Welcome to Caye Caulker, a tiny but vibrant island nestled in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Belize. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and stunning marine life, Caye Caulker is a paradise for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the wide variety of activities on Caye Caulker, seeking free things to do on Caye Caulker, or looking for the best restaurants in Caye Caulker, this charming island offers something for everyone. From thrilling Caye Caulker snorkeling tours to family-friendly experiences, including activities perfect for Caye Caulker with kids, here are 20 epic things to do that will make your visit truly unforgettable.
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1. Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef – Hol Chan Marine Reserve
When thinking of a trip to Belize, snorkeling is often the first thing that comes to mind. Dive into the breathtaking underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Caye Caulker snorkeling tours will take you to vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays.
We snorkeled Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Don’t forget your GoPro for your snorkeling adventure! Snorkeling is a fun thing to do on Caye Caulker, especially for families. This was a highlight for our kids and a top pick for activities on Caye Caulker.
2. Swim with Sharks at Shark Ray Alley
Embark on an unforgettable adventure and swim alongside nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley. Don’t worry; these gentle creatures pose no threat to humans and offer a thrilling experience. However, I still conclude this is not for the faint-hearted. I was in the water for about 60 seconds before getting out, but my kids and husband loved this humbling experience. If you’re considering Caye Caulker with kids, this is an activity they’ll talk about for years.
3. Explore the Split
Visit the iconic Split, a narrow waterway that divides Caye Caulker in two. Lounge on the sandy beach, sip on tropical cocktails at the famous Lazy Lizard bar, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Lazy Lizard Juice! Exploring the Split is one of the best free things to do on Caye Caulker and a must-see.
4. Take a dip at Sip N’ Dip – A Unique Way to Enjoy a Restaurant on Caye Caulker
The Sip N’ Dip is the perfect place to “Go Slow” on Caye Caulker. This restaurant right next to The Split offers seating in the main dining area or tables in the water. We chose to dine in the water, making it one of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker for unique dining experiences. While waiting for food, our kids snorkeled under the dock—a bonus for families seeking activities on Caye Caulker.
Don’t forget your snorkeling gear!
Snorkeling on the beaches or under the docks offers a free activity for the kids, but you really want to book an actual snorkel excursion if you come to Caye Caulker.
5. Take a Sunset Cruise: Evening Activities on Caye Caulker
Witness the stunning Caribbean sunset aboard a sunset cruise around Caye Caulker. Sip on rum punch, sway to reggae music, and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors painting the sky. Though not free, it’s one of the most memorable activities on Caye Caulker and a great option for couples or older kids.
6. Sample Local Cuisine – A Favorite Restaurants to do on Caye Caulker
Indulge your taste buds with the delicious flavors of Belizean cuisine. From fresh seafood dishes like lobster and conch ceviche to hearty stew chicken and fry jacks, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering dishes. Every place we ate had fantastic food, making it easy to find the best restaurants in Caye Caulker. RP’s Roadside Grill near Palmetto Beach was a standout, and Sandy’s Secret rental provided a convenient base for exploring local culinary gems.
RP’s Roadside Grill was set up near Palmetto Beach, which is where we stayed. We rented Sandy’s Secret, which was an oceanfront home. We typically had the shared pool to ourselves. My son loved fishing off the dock (caught barracuda and a shark). Palmetto Beach on Caye Caulker had bikes and golf cart for rent or kayaks and stand up paddle boards, free of charge, offering some activity options at no extra charge. This was a highly recommended rental.
7. Go Island Tubing!
Relax and “Go Slow” with a tubing tour around the island. Anda De Wata tour company offers tubing excursions complete with a bartender. It’s a unique way to enjoy the sunset while exploring activities on Caye Caulker.
8. Shop for Local Crafts and Souvenirs – Activities on Caye Caulker
Browse the colorful stalls of street vendors and artisans on Caye Caulker. From handmade jewelry to traditional Belizean textiles, there’s something for everyone. Little Blue Gift Shop is a charming spot to pick up souvenirs. This is one of the free things to do on Caye Caulker if you’re just browsing.
9. Explore San Pedro
Take a day trip to Ambergris Caye and explore the many adventures San Pedro has to offer. A short water taxi ride connects you to even more activities on Caye Caulker’s neighboring island. For those planning to spend time on both islands, San Pedro’s Secret Beach is a highlight.
10. Take a Yoga Class
Rejuvenate your mind and body with a yoga class on Caye Caulker. Namaste Cafe offers drop-in classes for all levels, making it one of the relaxing activities on Caye Caulker. It’s also family-friendly, especially for parents who want some solo time while the kids unwind.
The Caye Hotel is located very close to Namaste Cafe. It offer’s great amenities and comes highly rated.
11. Go on a Fishing Charter
Try your luck at fishing in the bountiful waters surrounding Caye Caulker. While my son enjoyed fishing off the dock—a favorite free thing to do on Caye Caulker—Fishing King Belize offers full charters for a more immersive experience.
We ended up doing our fishing with Fishing King Belize in San Pedro, but my kid did more than enough fishing off the dock in Caye Caulker, which is an activity he is passionate about. Fishing off the dock was more than successful. He caught a variety of fish, but mainly Barracuda and even one nurse shark. As seen above, the boys are trying to release a 6 foot nurse shark from my sons line.
Here is the traveling fishing pole my kid brings along to most of our vacations, including our trip to Caye Caulker. This pole packs nicely in our luggage.
12. Get Out on the Water: Kayak or SUP
A popular activity on Caye Caulker is to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. There are places to rent a kayak or SUP on Caye Caulker. We stay at Sandy’s Secret on Palmetto Beach in Caye Caulker and they offered kayaks and SUP free of charge, so this was one of the free things to do on Caye Caulker for us.
13. Dance the Night Away
Experience Caye Caulker’s nightlife with lively reggae beats and vibrant beach bars. While we focused more on family-friendly activities on Caye Caulker, this is a must for those traveling without kids.
14. Clean the Waters – Free Things to do in Caye Caulker
Get involved in protecting Caye Caulker’s fragile ecosystem by volunteering with local conservation organizations. Whether it’s beach cleanups, reef monitoring, or mangrove restoration projects, your efforts can make a real difference.
Although we never did an organized cleaning in Caye Caulker, my kids did their own part by cleaning the waters near the split, which is a bonus free activity!
15. Relax at a Local Spa
After a day of snorkeling, what would be better then winding down with a full body massage? There are plenty of options for this on Caye Caulker.
Blu Zen is an excellent place to stay of you’re looking for high-quality relaxation. If a massage and spa is high on your activity list in Caye Caulker, look into this excellent accommodation, which is best for couples traveling without kids. Blu Zen is located on north Caye Caulker.
16. Take a Sailing Trip
Enjoy a day of adventure with a sailing trip around Caye Caulker and nearby islands. Snorkeling, seafood BBQs, and turquoise waters make this one of the top Caye Caulker snorkeling tours to book.
17. Go Cave Tubing:
Venture inland for a unique experience floating along underground rivers. Although this requires a day trip from Caye Caulker, it’s worth adding to your Belize itinerary.
Hop on the water taxi and head inland for a day of cave tubing.
18. Feed the Tarpon
Watch these impressive fish leap out of the water to grab bait at the Tarpon feeding dock. This quick, affordable activity is one of the highlights for families exploring Caye Caulker with kids.
19. Bike Around
With no cars on Caye Caulker, bikes and golf carts are the primary modes of transportation. Renting bikes is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore all the activities on Caye Caulker.
20. Simply Relax and Unwind – “Go Slow”
Finally, embrace the island’s motto: “Go Slow.” Whether it’s swinging in a hammock or strolling along the beach, simply relaxing is one of the best free things to do on Caye Caulker.
From thrilling Caye Caulker snorkeling tours to sampling local cuisine at the best restaurants in Caye Caulker, this island truly has it all. Whether you’re traveling with family and looking for activities on Caye Caulker with kids or seeking free things to do on Caye Caulker, your tropical getaway will be nothing short of unforgettable.
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