Ten Can’t Miss Things to Do in Caye Caulker, Belize

Anyone with a passion for Caribbean beauty and water activities will find plenty of things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize.

Caye Caulker is a tranquil paradise in Belize that is quickly making a name for itself as one of the top island destinations for budget travel in the Caribbean. You can find a hundred and one things to do in Caye Caulker…or you can choose to do nothing at all!

We stayed on beautiful Caye Caulker for two weeks while backpacking from Mexico to Panama, and we could have easily stayed for another two. Or ten. And we honestly can not wait to return.

The vibe on this rustic island is completely laid back and relaxed in true “island life” fashion. There are very few major structures on Caye Caulker, and almost no motorized vehicles, other than those used for official business. No cars, no sirens, no hubbub…Caye Caulker offers visitors a chance to truly lay back and relax in the warm sun.

Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize

Visitors to Caye Caulker can spend their days lounging around, taking in the golden sun and the azure waters. Those craving more action partake in the wide selection of water-based sports activities the island offers. There is a bit of a mild nightlife scene on Caye Caulker,  but in general peace and quiet reign supreme.

Anyone who plans on traveling to Belize, especially those looking to keep their travel costs down, should make sure to drop by Caye Caulker. Getting from Belize City to Caye Caulker is pretty easy. 

Caye Caulker was our first stop outside of Mexico during our 5-month backpacking trip in Central America, and it was almost our last. We really didn’t want to leave for all the reasons listed above. However, that said, Caye Caulker is certainly not the most budget-friendly stop along the backpacking trail in Central America. Our guide should be able to help you plan your backpacking budget a bit.

With that out of the way, below is a list of things to do in Caye Caulker, most of them either cheap or totally free. You should try everything on this list at least once when visiting the island paradise which is Caye Caulker. We doubt you will be disappointed. We certainly weren’t! Enjoy, and know that we are jealous you will be visiting Caye Caulker before we get a chance to return!

The Split

Of all the things to do in Caye Caulker, this is the one you will probably partake in the most. The Split is where all the cool kids go to hang out, and is located on the north most end of the island. Spend the day relaxing, swimming, meeting new people, watching kite surfers, and soaking up the sun at dock.

You can buy drinks from The Lazy Lizard bar, or invest in a 20 Belize ($10.00 USD) bucket of ice-cold Belikin Beer. Do so on a weekday for smaller crowds. Or do it every day, because why not! You’re in Caye Caulker. Relax, and enjoy yourself. You will absolutely meet all sorts of people here, and hopefully make a few friends for life.

We did!

Snorkeling and/or Diving

Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with Raggamuffin Tours, and experience some of Belize’s diverse marine life. The Great Blue Hole, one of the most famous diving spots in Central America is about a two hour boat trip from Caye Caulker.

We don’t dive (yet) but we have been told that a trip out to the Hole is an absolute blast. So, if you’re into diving make sure to include the Blue Hole into your itinerary.

Kayak or Paddle Board

Paddling out in the afternoon to catch a sunset makes for an unforgettable experience. Rent a kayak near the split for 10 Belize ($5.00 USD) per hour and head out to the north island, to explore mangroves and observe wildlife.

Make sure you bring lots of sunblock and plenty of water and ask around to find out how what the current is like before you set out. You don’t want to be carried out to sea, do you?

Stay on the Waterfront

Rent a room at Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages or Seaside Villas and enjoy their close proximity to the water. Relax on the docks at night, staring at the innumerable stars and listening to the ocean gently lapping against the moored boats. These are a great option if dorm rooms and hostels aren’t your thing.

The rooms might be a little rustic, and there might be some drafts, but that’s all part of the island’s charm. There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning in your little bungalow, stepping outside, and seeing the blue waters and skies of Caye Caulker greet you. This is were we will stay when we are lucky enough to return to C.C.

Rent a Bike

Rent a bicycle for 15 Belize ($7.50 USD) a day (or get one free from one of the many hotels and hostels that offer them) and cycle about the island. Cars and most forms of motorized transportation are banned on Caye Caulker, so a bicycle is the best method of transport. It’s also the most fun way to get around. Cruise the dirt roads of Caye Caulker in style, just like we did!

The motto in Caye Caulker is “go slow” so make sure to do just that, the roads are bumpy and filled with little tiny peaks and valleys. If a local sees you speeding along on your bike you better believe you will hear cries of “Hey man, go slow!”

Savor Some Fry Jacks

Fry jacks are a traditional Belizean (is that even a word?) sandwich, and are very popular around the island. These delicious pockets of deep-fried dough are served as a breakfast item, and can be shaped as squares or triangles.

Eat a stuffed Fry Jack for breakfast for 2.50 Belize ($1.25 USD) at Herrolyn’s House of Fry Jacks. Don’t show up after 11 am since they will likely be closed already, and don’t forget to splash some of the amazing hot sauce they provide into your fry jack. Herrolyn’s is located across the street from the bank/ATM. You’ll thank us afterward! These things are delicious!

Trivia Night

Spend Sunday evening doing trivia with Trivia Mike and the awesome staff at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill. Make new friends, sample the veggie burger, and order a “Panty Ripper” (rum and pineapple juice) while you are at it.

It’s a great way to relax in the evening before returning to your waterfront bungalow, and you’ll probably make some new friends in the process!

Try Kite Surfing

The island of Caye Caulker provides excellent conditions for kite surfing on most days during the high season. A good strong wind blowing off the east side of the island, flat water, and a shallow lagoon make this a great place to learn how to kite surf. We personally didn’t try it, but there were plenty of others who seemed to be having a blast.

If you want to give it a try you can try to go kite surfing in Caye Caulker with Kitexplorer, and feel the rush of riding the wind! It’s probably just as fun (and hard) as it looks!

Fran’s BBQ Grill

Have lunch for 10 Belize ($5.00 USD) at Fran’s lip-smackingly good BBQ grill. We can’t give you Fran’s exact location, since she doesn’t have an address. Fran sets up shop along the main street along the way to the Split, and hawks her delicious BBQ with a big ol’ smile on her face. As the sign says it’s “Frantastic!!”

We really hope Fran is still operating because her jerk BBQ-style chicken was to die for. Make sure to try and track her down for an affordable and delicious island lunch!

Go Slow

Finally… Go slow. It’s the motto of Caye Caulker, and you should keep it in mind. Go slow and enjoy yourself. You are in paradise! Turn off your phone, put away your screens, and head to the Split for some good vibes. Or hang out near your cabana, book in hand, and praise the miraculous beauty of the blue skies and blue waters of Caye Caulker, Belize.

Well, there you have it guys, that’s it for our little guide of things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize. We really really love Caye Caulker, and hope we’ve given you a bit of inspiration to go and check it out for yourselves. As always happy travels everyone, and we’ll see YOU on the road!