Caye Caulker is one of Belize’s best-kept secrets. The mile-wide island is just a 45-minute water taxi from the mainland. This backpacker’s paradise does not disappoint.
Here are 10 ways to experience the best of Caye Caulker:
1. Go Slow
It’s the island motto. The island isn’t very big, so there’s no need to rush. Do it the Caye Caulker way. Take your time and explore every corner of the island.
2. Catch the Sunrise
You’ll want to catch the sunrise on the front side (east) and the sunset on the backside (west) of the island. At the edge of the island, lies a walkway lined with hotels, restaurants, and a little bit of sand. Choose your favorite spot and watch the sunshine marvel.
Venture down to The Magic Grill, which is great by the way, and enjoy the set of swings placed there. Beyond the swings, is a long dock that stretches towards and even further down the shoreline housing a few lounge chairs and a single bench. Now close your eyes and imagine sitting out above the water, in the best ocean breeze, with your favorite things, and not a soul to interrupt. That’s a sunrise at The Magic Grill. For sunset, try the Iguana Reef Inn.
3. Eat Fry Jacks
Fry Jacks are to Belize what beignets are to New Orleans. At just $2 USD you can indulge in the fried dough and traditional stuffing the Belizean way. The famous Errolyn’s has the best on the island. Place an order and grab fresh juice from the juice stand next door while you wait. It’s the best way to start your day!
4. Bike or Cart the Island
Hire a bike or golf cart for the day to move around the island with ease.
5. Eat Fresh Lobster and Conch at a Beachside Restaurant
The best of the island’s eats are along Front Street and they aren’t all indoors. Sturdy wooden tables and aged grills seem to be the mark of greatness for the street-side restaurants. From ocean to table, and grilled to perfection, phenomenal food is served all day long.
6. Relax at the Split
Named from the place on the island split in two by a hurricane, this is the ultimate place to socialize, dive in, and soak up the sun.
7. Sing Karaoke at the Lazy Lizard
With one of the coolest bars on the island, Lazy Lizard, also boasts of the best karaoke night. Try your luck at beating the competition for a free bar tab.
8. Hop the Island Clubs
For a small island, Caye Caulker’s nightlife is lively. There’s a variety of clubs and bars to get the night going. Get the dancing going at Barrier Reef Sports Bar. Then when it closes at midnight head over to I&I Reggae club to cap off the night with the right vibe.
9. Enjoy the Wildlife
Snorkel and swim with the sharks in the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Spend an evening feeding the brown pelicans and watching the seahorses in the reserve at the Iguana Reef Inn.
10. Visit The Great Blue Hole
The mysterious giant marine sinkhole draws visitors from around the world. Whether you fly over, snorkel, or dive, this natural phenomenon cannot be missed.
Dr. Traiana Mangum, PharmD, RPh is a Community Pharmacist, Missionary, and Louisiana-based Travel Influencer. Traiana is the creator of Trai Travels, a YouTube channel and growing travel community for the young, black, and bright. She inspires her followers, The TraiTribe, to travel with purpose and to tell the story. Connect with Traiana on YouTube and Instagram @TraiTravels and via her website TraiTravels.com.