Things To Do in Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker is a tropical island in Belize. For some travelers, it’s a hidden, underrated paradise. For others, though, the island’s a bit underwhelming.

Here’s what to consider when deciding whether Caye Caulker is worth visiting on your next vacation.

Is Caye Caulker Worth Visiting?

Caye Caulker is an often-overlooked island of Belize. It doesn’t quite have the nightlife, festivals, or ancient cultural ties like its bigger neighbor, Ambergris Caye.

Yet, this small, seaside island has a unique charm all its own.

Caulker Caye is particularly worth visiting for those who want a peaceful trip with fewer adventure-style activities. The island’s appeal lies in its calm clear waters, peaceful lagoons, and serene mangrove wildlife preserves.

That said, there is one big event that draws a crowd: Lobsterfest! Every summer, Caye Caulker hosts one of the biggest outdoor festivals dedicated to lobster in the country. For a seafood fan, the festival makes this underrated isle quite the hidden gem.

Another factor to weigh is cost. Often, Caye Caulker is considered worth visiting by travelers on a tight budget. Most hotels, food, and activities in the area cost less than those on neighboring islands.

That said, there’s a degree of “you get what you pay for.” While most places to stay on Caye Caulker are clean and pleasant, they’re often also a bit plainer than some travelers are hoping for on a trip.

The Best Caye Caulker Activities & Experiences

If you’re planning an adventure in Caye Caulker, Belize, know that wide-ranging activities on this island of natural wonder have earned rave reviews. Be sure to add a few of these five-star highlights to your itinerary:

  • Visit The Split to sunbathe or go fly fishing
  • Windsurf on rivers and inland lagoons
  • Go SCUBA diving into the Great Blue Hole
  • Experience a 3-hour snorkeling tour of Belize Barrier Reef
  • Kayak through the mangrove forest
  • Watch manatees migrate through the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Enjoy surfing, swimming, or parasailing
  • Stroll through the peaceful Estuary of Caye Caulker
  • Eat plenty of lobster—especially during Lobsterfest!

While planning, remember to consider Caye Caulker’s tropical climate, and be thoughtful about your energy level.

How Safe Is Caye Caulker? (2025)

Currently, it isn’t safe to travel to Belize City, and it is somewhat unsafe to visit Caye Caulker in Belize. The U.S. State Department has issued two travel advisories recommending against travel to Belize.

Belize City and the regions south of the Haulover Creek Canal are under a strong, Level 3 Travel Advisory, strongly recommending against any non-essential travel. Extreme caution should be taken by anyone traveling to those parts of Belize due to violent crime and gang activity, which significantly worsened in December 2024.

The advisory summary states:

“Violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder – are common even during the day and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related…Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes.”

Northern regions of Belize are under a Level 2 Travel Advisory. Visitors should “exercise increased caution,” even in tourist areas like Caye Caulker.

A Level 2 advisory doesn’t necessarily mean travel is too dangerous. Increased precautions like traveling in groups with expert guides, securing your belongings, and planning ahead so you won’t have to visit ATMs, can be effective ways to decrease the risk you might experience crime.

Be sure to abide by all safety guidelines provided by state departments, global health organizations, and any tour group you may be traveling with.

Experience Belize’s Islands & Culture With Caravan

Explore Belize without the travel-planning stress on Caravan’s all-inclusive Tour of Belize and Tikal. Our experts curate and reserve every detail of the trip, from lodging and meals to activities and transport. Everything is bundled into one affordable price—and our guests never have to break a sweat.

If you’d like to book a spot on one of our tours, or if you’d just like more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.

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Islands of Belize: Caye Caulker vs Ambergris Caye

Two of the most exciting island destinations in the world are just off the coast of Belize: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. But which one is best for your adventure? Learn about each isle’s unique characteristics in this side-by-side comparison guide.

What’s The Best Caye In Belize?

Ambergris Caye, also known as San Pedro Caye, is the largest island in Belize. It’s also one of the most popular destinations. Whether you’re into swimming in the reef, Belize’s grandest Carnival celebration, sacred cave tours, or Mayan culinary adventures, Ambergris Caye has a lot to offer.

Caye Caulker is a bit quieter than Ambergris Caye, but it’s just as intriguing. Visitors might fish or sunbathe in The Split, explore the serene mangrove forest, or join a Garifuna drumming circle. And, both islands offer much in the way of sailing, wildlife, and mainland day trips.

So, which one is the best Caye in Belize? To find out, let’s put on some snorkel gear and dive in.

Caye Caulker Vs. Ambergris Caye: Side-By-Side Comparison

How do the two most popular islands of Belize compare? See how they fare in a face-off.

Discover the winner in three comparison rounds: culture, water activities, and unique experiences.

Best Local Culture & Events

Local culture forms the texture of a trip. Which island’s local culture is better?

Ambergris Caye

Thousands of years ago, Ambergris Caye was settled by the ancient Maya, and their impact on the culture is still felt today. Visitors enjoy exploring the limestone ruins of the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, and many praise those spaces dedicated to preserving that unique cultural heritage.

One of the most popular cultural expressions are traditional Maya cooking classes, where guests learn how to prepare a bold, festive brunch using ancient techniques—from mutate grinding cacao to marinating ceviche.

Beyond Maya-centered activities, San Pedro Caye offers exciting cultural opportunities:

  • Carnival: La Fiesta de San Pedro is one of the largest Carnival celebrations in Belize, filled with music, dance, and the ceremonial burning of Juan Carnival
  • Belizean Arts Gallery in San Pedro Town highlights vibrant local artists, as well as works from across the Caribbean
  • Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center hosts live Belizean cultural music and serves authentic traditional food

Caye Caulker

The most popular event in Caye Caulker is the Annual Lobster Fest. Every year in July, the island celebrates with games, dances, lobster fishing competitions, and serving up plenty of fresh-caught lobster in wildly diverse styles.

Visitors also enjoy self-guided Belizean food journeys on the island, partaking in the numerous examples of traditional and fusion cuisine. Other cultural experiences include:

  • The Red Flower Gallery, an intriguing art gallery on the island
  • Front Street and The Split in downtown Caye Caulker offer dance music and nightlife
  • The Caye Caulker Front Street Mural depicts beautiful ocean scenes

Winner: Ambergris Caye

From ancient history to food to festivals, San Pedro Island is the best Caye for cultural experiences.

Best Water Activities

Both islands offer popular beachside activities, including family-friendly swimming areas, parasailing, tubing, and surfing. Both offer options to rent paddle boards, gear, and kayaks.

Ambergris Caye

Visitors love the unique ocean experiences Ambergris Caye offers—like snorkeling with sharks in Shark Ray Alley! Leaving from San Pedro harbor, the trip out to the nurse-shark-filled portion of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is less than 15 minutes. Even beginners can participate with the help of expert guides.

Other seaside highlights include:

  • The San Pedro Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge, an international, 40+ mile kayak race
  • Sea turtle nesting grounds on the north side of the island
  • Swimming in clear water shallows at Secret Beach

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is known for its beautiful marine wildlife. Visitors are drawn to experiences like exploring Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, where you might see manatees migrating, or birds-eye marine reef tours in the seat of a parasail.

Most water activities at Caye Caulker are laid back, with lagoon fishing and relaxed-paced estuary tours garnering five-star reviews. That said, more adventurous visitors enjoy:

  • SCUBA diving from Caye Caulker into the Great Blue Hole of Belize
  • Windsurfing on lagoons
  • Crocodile spotting

Winner: Caye Caulker

From kayak racing to swimming with sharks, the oceanic experiences of Ambergris Caye are hard to beat! But for those seeking a more relaxing trip, Caye Caulker’s unique marinas win out.

Best Unique Experiences

Unique experiences are destinations and activities unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.

Ambergris Caye

Two Ambergris Caye experiences stand out from the pack.

The first is the opportunity to take an unforgettable dive into the underground caves (cenotes) beneath the island. Divers explore sunken Maya artifacts and treasures, rare fauna, and surreal cave formations. However, cenote diving isn’t easy or safe for beginners. Only skilled divers should take on this adventure.

Fortunately, the second stand-out adventure requires zero prior experience: The Belize Chocolate Company in San Pedro. Visitors love tasting the local, bean-to-bar blends of chocolate, with desserts as diverse as cocoas, truffles, bars, tortes, and teas. Guests can even take chocolate-making classes hosted by the gourmet chocolatier.

Caye Caulker

Like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to highly skilled divers. Certified divers can explore the sprawling underwater cave system beneath Caye Caulker, including Giant Cave and Winter Wonderland. The latter is named for the fine, snow-like white silt settled on the cave’s formations.

Non-divers can also experience a unique tour of the Belize Barrier Reef. Local guides offer in-depth, 3-hour snorkeling tours of the Belize Barrier Reef, starting from the Caye. If snorkeling is too much, visitors can also enjoy the reef from above the surface on a kayak.

Winner: Ambergris Caye

While both islands offer a unique, unforgettable experience to divers with advanced skills, underwater cave exploration isn’t safe for most travelers. Fortunately, the Belize Chocolate Company tour in San Pedro is a rare treat anyone can enjoy!

Other Considerations: Day Trips, Language, Lodging, and Cost

The most popular day trips from San Pedro are to Belize City and mainland destinations, including tubing adventures in the Belize Cave System, exploration of ancient ruins, and zip line tours through the rainforest canopy.

Highly-rated day trips from Caye Caulker are those to the Hol Chan Marine Reservation, island-hopping wildlife tours, and excursions to visit the Altun Ha ruins.

English is a primary language in both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

Both islands offer a range of resorts, hotels, and hostels. The popular spots in San Pedro tend to fill up fast, so it’s important to book your stay a few months in advance. In contrast, Caye Caulker’s hotels draw fewer guests, so you can often book a room at the last minute.

While visitors could plan a trip on a budget to either island, Caye Caulker’s lodgings and activities typically cost a bit less on average.

Discover Ambergris Caye On Caravan’s All-Inclusive Belize Tikal Tour

Ambergris Caye is the winner of our Belize island face-off! And visiting has never been easier.

One of the best ways to save money when traveling to Belize—and also skip the stress—is to book a spot on Caravan’s all-inclusive Tour of Belize & Tikal. Our travel experts curate everything, from dining to lodging to shark adventures, and reserve space far in advance. That way, our guests never have to stress! On a Caravan trip, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.

If you’d like to join in, or just want more information, we invite you to call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.

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Tikal Tours from Flores

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In an average year, over 300,000 travelers from nations across the globe visit Belize and Guatemala. That might not be a surprise; there’s a lot to love about these vibrant coastal nations!

In addition to the scenic beaches, reefs, and tropical wildlife, Guatemala is also home to a vital site of one of the most extraordinary ancient civilizations on Earth: Tikal.

Tikal was once the heart of the Maya Kingdom. What does it mean to explore the echoes of that ancient city through its ruins?

For many visitors, it means the adventure of a lifetime.

Historical and Cultural Importance of Tikal

The earliest structures of Tikal were built in the year 4 B.C. The site grew in vastness and political importance for centuries, until, between 200 – 900 A.D., it reached the height of its power. In that era (known as the Classical Period), Tikal was the capital and central heart of one of the strongest kingdoms in the history of Maya civilization.

The Heart of a Powerful Maya Kingdom

In this era, Tikal was both a hub and dominant political force across the Mesoamerican continent. It was a center of trade among peoples as distant as Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico, and Conan in what is now Western Honduras.

Tikal also held court, festivals, and even the seats of royal dynasties vital to ancient Maya culture.

Extraordinary History: Yax Mutal, Then and Now

Contemporary historians believe the Tikal site was called “Yax Mutal” by those who lived there. As an ancient city, it thrived for thousands of years, sometimes allying with or being taken by different ancient nations.

Around 900-950 A.D., the population of Tikal started declining. By 1100 A.D., the site had been entirely abandoned. The rainforest began to grow over the buildings and the ruins.

The ruins were rediscovered in 1848. But, they were almost entirely covered. It wasn’t until 1956 that archeologists from Guatemala and the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. started excavating them.

The Tikal site as we know it today was finally drawn out and restored by the mid-1970s. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the influence of ancient Maya civilization is felt across Guatemalan culture. From the Guatemalan people’s syncretic spirituality, to the arts, architecture, and food, Tikal matters to modern Guatemala more than ever before.

What to Expect on a Guided Tour of Tikal

Get Ready To Walk (or Ride) Far

Tikal National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the Tikal ruins, covers a little over 222 square miles of land. It encompasses such a broad swath of diverse habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife, it can’t be explored in its entirety in a single day.

Most guided tours of Tikal either drive or bike to the ruins’ site, then tour the ruins themselves on foot. For most people, a Tikal tour involves 6 miles of walking and hiking. Typical tours are paced to be completed from 6 – 8 hours, with some breaks.

For those who cannot walk the distance, Tikal National Park allows visitors to explore the ground level of the ruins and the park with motorized scooters. This can still be enjoyable, although narrow or rocky paths wouldn’t be accessible. It’s also important that any bikes and scooters be appropriate for the terrain.

Experience Breathtaking Sights

There are too many extraordinary buildings and structures among the Tikal ruins to visit them all. Most tours emphasize some of the most spectacular, including:

  • The North Acropolis
    • This series of 12 tombs house generations of Maya royalty
      • Each tomb is connected to its intricately decorated temple
  • The Grand Plaza
    • This central court has a dramatic sunset view
      • Sports, spiritual rituals, and royal events were conducted here
  • Temple of The Great Jaguar
    • This nine-level pyramid symbolized the levels of the underworld
      • It culminates in a royal tomb—a resting place filled with hieroglyphics, jade mosaics, and carved portraiture
  • Temple IV
    • This is the tallest pyramid on the site
      • When they climb it, visitors can see the entire park.
  • The Temple of Masks
    • This shorter pyramid offers beautiful views of the rainforest
      • Its inscription shows it was dedicated to a queen

Climb (Some) of the Pyramids

The pyramids of Tikal are often open to climbing. However, authorities may close specific pyramids to climbers (or entirely) for safety or restoration.

The Temple of Masks (Temple II) and Temple IV are the most frequently available to travelers to want to make their way to the top.

The Temple of The Great Jaguar is often also climbable, although it has been recently closed for repairs.

Wildlife and Flora You’ll Encounter in Tikal National Park

Tiklal’s extraordinary biodiversity is part of the reason Tikal National Park was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to UNESCO, the protected preserve is home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including over 330 identified bird species, 200 species of trees, 100 species of reptiles, “…over 60 species of bat.”

Walking through the tropics, travelers take in beautiful orchids, bromeliads, and rainforest canopies dotted with monkeys.

Keen-eyed visitors might catch sight of soft-footed ocelots and jaguars, a rare Great Curassow, or an endangered Central American River Turtle.

Tips for Preparing for a Tikal Tour (Clothing, Weather, and More)

Wear Lightweight, Protective Clothing, Strong Shoes

Insects like mosquitos, frequent bouts of rain, and the tropical heat, are all part and parcel of the environment in Guatemala. When exploring Tikal, it’s important to wear waterproof or water-resistant boots and outerwear, as well as fabrics that can prevent overheating. Clothing treated with insect repellent is a wise choice.

Gear Up To Prevent Injury and Illness

Last but not least, it’s important to take steps to prevent the risk of injury or illness when journeying through Tikal.

Abide by recommendations from the CDC to avoid food-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Be proactive against heat stroke as well; take steps to ensure your skin still experiences evaporative cooling in humid weather, and stay hydrated.

Abide By Travel Advisories

Stay alert to any travel advisories issued by your home country throughout every trip. Currently, the United States has issued a Level 3 advisory requesting Americans “Reconsider Travel” to Guatemala.

That said, while traveling to Guatemala as a whole is risky, but the Tikal site itself is highly secure.

How Caravan Tours Enhances the Tikal Experience

Tikal National Park is intriguing no matter how you visit it. Yet, when exploring with an expertly crafted, guided tour, the experience surpasses even the highest expectations.

Stay At Lovely Accommodations

Searching through lodging options to find the right fit for your trip can be frustrating. Fortunately, Caravan’s tours automatically include all accommodations.

When traveling through Belize with Caravan, you’ll stay at Hotel Camino Real Tikal. Guests relax in a room with a private balcony, air-conditioning, Jacuzzi, and even an authentic Mayan-style sauna bath called Temazcal.

Taste Diverse, Curated Guatemalan Meals

Caravan’s tours include meals every day. Tour curators ensure all guests can enjoy the rich culinary options each destination offers.

Safe Transportation Guaranteed

Staying safe on the road (or on boats) isn’t always easy. Yet, Caravan’s guests needn’t stress. 100% of the transit is handled by professionals.

Ancient Tikal Comes To Life With Caravan

Traveling should be fun, not stressful. At Caravan, we do the work for our guests stress-free.

Our guides curate all-inclusive trips with expertise.  Activities, lodgings, and meals are hand-picked and booked well ahead of time. The only thing left for guests to do is enjoy!

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Tikal in one extraordinary trip, why not check out our weeklong Belize and Tikal Tour?

If you’d like to join in, or just want more information, we invite you to call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.

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Sightseeing at Shark Ray Alley: Part of Caravan’s Belize to Tikal Tour

Swimming with sharks is an unforgettable experience. An up-close experience with one of the most feared creatures of the sea has been described as an exhilarating embrace of life itself!

Yet, most sharks themselves aren’t as dangerous as people might think. In fact, in Belize, the slow-moving nurse shark is usually calm and peaceable.

That’s part of the appeal of Shark Ray Alley. On a sea shelf just off the Central American coast, visitors can experience the surprising, gentle side of nurse sharks, sea turtles, and rays with little more than a snorkel and some gear.

If you’re looking to get close and personal with Caribbean marine life, then Shark Ray Alley might just be a perfect fit for your trip.

What Is Shark Ray Alley?

Shark Ray Alley is a protected zone in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, just off the coast of Belize. It’s approximately 3 square miles across and 30 feet deep.

Historically, fishermen loading and docking would chum the water in the zone, drawing in sharks, rays, and other creatures looking for an easy meal. Since the zone’s waters are crystal clear, it grants incredible, rare visibility to sharks’ and rays’ feasts and socializing—parts of daily marine life that are usually hidden from view.

To share this wild vision with travelers worldwide, conservationists transformed Zone D of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve into a singular experience: Shark Ray Alley.

What Marine Life Will You See In Shark Ray Alley?

Since Shark Ray Alley is a (relatively) shallow area just inside the Belize Barrier Reef, it attracts reef-drawn marine life and creatures who feed on fish and plankton in the coral reef’s ecosystem.

While the assortment of creatures can change from day to day, visitors often see ocean fauna like:

  • Nurse sharks
  • Lemon sharks
  • Bull sharks
  • Green sea turtles
  • Hawksbill turtles
  • Groupers
  • Jackfish
  • Moray eels
  • Spotted eagle rays
  • Manta rays
  • Southern stingrays

Note that these wild animals can pose various degrees of risk to human swimmers. As a result, it’s vital to abide by all guide instructions and warnings when exploring the alley!

Exploring The Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Visitors to Shark Ray Alley often also enjoy exploring the other zones of Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Zone A Is The Hol Chan Channel

This is a strict no-fishing, no-feeding zone filled with dramatic schools of fish. Snorkeling and swimming are allowed in Zone A, so long as swimmers abide by strict guidelines designed to protect vulnerable species.

Zone B Is The Seagrass Bed Management Zone

This zone allows traditional and sport fishing in support of sustainable fisheries. Only approved fishing methods (not destructive to seagrasses) are allowed in Zone B.

Zone C Includes Mangrove Islands, The Crangero Shoals, and Part of Ambergris Caye

This zone is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the mangrove forest and sustainable (catch & release) fishing. Visitors are encouraged to explore the mangrove forests by kayak, and swimming is allowed among the shoals and mangroves so long as no flora, fauna, shells, or rocks are removed. Most fishing is prohibited.

Experiencing Shark Ray Alley With Caravan’s Belize to Tikal Tour

A trip can be many things: an adventure, an experience, and even a time of relaxation. What it shouldn’t be is stressful.

Fortunately, Caravan helps travelers cut down on stress with our all-inclusive tours. On our Tour of Belize and Tikal, accommodations, meals, and a leisurely daily itinerary are curated and booked by experts. Our guests never have to sweat—unless they’re preparing to jump in with some sharks.

Swimming With Sharks? Enjoy The Adventure With Caravan

For over 70 years, Caravan’s travel experts have honed the art of curated, guided, all-inclusive tours. Today, trips like our 10-Day Tour of Belize and Tikal have never been more popular!

To experience the exhilaration and wonder of Shark Ray Alley, don’t hesitate. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot today. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.

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