Caye Caulker: Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea measuring about 5 miles (8.0 km) (north to south) by less than 1 mile (1.6 km) (east to west). The town on the island is known by the name Caye Caulker Village. The population of Caye Caulker is approximately 2000 people today and still growing.
‘No Shirt, No Shoes…No Problem.’ You’ll see this sign everywhere in Belize, but no place is it more apt than Caye Caulker. On this tiny island, where cars, too, are blissfully absent, dogs nap in the middle of the dirt road and suntanned cyclists pedal around them. The only traffic sign on the island instructs golf carts and bicycles to ‘go slow,’ and that directive is taken seriously.
Caye Caulker Belize
This website is a comprehensive site providing all you need or want to know of Caye Caulker, Belize. Inside lies a library of information, from the rich history of the island to the activities and conservation efforts that entice many tourists visiting Belize to experience the island’s wonders and fun.
Location: One mile west of Belize Barrier Reef
Length: From North to South, 8.2 km (5 Miles)
Width: .25 – 2.0 km (0.15 – 1.2 miles)
Population: Approximately 1,300
Culture: Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole
Hotels: 57…with 887 rooms.
In the early British picture, the island’s name is signified “Cay Corker.“ Known historically for its productive supply of brought to light freshwater at La Aguada, one argument holds that this island was a favorite stop for sailors to restore and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which represents “the island of the cocoplum.“ “Caye Caulker“ could be an anglicized utterance of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were blocked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the westward side of the island attending to the “Caulker“ name.
Caye Caulker Hotels
A jewel in the Caribbean Sea, Caye Caulker, Belize is the true interpretation of “island vibe.” Found in Ambergris Caye off the country’s east coast, the easygoing island is so tiny that you can walk around the whole thing in about an hour—barefoot, generally. Inundated by the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef which is the second-longest in the world, it’s the foolproof base for undersea adventures, such as snorkeling with sharks in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and scuba plunge in the preeminent Great Blue Hole. Or simply sit back, unwind and soak up the sunshine while being hypnotized by the idyllic surroundings. Here are some of the top things to do in Caye Caulker, and five reasoning why you should go.
At just over a statute long and about two squares across, Caye Caulker may be small in size but it’s big on scenery. Think secluded azure coves, coppices of palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, and scintillating white sand edging the shoreline. Best of all, the impossibly-blue water in the inundating sea is out of this world, and its aquamarine, teal, and aquamarine hues seamlessly blend together to create a kaleidoscope of color that will leave you mesmerized.
The island’s sleepy vibe represents some visitors are skeptical to stay overnight since there isn’t a lot to do once the sun goes down. Fortunately, it’s easy to visit as a day trip. Many tours such as the Caye Caulker snorkeling expeditions offered by Tuff E Nuff incorporate a two-hour visit to the island in their guidebooks, or you can simply hop on one of the numerous ferries that stop there to make a day of it. GettingCameCaye Caulker is unequivocal on the fast ferry, which is only a 45-minute ride from either Belize City or San Pedro.
Caye Caulker Real Estate
Hopping over from Guatemala to the Caribbean coast of Belize, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t welcome the transition. From grinding on the chaotic and bumpy streets of Northern Guatemala, we arrived to the breezy reggae beats and killer beaches on Caye Caulker. I threw my hands in the sky and let the wind take me.
Caye Caulker is the Caribbean without pretentious hotels and snobbish holidaymakers. Instead, you’ll find clear waters, lots of hippies and reggae-loving locals, laid-back hostels, and Caribbean atmosphere. There are no roads, no pollution, no loud noises. Just soft winds, light music, and the endless sea. For those who want to get to know the island inside out, here are some of the essential things to do on Caye Caulker.
You heard me. You get to literally swim around schools of nurse sharks and large stingrays at the famed Shark-Ray Alley. Don’t worry, they don’t bite. Visibility in the water is as clear as it can get and snorkeling conditions are close to perfect. This was by far our favorite thing to do on Caye Caulker. If you only have time for one day trip, make it this trip. Snorkeling trips that take you out here also bring you to nearby Hol-Chan marine reserve. Marine life is abundant here – we even got to swim beside a manatee! It was a surreal experience as the giant slowly glided past us, so gently and relaxingly.
You can’t go to Belize and not try barbecued seafood (vegetarians, maybe make an exception?). Fresh lobsters, fish, and shrimps literally go from the sea to barbecue pits, and they don’t get any fresher than that. Wish Willy’s on Caye Caulker definitely stands out as the cheapest, tastiest, and most atmospheric. It’s a simple wooden shack right on the beach, but it’s got all the personality you can ask for. The friendly owner welcomes everyone like an old friend. I recommend the seafood buffet, with unlimited lobster, fish, meat included for 40 Belizean Dollar (US$20). They’ve got really good cocktails like margaritas and mojitos as well.
Caye Caulker Realestate
Caye Caulker, located 21 miles northeast of Belize City and 11 miles south of Ambergris Caye, is the second largest of the Belizean Cayes. The island is about 4 miles long, but the town is only about a mile long. Like Ambergris, Caye, Caye Caulker was primarily a fishing community; but its economy has become increasingly tourism-based. Caye Caulker is a popular destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers, and tourists who just want beach-oriented relaxation at budget prices.
The caye offers nearby Barrier Reef diving and is well-known among the backpacking community as a low-cost island destination. Hostels and Affordable lodging are one of the mainstays of tourism activity in Caye Caulker. The Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is available for diving and snorkeling – the Belize Barrier Reef is but one mile from the island. Marine and ecotourism fans can do manatee tours from Caye Caulker.
The island has been described as basically a huge sand bar over a limestone shelf. Underwater caves are found in the limestone. A shallow lagoon sits in front of the village. The lagoon, between 6 inches (150 mm) and 14 feet (4.3 m) deep, meets the Belize Barrier Reef to the east in front of the village. Further north the reef is a deep reef and lies under 2 to 8 feet (2.4 m) of water. This area is popular with windsurfers.
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The settlers planted coconuts and eventually developed a profitable fishing industry based on cooperatives. The demographics generally reflect that of northern Belize – mostly Latino / Mestizo. But in recent years a small Creole community, mainly immigrants from Belize city has developed. Beginning in the 1960s, small numbers of tourists began visiting Caye Caulker. Tourism has increased substantially since then, especially since the new airstrip was built on the outskirts of town in 1992. But Caye Caulker is still quiet, unhurried and relaxing beach town. Caye Caulker is locally known as the poor man’s Ambergris Caye, and still retains the cachet of a place for backpackers and budget travelers and those seeking high times.
Is Caye Caulker expensive?
Belize, followed closely by Costa Rica, is the most expensive country for travelers and backpackers in Central America. … While it may seem counter-intuitive, cooking your own meals (if you have access to a kitchen in the first place) will not save you much money on Caye Caulker.
Is Caye Caulker safe?
No matter where you go — even if it’s just to the bathroom at a restaurant — you should always take someone with you. Yes, crime rates are high in Caye Caulker. This isn’t the safest place to vacation, so keeping someone with you at all times is a good suggestion to follow.