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Caye Caulker

Travel Guide > Central America > Belize > Caye Caulker

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Introduction

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

© All Rights Reserved mtlgal

Caye Caulker is a small laid back Caribbean island 35km northeast of Belize City. It is easily accessible by water taxi - passenger boats that leave frequently from the Marine Terminal in Belize City (B$15 one way, B$25 return).

With its dusty roads, many of which don't have names, complete lack of cars (instead they use golf carts!) and turquoise waters it is easy to see why Caye Caulker has such a favourable reputation among backpackers.

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Geography

The small coral island measures only 8 kilometres (north to south) by 2 kilometres (east to west) and is essentially a sand bar over a limestone shelf. It is located The Split, a narrow waterway, divides the island. As a result of a hurricane in 1961, a passage of a few inches deep was left. Villagers then dredged it to provide a convenient passage from the west to east side of the island. Natural erosion has continued to grow the opening to a current depth of over 6 metres.

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Towns

  • Caye Caulker Village (or Santa Elena) is main settlement on the island.

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Sights and Activities

Lobsters on a BBQ at Lobsterfest 2008

Lobsters on a BBQ at Lobsterfest 2008

© All Rights Reserved elliemike

Possibly the best place to spend time on the island is the swimming area known as 'The Split' which is at the northern tip of the island. There is a diving board, bar, picnic benches in shallow water and sun bathing area to keep everyone entertained.

There are numerous companies that offer diving and snorkelling trips which most people seem to go on at some point during their stay. There are also 2/3 day sailing and camping trips available that take people to surrounding islands.

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Events and Festivals

In the third weekend of June the annual lobsterfest takes place which is well worth making the effort to attend. They have music, games, ceremonies and most importantly, copious amounts of lobster in every form imaginable.

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Weather

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Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

PropertyAddressTypePopularity
Belize Odyssey ResortSouth Beach Airstrip AreaHotel63
Rauls Rooms and Apartments#1 Traveller's Palm StreetHotel50

This is version 8. Last edited at 13:34 on May 23, 09 by Utrecht (+225). 5 articles link to this page.

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