Caye Caulker

Off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker—known in Spanish as Cayo Caulker—is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Under 1 mile (1.6km) in width from east to west and roughly 5 miles (8.0km) in length from north to south, this limestone coral island epitomizes natural beauty and cultural diversity. On the island, Caye Caulker Village is a community of about 2,000 people distinguished by their laid-back attitude and friendly demeanor.

For those looking for a tropical getaway, Caye Caulker—about 20 miles (32km) north-northeast of Belize City—is easily reachable by high-speed water taxi or small aircraft. The island’s stunning natural settings and peaceful atmosphere have drawn more and more backpackers and visitors in recent years. With more than 50 hotels, mixed restaurants and stores, Caye Caulker offers a variety of lodging options to satisfy all kinds of guests.

The island’s geography is as striking as its cultural features. With the mysterious Giant Cave under a sand bar over a limestone shelf, Caye Caulker is an underwater phenomenon ready for discovery. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest coral reef system in the world, the shallow lagoon separating the island from the Belize Barrier Reef defines its eastern edge. Visible at the surface, this reef—identified as a dry reef—transitions into a deep reef buried under 2 to 8 feet (0.61 to 2.44 m) of water northward. Divers and windsurfers find perfect habitat in this unique sea environment.

A major feature of Caye Caulker is the Split, a small watercourse separating the island in half. Though some attribute Hurricane Hattie’s genesis to natural events, most of it is a man-made construction dug by Ramon Reyes’ village people. Originally meant for dugout canoes, the Split has grown to support bigger boats from the soft sand banks naturally erasing. This section improves travel and adds to the island’s visual appeal.

Before tourism became the main business, fishing was Caye Caulker’s main source of income. The island is ideal for fishing since its location along known fish, conch, and lobster migration paths. Islanders gathered trash from torpedoed ships during World War II; bales of rubber proved especially lucrative. Together with a thriving tourism industry, fishing supports almost 80 families now.

Starting in the middle of the 1960s, tourism on Caye Caulker attracted first guests from the Belleview Hotel on the mainland. Late 1960s scuba diving courses and excursions were first introduced thanks in great part to the Auxillou family. The island became a regular stop for visitors on the “Gringo Trail,” a well-known path across Central America, in the 1970s as speedboats grew more common. Through casual conversation, the island developed a reputation attracting a diverse range of guests.

Caye Caulker’s economy nowadays combines modern tourism with traditional fishing methods. Along with its natural beauty, the island has become a hub for musicians and artists, so adding to its cultural vitality. Though recent hurricanes have affected the island’s vegetation and the lobster fishing business, Caye Caulker’s ecology is gradually recovering and maintaining its appeal as a preferred location.

There is quick transportation both inside and outside the island. With its small aircraft and asphalt-paved runway, Caye Caulker Airport helps to enable a vibrant air travel network. Serving those looking for a more local experience, regular water taxi services link the island with San Pedro Town and Belize City. On the island, walking is the main form of mobility; bicycles and golf carts for hire add to this. Visitors should be aware that, even in shaded areas, the strong sunlight reflected from the white coral sand can cause sunburn.

With many trips every week, Caye Caulker is a well-known starting point for scuba diving trips to the Great Blue Hole. For those seeking a unique Caribbean experience, Caye Caulker is a must-visit because of its natural qualities as well as its unique cultural, historical, and architectural elements.