Caye Caulker
Island · Belize ·
Laid-back island, fresh seafood, local rum, diving
Information
Belize Get directions
Laid-back island, fresh seafood, local rum, diving
Belize Get directions
"A laid-back Belizean island popular with backpackers and SCUBA enthusiasts, praised for its abundant nature activities and lively dining scene. Readers call it a treasure for seafood offerings—lobster, shrimp, conch, snapper, and ceviche feature heavily—and for its celebrated local rum. It’s part of the Caribbean stretch beloved for budget-friendly beach vacations and world-class snorkeling and diving along the nearby Mesoamerican Reef." - Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout Hannah Walhout is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, where she edits the Discoveries section of the print magazine and develops longer stories focusing on food, wine, and spirits. She has previously worked at Food & Wine and in the writing program at NYU Abu Dhabi. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Belize consists of a mainland area and about 450 islands, with Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker being popular for retirement. Ambergris Caye is a hot tourist destination and one of the more expensive places to live in Belize. Caye Caulker is considered a laid-back, smaller version of Ambergris Caye. The government offers various programs for acquiring residency or retirement status. The official language is English, and the currency is both U.S. and Belizean dollars." - Pat Doherty
"Caye Caulker also has dive shops available for trips to the Great Blue Hole, such as Scuba Sensation and Frenchie's Diving. Prices for diving trips are similar to those in Ambergris Caye." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"I noted Caye Caulker among Belize’s roughly 400 islands and cays as a popular spot to find diving and snorkeling tour operators, making it an easy base for marine excursions." - Terry Ward Terry Ward Terry Ward is a writer covering family travel, culture, scuba diving, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Known for a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and good local food, this smaller island is popular with travelers seeking a relaxed beach vibe; highlights mentioned by readers include tarpon-feeding experiences and inexpensive, delicious beach barbecued lobster." - Lila Harron Battis Lila Harron Battis Lila Harron Battis is a writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines