Hotels in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker: Go-Slow Island on the Belize Barrier Reef

Caye Caulker is a small coral island in the Caribbean Sea, roughly 35 km northeast of Belize City. The island measures about 8 km long and less than 1 km wide, with a population under 2,000. A natural channel called The Split — formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 — divides the northern tip from the rest of the island and serves as the main swimming and socializing spot. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, runs just minutes offshore, placing Caye Caulker among the most accessible snorkel and dive destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Accommodation clusters along Front Street and the beachside lanes near The Split, ranging from guesthouses under $50/night to small boutique hotels with sea views. No private cars operate on the island; travel is on foot, bicycle, or golf cart. Water taxis from Belize City run the crossing in approximately 45 minutes and depart multiple times daily from the Marine Terminal.

Practical Tips

• Reef trips: Book snorkel tours to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve at least one day ahead in high season (December–April).
• No-see-ums: Pack insect repellent — sandflies are active at dusk year-round.
• Water taxis: The Caye Caulker Water Taxi departs San Pedro on Ambergris Caye on the way back to Belize City, allowing easy island-hopping.