23 Chilled-Out Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize

I think I found the most relaxing island in the Caribbean.

An island where day drinking is the local sport, and aspirations of sitting in an inner tube while working your way through a bucket of beer are considered 100% valid.

An island where locals chastise you for walking too fast, where the smoky smell of pimento wood being burned for jerk chicken permeates the air, where golf carts have right of way.

Yes, Caye Caulker, you can stop blushing — I’m talking about you.

If you want to know what my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker are, keep reading! Though, to be honest, “doing nothing” is a perfectly respectable answer on this island.

If you go to Caye Caulker with a strict, itemized checklist, you’re doing it wrong. While there aren’t that many things to do in Caye Caulker per se, the days still manage to slink by a little too easily. Caye Caulker is a place that’s easy to get sucked into… and you should let it.

This is a place to wake up your room gets warm in the morning sun, eat breakfast with a beach view, amble along the colorful buildings, and sunbathe — all before the nightly ritual of watching the sun sink into the sea.

Yup, that’s a grind I can get behind.

That said, you’re reading this post for a reason: you want to know the best activities in Caye Caulker. And I’m here to serve! Just treat it as a suggestion, not a checklist.

Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker

Meet nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley.

Among the myriad of thrilling things to do Caye Caulker offers, snorkeling alongside sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley is undoubtedly a standout! To partake, you’ll need to book a day tour, because direct reef access from the shore isn’t possible.

The waters around Caye Caulker remain shallow for quite a while, thus you need a boat to reach prime snorkeling spots like Shark Ray Alley, which is about a 30-minute boat ride away.

Shark Ray Alley has evolved into a hotspot where numerous snorkeling outfits from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye gather to feed sharks and rays. However, the debate around “chumming” (baiting the waters) to attract these marine creatures remains controversial.

One expert, Mar Alliance, supports the practice, saying that it fosters a better understanding between humans and marine life, breaking down fears and promoting shark conservation (over 300 species of sharks and rays are at risk of extinction) On the flip side, some argue that chumming might condition sharks to rely on human-provided food, which can be problematic.

After doing research, between this snorkeling experience and other provisioned shark dives (literally to the point of reading studies in animal science journals — that’s how nerdy I am about it), I’ve found that the science hasn’t borne this out to be true. In most provisioned feeding areas, sharks do enjoy the food, but still continue their other natural hunting and feeding behaviors at all other hours of the day.

So, what about safety? Well, the sharks frequenting Shark Ray Alley are nurse sharks, well known for their placid nature, often nicknamed ‘sea puppies’. Incidents involving nurse shark bites are extremely rare and have never been fatal.

From personal experience, the true risk here is getting hooked on the exhilaration of swimming with sharks!

I’ve taken this tour every Belize visit (three so far!) and even dived with far more statistically aggressive sharks, like bull sharks in Fiji. But rest assured, the nurse sharks in Belize are entirely benign and nothing short of enchanting, and the rays are just as sweet.

Almost all snorkeling tours will include a stop at Shark Ray Alley — I recommend this one, which also includes the next thing to do in Caye Caulker: try to meet the manatees!

Book your snorkeling tour here (including rays, sharks, and manatees!)

Snorkel with manatees!

One of the best reasons to visit Caye Caulker is the chance to visit the manatee hot spots where you may find the somewhat elusive elephants of the sea, manatees!

To do so, you’ll have to book a tour (like this one, same as the one I recommended above) as the manatees don’t swim that close to Caye Caulker but in a deeper, more protected area that needs to be accessed by boat.

Not all tours include a stop with manatees, but this one does (and also includes a visit to Shark Ray Alley, above).

Manatees are more likely during the warmer summer months than the cooler winter months, but they’re possible to see year round.

I’ve always visited Belize in the cooler rainy season so I’ve never seen these beauties, but if you are lucky enough to see them, be sure to give them a comfortable distance — at least 5 meters (20 feet) — and observe quietly and respectfully.

Spend the day in the sun at Sip N Dip

But really: how to while away your days in lovely Caye Caulker? Make your way to my favorite beach bar, Sip N Dip. Where else can you sit on a swing in the Caribbean sea, relax in a hammock over the water, or just chill in an inner tube with a bucket of beer floating alongside you?

Located just before The Split on the north end of the island, day drinking at the Sip N Dip is my number one can’t-miss thing to do in Caye Caulker. Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM and offers specials on rum punch, Cuba libres, and other house drinks — when I was there, you could get two punches for just $7 BZD ($3.50 US).

Drink a local Belikin.

Belikin is the beer of choice in Belize, and it goes down so easily that they often sell it by the bucket (though I should mention that the bottles are very thick, and a bottle actually contains a lot less beer than you’d think… about 10 oz. as opposed to your typical 12 oz.).

At Sip N Dip, a bucket of beer will set you back $25-30 BZD ($12.50-15 USD since the Belize dollar is pegged at a 2-to-1 exchange rate with the dollar) for 6 beers — one of the best deals on the island!

Many other places on the island offer similar deals on buckets of Belikins, although of course, you could just get one… but why get one when you can get a bucket?

Go on a sunset tiki cruise.

Since Caye Caulker is such a popular backpacker and party island, perhaps it’s not surprising that one of the top Caye Caulker activities is a sunset tiki cruise.

This affordably-priced sunset tour includes alcoholic drinks and a 1.5-hour cruise around Caye Caulker, with the chance to see dolphins, manatees, and turtles from your boat (though note that this tour does not include any snorkeling).

You’ll also definitely get to see all the mangroves around Caye Caulker, which is such a unique ecosystem.

Visit the sweet animals at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter

Another one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker is visit the lovely dogs at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter!

This non-profit animal shelter cares for dogs and cats in need of homes. They welcome visitors to come by and love on the animals. With these faces, how could you walk on by?

Meet the local dogs.

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll love Caye Caulker. Because it’s a small island with no cars, many people allow their dogs to hang out on the island during the day, running about and making friends.

Most aren’t strays – they’re well-behaved, well-loved pets who get to call the streets of the island their playground. Needless to say, I was in heaven!

Join the Sunday Funday nonsense.

For better or worse, it’s become a bit of an institution in lots of Central American backpacker hotspots to have a weekly boozy day party.

Bocas del Toro in Panama has Filthy Fridays, San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua has Sunday Funday, and Caye Caulker has its own spin on Sunday Funday with a signature all-day party.

Hosted by Bella’s Backpackers, every Sunday their backyard becomes an all-out booze-fest (think: unlimited rum punch) with lots of games to play to get to know your fellow travelers better.

Beer pong, giant jenga, beach volleyball, water balloon toss, cornhole: there’s all sorts of fun games that will only get more amusing the more rum punch you consume. Admission to the all-day shenanigans including a boozy sunset cruise (so if you do a Sunday Funday, you can skip the tiki cruise I mentioned above).

You can book your spot at Bella’s for Sunday Funday here!

Go diving on the reefs!

If you’re scuba-certified while you visit Caye Caulker, you simply must do a dive to get an even more up-close-and-personal look at the stunning reefs.

The best-rated dive shop on the island is Scuba Sensation, on Playa Asuncion (near Lazy Lizard, Sip N Dip, etc.)

They offers tours of the Caye Caulker marine reserve area for $120 USD for a two-tank dive and $160 USD if you want to dive in the Esmeralda area closer to San Pedro.

They also offer dives further afield in epic places like the Turneffe Atoll ($210 USD) — home to some of Belize’s best diving!

And if you love night dives like I do, you can add on an individual one-tank night dive for $95 USD (but note that the group size has to be large enough for this to go forward).

To be honest, diving in Belize is pricier than in other places in Latin America like Cozumel, Utila, and Roatan… but it’s still worth it if you like to dive. Any diver worth their salt (heh) will tell you that any time underwater is better than no time underwater.

… or deep dive at the Great Blue Hole.

Requiring a full day and an advanced open water certification, diving the Blue Hole is a huge bucket list item that you can tick off while in Caye Caulker!

It requires an early wake-up call (earlier than most dives!) — 5:15 AM, you have to meet for check in. By 6 AM, the boat departs for an epic day out on a 3-tank dive. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as fruits and water for surface interval snacking (one of my favorite parts of diving).

It takes about a 2-3 hour boat ride to get to the Great Blue Hole, so that’s part of why you leave so early. But it’s worth the long boat ride! 

This dive is a 3-tank dive that starts with the deepest dive at the Great Blue Hole, where you’ll dive for about 30 minutes, reaching a maximum depth of 130 feet or 40 meters if you have your Deep Certification. If you have only open water or advanced, they will stop you at 24 meters or 30 meters.

On your way down, it’s more about the incredible scenery of this massive sinkhole, with stalactite-like formations visible in caverns of the sinkhole and scroll corals on the wall.

This isn’t so much about reef life, though along the way, you might see Caribbean reef sharks around 60 feet deep. Hammerhead sightings are possible, but very rare.

As a deep dive, you’ll need to be very aware of your buoyancy control and very familiar with a dive computer (preferably using your own, so you’re familiar with how it works).

While equipment rentals are provided in the cost of the excursion, it’s really better to have your own computer (here are my suggestions) here.

The tour also includes two more stops, which will prove more epic in terms of sea life than the Blue Hole: Half Moon Caye Wall (a 45-50 minute dive) and the Long Caye Aquarium dive (another 45-50 minute dive).

On the latter two dives, expect to see enormous groupers, reef sharks aplenty, eels, all sorts of colorful tropical fish, and maybe even hammerheads if you’re lucky.

This tour is definitely pricy, at $350 per person for a full-day 3 tank dive with the top-rated company in Caye Caulker. Given the travel time required and how bucket-list-worthy the Blue Hole is amongst divers, it’s worth it for the serious divers amongst us.

Do sunset yoga.

I’ll admit that I visited Caye Caulker in my pre-sober era, and thus I never managed to stay sober long enough on Caye Caulker to make it to sunset yoga, despite it being on my wishlist.

However, if you’re more responsible than me, Namaste Yoga offers donation-based sunset yoga classes on the roof of its café, with a great sunset view and breeze.

Rent a stand-up paddleboard

Caye Caulker is a small island and it’s easy to stand-up paddleboard around it in just a few hours. There are several places on the island that rent stand-up paddleboards and also kayaks.

It’s one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker because the water is super flat and glassy, making SUP way easier than it normally is (as it can actually be deceptively hard sometimes!).

You don’t need to circle the whole island, either — it can be fun to just go along the island’s east side and up to the Split and back, or explore the more rugged area on its the west.

Rent a kayak at sunset.

You can easily grab a kayak rental at Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill and go out for a few hours. A double kayak is $45 USD for two hours (or $35 for a single kayak).

Two hours is just enough time to paddle out before sunset and check out the Split and the other side of what used to be Caye Caulker before a massive storm quite literally split it in two. Just be sure not to get too entranced, so you don’t get disoriented when paddling back after sunset!

Enjoy a photo walk through colorful Caye Caulker.

With streets made of sand and brilliantly-colored houses in all shades of the rainbow, a walk through Caye Caulker is almost an activity in and of itself.

I love photographing all the unique and colorful houses built on stilts — helpful on a low-lying island where hurricanes and tropical storms have increasingly been passing through.

Eat delicious jerk chicken.

On Caye Caulker, you’ll see — and smell — barbecues going all day and night long. You can’t go wrong with the island’s most popular dish – jerk chicken! Generally speaking, a plate of jerk chicken will set you back about $15-20 BZD ($7.50-10 US) in a restaurant, and it’ll also include a choice of sides.

For street food, a takeaway portion of jerk chicken and coconut rice and beans (the Belizean national dish) will cost you about $10 BZD, or $5 US. My favorite street stall was located on the north side just before Sip N Dip.

Try other delicious food on Caye Caulker.

Had a little too much jerk chicken for your taste? For seafood, try the grilled lobsters or shrimp skewers at Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Lunch (as indicated by the name… not open for dinner).

There is also delicious Chinese food on the island thanks to the influence of Chinese immigrants who run many of the local shops and grocery stores. My favorite was a small little shop in a turquoise-painted bungalow, Yummy Yummy. The chow mein was delicious, only about $7 BZD ($3.50 US), and massive — big enough for two!

Dig into a Belizean breakfast.

My favorite Belize breakfast is fry jacks – fried dough pockets stuffed with your choice of filling (my favorite was meat, cheese, and egg) You can’t go wrong if you get them at Errolyns House of Fry Jacks.

If you prefer a more American-style breakfast, or you’re really missing bagels, Ice ‘N Beans is another one of my favorite places on Caye Caulker for breakfast.

Grab a (rum-filled) coconut.

One of the most ubiquitous things you’ll hear when walking through Caye Caulker — besides locals admonishing you to ‘go slow’ — is people selling coconuts, fresh or spiked!

With coconuts for $5 BZD / $2.50 USD (a bit more for a spiked version with rum — strong rum!), you can’t help but stop a few times for a fresh coconut. I mean, are you really on a Caribbean vacation if you don’t?

Sip on a swing at Margarita Mike’s

I’ve already rhapsodized about Sip N Dip. Another place I loved for day drinking was Margarita Mike’s. What can I say? I love a good bar swing! And also day drinking. Go figure.

Of course, they’re known for their frozen margaritas, which are strong and delicious. You can also get a bucket of Belikins here.

Chill at the Split.

I loved spending my days at the “The Split” – the northern tip of Caye Caulker. See, Caye Caulker used to be one island until a hurricane hit in 1961, breaking the island in two.

The channel that divides them now is called “The Split” and, absent any white sand beaches like most Caribbean islands, The Split is Caye Caulker’s unofficial watering hole.

The Lazy Lizard is often cited as a favorite bar location on the Split, but when I went it was under construction — which killed its beachy vibe. Still, a day at the Split is never spent poorly. I mean: look at those blue, blue waters!

Unwind with a peaceful day at Ix’Chel Day Spa.

If you’re looking to take the relaxation on Caye Caulker a step further, head to Ix’Chel Day Spa for some massages right at The Split. 100% Belizean-owned and operated, this local shop run by two sisters offers great massages for excellent prices.

Deep tissue or relaxation massages are only $32 USD for 30 minutes or $63 USD for an hour, which is a pretty great price for Belize.

They also offer aromatherapy massages, reflexology, Swedish massages, and all sorts of treatments like facials, scrubs, and mani-pedis.

Take in the sunset on the beach.

When comparing Caye Caulker vs. San Pedro, one big advantage that Caye Caulker has is just how easy it is to see the sunset.

There are many great spots to take in the sunset on the island’s west side, which is easily accessible since the island is super narrow on the east-west axis.

The best areas for sunset views are around Dee N D’s Waterside Grill and Wish Willy Bar & Grill.

You can catch the sunset if you sit outside at either of these places, or you can just walk a few more blocks and enjoy it for free on the beach, BYOB (Bring Your Own Belikin) style!

Take a day trip to San Pedro.

If you want to visit a larger island for a day, head to San Pedro, the main city on Ambergris Caye right next door. Ferries between the two are frequent and inexpensive.

This gorgeous island will feel like a shock to the system after the ‘go slow’ vibes of Caye Caulker, but it’s a great option if you’re feeling stir-crazy and want some new restaurant and bar options (my favorite is Palapa Bar).

In terms of activities, there’s not too much that San Pedro has that Caye Caulker doesn’t, except for a chocolate shop (that makes its own local chocolates) and a few more shops.

That said, it’s still a fun change of pace, so I do recommend visiting if you have sufficient time on Caye Caulker and don’t plan to spend any overnights on San Pedro.

Where to Stay in Caye Caulker

You won’t find luxury resorts here — Caye Caulker is stubbornly down to earth, especially compared with its more upscale cousin, Ambergris Caye, which has its share of luxury boutique hotels.

What Caye Caulker lacks in resorts it makes up for in cheap and cheerful guesthouses. If you’re traveling in a group of two, it often is about as cheap as staying in a hostel.

Budget

While Belize overall is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, Caye Caulker is one of the most budget-friendly places in Belize! People on a tight budget will want to pick one of the island’s hostels or small guesthouses.

I recommend the excellently-rated Go Slow Guesthouse, which is a colorful, friendly hostel located in the heart of Caye Caulker not far from the main road. There are fan rooms for a cheap price or AC rooms for a slightly higher cost. It’s got a friendly vibe that’s also perfect for solo travelers.

Check availability and prices here!

Mid-Range

If you want the privacy of your own cabana without paying an insane price, Colinda Cabanas is an excellent mid-range choice. You can stay in a joyful yellow and turquoise cabana just a minute walk from the sea!

Free bike and kayak rental, free coffee in the mornings, and other perks will help you feel like this is your proper home-away-from-home in Caye Caulker.

Check availability and prices here!

Luxury

While San Pedro definitely has more luxury options than Caye Caulker, you can still enjoy a bit of luxury on this more budget-conscious island.

The nicest hotel in town is Weezie’s Oceanfront Hotel. With your choice between spacious oceanfront studios and one-bedroom garden cottages, you’ll probably never want to check out of this paradise (made lovelier by its staff, views, and pool).

Check availability and prices here!

Getting to Caye Caulker

It’s quite easy to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City by ferry, though if you’re flying into Belize Airport you’ll first need to take a taxi downtown to the ferry terminal.

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, is a touch less expensive for a one-way but the same price for a round trip ($21 USD one way or $37 roundtrip). It also has quite a lot of departures (schedule here). As of this update in 2025, departures from Belize City to Caye Caulker are at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM.

Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi offers ferry rides leaving Belize City for Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye multiple times a day, at 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:40 PM, as of this current update. The cost is about $30 USD one way or $37 roundtrip.

The priciest but fastest option is by taking a flight with Maya Island Air (check flights here), for $90.50 for a one-way flight (same price if you buy round-trip, $181).

There are typically only 4 flights per day, so it’s not always the most convenient — and certain times, it can sell out — but if it lines up with your flight well, it can save you some time, and the flight is gorgeous (I have done it to neighboring San Pedro twice!)

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.