During these crisp Fall days, you’re probably looking for the perfect getaway place to relax and take off that stress from those busy workdays. In that case, we have the perfect place for you. During the months of May to November, the island of Caye Caulker in Belize offers the relaxation and island paradise that you are most likely looking for, if you were to ask me. Vacationing on the island of Caye Caulker is like having your own little private island. I visited this beautiful island for a day while on a cruise with my family around five years ago. I could easily say that this island is one of my top vacation spots.
What is it?
If you’re wondering what Caye Caulker is, it is a small island right off the coast of Belize, which can be accessed by a 20-minute boat ride. The island was first referred to as “Caye Corker.” Mestizo refugees from the Mexican Caste Wars discovered the island. The refugees came to the small village because of the large supply of fresh water. Later, sailors would also come to the island for the water and then to cork their water bottles. Still today, Caye Caulker is known for their coconut and fishing industry. Their restaurants and dining options are especially known for the fresh lobster and conch. Women often produce and sell coconut oil to other citizens and tourists within the village.
Roads of Caye Caulker. Picture taken by Erin Feltkamp
Caye Caulker is made up of dirt roads, minimal cars and plenty of island natives. There are wooden houses on stilts in every form of pastel color. This makes a beautiful view upon your ferryboat arrival. Small local businesses such as restaurants, hotels and straw markets surround this tiny village. You will most likely see people and stray dogs slowly walking along the streets. Yes, they even have their own animal shelter! “Go slow” is the motto of Caye Caulker, and the natives do take it seriously if they believe you are walking too fast for their liking. Many people around the village known one another and are extremely friendly to visitors as well. When I went there around five years ago, I met the nicest local women who sold handmade woven bags and headbands, alongside her daughter Brittany. I spoke to Brittany and her mother for a while about the island, how beautiful it was in Belize and they were interested in the culture over in America. Brittany expressed to me that she was afraid of the water because she didn't know how to swim. The natives that I crossed paths with during my 8-hour stay in Caye Caulker were nothing but friendly and engaging.
Photo taken by Erin Feltkamp
Be active, or do absolutely nothing.. Whatever you want!
Caye Caulker is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing, if you were that kind of vacationer. When I was there, I laid on the white sand not-so beaches and relaxed. Caye Caulker has a place called “The Split” which makes up for the fact that they do not have typical beaches. If you were to ask me, Belize has the most beautiful turquoise water. Not to mention the huge starfish that is often found on the beaches. With that being said, there are lots of activities to explore in the water and on land.
While there, you could go:
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Manatee Tour
Fishing
Wind Surfing
Maya Ruins Tour
These are just a few of the many activities that you could do while visiting Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is supposedly a hot spot for snorkelers or divers that come from places around the world. Two popular places for snorkeling are the Cay Caulker Marine Reserve and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. At the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, snorkelers go through the Coral Garden to see the coral reefs. They also get the chance to swim with nurse sharks and eagle rays! If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to see a bottle nose dolphin, because they are known to be around this area as well. For all of the scuba divers or wannabe scuba divers out there, we have something for you as well! Caye Caulker has a place where you can become certified for scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef. This is a perfect activity to do whether you are alone or with a group, if you are staying for a week or more. The certification class takes around four days of classes, but then you can do all of the scuba diving your heart desires.
Food, food and more food
The dining was probably my second favorite part of visiting Caye Caulker, right after meeting the natives. As I mentioned, Caye Caulker is known for their fresh seafood. They are especially known for lobster, conch and red snapper. When I visited, we came across a local who was selling conch with white rice and mangoes right off the barbecue. My dad and I stood there talking to the man, while we watched him cooking the conch (which was smothered in a delicious sauce) and placing it on our paper plates. We ate at a picnic table near by as we watched the crystal blue ocean on one side, and people walking on a dirt road on the other. After a long day sitting by the water and exploring the ocean, we found a small restaurant by the dock. It was called Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen, and little did we know that we would have the most beautiful sunset accompany us while eating our dinner. The restaurant was set up as open air (my favorite) and the guests sat on picnic tables while dockside. The menu was perfect for any kind of person- they had seafood (of course), meats, rice and beans. I got the grilled whole lobster, which melted right in my mouth.
Book your trip now!
All in all, Caye Caulker should definitely be at the top of your list as a go-to place. This little island off of Belize is perfect for romantic getaways, group trips and even one-day stops while on a cruise. Even after being there for only a few hours, I can truthfully say that it was one of the most relaxing and beautiful places that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. So start looking into this private paradise and book your trip to take off all of that stress! But don't forget to bring sunscreen, because unlike where I am right now, Belize is extremely hot and you don't want to look like that tourist walking around with sun poisoning.
