to Things to Do in Caye Caulker
- About Caye Caulker
- Top Activities to Do in Caye Caulker
- 1. Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef
- 2. Go Scuba Diving in Caye Caulker
- 3. High-Five the Tarpon (a.k.a. “High Fiving Fish”)
- 4. Chill with Cocktails at Sip N’ Dip
- 5. Coffee with a View at Ice & Beans
- 6. Eat Fresh Lobster (Especially in Season) 🦞
- 7. Sunset Magic at Iguana Reef
- 8. Yoga at Namaste Café
- 9. Explore the North Side of Caye Caulker
- 10. Relax at Bliss Beach
- 11. Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
- 12. Hang Out at The Split
- 13. Join the Caye Caulker Lobster Festival 🦞
- 14. Drink Rum Punch (Island Staple)
- 15. Where to Party in Caye Caulker
- 16. Best Places to Eat in Caye Caulker
- 17. Other Fun Things to Do
- Practical Tips for Visiting Caye Caulker
- Best Time to Visit
- Budget Tips
- FAQ: Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
- 🌴 Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
Some of my content may contain affiliate links for companies I use and love and recommend to awesome readers like yourself. If you take action, (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small amount of pocket money (at no extra cost to you), so I can buy a coffee while creating more helpful content like this.
Introduction to Things to Do in Caye Caulker
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate laid-back Caribbean escape, Caye Caulker should be right at the top of your list.
💙 With turquoise waters, world-class reef adventures, and a motto that literally tells you to “Go Slow”, this tiny island will your capture heart from the moment you arrive.
Before our trip, all we really knew was that it was close to the Belize Barrier Reef and famous for its lobster.
We came here after our daughter insisted it was her favourite island paradise – and she was right. Caye Caulker’s charm lies in its relaxed pace, stunning sunsets, colourful cabanas, and that carefree Go Slow vibe.
While most activities here are all about slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere, there’s still plenty of adventure waiting beneath the water and even up in the sky. Think snorkeling the second-largest barrier reef in the world or, if your budget allows, taking a scenic flight over the incredible Great Blue Hole.
Whether you’re into adventure, food, nightlife, or pure relaxation, this guide covers the top things to do in Caye Caulker in 3-4 days.
About Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a tiny island off the coast of Belize, famous for its easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef – the second largest in the world.
Just 5 miles long and 1 mile wide, it was split in two by a hurricane in the 1960s. The channel, now called The Split, has since been dredged wider to allow boats through.
The southern part of the island is the busiest, but it’s still so small you can walk across it in around 15 minutes. With a population of just 4,000, Caye Caulker feels more like a village than a resort.
Its sandy roads are lined with colourful, timber-framed buildings, local restaurants, and family-run guesthouses, giving it a friendly, community vibe that makes it truly special.
Getting About Caye Caulker
🚶 By Foot – The best way to get around – the island is compact and walkable.
🚴♂️ Bicycle – The most popular way to explore the north side. Rentals are cheap and fun.
🌟 Tip: Bicycle rentals are around BZD 15-20 (USD 7-10) per day. If your hotel includes free bikes, definitely take advantage.
🛺 Golf Cart – Available, but increasingly common and sometimes a nuisance – think twice before adding to the traffic.
🚤 Water Taxi – Handy if you want to explore the quieter north side of the island.
There are no cars in Caye Caulker, which is part of its charm. Most people stick to walking or cycling along the sandy tracks, which is really all you need to get around.
💲 Language & Currency
You might be surprised to find a picture of King Charles on the local currency – and even more surprised that English is the official language. This is because Belize was once a British colony and remains part of the Commonwealth.
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged to the US Dollar, so you can use both currencies interchangeably, which makes things super easy for travellers.
- Exchange rate: Always fixed at BZD 2 = USD 1.
- ATMs: There are only a couple on the island, and they often run out of cash. Bring some USD with you as backup.
- Cards: Many restaurants and hotels are cash-only
Top Activities to Do in Caye Caulker
1. Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef
Our snorkelling trip with Salt Life Eco Tours was the highlight of our Caye Caulker stay. It was an incredible day where we had up-close encounters with turtles, rays and nurse sharks. An absolute bucket list adventure!
👉 Read everything you need to know about booking a snorkel tour in our guide.
On a snorkelling tour in the Belize Barrier Reef you will get to snorkel in Hol Chan Marine Reserve (a protected reef), Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens.
You are guaranteed to swim with turtles, rays and nurse sharks and if you’re lucky manatees and dolphins! An unmissable adventure when in Caye Caulker.
- Snorkel tours usually run half-day (4-5 hours) or full-day (6-7 hours).
- Cost: USD 60-100 per person, including gear and lunch on full-day trips.
👉 Check out snorkel tours available
2. Go Scuba Diving in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a top scuba diving destination – another bucket list trip to tick off your list. Expect crystal clear waters, colourful coral and abundance of marine life. There are dive trips to the reef and even the Great Blue Hole (although visibility here isn’t great), with options for beginners (with PADI courses) and experienced divers.
🌟Tip: No need to book – get a recommendation from your hotel.
- Two-tank reef dives: around USD 120-140.
- Great Blue Hole trips: USD 300-350 per person, including 3 dives.
- PADI Open Water courses: around USD 450-500.
3. High-Five the Tarpon (a.k.a. “High Fiving Fish”)
Have you ever high fived a fish? Well to be honest, neither have I because I was too nervous! 😅 But, if you would like to try it out – visit the Tarpon Feeding Dock where you’ll find Tarpon fish.
Tarpons are HUGE, silver coloured fish that will leap out of the water if they think there’s food nearby. Although they don’t have teeth – their mouths are like sandpaper so can really hurt if you get grazed by one.
Not for everyone but certainly a fun, quirky, and unique island experience.
🌟 Tip: Bring a couple of sardines (sold nearby for a few Belize dollars).
4. Chill with Cocktails at Sip N’ Dip
Sip N’ Dip is a fun bar where you can literally sit at tables in the water and enjoy food and cocktails (2-4-1 during happy hour). We spent an afternoon here and had so much fun!
To get a table in the water – you need to spend a fixed amount (around USD 100) on food and drinks, which if there’s a few of you – it’s easy enough. There were 5 of us so it was no problem.
Alternatively you can use the loungers and tables with no limits and still enjoy the water.
- Happy hour: 4-6pm.
- Food prices: mains from BZD 20-40 (USD 10-20).
⚠️ Beware the Adios Mother Fucker (AMF) 🍹 – extremely delicious but very strong!
5. Coffee with a View at Ice & Beans
Famous for iced coffees, frappes, donuts, and beachfront views – this was our morning ritual for breakfast and coffee. Guests are greeted with a free shot of iced coffee and staff are so kind and lovely – a wonderful way to start a slow morning.
6. Eat Fresh Lobster (Especially in Season) 🦞
Caye Caulker is almost as famous for lobster as it is for its “Go Slow” motto. Lobster season runs from mid-June to mid-February, and you’ll find it everywhere – grilled, curried, in tacos, even on pizza. Prices are much lower than elsewhere in the Caribbean, usually USD 12-20 for a full lobster plate.
The highlight is the Caye Caulker Lobster Festival each July, when the island throws a 3-day party with music, dancing, and endless lobster dishes. It’s busy, fun, and worth planning ahead for.
Where to eat lobster on Caye Caulker:
- Fran’s Grill (my daughter’s favourite) – casual beach BBQ, lobster skewers.
- Happy Lobster (my favourite!) – sit-down dining, big portions.
- Wish Willy’s – backyard BBQ vibes, great value.
- Street grills – pop-up stalls by the beach with cheap, tasty lobster plates.
Eating lobster here isn’t just dinner – it’s part of the Caye Caulker experience.
- Season: 15 June – 14 February.
- Budget-friendly lobster grills: BZD 25-40 (USD 12-20) for a plate.
- Top spots: Fran’s Grill (barbecue style), Happy Lobster (sit-down dining).
7. Sunset Magic at Iguana Reef
Our favourite spot for sunset cocktails (yes we did drink a lot on Caye Caulker!) The beach bar here is fantastic. Loads of places to chill out and relax, sit on the jetty and watch the sun go down.
You can spot seahorses, pelicans and stingrays here.
The stingrays are hand fed at sunset, which is why they come. I had mixed feelings about this – as wonderful as it was to see the stingrays, I don’t think it’s the same as feeding your local ducks. This practice is disruptive to the eco-system and stingrays’ natural survival instinct as they become reliant on humans.
8. Yoga at Namaste Café
A Perfect drop-in yoga class for travellers. The class takes place at 9.30 on the rooftop and mats are provided. No need to book – just turn up 15 minutes early.
A great relaxing start to your day. Pair it with a healthy breakfast afterwards. We found the class very straightforward and suitable for beginners – the instructor goes easy on you because of the heat.
- Drop-in class: BZD 20 (USD 10).
- Breakfast bowls and smoothies: BZD 12-20 (USD 6-10).
9. Explore the North Side of Caye Caulker
For now, the north side of the island is quieter, wilder and less touristy. You can reach it by water taxi or kayak. If you would like to cycle – the ferry will take you and your bike over.
You will find mangroves, wildlife, and hidden beaches. Our most relaxing day was spent at Bliss Beach.
🗺️ Google Maps Link to Water Taxi
10. Relax at Bliss Beach
Caye Caulker’s prettiest beach restaurant is situated on the North island. It’s like a small glimpse of paradise. A beautiful white sand beach in a natural setting with palms, comfy sun loungers and hammocks.
We took the water taxi here and stayed all day, eating delicious food, wine and cocktails.
Water taxi from the main pier: about BZD 10 (USD 5) per person one way.
🗺️ Google Maps Link to Water Taxi
11. Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
Most hotels have kayaks or paddle-boards to rent. You can paddle around the Split and its a great way to explore lagoons and mangroves.
Rentals: BZD 20-25 (USD 10-12) per hour.
12. Hang Out at The Split
The Split is where Caye Calker is literally split in two after a hurricane hit in the 60’s. Since then, it has been dredged to allow boats passage.
It’s great for swimming and jumping off the dock but you must be careful of the boats passing through.
Take a dip in the water, hang out at the Lazy Lizard and sink a few Lizard Juices (a bright green, very strong cocktail). The Lazy Lizard is Caye Caulker’s social hub and is a must-do on every trip.
13. Join the Caye Caulker Lobster Festival 🦞
The Caye Caulker Lobster Festival is held every July. It is a 3 day celebration of lobster!
It’s basically a massive party where thousands of people descend on the island for 3 days of non-stop partying – consuming tons of lobster and cocktails. Expect food stalls, music, dancing and fresh lobster.
⚠️ During the lobster festival – Caye Caulker is crazy busy and the music is LOUD – 9am till 5am every day!
- Dates: Usually the first weekend in July.
- Hotels book up fast – reserve at least 6 months in advance if you want to attend.
14. Drink Rum Punch (Island Staple)
When I was picturing myself in Caye Caulker it basically involved a hammock with a rum punch in hand. Rum punch is the island’s signature drink – a real taste of Belize.
- Cheapest: street stalls or beach bars for BZD 10 (USD 5).
- Best place to try it: Iguana Reef and local BBQ stands serve them strong and fruity.
15. Where to Party in Caye Caulker
The island’s nightlife vibe is fun and laid-back. The Sports Bar was the top spot when my daughter visited a few years ago but closed after a devastating fire – it was being rebuilt while we were there.
The place to party on our last visit was the Boozy Eel where there was a beach party until the early hours.
Best Places To Party
- I&I Reggae Bar: Chill rooftop with hammocks.
- Boozy Eel: Late-night beach parties.
- Drinks: BZD 8-15 (USD 4-7).
16. Best Places to Eat in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker’s food scene is local laid-back and tasty! You wont find any chains and it’s all fresh home-cooked food.
Expect seafood grills, street food, casual beach cafés and cute bistros. It’s not cheap to eat on the island and we found some restaurants really expensive.
We were there during lobster festival so everyone was going lobster crazy but apart from lobster – local specialties include conch and fish, jerk chicken, ceviche, slow roasted pork, fry jacks (fried dough), rice and beans.
Dining is casual so just go with the flow and expect long waits.
A Few More Favourites:
- Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen – fresh seafood, grilled meats and great sunset views.
- Pasta Per Caso – Cosy Italian spot – lovely service.
- Namaste Cafe – Smoothie bowls, vegan options and healthy breakfasts.
17. Other Fun Things to Do
🚴 Rent a bike: cruise the sandy streets. Some hotels allow you to borrow bikes for free or you can rent them.
✈️ Fly over the Blue Hole: For a bird’s eye view of the Blue Hole – you can take flightseeing tours from Caye Caulker’s airport. Out of our budget but must be a fantastic experience!
🎣 Fishing trips: Fishing is not really our thing but we met a couple who had come all the way to Caye Caulker from Texas – just for the fishing! Before tourism, Caye Caulker was originally a fishing community. The fishing experience here is supposed to be exceptional.
🐕 Take a rescue dog for a walk: We didn’t have time but I thought it would have been a lovely thing to do. Visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter to see the wonderful work they do there. Give a donation and volunteer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Caye Caulker
Getting to Caye Caulker: from Belize City or Chetumal by water taxi or small plane.
The only way to reach Caye Caulker is by boat or small plane from mainland Belize or Chetumal if you’re coming from Mexico.
From Belize City
🚤 By Water Taxi – The most popular option. Boats run several times daily from Belize City (Belize Express and Ocean Ferry are the main companies).
- Journey time: around 45 minutes.
- Cost: about BZD 50 / USD 25 one way, or slightly cheaper if you book a return.
- Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
From Chetumal
We took the ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker with San Pedro Belize Water Taxi and back with Water Jets International. It takes 3 hrs 15 mins. It costs around 80 USD each way. Departures are 10am and 3.30pm.
⚠️ Our ferry was late departing and we almost missed our check-in time with our hotel!
✈️ By Small Plane – Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both fly from Belize City Municipal or International Airport.
- Journey time: 10-15 minutes.
- Cost: around USD 80-100 one way.
- Worth it if you’re short on time, as you get stunning views of the reef on the way.
From San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
You can also hop across by water taxi in 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season: (Dec-Apr) for sunshine.
Rainy season: (Jun-Oct) is hot and humid, but cheaper. July for Lobster Fest if you love parties.
Budget Tips
- Street food is much cheaper than sit-down restaurants.
- Bring USD as backup in case ATMs run dry.
- Tap water isn’t drinkable – budget for bottled water.
- Free/cheap activities: sunsets, The Split, cycling the island, yoga classes.
- Book budget accommodation early as it sells out quickly!
FAQ: Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
Q: How many days do you need in Caye Caulker?
A: 3-4 days is ideal, but you could easily stay a week if you love slow island life. My daughter would live here permanently!
Q: What is Caye Caulker best known for?
A: Its “Go Slow” vibe, snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, and fresh lobster.
Q: Is Caye Caulker safe?
A: Yes, it’s considered very safe for travellers – just use normal precautions.
Q: Can you swim at the beaches in Caye Caulker?
A: Yes, especially at Bliss Beach and The Split. Caye Caulker isn’t really a beachy place as such. There are beaches but not the type you would usually go to for a beach holiday.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: December-April for sunshine and festivals, July for Lobster Fest.
Q: Can you visit Caye Caulker on a budget?
A: Definitely – cheap guesthouses, street food, and free activities make it affordable.
Q: Is Caye Caulker a good destination to bring children?
A: I would say it’s perfect for older children 8+. Lots of wildlife encounters, snorkelling, relaxed and family friendly. Late night music could prove difficult for families with younger children – especially for parents already sleep deprived!
Q: Are there illegal drugs?
Being a laid-back Caribbean island with not much to do – it has it’s fair share of addiction problems. When my daughter first came there were signs everywhere offering addiction support. These seem to have disappeared on our trip but it very obviously still prevalent.
🌴 Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker may be tiny, but it packs in an incredible mix of adventure, food, and pure relaxation. From snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef and paddle boarding at The Split, to lazy afternoons with rum punch and unforgettable lobster feasts, the island really does live up to its “Go Slow” motto.
I’m so glad my daughter persuaded me to come here – it really was an unforgettable experience and I can see why it’s her favourite island paradise.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a full week, you’ll leave with sandy toes, sun-kissed skin, and that laid-back vibe still lingering long after you’ve gone.
✨ Planning your own trip to Caye Caulker?
🏨 Check out our Caye Caulker hotel recommendations here.
🚤 Read about our snorkel tour with Salt Life Eco Tours.
🔖Bookmark this guide, share it with your travel buddy, and get ready to experience the magic of Belize’s most laid-back island.
Leave a Reply