24 Hours in Beautiful Caye Caulker: It’s Been too Long!
It’s been almost TWO YEARS since I was last in Caye Caulker – the smaller island just 20-25 minutes away by water taxi. Ridiculous.
Caye Caulker is walkable, colorful, soooo photographable. I really need to get there more often! Way more often…
Here are my photos LOTS AN LOTS OF PHOTOS…how we got there, where we stayed for one night…and what we ate. It was a great ultra mini-vacay from life on the “big island”.
We took the Caribbean Sprinter to Caye Caulker – it was the first time I’ve taken this water taxi. Reasons? The dock is in the town center. And I’d heard that it is much less crowded than the alternative.
It was true. Also, the Resident Card (which provides discounts to locals) is free.
Con: they have less runs than the other water taxi that runs from San Pedro to Caye Caulker and Belize City.
The last time I was in Caye Caulker – the Sports Bar had just burned to the ground in a serious fire. It’s so nice to see it rebuilt!
We were staying one night at Jan’s Hotel – and it was nice, simple and very well located.
And down before the world famous Split – you can see a bunch of my photos over the years at this Belizean landmark. (Back to 2011 when I started writing this blog )
Though the bar just before the Split area is often busier – Sip N Dip.
I have lots more photos…so let’s head back up the main street.
The tarpon feeding cove got a new look from the BTB. And for $5bzd, you get 5 sardines.
And these guys started circling around…
These hungry prehistoric giants can JUMP. That’s part of the fun…but I preferred to drop them fish from higher up. It’s still very cool to see.
And NO teasing the tarpon! Na-nana-nah-nah-na
More pictures of general cuteness…
And then later…sunset at Iguana Reef. Stopped in for a few minutes before dinner.
We were having dinner at Il Pelicano Italian Restaurant. I love Italian food and the spot is beautiful. And big! Inside and outside garden seating.
I had a very good Cesar salad, my friend Jamie had a delicious rich lobster bisque. Both with yummy focaccia with flaky salt on top. REALLY good.
Il Pelicano is really romantic…just a gorgeous spot to eat.
The homemade pasta with bolognese was good…and the pizza, so-so but overall, this is a gorgeous spot. I liked it.
The next morning, I was up relatively early for coffee. And Ice N Beans is the spot for it. A Flat White and…of course…the warm cinnamon-sugar donuts.
Or wander and enjoy.
We packed and walked around a bit more…visiting some gift shops and buying a few small things and then we went for a late breakfast/early lunch at Namaste Cafe. I love this spot. And though it’s a bit more expensive then your average breakfast joint, the food is always fresh and delicious.
I had a kombucha and a ridiculously over-the-top carrot cake muffin with a MOUND of cream cheese icing. (So good that I brought one home – on the water taxi – to Jeff…I wish I had one now)
The bottom line? I need to go back. Caye Caulker seemed more busy than ever (while Ambergris Caye seems sluggish) – and I thought it looked fantastic. Colorful and cute. Obviously this is based on less than 24 so I need to get back.
I saw BIG developments going up on the north side of the island – I didn’t explore more than 1/2 to 3/4 miles away from the split.
I need to get back. And I want to – I had a lovely mini-vacation in Caye Caulker.
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We would love to host you at our guesthouse next time you visit Caye Caulker!
https://www.airbnb.com/l/dbKbI79s
https://www.airbnb.com/l/x0E4P6nU
Oh my goodness, that sounds AMAZING. And I’ve never stayed near that area – I’m writing down your email now!
That Airbnb looks super cute! I’ll have to stay the next time I visit Caye Caulker!
I have a group of three friends. We’re looking at Belize, CR, Mexico (Merida), and Panama as likely destinations to retire. I’m still a few years away.
Seeing your photos is good and bad. Gives me something to look forward to but makes me wish I could just pack and go now.
I love all your choices. Merida is fantastic…and the health care would make a big difference depending on your age. Actually for any age!
Was the menu priced in BZD or USD?
Going next April. So excited!!!
BZD. That’s the case at most spots – unless you are at a fancy resort 🙂
We are considering Ambergris Caye to retire. Do you favor the N or the S? We like to get out and party and meet people and enjoy good dining experiences….. Any help appreciated.
It’s so hard to say! I’d say that the south will be much quieter…the north is growing like crazy…much more space for expansion. I think you need to consider the whole island. (Not helpful, I know…)
We were there in December 2024 and had a wonderful time! Can’t wait to go back!
Thanks
Never to many photo’s, the more the better
See you in March
I loved your article and the photos are fantastic or possible frantastic😋. Now that we’ve officially moved back home to San Pedro, after 13 years in Panama, we are ready to re-explore Beautiful Belize❤️
Is the Oceanside Nightclub still there?
Thank you
I was JUST there last week too, from NJ/USA! Was my 1st time, but definitely not my last!
Jersey! Please say hi to the Jersey shore for me this summer 🙂
https://shorturl.fm/E0Wdd