So you are planning your vacation to paradise. You are probably picturing yourself sitting on a beach in a lounge chair, under an umbrella, with a rum punch in your hand. Well, this may disappoint you, but this may not be the reality on your vacation to Caye Caulker.
Are there beaches on Caye Caulker?
For those who don't know, Caye Caulker it an island roughly 45 minutes off the coast of Belize. It is technically two islands (North & South) that were split down the middle by a Hurricane Haiti in 1961. The South Island is where the village and people who vacation typically go. The Island itself is only 5 miles long and 1 mile long.
Due to this size, there are not many "beaches" as we know and love.
Where do I swim then?
I do not want you to fear! The water around Caye Caulker is beautiful, and there are still great spots to swim at while you are there. For example, the "Split" is the most common place. This is the section where the North and South islands split, and it has a bar there named the Lazy Lizard. This is where everyone goes to party and swim during the day. The water around the split has a current, but you can definitely get your clear water fix here!
There is another small spot right next to the Split. Named "Sip & Dip". It is very close to the Split but a little bit more intimate. There is a dock that overlooks the water, and the drinks are a lot cheaper than the split.
If you have little ones, I would recommend "Sip & Dip" for its family friendly assets. You will find a beach playground with slides that go into the water and picnic tables for eating.
If you want a quieter and more relaxing experience, there is one other spot that I would unquestionably recommend on the West side of the island. The "West Side" is the calmer side of Caye Caulker. There is a beach right off backstreet about 100 yards down from the Split. It is right in front of the Sea Dreams Hotel. You can get our map and see this little gem there.
There is one last place that I would recommend on the East side of the island. It is more south than the rest of the options, so if you are very south of the Split, you don't have to walk as much. This spot is right next door to Godfrey's bar and grill. And while you are hanging out you should try one of his "Blue Hole" drinks! My husband and father had this drink recently and let me say it is an experience!
The village council (the group that governs the island) started a beach reclamation project a few years ago. This did add some great areas to hang out on a beach and enjoy the sun and surf. All of these are on the east side of the island, and a couple are very close to Go slow Apartment.
Do I miss "the beach" when I visit?
Most people ask me this when I explain what Caye Caulker is like. I have to say; I am someone who finds the beauty in the water and the calmness of it much more important than sitting on a beach.
Plus, the great thing about Caye Caulker is that there is always a bar within a stone throw distance; therefore, if you want to dry off and enjoy a drink, you just pop in with nothing but a swimsuit on!
No shoes, no shirt, no problem!
Let's Finish This Up!
So, to sum this up, no, there are few if any, true "beaches" on Caye Caulker as you would think of them in Florida or Dominican Republic.
However, there are some great spots to swim and drink the day away. Some of these spots being: The Split, by Godfrey's, Sip and Dip and near Go Slow Apartment.
If you want more of a party scene, I would recommend The Split; however, if you are more into a family environment, then I would hit up Sip n Dip or the area by Godfrey's. If you want to stay with Go Slow Apartment then the beach is just about 100 feet away.
And finally no worries, where ever you choose to swim, a drink is only a short walk away!