Caye Caulker is known for crystal clear water and laid back atmosphere.  Backpackers flock here for the relaxed, Caribbean vibe, while adventure travelers are drawn to the popular dive and snorkel sites like the Blue Hole Natural Monument or the nearby Belize Barrier Reef (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).  Whether you come to relax or explore, Caye Caulker may just be a bit of paradise on Earth.

Sandy streets lead straight to the shoreline and the turquoise water of the Caribbean

Life is slow on Caye Caulker.  Unlike the more popular (and expensive) Ambergris Caye, the attitude on Caye Caulker just seems to be more relaxed and low-key.  Cars aren’t allowed on the island, so most people walk or bike.  Golf cart taxis are available, but the island is small and everything is within walking distance.

White, clean sand stretch across the eastern side of the island, although there isn’t much beach to be found.  The water is calm due to the breaking of the waves on the Barrier Reef a mile out.

When it rains (as it does quite frequently in the Cayes), everyone heads to the local restaurants and bars to enjoy food and entertainment.

Seafood on Caye Caulker is good and abundant at reasonable prices

The brightly colored buildings of Caye Caulker look like something out of a cartoon.  It all adds to the happy vibe of the island.

Caye Caulker Details

• The US to Belize Dollar is fixed at 2:1.  Belize is one of the more expensive Central American countries, but cost-savvy travelers can still come out on top.
• Prices on Caye Caulker are cheaper than Ambergris Caye, but not as cheap as the mainland.
• Hotels range from around $25 per night on the budget end, up to around $300 per night on the expensive end.
• The best deals are during low season.  Hotels and excursions will be less expensive, but you’ll probably have to put up with an intermittent rain shower at least once a day.
• A water taxi from Belize City costs around $25 per person and takes just under an hour to get to Caye Caulker.
• A snorkeling excursion costs around $50 for a half day.  Enjoy the beautiful Barrier Reef and swim with sting rays and sharks (yes sharks!).

Do you have a place that you would consider “paradise on earth?”