CAYE CAULKER (Island)
Why consider vacationing on Caye Caulker?
Caye Caulker is the second most visited island, off the coast of Belize. Here you will find a backpackers Haven. Accommodations are usually cheaper than compared to Ambergris Caye, life is a tad more laid back, yet you still have the same great fishing, snorkeling, and adventures available to you, as offered on Ambergris Caye. For this reason, Caye Caulker is the island most often chosen for those looking to vacation on a budget.
On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name.
Caye Caulker snorkeling is world class! From your first glimpse underwater, you are in a totally different world - brightly colored fish, sponges, corals, and other creatures everywhere! We offer it all and at very competitive prices. Thousands snorkel our reef and surrounding areas every year and all have wonderful comments when they leave.
Caye Caulker tour guides will help you enjoy snorkeling to the utmost. If this is your first experience, they will assist you with the mask and snorkel. Our guides are trained to protect the corals, which are delicate, vulnerable living organisms. Please follow their instructions and do not touch, stand or walk on the coral. Be careful of your fins so you do not kick the coral or stir up too much sand.
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve - Right off Caye Caulker you can snorkel in the world's second longest barrier reef. In the Coral Garden you can see some many fish and beautiful colorful corals. Swim with nurse sharks and eagle rays. It's a once in a lifetime experience! Bottle-nosed dolphins often swim around the boats in route to the reef.
On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name.
Caye Caulker snorkeling is world class! From your first glimpse underwater, you are in a totally different world - brightly colored fish, sponges, corals, and other creatures everywhere! We offer it all and at very competitive prices. Thousands snorkel our reef and surrounding areas every year and all have wonderful comments when they leave.
Caye Caulker tour guides will help you enjoy snorkeling to the utmost. If this is your first experience, they will assist you with the mask and snorkel. Our guides are trained to protect the corals, which are delicate, vulnerable living organisms. Please follow their instructions and do not touch, stand or walk on the coral. Be careful of your fins so you do not kick the coral or stir up too much sand.
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve - Right off Caye Caulker you can snorkel in the world's second longest barrier reef. In the Coral Garden you can see some many fish and beautiful colorful corals. Swim with nurse sharks and eagle rays. It's a once in a lifetime experience! Bottle-nosed dolphins often swim around the boats in route to the reef.
THINGS TO DO - Caye Caulker
Top Attractions on Caye Caulker
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How To Get To Caye Caulker
From the Phillip Goldson International Airport you can do either of the following: By Air Option #1 - The most popular choice is to catch a commuter flight (from the international airport), to Caye Caulker on a local island hopper. This leg of the journey will take you about 15-20 minutes. It's so well worth the cost, as you fly over the Belize Barrier Reef for some absolutely breath-taking views. After boarding your flight, make sure your camera is available. By Boat Option #2 - This option is not only cheaper, but it allows you to decompress a bit more slowly. From the International Airport, take a cab to the water taxi ferry terminal. This leg of the journey will take you about one (1) hour. Make sure you use the restroom before boarding the boat. Once you arrive to the island, spend some cash on an ice cold Belikin beer or Rum Punch. Welcome to Belize. |
Caye Caulker Belize: So Laid Back, We May Have to Remind Yourself to Leave!
If “off the beaten track” is the only type of vacation you enjoy, you owe it to yourself to spend time on Caye Caulker, the Belize getaway island that’s geologically nothing more than a sand bar over limestone that forms ancient caves atop the ocean floor. This island is so laid back and mellow, nervous business types find it downright irritating, as Caye Caulker is something of a magnet for backpacking, bohemian souls who think nothing of bringing two changes of clothing for a long visit.
Windsurfers adore Caye Caulker because the breezes are powerful and refreshing, and for a little sandbar in the ocean, this island has so much going for it, you may find yourself sticking around longer than you originally intended to see the art galleries, historic sites and attractions. Close proximity to some of Belize’s most outstanding and famous natural sites is just one of the reasons to stay here, so see as much as time allows.
If “off the beaten track” is the only type of vacation you enjoy, you owe it to yourself to spend time on Caye Caulker, the Belize getaway island that’s geologically nothing more than a sand bar over limestone that forms ancient caves atop the ocean floor. This island is so laid back and mellow, nervous business types find it downright irritating, as Caye Caulker is something of a magnet for backpacking, bohemian souls who think nothing of bringing two changes of clothing for a long visit.
Windsurfers adore Caye Caulker because the breezes are powerful and refreshing, and for a little sandbar in the ocean, this island has so much going for it, you may find yourself sticking around longer than you originally intended to see the art galleries, historic sites and attractions. Close proximity to some of Belize’s most outstanding and famous natural sites is just one of the reasons to stay here, so see as much as time allows.
Things to Do In Caye Caulker
There are multiple types of sightseeing tours available that can arranged through lodgings and guides throughout the island. Ask around. You’ll get recommendations. Rent aquatic great at dive shops if you intend to snorkel and scuba, and if that whole off the beaten track truly describes your style, you’ll want to dive deep to see those undersea caves that literally hold up the limestone shelf on which you are vacationing.
One of the most popular spots in this area is Turneffe Reef where you can try your hand at wall diving or go to extremes by dropping into the iconic Big Blue Hole that’s as challenging and majestic as it is frightening. If you prefer to experience that hole from a safer distance, helicopter rides over this massive natural sinkhole offer bird’s eye views of the phenomenon that leaves even experienced divers in awe of Mother Nature.
Want to show off your athletic prowess? Get in on the windsurfing we mentioned earlier or challenge yourself to stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing, rigorous endeavors that are not to be attempted by the timid! Happily, there is no shortage of buff, eager dudes ambling around Caye Caulker who are happy to tutor visitors on all aspects if these extreme activities. Not for you? Focus your time on nature and wildlife experiences.
There are multiple types of sightseeing tours available that can arranged through lodgings and guides throughout the island. Ask around. You’ll get recommendations. Rent aquatic great at dive shops if you intend to snorkel and scuba, and if that whole off the beaten track truly describes your style, you’ll want to dive deep to see those undersea caves that literally hold up the limestone shelf on which you are vacationing.
One of the most popular spots in this area is Turneffe Reef where you can try your hand at wall diving or go to extremes by dropping into the iconic Big Blue Hole that’s as challenging and majestic as it is frightening. If you prefer to experience that hole from a safer distance, helicopter rides over this massive natural sinkhole offer bird’s eye views of the phenomenon that leaves even experienced divers in awe of Mother Nature.
Want to show off your athletic prowess? Get in on the windsurfing we mentioned earlier or challenge yourself to stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing, rigorous endeavors that are not to be attempted by the timid! Happily, there is no shortage of buff, eager dudes ambling around Caye Caulker who are happy to tutor visitors on all aspects if these extreme activities. Not for you? Focus your time on nature and wildlife experiences.
What To Eat & Drink In Caye Caulker
An amazing variety of food and drink awaits Caye Caulker visitors. Indulge your inner beermeister by sampling Belize-brewed specialties, enjoy chocolate products made from cacao-bean crops that grow here and do try a glass of cashew wine or lizard juice. Where? Everywhere. If you’re a gourmand, a French eatery on Caye Caulker offers authentic Parisienne cookery at prices that could trigger your exclamation, “Alors!” since dishes on the Au French Corner menu only run from $5 to $12 each. Choose from several Italian dining options ranging from casual (Pasta Per Caso) to not-so-much (Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana). Cool down at the “best coffee shop around,” according to reviewers, by stopping off at Ice and Beans Coffee Shop.
Where to Stay In Caye Caulker (Where To Stay)
As if you haven’t already been surprised by the wealth of things to do, see and eat on Caye Caulker, we regret to inform you that there’s a long list of accommodation options that require you to make even more decisions! What’s your pleasure? Hotel; budget motel; hostel; apartment; guest house; B&B? You’ll have your choice of all of them, so let your wallet be your guide. Are you part of the backpack crowd or do you seek the utmost luxury Caye Caulker has to offer? You’ll find both extremes and everything in-between here. From Dirty McNasty’s and Juan in a Million Hostels to the five-star Treetops Guest House, if you can’t find the right place to stay on Caye Caulker, it probably doesn’t exist.
An amazing variety of food and drink awaits Caye Caulker visitors. Indulge your inner beermeister by sampling Belize-brewed specialties, enjoy chocolate products made from cacao-bean crops that grow here and do try a glass of cashew wine or lizard juice. Where? Everywhere. If you’re a gourmand, a French eatery on Caye Caulker offers authentic Parisienne cookery at prices that could trigger your exclamation, “Alors!” since dishes on the Au French Corner menu only run from $5 to $12 each. Choose from several Italian dining options ranging from casual (Pasta Per Caso) to not-so-much (Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana). Cool down at the “best coffee shop around,” according to reviewers, by stopping off at Ice and Beans Coffee Shop.
Where to Stay In Caye Caulker (Where To Stay)
As if you haven’t already been surprised by the wealth of things to do, see and eat on Caye Caulker, we regret to inform you that there’s a long list of accommodation options that require you to make even more decisions! What’s your pleasure? Hotel; budget motel; hostel; apartment; guest house; B&B? You’ll have your choice of all of them, so let your wallet be your guide. Are you part of the backpack crowd or do you seek the utmost luxury Caye Caulker has to offer? You’ll find both extremes and everything in-between here. From Dirty McNasty’s and Juan in a Million Hostels to the five-star Treetops Guest House, if you can’t find the right place to stay on Caye Caulker, it probably doesn’t exist.
BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Belize Barrier Reef - Meso-American Barrier Reef
Measuring more than 190 miles long, the Belize Barrier Reef is part of the bigger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that stretches from Mexico to Honduras, making it the second biggest coral reef system in the world, and the largest in the hemisphere. Truly one of the great natural wonders of the world, and is home to the most abundant and diverse marine ecosystems found anywhere on the planet.
Many of Belize’s most popular islands, known locally as cayes (“keys”), are situated in and around the Belize Barrier Reef, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel, English Caye, Three Coner Caye, Blackbird Caye, Maho Caye, Gladden Caye, St. George’s Caye, English Caye, Ranguana Caye, and Long Caye. Three atolls also exist near the Belize Barrier Reef, including Lighthouse Reef, which is home to the famous Great Blue Hole, one of the most beautifully unique dive sites anywhere on Earth. The Belize Barrier Reef is easily accessible from the coast, as it comes with 300 meters (980) feet of land in the north, and 40 kilometers (25 miles) in the south.
Measuring more than 190 miles long, the Belize Barrier Reef is part of the bigger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that stretches from Mexico to Honduras, making it the second biggest coral reef system in the world, and the largest in the hemisphere. Truly one of the great natural wonders of the world, and is home to the most abundant and diverse marine ecosystems found anywhere on the planet.
Many of Belize’s most popular islands, known locally as cayes (“keys”), are situated in and around the Belize Barrier Reef, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel, English Caye, Three Coner Caye, Blackbird Caye, Maho Caye, Gladden Caye, St. George’s Caye, English Caye, Ranguana Caye, and Long Caye. Three atolls also exist near the Belize Barrier Reef, including Lighthouse Reef, which is home to the famous Great Blue Hole, one of the most beautifully unique dive sites anywhere on Earth. The Belize Barrier Reef is easily accessible from the coast, as it comes with 300 meters (980) feet of land in the north, and 40 kilometers (25 miles) in the south.
"THE SPLIT"
The Split - At Caye Caulker
A narrow channel that splits Caye Caulker into two, the Split has clean, deep waters free of seaweed, making it one of the island's best swimming areas. This is particularly true following the recent construction of a seawall, a wading area with sheltered picnic tables, a spa, some restaurants and a kayak and paddle board rental shop. The loud music and rowdy crowd at the adjacent bar, Lazy Lizard, will either enhance or dampen your experience, depending on what you're looking for.
A narrow channel that splits Caye Caulker into two, the Split has clean, deep waters free of seaweed, making it one of the island's best swimming areas. This is particularly true following the recent construction of a seawall, a wading area with sheltered picnic tables, a spa, some restaurants and a kayak and paddle board rental shop. The loud music and rowdy crowd at the adjacent bar, Lazy Lizard, will either enhance or dampen your experience, depending on what you're looking for.
DIVING
Diving - Off Caye Caulker
Blue Hole Diving - An almost perfectly circular sinkhole measuring 300 meters across, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most popular and special sites for diving in the Belize Barrier Reef. Formed about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, the Blue Hole offers divers a uniquely gothic experience of starkly beautiful underwater caves featuring enormous stalactites and the occasional glimpse of the elusive hammerhead shark. Known to locals for centuries as a uniquely special diving location, the Blue Hole of Belize came to the world’s attention in 1971 after famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of his top 10 diving spots in the world. Later, the Discovery Channel named the Belize Blue Hole as one of the top 10 most amazing places on Earth. Every year, thousands of experienced divers from around the globe come to the Blue Hole of Belize to descend over 90 meters into the inky darkness.
Blue Hole Diving - An almost perfectly circular sinkhole measuring 300 meters across, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most popular and special sites for diving in the Belize Barrier Reef. Formed about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, the Blue Hole offers divers a uniquely gothic experience of starkly beautiful underwater caves featuring enormous stalactites and the occasional glimpse of the elusive hammerhead shark. Known to locals for centuries as a uniquely special diving location, the Blue Hole of Belize came to the world’s attention in 1971 after famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of his top 10 diving spots in the world. Later, the Discovery Channel named the Belize Blue Hole as one of the top 10 most amazing places on Earth. Every year, thousands of experienced divers from around the globe come to the Blue Hole of Belize to descend over 90 meters into the inky darkness.
Turneffe Wall Diving - One of just three coral atolls located off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Atoll is one of the most beautiful natural locations in the country and a diverse marine habitat home to more than 500 species of fish, 65 species of corals, and hundreds of species of sea birds, mammals, and invertebrates. The atoll is a protected marine area consisting of more than 150 mangrove islands as well as larger cayes (islands) that have a forest or savanna landscape. The shallow waters and huge areas of seagrasses make the atoll a popular spawning aggregation site for fish and amphibious species. Turneffe Atoll is the name for an area measuring more than 300 square miles that encompasses dozens of tiny islands known as the Turneffe Islands. The unique marine environment play a critical role in the health of the reef, used by lobster, conch, crocodiles, fish, and turtle species as a nesting and breeding site. The crystal clear waters and stunning diversity of marine flora and fauna make the Turneffe Atoll one of the best places on the planet to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The infamous pirate Blackbeard once used the Turneffe Atoll as a base of operations as he harassed ships traveling between Mexico and the Bay of Honduras.
Belize Barrier Reef Diving - In a country famous for its shipwrecks, steep drop-offs, clear water, and abundance of marine life, one of the standout dive sites in Belize is the Esmeralda Canyon. This unique dive site is known for its large collection of giant black groupers, eels, and nurse sharks that inhabit the area. With an average depth of 60 feet and abundant visibility (averaging around 70 feet), divers step into a vast aquarium of sea turtles, fish, and shark species that thread their way through this section of spur and grove reefs. The Esmeralda Canyon is a natural valley, its colorful fauna making for a perfect backdrop on this unforgettable dive site.Located approximately 30 minutes by boat from the island of Ambergris Caye, Esmeralda Canyon is located in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The clean water, bright sandy seafloor, and abundance of marine life make this a truly must-do dive in Belize. Esmeralda Canyon is actually the name of several different canyons. The area is part of a protected marine zone, so buoys and mooring lines have been established to show where one dive site ends and another dive sit begins.
Most dive tours to Esmeralda Canyon include multiple dives in the various sections of this part of the reef with a brief 15-minute break between, giving participants a chance to experience all the best that Esmeralda Canyon has to offer during either a half-day or full-day tour. The average dive at Esmeralda Canyon begins with a descent to around 43 feet (13 meters) at the end of a mooring line followed by a second descent to or near the bottom. Divers can expect to see sleeping nurse sharks, moral eels popping out of their dens, and other inquisitive animals.
Most dive tours to Esmeralda Canyon include multiple dives in the various sections of this part of the reef with a brief 15-minute break between, giving participants a chance to experience all the best that Esmeralda Canyon has to offer during either a half-day or full-day tour. The average dive at Esmeralda Canyon begins with a descent to around 43 feet (13 meters) at the end of a mooring line followed by a second descent to or near the bottom. Divers can expect to see sleeping nurse sharks, moral eels popping out of their dens, and other inquisitive animals.
SNORKELING
Snorkeling - Off Caye Caulker
Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Because the waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve are protected from commercial fishing and industrial exploitation, hundreds of aquatic species flourish here, including three kinds of coral, anemones and a colorful assortment of fauna, two species of sea turtles, large schools of fish like grouper and playful nurse sharks. Located just a few miles offshore Ambergris Caye is the northern part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the location of the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve. First established in 1987, today Hol Chan measures more than 13,000 acres and is divided into four distinct marine zones:
Shark Ray Alley - Is a natural cut in the reef, giving divers a chance to see rays, sharks and dozens of other species in shallow water with a white sandy sea floor. Perfect for snorkeling.
Coral Gardens - Coral Garden is one of the very best snorkeling spots around Caye Caulker. Visibility is excellent in its shallow waters and you will love its photogenic coral maze teeming with fish. Even if you can only access it with a boat, unlike other neighboring spots you will be free to wander wherever you like once in the water.
Caye Caulker Channel - The Split is one of the rare spots accessible directly from the shore in Belize. This channel, « splitting » Caye Caulker, is a popular bathing area prized by both tourist and local people. The channel, (relatively deep, and where you could spot a stingray) and the surrounding mangroves makes The Split an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Because the waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve are protected from commercial fishing and industrial exploitation, hundreds of aquatic species flourish here, including three kinds of coral, anemones and a colorful assortment of fauna, two species of sea turtles, large schools of fish like grouper and playful nurse sharks. Located just a few miles offshore Ambergris Caye is the northern part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the location of the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve. First established in 1987, today Hol Chan measures more than 13,000 acres and is divided into four distinct marine zones:
Shark Ray Alley - Is a natural cut in the reef, giving divers a chance to see rays, sharks and dozens of other species in shallow water with a white sandy sea floor. Perfect for snorkeling.
Coral Gardens - Coral Garden is one of the very best snorkeling spots around Caye Caulker. Visibility is excellent in its shallow waters and you will love its photogenic coral maze teeming with fish. Even if you can only access it with a boat, unlike other neighboring spots you will be free to wander wherever you like once in the water.
Caye Caulker Channel - The Split is one of the rare spots accessible directly from the shore in Belize. This channel, « splitting » Caye Caulker, is a popular bathing area prized by both tourist and local people. The channel, (relatively deep, and where you could spot a stingray) and the surrounding mangroves makes The Split an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.
SHARK RAY ALLEY
Shark Ray Alley - Zone D of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
This recently discovered dive site has been selected as one of the seven best "animal dives" in the Caribbean SKIN DIVER MAGAZINE. For years, local fishermen cleaned their catch just inside the reef, to the south of Hol Chan Cut and Ambergris Caye. The fishermen soon noticed that the offal from cleaning fish was attracting Nurse Sharks and several Southern Sting Rays. When the dive operators of San Pedro found out, they quickly investigated. What they found was a bonanza, and "Shark-Ray Alley" quickly became a very popular dive site.
Why Should I Take This Tour? This has been by far the highlight of the trip for many. Kids absolutely love the adventure and state that it has been the best thing they've ever done. Nurse sharks are relatively harmless, as their jaw structures does not allow them to bite like normal sharks. They actually eat their food by sucking it into their mouth. The sharks and rays hear the dive boats approaching and begin to school in anticipation of bait being thrown into the water. When you arrive, you will see the surface often boiling with rolling sharks and sting ray wings as they vie for the scraps. These creatures have a great tolerance for divers and snorkelers. The rays, which have a 'wing-span' of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, mouths often turned up hoping for a hand held tid-bit to be placed near their mouths. Other have learned to swim in circles around the divers, as if performing for food. The docile Nurse Sharks average four to six feet in length and can be a bit more aggressive than the sting rays. After the Blue Hole, this is the top tour.
This recently discovered dive site has been selected as one of the seven best "animal dives" in the Caribbean SKIN DIVER MAGAZINE. For years, local fishermen cleaned their catch just inside the reef, to the south of Hol Chan Cut and Ambergris Caye. The fishermen soon noticed that the offal from cleaning fish was attracting Nurse Sharks and several Southern Sting Rays. When the dive operators of San Pedro found out, they quickly investigated. What they found was a bonanza, and "Shark-Ray Alley" quickly became a very popular dive site.
Why Should I Take This Tour? This has been by far the highlight of the trip for many. Kids absolutely love the adventure and state that it has been the best thing they've ever done. Nurse sharks are relatively harmless, as their jaw structures does not allow them to bite like normal sharks. They actually eat their food by sucking it into their mouth. The sharks and rays hear the dive boats approaching and begin to school in anticipation of bait being thrown into the water. When you arrive, you will see the surface often boiling with rolling sharks and sting ray wings as they vie for the scraps. These creatures have a great tolerance for divers and snorkelers. The rays, which have a 'wing-span' of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, mouths often turned up hoping for a hand held tid-bit to be placed near their mouths. Other have learned to swim in circles around the divers, as if performing for food. The docile Nurse Sharks average four to six feet in length and can be a bit more aggressive than the sting rays. After the Blue Hole, this is the top tour.
FISHING
Deep Sea, Reef & Flat Fishing - Off Caye Caulker
Is a mecca for those interested in fishing. Belize has remained one of the Caribbeans best-kept secrets until recently. The extensive flats, a twenty minute boat ride from the lodge, are picture perfect. Shallow (2-6 feet) and with a whiter than normal sand bottom, these tarpon feeding grounds stretch for over fifty miles and provide the dining room for almost unbelievable numbers of tarpon.
Fishing is great all along the coast of Belize, from the Port Honduras and Punta Icacos lagoon of Toledo to Rocky Point on Ambergris Caye. Any of the many rivers which empty into the Caribbean along Belize's coasts can guarantee a daily catch. Most of your guides and boatmen speak English so learning where and what to fish will be no problem. The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye abound with a great variety of saltwater fishing and the island boasts some of the best fishing guides in the country. Most types of fish, including bone fish and tarpon, can be caught year-round. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, you can be fishing in tidal flats or in blue water hundreds of feet deep.
The estuaries, inlets and mouths to the many rivers are known for their tarpon, snook and jacks. The lagoons and grass flats are known for the bonefish, permit and barracuda. The coral reefs support grouper, snapper, jacks and barracuda while the deeper waters off the drop off are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano.
Peak periods on the local flats are the months of May through November, though there are fish around 355 days a year, and Winter/Spring months (February, March and April) provide excellent opportunities when the weather cooperates. More importantly, it is uncommon to encounter other anglers once you have left the harbor area. The immense size of these flats, and the lack of fishing pressure has left these tarpon with an very aggressive nature, and they move readily to almost any properly presented fly.
Is a mecca for those interested in fishing. Belize has remained one of the Caribbeans best-kept secrets until recently. The extensive flats, a twenty minute boat ride from the lodge, are picture perfect. Shallow (2-6 feet) and with a whiter than normal sand bottom, these tarpon feeding grounds stretch for over fifty miles and provide the dining room for almost unbelievable numbers of tarpon.
Fishing is great all along the coast of Belize, from the Port Honduras and Punta Icacos lagoon of Toledo to Rocky Point on Ambergris Caye. Any of the many rivers which empty into the Caribbean along Belize's coasts can guarantee a daily catch. Most of your guides and boatmen speak English so learning where and what to fish will be no problem. The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye abound with a great variety of saltwater fishing and the island boasts some of the best fishing guides in the country. Most types of fish, including bone fish and tarpon, can be caught year-round. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, you can be fishing in tidal flats or in blue water hundreds of feet deep.
The estuaries, inlets and mouths to the many rivers are known for their tarpon, snook and jacks. The lagoons and grass flats are known for the bonefish, permit and barracuda. The coral reefs support grouper, snapper, jacks and barracuda while the deeper waters off the drop off are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano.
Peak periods on the local flats are the months of May through November, though there are fish around 355 days a year, and Winter/Spring months (February, March and April) provide excellent opportunities when the weather cooperates. More importantly, it is uncommon to encounter other anglers once you have left the harbor area. The immense size of these flats, and the lack of fishing pressure has left these tarpon with an very aggressive nature, and they move readily to almost any properly presented fly.
SAILING
Sailing - Off Caye Caulker
The most pristine, unspoiled, natural beauty you will find anywhere in the world. The ocean waters of Belize offer a unique and wonderful cruising experience along the world’s second largest barrier reef. There are literally hundreds of sun swept tropical islands to explore, and three major offshore atolls. The barrier reef provides over 130 miles of protected waters from the ocean swell and a reef that is teaming with fish, coral, and marine life. The coral forms colorful, surreal landscapes with jutting heads, sand bottom canyons, arches and spires that offers great snorkeling and diving for both the novice and the more experienced diver. Whether your interest are diving, snorkeling, fishing, or sailing, the islands offer you a variety of spots to dive and snorkel. Belize is a wonderful place to enjoy fun in the warm, turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean.
The most pristine, unspoiled, natural beauty you will find anywhere in the world. The ocean waters of Belize offer a unique and wonderful cruising experience along the world’s second largest barrier reef. There are literally hundreds of sun swept tropical islands to explore, and three major offshore atolls. The barrier reef provides over 130 miles of protected waters from the ocean swell and a reef that is teaming with fish, coral, and marine life. The coral forms colorful, surreal landscapes with jutting heads, sand bottom canyons, arches and spires that offers great snorkeling and diving for both the novice and the more experienced diver. Whether your interest are diving, snorkeling, fishing, or sailing, the islands offer you a variety of spots to dive and snorkel. Belize is a wonderful place to enjoy fun in the warm, turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
Sailing Charters - Off Caye Caulker
If you are familiar with the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands, Belize will seem vast and untouched. No crowded anchorages, no competing for access to moorings, no making reservations to hole up in a protected bay. Belize offers a diversity of cruising grounds from the more developed Ambergris Caye to an endless string of uninhabited tropical islands and white sand beaches in the south, all available through private charter boats. Chartering a Belize catamaran is the ultimate way to sail Belize and explore some great sites at your own pace on your own private yacht. The barrier reef offers not only unlimited dive locations, but also great protection from the large open ocean swells. Navigating is easy and you nearly always are within sight of an island, though there are some challenges. Going with a experience crew or hiring a captain is your best bet to enjoy the experience, while letting someone else worry about navigating. Catamarans are the most popular vessels to be chartered, as they allow you to glide effortlessly over shallow areas located withing the reef.
If you are familiar with the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands, Belize will seem vast and untouched. No crowded anchorages, no competing for access to moorings, no making reservations to hole up in a protected bay. Belize offers a diversity of cruising grounds from the more developed Ambergris Caye to an endless string of uninhabited tropical islands and white sand beaches in the south, all available through private charter boats. Chartering a Belize catamaran is the ultimate way to sail Belize and explore some great sites at your own pace on your own private yacht. The barrier reef offers not only unlimited dive locations, but also great protection from the large open ocean swells. Navigating is easy and you nearly always are within sight of an island, though there are some challenges. Going with a experience crew or hiring a captain is your best bet to enjoy the experience, while letting someone else worry about navigating. Catamarans are the most popular vessels to be chartered, as they allow you to glide effortlessly over shallow areas located withing the reef.
WATER SPORTS
Water Sports - Off Caye Caulker
Jet Skiing - A great way to explore the island and the beautiful Caribbean waters surrounding it is on your own jet ski! There are rentals starting at just 30 minutes and some provide complimentary resort pick-up and drop-off! Belize is home to more than 200 tropical cayes—many of them uninhabited and unexplored. And if you'd like more of an adventure, there are guided jetski tours that take you exploring for hours.
Sea Kayaking - One of the best ways to explore the island is by kayak! Paddle out to the reef and tie up to a buoy for some snorkeling, or go explore the dozens of uninhabited islands in Chetumal Bay.
Paddle Boarding - Stand up paddle surfing and stand up paddle boarding are offshoots of surfing that originated in Hawaii. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. Variations include flat water paddling for outdoor recreation, fitness, or sightseeing, paddle board yoga and even fishing.
Jet Skiing - A great way to explore the island and the beautiful Caribbean waters surrounding it is on your own jet ski! There are rentals starting at just 30 minutes and some provide complimentary resort pick-up and drop-off! Belize is home to more than 200 tropical cayes—many of them uninhabited and unexplored. And if you'd like more of an adventure, there are guided jetski tours that take you exploring for hours.
Sea Kayaking - One of the best ways to explore the island is by kayak! Paddle out to the reef and tie up to a buoy for some snorkeling, or go explore the dozens of uninhabited islands in Chetumal Bay.
Paddle Boarding - Stand up paddle surfing and stand up paddle boarding are offshoots of surfing that originated in Hawaii. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. Variations include flat water paddling for outdoor recreation, fitness, or sightseeing, paddle board yoga and even fishing.
GIANT CAVE (Under Caye Caulker)
Giant Cave - Under Caye Caulker Island
Caye Caulker could possibly be sitting on the LARGEST MARINE CAVE IN THE WORLD!!! It’s a big statement but something that the well regarded National Geographic will take their time to explore in 2014, along with the elite in the dive world, lead by James Petersen or ‘Chip’ from Belize Dive Service and his team of researchers!! Currently the cave is not open to the general public (at this time), unless you are an experience marine cave diver, helping with the mapping process. We are hopeful, that this cave will become open for guided tours in the near future.
Caye Caulker could possibly be sitting on the LARGEST MARINE CAVE IN THE WORLD!!! It’s a big statement but something that the well regarded National Geographic will take their time to explore in 2014, along with the elite in the dive world, lead by James Petersen or ‘Chip’ from Belize Dive Service and his team of researchers!! Currently the cave is not open to the general public (at this time), unless you are an experience marine cave diver, helping with the mapping process. We are hopeful, that this cave will become open for guided tours in the near future.