Estuary: an enclosed coastal body of brackish of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Caye Caulker is separated into two parts: North and South Caye Caulker. The Southside is mainly populated, while the North Island is largely a wildlife preserve and Estuary. With beautiful scenery, wondrous plants and animals living there, it is a spot worth seeing on your vacation to paradise.
What is the Caye Caulker Wildlife Preserve?
H.L. Dole, who owns roughly 150 acres on North Caye has recently opened up a preserve. Beginning in 2015, Dole started building a walkway around the preserve and preparing for tour groups to start. A home for different birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and tarpons, this sanctuary is a beautiful piece of nature less than ten minutes from Caye Caulker.
Who is H.L. Dole?
H.L. Dole (as I mentioned above) is the primary owner of the North Caye of Caye Caulker. His family bought over 200 acres of the North Caye many years ago, and after selling some of the lands to the Belize government, he still owns 153 acres. Contrary to popular belief (by many in Belize) he is NOT an heir to the Dole Pineapple fortune. Seemingly a mystery beyond this, he has created a beautiful sanctuary on his land.
Why should I do this tour?
Caye Caulker has beautiful scenery and wildlife that is worth seeing. Richard, one of the tour guides has a passion that makes this tour well worth it. You get to see many beautiful birds and nice size iguana families. Furthermore, there are many freshwater crocodiles that usually peak out during your walk.
How do I get to North Caye?
Gilligan's Island is a tour company on Caye Caulker that can help you get to the North Caye. They offer a morning tour and an afternoon tour of the sanctuary. The morning tour includes coffee and of course, feeding crocodiles. The afternoon tour includes rum punch, and a sunset boat ride. The price of this tour is $75 US.
How do I book this tour?
If you are interested in this tour, then you can book directly on the island with Gilligan's Island tour company. You can also book on TripAdvisor
Let's wrap this up!
While staying at Caye Caulker, this is a quick and easy tour that many don't realize is available. Don't miss the chance to tour North Caye and get to see something unique.
PS. Thanks go out to Andy Horton, a great friend of ours for letting us use his picture of the Croc he took while touring North Caye Recently.