72 Hours in Caye Caulker
Looking to escape the stress of everyday life without breaking the bank? Caye Caulker is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and embrace island time. With turquoise waters, a laid-back vibe, and affordable prices, it’s an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Caye Caulker sits about 21 miles off the coast of mainland Belize and is easily reached by a 45-minute ferry from Belize City. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly notice there are no cars on the island. Instead, transportation is limited to golf carts, bicycles, or simply walking. While that might sound limiting, the island is only around 1.5 square miles—small enough to make everything conveniently within reach.
Caye Caulker isn’t the typical Caribbean destination filled with luxury resorts and all-inclusive packages. Instead, it offers a more relaxed, rustic vibe that’s perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace, local charm, and a touch of adventure. The laid-back vibe is embraced by the locals, who live by the island’s motto: “Go Slow.” From barefoot bike rides to friendly chats at beach bars, their easy going lifestyle invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Our Trip to Caye Caulker
We visited Caye Caulker in August 2024 to earn our PADI Open Water Scuba Certification and take a much-needed break from work. Mornings were spent out on the dive boat, learning new scuba skills and completing training dives in the clear Caribbean waters. Afternoons were reserved for exploring the island, lounging at beach bars, and soaking in the laid-back island vibes.
In this blog, we’ll take you through our unforgettable scuba adventure, highlight the best food and bars we discovered, share our cozy accommodations, and provide practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Caye Caulker, Belize. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ve got all the insights you need for a perfect island getaway!
Frenchies Dive Shop
Getting scuba certified had been on my bucket list for years—I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and wanted to experience it up close. So when we finally planned a break from work, I knew this was the perfect chance to make it happen.
That’s actually how we ended up in Caye Caulker—my aunt had been there and totally hyped up Frenchie’s Diving. She said the vibe was super chill, the instructors were amazing, and it was the perfect spot to learn. So we took her word for it, booked our dives, and spoiler alert: she was 100% right.
I earned my full PADI Open Water Certification through Frenchie’s Dive Shop, and it was hands down one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. Over the course of a few days, we learned all the essential skills and then put them to the test in some unforgettable dive spots around Caye Caulker. One of the highlights was diving in Shark Ray Alley, where we swam alongside nurse sharks and stingrays—it was surreal! The underwater world around the island is absolutely stunning, filled with vibrant coral, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water that made every dive feel like a dream.
Food and Bars in Caye Caulker
The food scene in Caye Caulker was decent, but honestly, nothing to write home about. While the seafood was definitely fresh, we found that a lot of dishes—especially the lobster—were overloaded with butter, which kind of masked the natural flavors. That said, there were a few standout spots! We had an incredible pasta dinner at Pasta Per Caso Anna & Armando—homemade, flavorful, and clearly made with love. The ceviche at The Pelican Sunset Bar was also super fresh and well-seasoned, perfect with a cold drink and ocean view. The beachside grills are worth checking out too, just be prepared for a heavy hand with the butter.
All of the bars in Caye Caulker had a fun, laid-back vibe, and we checked out a couple of the most popular ones—The Lazy Lizard and Sip & Dip. The Lazy Lizard is a classic spot, especially for its diving platform and prime location right at The Split, where you can swim across and cool off between drinks. Sip & Dip had a super fun setup too, with tables and swings right in the water—perfect for relaxing with your feet in the sea. That said, aside from the fun, gimmicky features, the drinks and food were pretty average, so you’re mostly going for the atmosphere rather than anything unforgettable.
Most nights, we found ourselves at a small, local beach bar that quickly became our favorite hangout spot. It was tucked right along the sand, super laid-back, and had that kind of authentic charm you just stumble upon. The bar was fairly new—we’ve even tried to look it up since and still can’t find the name!
What really made it special were the owners, who ran the bar themselves. They were warm and welcoming, always happy to chat and make everyone feel right at home. It wasn’t the kind of place that needed flashy signs or touristy gimmicks—just laid-back vibes, ice-cold drinks, and genuine conversation that kept us coming back night after night.
Tips for Visiting Caye Caulker
We stayed at an Airbnb on the south end of Caye Caulker, and while it was a nice and quiet spot, it was a bit far from the main part of town. Thankfully, the Airbnb came with bikes, which we used every day to get around the island—it definitely made the distance more manageable and added a fun element to our daily routine. The only real downside was the lack of air conditioning, which made the hot nights a little uncomfortable. Overall, we had a great stay, but if we go back, we’d likely choose a hotel closer to the center of town for easier access to restaurants, bars, and dive shops.
If you’re planning a trip to Caye Caulker, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your stay. Pack light, breathable clothing—the island gets hot, and many accommodations don’t have air conditioning. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray, especially for afternoons by the water or evenings out.
Getting around is easy with bikes or golf carts, but the island is small enough to walk just about anywhere. Most places now accept credit cards, but many still charge a small fee for card payments, so it’s smart to have some cash on hand. Caye Caulker isn’t about luxury—it’s all about laid-back vibes, friendly locals, and the “Go Slow” lifestyle. Come ready to unplug, explore, and truly relax.
Caye Caulker is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and local charm. Whether you’re diving into the crystal-clear waters to get certified, exploring the island’s laid-back bars, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, it’s a destination that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. While the food and accommodations might not be luxurious, the experience is definitely one to remember. If you’re looking for a place to escape the stress of everyday life, Caye Caulker will surely give you the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
For more travel tips, recommendations, and behind-the-scenes from our adventures, be sure to check out our blog, Mason and Josh, and follow us on social media for updates and inspiration. Happy travels, and don’t forget to embrace the island’s “Go Slow” lifestyle!