Looking for the ultimate relaxable vacation on a small island with a tropical, hippie vibe? Come find me in Caye Caulker. I hadn’t really anticipated how incredible spending 3 days in Caye Caulker would be. Now after I’ve left, I can’t stop dreaming about it. With friendly locals, slow vibes, stunning sea views and yummy traditional Belizean cuisine, Caye Caulker is literally the place to be.
Here’s a UnBelizeable 3 Days in Caye Caulker – A Travel Diary:
Getting to Caye Caulker
As the last stop on our Belize vacation, we took a water taxi through Ocean Ferry Belize to spend 3 days in Caye Caulker. Leaving Ambergris Caye at 4 PM and arriving to Caye Caulker at 4:30 PM, the water taxi cost $15 one way from San Pedro.
Accommodation in Caye Caulker
Stayed in a sea-front AirBnb called Diane’s Beach House, our home away from home was only a 1 minute walk from the water taxi docks.
The location of this AirBnb is optimal as it’s literally just steps from the beach. It had every amenity we would need, including extra bed linens and towels. My favorite part was the balcony with lounge chairs and a hammock, the perfect set up to spend a slow morning.
The only downfall to this place were the bugs. Ants were taking over the kitchen, which is somewhat expected on an island. What’s not expected though were the cockroaches climbing out from under our bed! The price tag of this place wasn’t cheap either, at nearly $200 USD a night.
The First Night in Caye Caulker
We unfortunately miss the sunset the first night because of the annoying process of checking in to our AirBnb. Having incorrect instructions on the listing, I began to ask around to see if anyone knew where I would check in at. During that time, we end up meeting a couple of locals who we chatted with. One of them knew the guy whose wife ran our accommodation so he took off on his golf cart to find him. Within a half hour, we were granted access to our AirBnb.
Dinner
Just a few steps down the beach from the accommodation is La Cubana. I order a fish filet sandwich (YUM) paired with a fresh Sangria. It wasn’t anything to rave about but it did the job by filling me up!
After dinner, we took a short stroll through the sandy streets in town before heading off to bed.
First Full Day in Caye Caulker
Since our condo faces the east, I made sure to wake up with the sun every morning to see that gorgeous transformation. The sunrises here in Caye Caulker leave you absolutely speechless. I caught the moon and the stars just as they were disappearing to allow the sun to take over the sky.
Coffee with a View
Walking down to the Sunshine Cafe in front of our accommodation, I snag a fresh cup of joe to get my day started. This cafe is owned by the lady living in the condo below the AirBnb. It becamse my go-to spot for coffee every morning, costing 3 BZE ($1.50) a cup. Soaking in that slow morning island vibe, we sat on the balcony watching the waves roll in before switching from pj’s to bathing suits.
Exploring the East Side
More than excited to see this island in the daylight, we stroll down Front Street on the little sandy walkways. Along the way we find colorful shacks and enough palm trees to feed a village with its coconuts.
Front Street T’s right into Middle Street, leading through the craft market and ending at the Split.
This is the place to be during the day in Caye Caulker. Visitors on the island flock to this area to drink at the Lazy Lizard and sunbathe on the ledge above the water.
With the purest blue water you ever did see, we loved hanging out here at the Split. The shallow water makes for some great snorkeling opportunities to see the small crabs burrowing in the sand.
Exploring the West Side
After a few hours of sunbathing, we stroll around to the west side. Funny enough, you can reach the west side of the island from the east side within 25 steps, it’s that narrow!
Stopping by the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter, we play with the pups and cats while talking to Kenny. He’s the man responsible for opening this nonprofit shelter and taking care of the animals.
Sunset & Dinner
At about 5 in the afternoon, we waltz back over to the west side of the Split to snag a spot on the ledge for sunset.
Darkness takes hold within no time and we found ourselves at the Insta-worthy restaurant called Bambooze. I loved this place so much because, not only do they offer a vegetarian menu, but the seats are swings! I gobble down an “arms-length burrito” (really that’s what they called it) and it was so bomb.
After dinner, we walk back to our accommodation to relax on the balcony before hitting the hay.
Last Full Day in Caye Caulker
The entire island of Caye Caulker completely embodies that slow type of lifestyle and our mornings were just that. Watching the sunrise over the Caribbean from the balcony while drinking my coffee spoiled me for eternity.
Hiking Around the South Side
Wanting to explore a different side of the island, we walk to the south. Stumbling upon the Caye Caulker Airport at perfect timing, a plane takes off right above us. Hiking through the mangroves on the primitive trails, we find the cutest-colored shacks, stunning sea views and a home that had a self-proclaimed “longest seashell wall in the world.”
Snorkeling Tour at the Barrier Reef
The day before, I booked an afternoon snorkeling tour with Anwar Tours from 1 PM until 4 PM. I couldn’t recommend this family-owned company enough! They are far from touristy and much more engaging than those other popular companies. With their own small boats to take visitors out to the Belize Barrier Reef, they supply all the gear we need as well. Surprisingly, this entire tour only cost us $35 a person!
We snorkel through the Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley, one of the most incredible and cool experiences I’ve had in all my travels.
After an hour or two out in the water, we boat over to the west through the Split to an area with seahorses. We then head up to the north side to feed the tarpon fish, which can grow up to 8 feet long! I about got my hand snapped off by this one.
Once the tour was over and we return our gear and mosey back to our beach house.
Sunset
Walking over to the west side of the island again, the sunset comes out to play once again. to watch the sunset and oh my, what a gorgeous one it was!
I just can’t get over the sunsets here in Caye Caulker! Still dreaming about those colors we just witnessed, we find a spot for dinner at Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill.
Leaving Caye Caulker
Of course I had to wake up with the sunrise and coffee on our last morning.
I could stay here forever
While it took every piece of strength out of me to do it, we packed up our things in preparation to leave the island. Those 3 days in Caye Caulker went so fast, I couldn’t believe I was actually packing up to go home.
Taxiing with Ocean Ferry Belize once again, we depart Caye Caulker at 10:30 AM to head back to Belize City. The 45 minute one-way trip cost $15 a person. Upon arriving at the dock in Belize City, we snag a taxi to the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville at a price of $25 USD. Our flight was at 2:30 PM, arriving back to the cold temps of Chicago at 6:15 PM, which only made leaving Caye Caulker that much harder!
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