A sunset cruise while sipping wine with your best friends. Ziplining atop the forests of Mountain Pine Ridge. Snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world. There are countless opportunities to have the trip of a lifetime in Belize, but no matter which you choose, you’re sure to have an extraordinary experience.
Caye Caulker is the perfect destination for travelers with an adventurous spirit. This tiny island off the coast of Belize welcomes travelers who dream of laid-back Caribbean ambience, trying delicious local dishes, and going slow.
It’s time to stop fantasizing about that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Belize and finally book it!
Here’s why you should plan your next great adventure in Caye Caulker.
1. Getting to the Island is Simple
Smaller than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is a little further south and closer to Belize City. You can get there by plane or water taxi.
By Plane
The local airlines have direct flights to Caye Caulker that leave from the international Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in mainland Belize. These flights only take a few minutes and arrive at Caye Caulker Airport (CUK).
By Water Taxi
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi has ferries from Belize City about every hour from 8 am until sundown. The boat ride lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and provides scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
2. You Can Enjoy Laid-back Caribbean Vibes
The minute you step off the boat (or plane), you’ll be met with an inexplicable relaxed ambiance that sets the mood for your stay. Signs plastered all over the island advise you to “Go Slow”. Caye Caulker residents take this motto seriously — traveling mostly by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. It’s a small island, so it’s super easy to walk from one end to the other.
A channel splits the island in two, creating the north and south sides of Caye Caulker. The south side is the more inhabited of the two.
El Ben Cabañas Resort is located on the less populated north side, offering an even more quiet and secluded stay. We offer scheduled shuttles for our guests to easily traverse from the north to the south side of the island.
3. You’ll find the Best Snorkeling and Diving Opportunities
The island is a gateway to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. Here, you can explore vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside colorful fish, and even encounter nurse sharks and stingrays at sites like Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
You can explore the world-famous Great Blue Hole with a breathtaking aerial tour.
The Blue Hole Natural Monument is a top tier snorkelling and diving destination and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef System.
Often referred to as the Great Blue Hole, this monument is actually a huge underwater sinkhole that lies within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It spans 300 meters across (approximately 1000 feet) and 125 meters deep.
4. It’s a Cultural Melting Pot
Friendly locals, vibrant culture, and authentic Belizean cuisine are what make this tiny island such a welcoming destination. Belize’s population is a mosaic of ethnicities, consisting of Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Mennonites and many more.
This cultural diversity gives Belize its unique character and friendly charm.
5. The Best Local and Gourmet Food
Dining experiences while on vacation are arguably even more memorable than any planned tour or activity. In Caye Caulker, you can enjoy the perfect balance of yummy local street food and international cuisine.
Enjoy fresh seafood, try traditional dishes like fry jacks, and experience local music and crafts that give our island its unique character.
Dine al fresco at El Ben Cabañas’ on-site restaurant, the T&T Bar and Grill, and enjoy dishes prepared fresh with organic ingredients.