12 Epic Things to Do in Caye Caulker + 3 That Aren’t Worth It

Caye Caulker seriously took me by surprise. A couple of my friends had visited and raved about it, so when my three girlfriends and I planned a three-week backpacking trip, we decided to spend a week on the island. Let me tell you—I will NEVER forget this trip.

From the best snorkeling I’ve EVER done (and I’ve snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef) to some of the most fun days just hanging out at The Split, Caye Caulker stole my heart. I’m already planning my next trip back because I love Caye Caulker so much! .

But after doing pretty much everything the island has to offer, I now know exactly what’s worth your time and what you can skip. This is a no-nonsense guide—just the best things to do in Caye Caulker and the ones that aren’t worth it.

So let’s get into it.

12 Epic Things to Do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker’s motto is “Go Slow,” and honestly, it’s the best advice you’ll get. This isn’t the kind of place where you need to schedule every second of your day. The island is small, the vibes are chill, and the best experiences happen when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next.

That said, there are some must-do activities that will make your Central America trip unforgettable—so here’s exactly what’s worth your time.

Heading to Bacalar, Mexico next? Make sure you book the right stay—check out my guide on where to stay in Bacalar, Mexico!

1. Snorkeling: The Absolute Must-Do

This was the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, and that’s coming from someone who’s snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef.

We booked with Good Vibes Tour through Bella’s Backpackers, even though we weren’t staying there. A bunch of backpackers swore by them, so we went for it. They completely forgot about us at first—like, straight-up forgot. But in true island fashion, no one was too worried. The guides rolled out of bed, grabbed our lunches, and eventually, we were off. Leaving late actually worked in our favor since we got most of the spots to ourselves.

First stop: tarpon and bird feeding. I had no idea what to expect, but suddenly, I was standing on the boat with a tiny fish in my hand while a massive bird swooped down and snatched it. Then came the tarpon—same deal, except this time, it was a giant fish launching out of the water. Absolutely wild.

Not even five minutes later, our guide told us to watch for manatees. We thought he was joking—until we saw them, just floating along. The boat stopped, we grabbed our gear, and within minutes, we were swimming alongside these massive, goofy sea cows. They were so playful, rolling around and surfacing right next to us. I could’ve left happy right then.

But the actual snorkeling? Incredible. We swam through coral reefs, spotting nurse sharks and brightly colored fish. Hol Chan Marine Reserve was straight out of a dream—stingrays and sea turtles gliding past like we weren’t even there. I sat out the shipwreck (rum punch was still winning), but a BBQ chicken lunch on the boat brought me back to life just in time for Shark Ray Alley, where 30+ nurse sharks swarmed our boat. Swimming with them was insane.

Six hours later, we pulled back into Caye Caulker, sunburned, salty, and so happy. This was the best day of the trip, no question.

If you don’t want to go with the backpacker tour, Check out this other epic 7-stop snorkeling tour.

If you’re traveling with kids and 7 stops sounds like a lot, this half-day, 3-stop tour is a perfect option

2. Chill at The Split

Every single day, without fail, we’d end up at the Split, whether it was for a midday swim, a round of Lizard Juice, or just to soak up the island vibes. There aren’t really sandy beaches on Caye Caulker, so this is where everyone gathers, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Legend has it that a hurricane literally split the island in two, and instead of fixing it, locals just rolled with it. Now, it’s the ultimate swimming hole, with crystal-clear water, a dock made for sunbathing, and the Lazy Lizard bar, serving up that dangerously strong, neon-green Lizard Juice. It tastes like vacation but sneaks up fast—we learned that the fun way.

The whole place has that do-nothing-and-love-it energy. Some days we’d just float around with a beer, other days we’d jump off the dock, meet other backpackers, and somehow end up on a free sunset boat ride (shoutout to being a group of four girls).

3. Scuba Dive in the Belize Barrier Reef

If you’re a diver, Caye Caulker Belize puts you right next to one of the most incredible underwater ecosystems in the world—the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is massive, stretching over 190 miles, it’s the second largest barrier reef behind Australia’s and is home to thriving coral formations, reef sharks, eagle rays, and more marine life than you can count.

Most dive shops offer trips to Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef, and of course, the legendary Great Blue Hole. Dropping into the Blue Hole feels surreal. At around 130 feet, you’ll find eerie stalactites and the occasional reef shark gliding through the deep blue abyss. It’s bucket list-worthy for sure, but the visibility isn’t always great, and there’s not much marine life down there.

We went scuba diving with Sunrise Scuba, and they were amazing. But honestly, you can just walk along the beach, and all the dive shops will be lined up to your right—shop around and find the one that feels right for you. Our guides at Sunrise were absolute legends. After every dive, they’d invite us to play cards and have some rum punch, which made the whole experience even better. We left feeling like we actually had some good contacts on the island, and that’s always a nice feeling.

That said, because the snorkeling was SO good, I could have skipped the diving in Caye Caulker. But since I had already booked it and wanted to see the Blue Hole, it was fine.

Want to scuba dive in Caye Caulker? Check out my guide on dive shops, top dive sites, and my experience exploring the reef

4. Visit the Stingrays at Iguana Reef Inn

Every day around sunset, the stingrays glide into the shallow waters at Iguana Reef Inn, and it’s pure magic. Standing ankle-deep, you’ll feel them brush past your feet, completely unbothered by the people around them. It’s one of those simple yet surreal experiences that make Caye Caulker feel so special.

After hanging with the stingrays, head to the dock, where you’ll spot baby sharks and other wildlife cruising through the water. Add in a Caribbean sunset lighting up the sky, and it’s honestly unreal. We came here almost every evening because it just never got old.

5. Try Spearfishing or a Fishing Charter

I didn’t get the chance to do this myself, but I met a girl from Namibia who came back from a spearfishing trip absolutely raving about it. She said it was hands-down one of the coolest things she did on the island, and honestly, with the amount of marine life around Caye Caulker, I can only imagine how epic it was.

The guides helped her land a catch, and later that night, she took it to one of the island’s BBQ spots, where they grilled it up for everyone. Such a sick experience if you’re into fishing—or just love the idea of catching your own dinner in paradise.

6. Feed the Tarpon

If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining activity, head to the tarpon feeding dock on the west side of the island. These fish are massive, and the whole experience is as hilarious as it is mildly terrifying. You hold a small fish just above the water, and within seconds, a tarpon launches itself into the air and snatches it from your fingers. It’s chaotic, it’s unexpected, and it’s way more fun than it should be.

That said, since we got to do this on our snorkeling tour, we didn’t feel the need to go again. But if you’re not planning to snorkel, definitely swing by—it’s such a classic Caye Caulker experience.

7. Sunday Funday at Bella’s Backpackers

If there was ever an event designed to test your liver and your life choices, it’s Sunday Funday at Bella’s. My friends and I are all in our late 20s and early 30s, but we’re still backpackers at heart, so we figured—why not? Turns out, we were the oldest ones there by a mile, but honestly, we didn’t care.

The day started off harmless enough—volleyball, water balloon fights, and unlimited rum punch. Dangerous. By the time we got on the catamaran for the sunset sail, things had fully spiraled. People were diving off the boat, drinks were spilling, and the music was loud enough to make you forget the decisions you were making.

By the end of the night, two of us were puking in the street, one was nursing a jellyfish sting, and the last one had somehow ended up in deep conversation with the ladies selling hot dogs. Absolute carnage.

Haha, but honestly, that might be more on us than the event itself. Sunday Funday is definitely a wild time, but it’s also one of the best ways to meet people on the island. Whether you’re downing rum punch, attempting to play volleyball, or just vibing on the catamaran at sunset, you’ll leave with new friends—and maybe a few regrets.

You can book at the backpacker, or purchase online here!

8. Get Your Yoga Fix at Namaste Cafe

We weren’t hungover every day, okay? Some mornings, we went full-on zen mode instead. It’s one or the other with us.

Namaste Café is the spot for yoga on the island. Classes take place on an open-air rooftop, which makes everything feel extra peaceful—unless you’re in downward dog realizing just how sore you are from yesterday’s adventures. When we went, it was donation-based, but now it’s a set price of $20 BZD per class (with class passes available if you plan to go regularly).

They offer All Levels Vinyasa every morning at 9:30 AM, with extra classes like Power Flow on weekends and Chair Yoga on Saturdays. No need to book ahead—just show up 15-20 minutes early, grab a mat (they provide them for free), and soak up the good vibes.

Whether you’re recovering from Sunday Funday or just looking for a peaceful start to your day, this is such a solid way to reset before diving back into island life.

Check out their yoga schedule here!

9. Eat & Drink Your Way Through Caye Caulker

Food on this island hits different. Whether it’s fresh seafood straight off the boat or a morning coffee with your toes in the sand, eating here is just part of the experience.

Along the main road, you’ll see locals grilling up shrimp and veggie skewers or that unreal BBQ chicken. I always grabbed one on my way to The Split—cheap, delicious, and exactly what you need after a swim.

Mornings belong to Ice and Beans, where the mini donuts are dangerously good, but my go-to was the bacon, egg, and cheese bagel, absolutely drenched in Marie’s Hot Sauce (a must-buy on the island, trust me). Pair it with an iced latte, sit back with your feet in the sand, and enjoy the ocean views.

When it’s time for a drink, Sip N Dip Bar is the move. It’s just past The Split, with tables and chairs right in the water, so you can sip, swim, and soak up the sun all at once. And if you’re feeling bold, they’ll give you a free shot for flashing the bartenders. So, uh… have fun with that.

Check out my full guide on the best Caye Caulker Restaurants here!

10. Visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter

If you need a little break from the sun (or just want to cuddle some adorable animals), stop by the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter. This small but wholesome spot is home to rescued dogs, cats, and even the occasional bunny, all looking for a little love. You can pop in to say hi, take a pup for a walk around the island, or even adopt if you somehow manage to resist their puppy-dog eyes.

We ended up here one afternoon after meeting a traveler who had just taken a dog for a beach stroll. Five minutes later, we were surrounded by wiggly tails and happy barks, and honestly, it was one of the best ways to slow down and soak in the island’s easygoing vibe.

11. Celebrate at Lobster Fest

Lobster season in Belize officially runs from July 1st to February 28th, and the island kicks things off with a massive party, the Lobster Fest. Picture live music, beach BBQs, and lobster everything—grilled lobster, lobster ceviche, lobster tacos. If it fits on a plate, they’re putting lobster on it.

I was devastated that the season started one week after we left. The FOMO was real. If you time your trip right, don’t make the same mistake—eat your body weight in lobster and soak up the festival vibes for me.

12. Go Slow

Caye Caulker is the kind of place where time doesn’t really exist. Days blur together in the best way—morning swims turn into afternoon beers, which somehow turn into a boat ride at sunset. The whole island runs on Go Slow mode, and if you try to fight it, you’ll lose. We’d wake up with no real plans, grab bagels from Ice and Beans, and by the time we finished our iced lattes, we’d already run into half the island.

One day, we were just chilling at The Split when a local asked if we wanted to go out on his boat. An hour later, we were sailing with a cooler full of rum punch, watching the sky explode in colors. Another time, we ended up at a backyard BBQ, eating the freshest lobster while someone’s uncle DJed from a tiny speaker. You don’t plan Caye Caulker—you just let it happen.

3 Things That Aren’t Worth It

Not everything in Caye Caulker is worth your time (or your cash), so here are three things I’d personally skip.

The Blue Hole Scenic Flight

Yes, the aerial view of the Blue Hole is stunning, but it’s also really expensive for a 45-minute flight with Maya Island Air. If you’ve got cash to burn, go for it—but otherwise, you can see jaw-dropping water colors just by taking the ferry to Caye Caulker.

Biking the Island

Caye Caulker is tiny. You can walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes, so renting a bike isn’t really necessary. The sandy roads also make riding more effort than it’s worth. Save the rental fee and spend that money on an extra rum punch instead.

Visiting Caye Caulker’s North Island

There’s basically nothing there. It’s mostly private land, construction sites, and some mangroves. Unless you’re staying in one of the few resorts or hanging out at the Northside beach club (which I also think it overrated) there’s no real reason to cross over. Stick to the south side—that’s where the fun is.

Final Tips for Visiting Caye Caulker

• Cash is king – A lot of places don’t take cards, so hit the ATM before you get to the island.
• Go Slow means GO SLOW – No one’s in a rush here, so don’t expect speedy service. Embrace it.
• Bug spray is your best friend, but baby oil is the real MVP – Sandflies are relentless, and a local literally yelled at us from his bike to stop scratching and get baby oil. It works. Trust me.
• Book snorkeling in advance – It’s the one thing you don’t want to miss, and spots fill up fast.
• Don’t stress about plans – The best part of Caye Caulker is letting the day take you where it wants.

FAQ:Everything You Need to Know About the Top Things to do in Caye Caulker Belize

What are some free things to do in Caye Caulker?

Plenty! Swim and sunbathe at The Split, visit the stingrays at Iguana Reef, walk around the island spotting colorful street art, or take a sunset stroll along the beach. If you’re lucky, you might even score a free boat ride—just hang out at The Split and make some friends.

What to do in Caye Caulker when it rains?

Caye Caulker isn’t a big “indoor activities” kind of place, but you can still find ways to enjoy it. Grab a coffee at Ice and Beans, take a yoga class at Namaste Café, or visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter for some cozy puppy cuddles. If you’re feeling social, post up at a bar and wait for the storm to pass—locals swear by rum punch as a cure for bad weather.

What are the best things to do in Caye Caulker with kids?

Kids will love feeding the tarpons, watching baby sharks at Iguana Reef, or splashing around in the calm waters at The Split. Snorkeling tours are also a great family-friendly activity, especially in Shark Ray Alley, where they can safely see nurse sharks and stingrays up close.

How do you get to Caye Caulker?

If you’re coming from Mainland Belize most people take the San Pedro Belize Express or Ocean Ferry Belize from Belize City, which takes about 45 minutes by water taxi. If you’re coming from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), it’s just a 30-minute ferry ride. You can also take the ferry from Chetumal in Mexico which takes about 3 hours.

What are the best things to do in Ambergris Caye?

Ambergris Caye is Caye Caulker’s bigger, more developed neighbor. Top things to do include snorkeling or diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visiting Secret Beach, renting a golf cart to explore the island, or grabbing drinks at a beachfront bar in San Pedro.

Final Thoughts on What To Do in Caye Caulker

After a week in Caye Caulker, I still wasn’t ready to leave. The slow mornings, gorgeous sunsets, and ridiculously good kebabs—I wasn’t ready for it to end. Sure, you can make a list of must-dos, but trust me, you don’t really need one.

The island is tiny, and the best days happen when you just go with the flow. So book your snorkel trip, keep your plans loose, and let Caye Caulker work its magic.

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