In this article, we’ll cover all the best things to do in Caye Caulker to enjoy a very relaxed vacation. This isn’t a checklist of activities in Caye Caulker. Instead, it’s a loose list of the options you have available to you while on the island. We also cover the best place to stay in Caye Caulker, and the best restaurants on the island, with an accent on vegan-friendly places to eat.
Welcome to Belize’s Isla Cariñosa – Caye Caulker! This is an amazing little island located not too far from the coast of Belize. With crystal clear waters and chill vibes, it’s no surprise so many people flock here for their vacations. It’s truly one of the best places to visit in Belize. Even if you can do a ton of activities here, we highly recommend you simply enjoy it and go slow. After all, that is the motto of Caye Caulker, and they really take it to heart!
So to help you make the best of your chill vacation, we wanted to let you know all the best things to do in Caye Caulker if you want to go slow and chill out. As we mentioned, don’t try and cram everything on this list during your Belizean vacation. Take the time to enjoy the laid-back vibes of the island. Do an activity a day, or don’t do any of them. This is your vacation, after all. So just, Go Slow!
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Table of Contents
About Caye Caulker, Belize
Caye Caulker is a five-mile long island located about a 30-45 minute boat ride away from Belize City, in the Caribbean Sea. It’s a little sibling to Ambergris Caye, which is much bigger, more hectic and more lively. It’s affectionately known to locals as La Isla Cariñosa, which means, the Lovely Island.
Caye Caulker is slowly gaining in popularity beyond the backpackers who know this place to be a laid-back little paradise. On Caye Caulker, there are no big chain stores, huge hotels, or fast-food restaurants. Most businesses are locally owned, but you can already feel a shift in this with an influx of foreign investors and immigrants.
Although Caye Caulker is small, it packs a big punch! Its motto “Go Slow” is the perfect embodiment of what you can expect from this tiny island. It has the perfect laid-back vibes you look for in a Caribbean island. It’s surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters where you can spend days snorkeling or diving. It also has some pretty high winds, making it the perfect destination to learn or practice wind sports like kitesurfing or windsurfing.
The main industry is Caye Caulker is tourism (which is why it’s important to be a responsible traveler and respect the island and its people). However, the main source of income for locals is fishing. The island is also known for The Split, a famous passage that splits the island in two: the North and South island. But more on that later!
If you’re looking to complete your Belize itinerary with one of the best places to visit in the country, Caye Caulker is a must!
12 things to do in Caye Caulker to have a relaxing vacation
As we mentioned, there is a ton to do in Caye Caulker, but when the motto of the island is Go Slow, you may want to oblige. After all, it’s not every day you come to an island where you can walk around barefoot, bike around and chill in the many lounges on the shores.
So here are the best things to do in Caye Caulker if you’re looking for a chill vacation. But don’t worry, we also have a short list of other activities you can do if you want a more action-packed vacation!
1. Hang out at a bar like the Sip N Dip, the chillest place in Caye Caulker
The Sip N Dip is a great bar located close to the Split. It absolutely represents the essence of the island which is why it’s the first thing on our list of Go Slow activities in Caye Caulker. Friendly staff, a long dock with plenty of laid-back seating, and best of all, swings and thatched-roof huts in the water.
You can spend a full afternoon here, just chilling at the bar, either in the water or on the dock. It’s a great way to make some friends or to go hang out.
They don’t stay open very late, so it’s perfect for a mid-day drink or an afternoon dip.
Details for this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: Pretty much at The Split, on the main street
- Hours of operation: 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays. 10 am to 6 pm on weekends
- Cost: $6 BZD for a beer, which seems to be the going cost in Caye Caulker
2. Play ball with the locals, a fun activity on Caye Caulker (and one of the least touristy things to do)
One of our favorite things to do on Caye Caulker was hanging out and watching the locals play ball – either basketball or soccer. Pretty much every night, around 7 pm, the local men play basketball on the court located near the water taxi dock. You can try to join them for a game, or shoot ball with them after the game ends. There are also some kids that play at the end of the adult games, and they’re always looking for someone to join them!
There are often pickup games of soccer that take place on the field at night. Or you can go cheer the local kids on during their games. There’s only one pitch in town, so pass by after watching the sunset at Iguana Reef, and you’ll see what’s happening on the field!
We know that this isn’t something most people will recommend, and it’s not a very touristy thing to do, which is why we’re recommending it! If you want to connect with locals and travel a little deeper than you’re used to, we really hope you give this a try.
The locals on Caye Caulker are super nice and friendly. Chatting with them was one of our highlights on this visit. They are so happy to interact with visitors and share a piece of their paradise with them.
Details about this activity:
- Location: The basketball court is right behind the dock for the water taxi. The soccer pitch is in the center of town, near the Iguana Reef inn.
- Hours of operation: Both are open all day, but if you want to play with locals, it’s pretty much every night, around 7 pm
- Cost: It’s free! Just come with a smile.
3. Support local artists at the crafts market
On the main road, you will notice a local artisan craft market. If you’re hoping to bring some souvenirs home for yourself or your friends and family, this is the place to get them! They have jewelry, crafts, and trinkets.
Instead of purchasing knick-knacks made in China, opt to support the locals here and encourage the local economy. There are quite a few stalls and each offers a variety of things that have been made by the owner of the stall.
What’s also really great is that the owners are usually the people at the stall, so don’t be shy and strike up a conversation with them. The few we spoke to were all lovely people!
Details about this go slow activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: On the main road, in the Palapa Garden Area
- Hours of operation: They are open every day, from around 10 am to 6 pm or later. Depends on the owners.
- Cost: It varies, depending on what you get.
4. Check out the Old Salt Gallery and support Allie, a unique activity in Caye Caulker
The Old Salt Gallery is a staple of Caye Caulker, and Allie is an inspiration to meet. She’s a Canadian who immigrated to Belize over 20 years ago. The locals have adopted her and she’s now a true Belizean!
The Old Salt Gallery sells all sorts of signs, including some cool Go Slow ones. They also have some smart puzzles and other funky art pieces. What makes the art here so unique is that it’s mainly made from scraps. This is Allie’s way of ensuring that there is no unnecessary waste in landfills.
But that’s not why you should visit and encourage Allie at the Old Salt Gallery. Allie works with local kids to teach them art. She has a smart puzzle club to encourage kids to think differently, and more importantly, she makes huge efforts to conserve and regenerate the mangroves on Caye Caulker. She has local school kids come plant mangroves with her and she teaches them about how to better conserve them.
Again, this isn’t a typical thing to do, but it’s one of the best activities in Caye Caulker. In fact, if you’re staying for a while, you can see with Allie if you could go plant mangroves with her. It’s a great way to give back to the island that has taken you in.
5. Practice yoga at Namaste Cafe, a chill thing to do in Caye Caulker
Namaste is a cool little café and yoga studio located at the heart of Caye Caulker. If you’re looking to go slow and chill out, this is a fun activity to do in Caye Caulker to start the day.
Yoga practice takes place every weekday morning at 8 am or 9:30 am at Namaste. There is also an afternoon practice at 4:30 on Wednesdays. And the entrance fee is donation-based.
This is a great way to stay active on your trip to Caye Caulker, encourage a local business and go slow too. However, seeing as it’s located at the heart of the town, it does tend to get noisy (this is why we don’t recommend the golf carts). But, you do get amazing views of the ocean from the rooftop studio, so that’s a plus!
Another plus is the food you can enjoy after practice. It’s light and healthy, and they even have a few vegan options. Their sandwiches are delish! Especially the bread!
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: Namaste Studio and Café
- Hours of operation: The restaurant is open from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm every day except on Sunday. Yoga takes place at 8 am and 9:30 am from Monday to Friday. Again at 4:30 pm on Wednesdays.
- Cost: Donation-based. However, we recommend leaving at least $10 USD, as this is what you’d probably be paying back home (if not more). The great thing about your donation is that a portion of their profits are given back to local charities, so this is another great way to give back to the island.
6. See the stingrays & seahorses at Iguana Reef Inn
Iguana Reef Inn is a hotel-bar combo that is on the west side of the South Island. The outdoor beach bar area is an amazing place to hang out, day or night. But the coolest thing to do here is to admire the sea life.
Every night, around 4 pm, or around sunset, the local stingrays congregate at Iguana Reef Inn. That’s mainly because the locals feed them. However, we’re not into feeding wild animals – it changes their eating habits and takes away their ability (and desire) to hunt.
So we won’t tell you to go feed the stingrays, but we will encourage you to see them. They come up to the shore and you can pet them or just stand there as they rub up on your feet. It’s quite a unique experience to live in Caye Caulker.
Just be careful, because, during this time, the pelicans and other birds get quite aggressive and try to eat the fish that people are trying to feed the stingrays.
Also, on the left side of the dock at Iguana Reef Inn, there is a bunch of netting in the shallow part. If you look close enough, you will see seahorses. This is part of the conservation efforts they have to help out the seahorse population. Just be patient, because they are not so easy to spot!
Details about this:
- Location: Iguana Reef Inn
- Hours of operation: The restaurant is open pretty much all day and night. The stingrays show up before sunset. The seahorse are always there.
- Cost: Free to watch them. We don’t know the cost of feeding them, because we didn’t check. Because we discourage you from doing this.
7. Explore the island by foot or bike, a fun activity to do in Caye Caulker
Most people will come to Caye Caulker and spend time on the main strip. We encourage you to get off the beaten path and to explore other parts of it. As you head toward the airport, you can see what local life is really like. Take your time going up and down the roads, talk to the locals, get a real feel for the place.
If you rent a bike in Caye Caulker, take the Split to Split ferry and head to the north side. The north side of the island is almost untouched, and a great place to check out the local wildlife. You’ll also see the famous Pineapple palapa. Bike rentals may be included in your cost of accommodations, or they will set you back about $10 BZD per day (or $5 USD).
There is also the abandoned Koko King beach club that still opens every day. This is probably the best place to chill at a beach. There are also hammocks and lounge chairs, and a bartender can whip a drink up for you.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also head all the way to the end of the path, where you have the Blu Zen resort. There are a few restaurants there too.
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: Bikes can be rented o the main street, or you can ask your accommodations about it. Most will be able to get them for you.
- Cost: Walking around is free, obviously. But bike rentals will set you back $5 USD or $10 BZD per day.
8. Chill at the Split, or snorkel there
The origin of the Split in Caye Caulker is a bit of a mystery. Some say that a farmer started digging a dredge and that Hurricane Hattie (1961) made it bigger, creating the Split. Others say that the hurricane created it and locals made it bigger so that they can cut through the island, instead of going around all the time. Whatever the reason, it’s a pretty chill place to be.
At the Split, you’ll find a public beach and the Lazy Lizard bar. The public beach isn’t much. It’s hard sand and a small ladder that goes into the water. It’s not the greatest, but it’s free and it’s a fun place to meet people.
The Lazy Lizard is a bar where there is a platform you can jump from, a few chairs in the water, and a ton of places to hang out and people-watch. The drinks and food are more costly (and the waiters will ask you to consume if you’re using their facilities, so just know that it’s not free.
On a hot and sunny day, this is the perfect place to go slow and enjoy your time off – after all this is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker.
If you want, you can also rent some snorkel gear and swim around the Split. it’s one of the best and closest places to snorkel on the island. You just have to be very careful, as there are quite a few boats that pass through here. But if you wait for quiet moments, you’ll be able to see some amazing sea life.
The Split is what makes Caye Caulker a little more unique than the other amazing places to visit in Belize, which is why it’s on everyone’s list!
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: The Split, and the Lazy Lizard, are both located on the north tip of the South Island.
- Hours of operation: The Split is a public area, so it’s open all the time, but the ferry only runs until 8 pm. And honestly, after the sun sets, there aren’t many people around. As for the Lazy Lizard, it’s open from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays, and until 9 pm on weekends. But as we said, no reason to stick around here after sunset.
- Cost: The Split is free, and the Lazy Lizard will set you back $10 BZD per beer (which is a lot more than elsewhere on the island) but you’re paying for the vibes and amenities, more than anything else. For snorkeling gear, you can rent a mask, snorkel tube and fins for $15 USD for 24 hours at Tsunami Adventures.
9. See the tarpons, a unique activity to do in Caye Caulker
Talking to locals, they all ask “Did you feed the tarpons?”. It’s one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker… But it’s not the best thing for the tarpons. When in doubt, never feed wild animals.
But, it is a ton of fun to watch others feed them. In fact, plenty of boat tours will stop by the tarpon feeding dock.
The procedure is that you have to purchase the bait, then head to the edge of the dock where you put your hand out, holding the bait, and the tarpon will jump out from the water and eat the fish. The hard part is not flinching when the fish jump.
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: The tarpon feeding dock (yes, that’s how it’s known). You can get directions here.
- Hours of operation: Mainly in the afternoon, that’s when it gets busy.
- Cost: It’s free to go and watch them. If you want to feed them, a bag of small sardines will cost $5 BZD
10. Hang out at the best beach in Caye Caulker
Northside beach Club (aka Koko King Beach Club) is one of the best beaches on Caye Caulker… it’s also a great place to catch the sunset, but more on this later. If you want to be alone for most of the day and soak in the sun, this is the best place.
Koko King Beach Club and the hotel associated with it were caught in a nasty divorce settlement (this is what locals told us). Officially, the place is closed. However, someone has been opening it daily, and a bartender staffs the bar. So if you want to not only catch an epic sunset but also enjoy this amazing beach, come here. It’s a short walk from the Split to Split ferry or you can ask Clayto and his team to take you there directly. And if you’re staying on the North Island, it’s a few dozen meters before you get to the Split.
You’ll find lounge chairs, hammocks, chairs and a soft sand beach to enjoy! Bring some cash, so you can buy yourself a drink. And do yourself a favor, and stick around until sunset!
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: Koko King Beach Club (this is still how it appears on Google Maps)
- Hours of operation: Opens early enough, around 9 am, and stays open well past sunset, but you may be alone.
- Cost: Free to enter, but consuming drinks is encouraged.
11. Explore the island with a kayak, a chill thing to do in Caye Caulker
We mentioned how the mangroves are an integral part of the island. The best way to explore the island and see the mangroves, and all the other cool things in Caye Caulker is to rent a kayak and explore it.
It’s also a great way to explore the reef by snorkeling. The best thing is that you don’t even need to go that far to be able to see some amazing views.
We were lucky that our accommodations, El Ben Cabanas, offered free kayaks, but you can also rent either double canoes or a double kayak at Tsunami Rentals for $25 USD for a full day or $7.50 USD an hour. You can also enter the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve for $10 BZD (or $5 USD).
Details about this activity in Caye Caulker:
- Location: Kayak Rentals at Tsunami Rentals
- Hours of operation: 8 am to 6 pm daily
- Cost: You can check their rates here. for kayaks and canoes. They also rent out snorkel gear, and other things. You can check their rates here.
12. Watch the sunset
It doesn’t get any more chill than watching a sunset. It’s really one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker. And the great news is that there are many places to see it from. Here they are in order of our preference. And don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly why!
Northside Beach Club or Koko King Beach Club – If you want to watch a sunset and have a beach almost to yourself, this is the place to be. The abandoned beach club is still open, and a bartender will serve you drinks. Plus, you can choose to sit on a chair, in a hammock or in a lounge chair to enjoy the peaceful sunset
Iguana Reef Inn – If you want to watch a sunset and make friends while you’re there, this is the place to do it. You can see the stingrays and catch the sunset on one of the lounge chairs or the dock. The bar is fully functioning (although a bit overpriced), but the vibes are good and the view is pretty epic. Plus, this is where you can see the seahorses too! The dock and the chairs get taken up quite early – so if you want a seat, make sure you arrive early.
The Split – Another place to catch the sunset in Caye Caulker is at the Split. You’ll have to move from the Lazy Lizard to the west side of the dock where you can have a great view of the sunset. Again, you can expect quite a few people to be here. But the vibes are good, so why not make some friends?!
Pelican Sunset Bar – This bar is famous for being a sunset bar. In fact, most visitors will head here to catch the last rays of the sun while enjoying a drink. We didn’t make it here because Koko King was our favorite place to watch a sunset, but most locals told us it was a good spot.
3 things to do if you want more activities in Caye Caulker
If you want to have a more active time in Caye Caulker, here are some fun activities you can also do. They are a little less chill than the ones we proposed before, but they are still great fun to do!
13. Go on a boat tour around Caye Caulker
There are a ton of boat tours around Caye Caulker. Most will take you to Hol Chan, to swim with the manatees or the sharks, or even both. You can see a bunch of companies that will offer these tours on the main street in Caye Caulker. However, if you’re planning to go to Ambergris Caye, aka San Pedro, you may want to grab a tour to Hol Chan from there, as it’s a closer ride.
If you’re going to Caye Caulker in the busy season, or on a tight timeframe, you may also want to book your tour ahead of time. Here are 2 great options that actually leave from Caye Caulker (while most leave from San Pedro).
With some luck, you’ll be able to swim with manatees, dolphins, sharks and more!
If you have more time, you can also take a multi-day tour that will take you to remote cayes and islands. Or, you can go on a sunset cruise around Caye Caulker. One tour company that came highly recommended was Ragga Sail Adventures. They use sailboats instead of speed boats so it’s a lot more chill. Perfect to stay in the Go Slow vibes.
One thing to keep in mind when scouting for a boat tour is to make sure that the tour operator doesn’t feed the marine life. Often, operators will do this to attract the animals to you. However, this not only causes an imbalance in the ecosystem, as predators no longer hunt and eating habits change, but it also puts the animals at risk of getting injured if they get to close to the boats. Make sure you ask about their policy on this before booking.
14. Try kitesurfing in Caye Caulker
The winds on Caye Caulker are quite strong – Which makes it the perfect place to learn how to kiteboard or windsurf. We saw a ton of people trying (some with more success than others) to learn these sports. It looks like a ton of fun!
Reef Break Surf school offers a bunch of different packages, whether you’re looking to learn how to kiteboard, windsurf or kitewing. They also offer surfing lessons and paddleboarding too! Lessons vary in price, but you can get all the details here on their website.
15. Go scuba diving – a fun activity in Caye Caulker
Being located on the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize, and Caye Caulker are the perfect place to go scuba diving. There are a ton of shops that offer lessons, fun dives or discovery dives. The most reputable ones we found were Blue Wave Divers and Frenchies Diving (recommended by locals).
In full transparency, we didn’t dive from Caye Caulker, but instead, headed to Huracan Dive Lodge, which is located on the same atoll as the Blue Hole. We have a full article up for you about the experience. It was by far one of the best scuba diving experiences we’ve ever had. In fact, huracan is probably one of the best dive resorts in Belize.
Diving from Caye Caulker can be a bit of a pricey adventure, especially if you want to dive the Blue Hole. Boats usually leave at 5 am, and do a full 3-tank dive day, taking you to the Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye and another dive site around there. The cost is about $300-350 USD for this full (and very long) day.
You do have other options, however, if you want to dive the local reef at Caye Caulker. This will, however, have a bunch of snorkelers nearby. If you want more pristine sites, with less divers, you can go to further dive sites, like Esmeralda where you’ll see some sharks, or Spanish Bay which is known for its coral walls. However, the cost of the dive day will increase with the distance. Not to push Huracan Dive lodge (ok, pushing a little), but you have sharks and epic coral at about 5 minutes from their dock!
Another option is to head out to Turneffe Atoll, which is still a ways from Caye Caulker. The area is known for its rich corals, deep walls and the plethora of marine life that you can explore on drift dives. The currents are known to be strong on that atoll, especially at the Turneffe Elbow. Make sure you’re comfortable with that before heading out.
Overall, if you’re planning on scuba diving in Caye Caulker, or anywhere in Belize, make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.
- How long is the boat ride?
- What is included in the package (lunch, snacks, water)? This will help you come more prepared.
- Does the cost include equipment? Masks, BCD, fins, wetsuits. Some places charge per item, whereas others will throw it into a package.
- Ask what you’re likely to see at the dive sites, as some places have a ton of fish but not that much coral or beautiful coral and not that much fish.
- How are the currents in the area? If they are strong, you may want to avoid them if you’re not comfortable with drift dives.
- How big is the group?
- How many guides are with you?
Basically, make sure you’re going to feel safe and comfortable during your dives. If you’re investing in an activity, you should ensure the odds are on your side for having the best time possible!
As for costs, as we mentioned, 3-tank dives to the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye will set you back about $300-350 USD for the day. Whereas other closer dives, for a 2-tank dive day, will cost about $140-150 or more depending on the shop.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker
We highly recommend staying at El Ben Cabanas. We got to call these cabanas home for a few days while on the island. These lovely cabanas are located on the North island of Caye Caulker. Although you may think that there is not much on the North Island and that you will be stranded there, you have nothing to fear. In fact, El Ben Cabanas is the perfect place to “be stuck”!
To be honest, you’ll hardly be (or feel) stuck as they offer bike rentals for $10 BZD a day, and canoe rentals for free! They also offer complimentary boat rides to the main dock on the south side. They also drop you off and pick you up when you take the split ferry. They really make sure it’s easy and convenient to get around, no matter the time.
El Ben Cabanas is a set of about 30 cabanas offering either an ocean view or a pool view. The grounds are perfectly manicured each day, and the paths that go through the cabanas perfectly encapsulate the dream Caribbean setting. The amenities include 2 pools, a pool bar, and a full restaurant. They also offer massages on location, perfect for those who want to take it easy in Caye Caulker. Staying in their oceanfront cabana, we got to fall asleep every night to the sound of the waves crashing, and woke up in the morning, with the birds chirping around us.
On the grounds, you will also find the T&T restaurant, which has an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. They were even kind enough to modify some of their meals to make them vegan for Carine. We did find out that they will soon be revamping their menus, and will include a lot more vegan and vegetarian meals. The current menu is extensive enough, with plenty of options to satisfy the hungriest person!
Overall, we would highly recommend staying at El Ben Cabanas. Their slice of paradise is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or groups of friends who want to explore Caye Caulker together. It’s the perfect base on the island to relax, go slow and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The best restaurants in Caye Caulker – where to eat on the island
There are so many great places to eat in Caye Caulker. Here are the places we enjoyed the most, noting that we visited mainly vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants. To be honest, being vegan in Belize is not that difficult, but it’s not that fun. They honestly don’t have much variety in the foods that they offer. But more on that later.
Ice N Beans – a great breakfast restaurant in Caye Caulker
We adored eating at Ice N Beans, located on the main strip, right on the water. They have an extensive menu of bagels, sandwiches, smoothies, cookies and their famous mini donuts. Not only is the service super friendly – expect to make friends with the staff, but the food is simple, yet excellent.
We loved their bagels for breakfast and lunch. And what’s best is that you can customize it as you’d like. They were very accommodating in making some of their options vegan for Carine. They even specified that they usually have vegan cream cheese, vegan pepperoni (made from beets) and other vegan alternatives – however, they were out when we were there. After all, this is the reality of living on an island where shipments come on specific days.
Order your meal and grab freshly pressed orange juice (making it yourself with their machine is such a fun experience) and head out on their sandy lawn. Grab a seat and enjoy the ocean views and salty breeze as you wait for the staff to yell out your name and bring you your meal. You can sit around on their picnic tables, lawn chairs or their hammocks.
Maggie’s – the perfect restaurant in Caye Caulker for the best sunset views
Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen came highly recommended by locals, and it did not disappoint. We were told it was the best place on the island to have lobster, which is exactly what Derek enjoyed. He had the lobster curry and it was great!
Together, we shared the guacamole – it was perfectly flavored with just the right amount of tang. And Carine had the vegetable kabobs, with coconut rice and grilled plantains. If you want to make the option vegan, make sure you tell them to skip out on the garlic butter.
Beyond the food, Maggie’s is a great place to catch the sunset as you grab a bite to eat. If you want a seat on their dock, overlooking the water, make sure you arrive early enough. It gets full quite quickly – the view is really that amazing!
Reina’s, one of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker
Don’t be fooled by the hole-in-the-wall appearance of this restaurant. The food will not disappoint! Reina’s is famous for its BBQ food – from chicken to the freshest of seafood – lobster, fish and shrimp. You name it, they have it!
They were also kind enough to accommodate us and prepared two vegan meals for us that we ended up sharing. Again, you have to mention that they can’t use butter, as that seems to be the default setting for meals. They made us grilled veggies two ways – one with a creole sauce, and the other with curry sauce. Both came with coconut rice. They were excellent and very filling.
Roy’s Blue grill – the busiest restaurant in Caye Caulker, with good reason
Every night, we would walk by Roy’s and wonder why it was so packed. We ended up making friends with one of their promoters, Evan, who convinced us to finally come to enjoy their food, and we’re so glad we did.
The food at Roy’s Blue Grill is decently priced and their portions are also quite healthy. They offer the same types of things, all with different sauces. Chicken, beef, fish, seafood, or veggies, with a sauce – jerk, a Thai peanut, curry, and many more. All are accompanied by 2 sides.
Pasta per Caso Anna & Amanda – a piece of Italy in Caye Caulker
We stumbled upon this restaurant quite serendipitously. After a week in Belize, we wanted to have a bit of variety from the veggies & sauce with rice combo we’ve been having for lunch and dinner. Enter Pasta per Caso!
Anna was kind enough to seat us – as usually, they have only 2 seatings, one at 5:30 and another at 7:30. Also, you have to make reservations to eat here. Which is why we were so lucky to get a seat!
There is a sign above the kitchen that says they offer 2 meals here: Take it or leave it. And it’s a very fitting sign! Every night, Pasta per Caso has 2 options for handmade pasta – one is a meat sauce, the other is vegetarian and 2 different types of pasta. Which means you have 4 iterations possible. They also have salads and appetizers available to order. And let’s not forget 2 options for desserts. Each meal starts with bread and a sauce, followed by your orders.
We had a delicious meal at Pasta per Caso. Everything was fresh and made simply and tastefully. It was amazing! Although the price tag is a little higher, it’s well worth it!
Other vegan-friendly restaurants in Caye Caulker
We found a few other vegan-friendly restaurants in Caye Caulker that are worth mentioning if ever they tickle your fancy:
- Café Paradiso: A cute café on the beachfront. They are mainly open for breakfast (last orders are taken at 12:30), but oddly enough, they have a very extensive drink menu! They have both vegan and non-vegan options available. Prices are good and the food is decent. The staff was very friendly!
- Namaste Café: This restaurant and yoga studio has a great seating area, perfect for chilling. They do offer some vegan options, but we found it very pricey for what it was. We both had sandwiches, and although the bread they use is delicious, their fillings were minimal. Carine had the hummus & veggies sandwich which was good, but quite messy.
Eating vegan in Caye Caulker
As we mentioned, there are quite a few restaurants in Caye Caulker that offer vegan options, all you have to do is ask. Make sure to specify that they should not use butter. It seems like most restaurants we visited use butter to cook their veggies, but most restaurants can accommodate.
The main issue with being vegan in Caye Caulker, and all of Belize, is that you will not find much variety. Most places will offer veggies, either grilled, seared or as a kabob, with some kind of sauce. That can be curry, jerk, creole, Thai, or other. They also have coconut rice and plantains as side dishes. But that’s pretty much all you will find.
The most creative vegan restaurant we found in Caye Caulker was Ice N Beans, but since they didn’t have the ingredients, we can’t testify to how good the vegan alternatives are there. We didn’t find anywhere that offered tofu or other hearty meals that had beans, lentils or other protein-heavy alternatives.
Overall, you’ll be able to eat vegan in Caye Caulker, but you won’t have much variety! This does seem to be the trend pretty much everywhere in Belize.
7 things to know about Caye Caulker
Before heading to Caye Caulker for your relaxing vacation, here are some popular questions we answered to see if this is the best place for your Belize vacation.
1. Is Caye Caulker worth visiting?
Absolutely! Caye Caulker is an amazing place for a chill vacation or for an adventure-filled one. So depending on what you’re looking to do, this is probably the right place to be! Here, you’ll find older retirees, young families and backpackers. The eclectic mix of people makes the island an ideal destination, no matter who you are or what you’re into.
If you’re debating between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, make sure you check out our article to see which is right for you.
2. How do you get to Caye Caulker?
There are 2 different ways to get to Caye Caulker.
The first is by taking a boat – and this is the most eco-friendly option. The San Pedro Belize Express runs boats to and from both Caye Caulker and San Pedro from Belize City. The cost is cheaper if you get a round-trip ticket than getting a single ticket. The return ticket is open for 90 days after the purchase. Before checking in, you have to head back to the ticket office and get them to punch it.
The other option is to take a flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker. This is a 10-minute flight and will set you back anywhere from $30 to $60 USD. There are 2 airline providers: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. They both fly to and from Belize City, but not the international airport necessarily. They used to fly into other cities in Belize, but it seems like that is no longer the case. If you are arriving internationally, you will need to check out, and perhaps change airports before getting to Caye Caulker from Belize City.
However, because of the environmental impact of taking flights, we recommend using the water taxi. You can always offset your carbon emissions from flights, if you choose to go this route. Also, note that with all the checking-in and other airport procedures, you won’t be saving any time (or money) taking a flight versus the ferry.
There is also a third option in case you are coming from Mexico. This is a route that runs from Chetumal, on the Mexican border, to San Pedro and then to Caye Caulker. The route from Chetumal to Caye Caulker will take about 3 hours. The first half is a boat ride to Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) where you will have to go through immigration. Then, you’ll have to take a 45-minute ferry (the same San Pedro Belize Express ferry as previously described) to get to Caye Caulker. San Pedro Belize Express offers this route, as well as Water Jets International.
3. Is Caye Caulker a party island?
Caye Caulker has a few party options – from karaoke nights, live bands and lively bars. However, we didn’t feel like the general mood of the island was heavy partying. It really was more of a chill, laid-back vibe. Think shirtless guys, bare feet, lazy bike rides around and day drinking.
However, if you’re really looking to party, San Pedro might be a better option for you! It is more expensive, but there’s something going on every night of the week. It has a lot more of a vibrant ambiance than Caye Caulker.
4. Which side of Caye Caulker is the best?
Both sides of Caye Caulker have something unique to offer.
The south side is more developed with most accommodations, restaurants and activities taking place there. It’s more lively and busy. The North Island is quieter and more untouched with a ton of nature to observe, El Ben Cabanas – our accommodations of choice in Caye Caulker, and a few secluded beaches where you can hang out. Depending on what you’re looking to do, you can choose to stay on one side but move around very easily between the two.
5. How do you get from the south side to the north side?
The Split to Split ferry is the best way to get across from one side of Caye Caulker to the next. There is also another ferry option, but it doesn’t run as late as the Split to Split Ferry. The latter runs until 8 pm. If you want to switch sides later, your accommodations should offer transport, either at specific times or upon request.
If you’re going to be transferring from one side to the next often during your stay in Caye Caulker, we recommend getting the punch card from Clayto at the Split to Split ferry. It will end up costing you less in the long run.
6. What is the best way to get around Caye Caulker?
The best way to get around Caye Caulker is to walk its sandy streets (nope, they are not paved), bike around or rent a golf cart. We really don’t recommend the latter – it gets so noisy and ruins the chill vibes.
Walking around the island, especially on the South side is easy and fun. Bikes will help you get around more quickly, so if you want to cover more ground, consider getting a bike for a day or two.
As for golf carts, they might be good options for travelers with children, elderly parents or larger groups. The rental of a golf cart will cost about $50 USD per day, but you may be able to negotiate on price if you rent it for many days. While we were here in January of 2023, we saw a business being set up of eco golf carts, which significantly reduces noise and pollution. We recommend you check them out if renting a golf cart is in your plans.
7. How long should you spend in Caye Caulker?
Since the motto of Caye Caulker is Go Slow, we would recommend at least spending 4 full days here. It would give you enough time to chill out and leave your worries behind, while still being able to enjoy some of the best things to do here. Anything shorter than that would be too rushed.
However, if time is not an issue for you, you could easily spend a full week here, if not more. It’s not because there are a crazy amount of things to do in Caye Caulker! Because you can definitely do a number of fun activities on the island. It’s more because once you come here, you’re likely not going to want to leave!
8. When is the best time to visit Caye Caulker?
Although locals swear the dry season-wet season is no longer a thing (and we sort of believe them), historically, the best time to visit Caye Caulker is between December and May. That’s when it’s supposed to be less rainy. However, during our time in Caye Caulker, we did end up seeing quite a bit of rain. never for full days, but rather, for a few hours or minutes each day.
In January, and the earlier months of the year, the northern winds are quite strong, which is perfect If you want to learn or practice a wind sport. The east side of the island was always very windy – it gets quieter at sunrise and sunset, but expect strong winds all day. The west side, however, which is where you want the most epic sunsets, is where you have shelter from the wind all day long.
Another thing to consider when planning your trip to Caye Caulker is sargassum. Because you’re in the Caribbean, this stinky seaweed is a reality to deal with, not only in Mexico but also in Belize. Although most say that sargassum season is from May to October, as ocean temps rise, we have seen firsthand that sargassum is present even in January. It’s not huge amounts, and beaches are quickly cleared from it, but it does affect the crystal clear waters you came here to see.
Hurricane season is still at the end of September and October, so we may advise you to steer clear of that timeframe, especially if you’re looking to chill out in the water or on the beaches.
All the best activities to do in Caye Caulker
As we mentioned, there are a ton of things to do in Caye Caulker, but that’s not the goal of your vacation to this amazing island. We recommend you take the motto to heart and Go Slow when you can. Sprinkle in some activities, but do your best to have a more relaxed time on the island.
As a reminder, here are the best activities in Caye Caulker:
- Hang out at a bar like the Sip N Dip
- Play ball with locals
- Support local artists at the crafts market
- Check out the Old Salt Market
- Practice yoga at Namaste Cafe
- See the stingrays
- Explore the island on foot or bike
- Hang out at the Split
- Check out the tarpons
- Hang out at the best beach in Caye Caulker
- Explore the island by kayak
- Catch an epic sunset
- Go on a boat tour around Caye Caulker
- Learn how to windsurf or kiteboard
- Go scuba diving around Caye Caulker
There you have it. Our little travel guide to Caye Caulker, this magical little island in Belize. We loved each moment we had here. Walking around the sandy paths, chilling at Koko King beach, relaxing at El Ben Cabanas, and soaking in the island vibes. There is something so liberating about not having a ton of things to do and going at a slower pace than usual. We highly recommend you do the same!
Let us know in the comments if Caye Caulker is on your Belize bucket list. What are the things you’re most looking forward to doing? Are there any other activities we should add to our list?
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