27 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker + Unethical Things Not to Do

The motto of Caye Caulker, "Go Slow", on a roadsign in Caye Caulker, Belize.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our disclaimer page.

A blissfully laidback island, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed vibes and ‘Go Slow’ motto. A set of two islands, Caye Caulker is located off mainland Belize, near the diverse Belize Barrier Reef, meaning it has lots of fun activities on land and at sea.

With sandy streets, local restaurants, ocean activities, and rasta Caribbean culture, it is home to some of the best things to do in Belize. From slow-paced sunbathing to thrilling snorkelling and diving, there are plenty of fun things to do in Caye Caulker. We’ve listed all the best activities, attractions, recommendations, and tips in this guide.

A Caye Caulker sign covered in artwork. There are paintings of all kinds of marine life from manatees, to turtles, as well as corals.
There are lots of fun things to do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker Activities Map

Use the filter function on the left-hand menu to see the best things to do in Caye Caulker on our interactive map.

The best things to do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker’s location, tropical climate, and relaxed vibe make it a popular destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. The island may be small, but it’s packed with fun things to do, keeping you blissfully busy or perfectly lazy, depending on your mood. From snorkelling with nurse sharks to swinging in hammocks, sipping rum punch, here are the best things to do on Caye Caulker that make it one of Belize’s best islands to visit.

Top 10 things to do in Caye Caulker

Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are the top 10 things to do in Caye Caulker.

  1. Hang out at the Split
  2. Fly over the Great Blue Hole
  3. Snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef
  4. Swim at Shark Ray Alley
  5. Chill out on the beach
  6. Cycle around the island
  7. Eat in local restaurants
  8. Jump off the Lazy Lizard platform
  9. Join a Namaste yoga class
  10. Visit the North Island

Ocean-based activities in Caye Caulker

Surrounded by warm, turquoise waters and sitting just a stone’s throw from the Belize Barrier Reef, Caye Caulker is a pristine paradise, perfect for ocean lovers. From vibrant coral reefs to swimming alongside nurse sharks, the sea here offers plenty of fun ocean-based activities. This was our main draw to the island, and we found the ocean was really home to our favourite things to do in Caye Caulker.

1. Snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef

Caye Caulker is in a prime position for accessing one of the best marine ecosystems in the Caribbean, thanks to its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef. An expansive reef system, the Belize Barrier Reef stretches 180 miles (290 km), is a protected reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site, and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Reef – the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, and Salt Life Eco Tours’ 7-Stop Snorkelling Tour was one of our favourite days in Belize. We saw more marine animals in one day than we had in weeks of snorkelling and diving throughout Mexico and Central America. If you only have time for one excursion, make it snorkelling in Caye Caulker!

Lucy swimming a few metres below the surface near Caye Caulker, surrounded by white sand and soft corals.
Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker

2. Swim with sharks and rays

Sharks and stingrays can be found in the waters around Caye Caulker, but the best place to see them is, without a doubt, at Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Shark Ray Alley. A popular snorkel site in a protected marine reserve, Shark Ray Alley has become a hotspot for encounters with these gentle marine creatures.

Historically, this area became a feeding spot due to fishermen cleaning their catch, inadvertently attracting species like nurse sharks and Caribbean stingrays. This practice evolved into a tourist attraction, with the animals recognising the sound of the boats and approaching in hopes of an easy meal. Unfortunately, a lot of companies still feed the animals, which isn’t very ethical or good for them. But, there are a number of responsible operators that run tours to snorkel with sharks and rays that don’t involve feeding them.

Some half-day tours to Hol Chan only visit the reserve, but we’d recommend joining a Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkelling Tour, which visits several other great snorkel spots too.

The side of a nurse shark from close up. Its gills are opening as it moves quickly over the reef.
You can see lots of animals in Caye Caulker

3. Sail around on a boat

Sailing is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker for ocean lovers. Sunbathe on the deck as you sail along the coastline and sip rum punch. Many tours include stops at places like Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens, with time for snorkelling on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Sunset cruises are popular for their picture-postcard views, with the best light of the day making for great photos. We had the best time on a 2-day, 3-night sailing tour with Ragga Sailing Adventures, leaving from Caye Caulker and porting in Dangriga, where we headed inland. Multi-day sailing tours are a great way to really immerse in the beauty of the barrier reef, and it’s an experience we’d highly recommend.

The impressive Belize Barrier Reef as viewed above the water from on board a large sailboat in Caye Caulker.
Sailing is a great way to see Caye Caulker

4. Swim with manatees

Swimming with manatees in Belize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Caye Caulker is one of the best places to do it. These gentle giants are found in several places around the island, from the mangrove lagoon to the seagrass beds on the Belize Barrier Reef. They are year-round visitors, but are easier to spot in the drier months of December to April and in the mating season between June and July. The best way to see them is to take a multi-stop snorkel tour, which will stop at a spot frequented by the manatees.

Alternatively, you could get in touch with Friends of Swallow Caye, a local non-profit with an office based on Caye Caulker, who run manatee trips to the protected Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. This area has super strict regulations to protect the manatees. You’re not allowed to swim with them here, but you can observe them coming up for air at the surface.

A couple of manatees in the clear blue waters near Caye Caulker.
Swimming with manatees in Caye Caulker is a highlight

5. SCUBA dive in the underwater world

The underwater world near Caye Caulker is one of the top reasons travellers visit, and there’s no better way to explore it than by SCUBA diving. Most serious diving trips from Caye Caulker take place beyond the break of the Belize Barrier Reef, where the open ocean brings larger waves and stronger currents. These conditions can be quite challenging, even for experienced divers, due to the rougher waters and increased depth. Because of this, dive operators often require certification and prior experience before taking divers to these offshore sites.

Not all dive operators provide the same experience, so you need to choose carefully. To avoid the traumatic experience we had diving in Caye Caulker with leaky equipment in a storm, choose a reputable company that prioritises safety and conservation (unfortunately, many dive masters condone touching the marine life, which is not ok). We’ve heard good things about both Blue Wave Divers and Frenchies Diving, but they were unfortunately full on our visit, so be sure to book well in advance.

If you’re a keen diver, it’s worth making the trip to Turneffe Atoll, which offers some of the best SCUBA diving in Belize. Located approximately 20 miles southeast of Caye Caulker, Turneffe Atoll encompasses over 200 square miles of coral formations, mangrove islands, and seagrass beds, providing habitats for a wide array of marine species. Turneffe Atoll is accessible via a boat ride, making it a feasible day trip from Caye Caulker.

Lucy in her SCUBA gear making he "ok" symbol with her hand.
Lots of operators offer SCUBA diving in Caye Caulker

6. Night snorkel or dive

For something truly unique, take a night dive or snorkel from Caye Caulker. At night, the reef comes alive in a completely different way. Nocturnal creatures emerge, colours shift under your flashlight, and the atmosphere is otherworldly.

Many marine animals you’d rarely see in the daytime, like octopuses, lobsters, moray eels, and bioluminescent plankton, are active and visible. These tours typically take around 2 to 4 hours and are smaller and more intimate than day tours, focusing on safety and environmental respect, which makes it a top addition to your Belize itinerary.

Dan diving calmly through clear waters above a white, sandy ocean floor.
Night diving or snorkelling is a unique experience

7. Try your hand at watersports

If you’re looking for fun activities in Caye Caulker, try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking around the island. The waters on the west side are lovely and calm, perfect for floating on the sea. If you’re feeling ambitious, paddle to the North Island and explore the bays along the coastline.

Belize isn’t known for its surfing – being on the Caribbean coast, it doesn’t get the large swells the Pacific does in places like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. But if you’re eager to learn to surf while in Caye Caulker, Reef Break Surf Shop & Windsports is the place to go. They offer rentals and lessons for paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. You can take a guided trip to local offshore reef breaks that are both uncrowded and beginner-friendly.

A collection of surf boards available to rent. Each board has a unique pattern or picture representing the coast.
Paddling around the island is a great way to explore

Free and cheap things to do in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is known for its laidback vibe and stunning natural beauty, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or just looking to save some money, here are the best affordable and free activities in Caye Caulker.

8. Hang out at the Split

The Split is the place to be and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Caye Caulker. A narrow channel of turquoise water that divides Caye Caulker into two parts, North and South, separates the two islands. According to local lore, it was originally created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, though it was later deepened by villagers to create a passage for boats.

At the tip of the southern island (the main island), a wide open area boasts bars blasting reggae tunes, restaurants, and a swimming area.

The Split, Caye Caulker, viewed from an aeroplane.
The Split is the place to be in Caye Caulker

9. Get a picture with the Split Sign

Did you even go on holiday if you didn’t get the tourist photo with the sign? The Split sign is one of the island’s most photographed spots. It sits prominently near the Split and marks the entrance to the Lazy Lizard bar area. Each letter is painted in bright tropical colours, making it stand out beautifully against the blue backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. Nearby, there are also signs for the Lazy Lizard and Sip N Dip bars. Arrive earlier in the day to avoid having to wait for others or getting anyone in your photos.

Dan standing in front of a sign that says "The Split" painted in orange and red. The Split is a must-visit area in Caye Caulker, Belize.
You have to get a photo with the iconic sign

10. Spread out in the sun

Caye Caulker isn’t known for its beaches. In fact, the island gets slated for its lack of sandy shores and swimmable spots. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a spot of sunbathing and paddling in the sea – you just need to know where to go.

Despite not being home to any real beaches, there are a few beachy areas on the main island. The Split is the most popular hang-out area with a swimming area and plenty of sun loungers. Stingray Beach is another popular spot, but we’ve written a whole post on it covering the questionable ethical practices there.

The outdoor seating at Ice and Beans features swaying hammocks and gorgeous sea views, while Colinda Cabanas and Barefoot Beach Belize Hotel (two of the best hotels in Caye Caulker) have some beautiful beachfront zones for guests to enjoy. There are a few nice spots along Playa Asuncion, the main Front Street, too.

For really beautiful beaches, you’ll need to visit the North Island. Northside Beach Club (formerly Koko King) is a unique spot and considered one of the best beaches in Caye Caulker. The club closed a few years ago, but the site is open every day for visitors to visit and enjoy the beach. Sun loungers line the shoreline, local vendors sell alcohol and snacks, and you can bring your own provisions with you. You can reach it easily via the Split ferry, and it’s completely free to enter.

Bliss Beach is another popular Caye Caulker beach on the North Island. A wide, sandy bay, it’s home to hammocks and loungers, a bar which does food, and a safe swimming area. It’s quite far north, so you’ll need to rent a bicycle or golf cart to reach it, but it’s also free to enter. It’s open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, daily.

If you’re looking for Belize’s best beaches, Placencia and Hopkins are the places to go, while we preferred the remote islands in the Belize Barrier Reef, including Rendezvous Caye, Tobacco Caye, and the Silk Cayes.

A quiet beach in Belize with empty lounge chairs, white sand, and only a couple of small boats moored nearby.
Caye Caulker has some lovely beach areas

11. Swim in the Caribbean Sea

While the best of the underwater world can be visited by snorkelling in Caye Caulker, there are a variety of inviting swimming spots that are accessible off the island. The Split is the most popular swimming spot in Caye Caulker, with a little protected zone at the tip of the main island. This area boasts crystal-clear, turquoise waters, perfect for floating in the warm waters.

There’s also a sandy stretch along the main Front Street, Playa Asuncion, which is swimmable. While the beach has some seagrass near the shore, the waters remain calm. Alternatively, you could head to the beach areas on the north island we mentioned above, which boast beautifully calm waters, perfect for a dip in the sea.

Arriving in Caye Caulker by ferry, the most affordable way to travel between the islands of Belize.
The waters around Caye Caulker are super blue

12. Jump off the platform at the Lazy Lizard

Nestled in the top right corner of the Split, jumping off the Lazy Lizard platform is one of the best free things to do in Caye Caulker. Leap from the 6 metre (20 ft) platform into the clear waters below, where you can float in the sea or enjoy a drink with a view.

The Lazy Lizard also offers sun loungers, in-water palapas and seats, accessible to guests who buy a drink or snack at the bar. A local beer like Belikin is around $10 BZD ($5 USD), and cocktails are around $15-20 BZD ($7.50-10 USD) (try the iconic Lizard Juice, a bright green, iced drink). The Lazy Lizard is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day.

The Platform at the Lazy Lizard that looks out at the Split in Caye Caulker. The water is a clear blue colour and small waves are forming in the wind.
Jumping off the platform is a fun activity

13. Cycle around the island

Ok, enough of the Split, there’s much more to Caye Caulker than just the tip of the main island. Unlike in Ambergris Caye, where renting a golf cart in San Pedro is the preferred method of transportation, the best way to get around Caye Caulker is by bike. Cycling around the island is a classic Caye Caulker activity and a great way to explore more of the island.

Cruise down the sandy streets, stopping off at cafes and viewpoints. Many accommodations include bikes for guests for free, but you can also easily rent one for around $15 BZD ($7.50 USD) a day – check with your accommodation which company they’d recommend or head down the main street, where a variety of rentals are available.

A stretch of sandy road with a single golf cart driving slowly along in the sunshine.
Rent a bike to explore Caye Caulker

14. Visit the Seahorse Reserve

A true Caye Caulker hidden gem, the Seahorse Reserve is a tiny protected area next to Stingray Beach. You can walk onto the wooden deck and look down into the shallows, where you might spy one of these tiny and elusive creatures, for free! A mesh of rope and seaweed forms a protective habitat, and the seahorses are camouflaged, so it may take a little time to see one. They’re quite tricky to spot (they are very small!), but it’s a great little spot and a fab activity if you’ve not seen a seahorse before.

A wild orange seahorse in cloudy waters full of nutrients in Caye Caulker's Seahorse Reserve.
You can see seahorses in Caye Caulker

15. Take a yoga class

To really embody the Go Slow way of life, head to Namaste CafĂ© and start your day with a yoga class. Namaste Yoga Studio is nestled right in the heart of the island with a rooftop practice area upstairs and a fantastic cafĂ©, one of the best restaurants in Caye Caulker, downstairs. We enjoyed a restorative morning session of stretches and poses, before a fabulous brunch and iced coffee. There’s no need to book in advance (unless you’d like to attend a special event) – simply show up 15 minutes early and grab a mat. There are a variety of classes, from slow-going to fast-paced, with beginner-friendly to intermediate variations, so everyone of any level is welcome. A yoga class at Namaste costs $20 BZD ($10 USD) for a drop-in, with the exception of Chair Yoga, which is by donation. Ceiba Yoga is another popular option if you’re staying further south of the village.

Namaste Cafe, a great place for coffee and cake in Caye Caulker. There are two floors and sections of palapa-style roofing. The top floor is a space for morning yoga sessions.
Yoga is a great way to start the day

16. Spot pelicans on the docks

A short and sweet one, it’s worth keeping your eye out when you’re by the sea to spot Caye Caulker’s pelicans. It might not be the most exciting thing to do on Caye Caulker for everyone, but for us, where pelicans aren’t found in the UK, we always love watching them when we come across them.

Pelicans, particularly the Brown Pelican, are a common sight along the coastline of Caye Caulker. These large, graceful birds often glide just inches above the water, dive dramatically for fish, or perch lazily on weathered wooden posts near docks, unfazed by the human activity around them.

If you’re a birder, you can also appreciate the magnificent frigatebirds, which can be spotted circling the island, riding the thermals.

Two pelicans sat on wooden posts, looking out to sea.
Birds can be seen all around the island

17. Cheer on the home team

We didn’t see this activity on any lists of things to do in Caye Caulker, and we happened across it by chance. If you’re looking for completely free things to do, you might be able to catch a football (soccer) game. We happened to be passing the Caye Caulker Soccer Field on a Sunday afternoon and came across the local footy team playing an intense game on the pitch. Locals and tourists alike stopped and gathered along the sides to watch the game. Ask around to find out when the next match is scheduled.

A group of men playing in a local football (soccer) game on a field in Caye Caulker.
You might spot a local footie game

18. Go Slow

Doing nothing isn’t really doing anything, but it’s one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker. The island is known for its slow pace and relaxed vibe, and many people visit here to simply swing in a hammock, reading a good book. Embody the famous Go Slow motto and have a day off, mooch around the island, and make time to enjoy some restorative vacation time.

A sign simply saying "Go Slow" nailed to a palm tree. This is the motto of Caye Caulker, Belize.
Simply relaxing is one of the top things to do in Caye Caulker

Unique things to do in Caye Caulker

While most people come to Caye Caulker for sun, sea, and snorkelling, there’s plenty more to discover beyond the usual tourist trail. If you’re looking for activities that go beyond the beach towel, here are some of the most unique things to do on Caye Caulker.

19. Take a flight over the Blue Hole

Caye Caulker is one of the best places to experience a quintessential Belize icon: the Great Blue Hole. A natural sinkhole in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Blue Hole is over 300 metres (984 feet) across and around 125 metres (410 feet) deep, appearing as a perfect navy-blue circle.

It may be one of the more expensive things to do in Caye Caulker, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Belize, and so worth it. The best way to experience it is to fly over the Blue Hole in Belize from Caye Caulker’s municipal airport. As well as the hole, you’ll also get to see stunning views of the Barrier Reef and remote islands, and you may even spot Belizean animals like manatees, rays, sharks, and dolphins in the water.

The view from the window of a Tropic Air scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole. Light blue waters are dotted with coral formations.
Caye Caulker is a great base to see the Blue Hole

20. Support an animal shelter

This one’s for those missing their furry BFFs: visit the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter and spend some time cuddling the kitties and petting the puppies. A no-kill non-profit, it is run by a local, Kenny, who provides the animals with food, medical attention, and a safe environment to stay in.

You can volunteer some of your time, helping out at the shelter and walking the dogs, or simply pop in to see the animals.

While many of the shelter’s animals are successfully rehomed within Belize, Kenny has also helped place dogs and cats in loving homes abroad, including in the U.K., U.S.A., and Canada. Donations of cash, pet food, medicine, and pet supplies are greatly appreciated.

Dogs looking with curiosity at visitors to the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter in Belize.
The Caye Caulker Animal Shelter is a great spot

21. Spot crocodiles in the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve

For a unique wildlife experience in Caye Caulker, explore the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, one of the best protected areas in Belize. Located on the northern tip of the North Island, this 100-acre protected area was established in 1998 and is a haven for various species, including crocodiles, iguanas, boa constrictors, and numerous bird species.

One of the highlights is the estuary, a mangrove-rich ecosystem within the reserve. Red, white, and black mangroves are found here, as well as buttonwood and gumbo-limbo trees. Unfortunately, much of the land has been sold off and is being developed into luxury resorts. The fragile ecosystem and its inhabitants are threatened by mass development as a result of increasing tourism.

You can take a guided tour to spot crocodiles and other wildlife in the reserve with Richard’s Adventures, or a birdwatching tour with Tsunami Adventures, where you might spot herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, hawks, frigatebirds, and roseate spoonbills.

A crocodile hiding amongst the mangroves. Only part of its grey head can be seen amongst the flora of the Sian KaĘĽan Biosphere Reserve.
There are plenty of animals around Caye Caulker

Day trips from Caye Caulker

While Caye Caulker has plenty to see and do, it also makes a great base for exploring some of Belize’s most stunning nearby attractions. Here are the best day trips from Caye Caulker.

22. Take the Split to Split Ferry to the North Island

As we’ve mentioned, Caye Caulker is split into two, and its North Island, despite rapid development, remains a quieter and more nature-focused destination.

The Split to Split Ferry provides a convenient and affordable way to get between the North and South sides of Caye Caulker. It operates daily, with departures from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and charges a small fee. Bicycles can be brought along for an additional small fee.

Here are some of the highlights on the North Island:

  • Northside (previously Koko King Beach) – beach area with loungers and vendors that’s developed in front of the closed beach club.
  • Bliss Beach – Another beach area with a cocktail bar and lounge.
  • Caye Caulker Forest Reserve – A 100-acre protected area, home to mangroves and wildlife.
  • Blu Zen – A sprawling resort offering beachfront accommodation, a spa, and a wellness centre. While not considered in keeping with Caye Caulker’s relaxed and authentic vibe, it’s become a hugely popular spot for vacationers seeking a little luxury out of San Pedro and day-trippers who want to take advantage of a day pass to use the pool, bar, and beachfront.
A view of the Split in Caye Caulker, a small gap in the land that is crossable via a small ferry.
Explore the north side by taking the ferry

23. Visit San Pedro on Ambergris Caye

Caye Caulker’s neighbouring island, Ambergris Caye, is the largest island in the country and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Its main town, San Pedro, is small but built up and is much more developed than Caye Caulker. It’s where you’ll find most of the island’s restaurants, shops, and accommodations. There are plenty of fun things to do in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, and since it’s only a 30-minute ferry ride away, it’s a great day trip from Caye Caulker.

Lucy standing in front of a large sign that reads "San Pedro Belize" in front of two large palm trees swaying in the wind.
San Pedro is an easy day trip from Caye Caulker

24. Explore Mayan Ruins on the mainland

While there aren’t many historic sites on Caye Caulker, it’s easy to take a trip to the mainland to explore some of Belize’s best Mayan ruins.

You’ll first need to take a water taxi (~45 minutes) or a short flight (~15 minutes) to Belize City, but the easiest way is to book onto a Mayan ruins tour from Caye Caulker. Here are three top sites visited from the island:

  • Altun Ha – The easiest site to reach, about an hour from Belize City, known for its well-preserved temples and the famous jade head of the sun god Kinich Ahau.
  • Lamanai – A full-day adventure that includes a boat ride up the New River through jungle wildlife, leading to a sprawling site with towering pyramids.
  • Xunantunich – Located near the Guatemalan border, this impressive site features “El Castillo,” a climbable temple with panoramic views. It’s a long day tour, so we’d recommend staying in San Ignacio if you’ve got a bit more time.
Stone steps leading up a Mayan pyramid surrounded by tropical greenery in Belize.
There are lots of Mayan Ruins on the mainland

25. Go cave tubing

Cave tubing is a classic Belize activity, and you don’t have to miss out if you’re staying on Caye Caulker. Float through underground river systems, illuminated by your headlamp, and pass through limestone caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Cave tubing tours from Caye Caulker start early and visit the mainland. The most popular cave tubing destination is Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, also known as Jaguar Paw, located inland along the Caves Branch River. Some tour operators also offer combo packages that include additional activities such as ziplining or visits to Mayan ruins like Altun Ha or Xunantunich, enhancing your trip.

A room full of rubber rings to be used for cave and river tubing in Belize.
Cave tubing is popular in Belize
Powered by GetYourGuide

Things not to do in Caye Caulker

Unfortunately, there are a few unethical activities to avoid in Caye Caulker.

26. Bathing with stingrays on Stingray Beach

While it’s often listed as one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, Stingray Beach is a bit problematic. The staff at the Iguana Reef Inn feed the stingrays, attracting them to congregate in the shallow waters. This can impact the species’ natural behaviours and migration patterns. People then sit with them, touching and stroking them, which can cause stress and transfer harmful bacteria.

Because of the unethical practices at Stingray Beach, we wouldn’t recommend you visit. If you’d like to see stingrays, look out in the shallows underneath docks on Caye Caulker or take a snorkelling tour with a responsible operator that doesn’t feed the animals.

Tourists sitting in the shallows of Stingray Beach as stingrays bunch together all around them.
Touching animals is ethically questionable

27. Feeding tarpons at the dock

Feeding tarpons at the dock in Caye Caulker has become a popular tourist activity, but it raises ethical concerns. While people visit to see these powerful fish leap from the water, hand-feeding wild animals interferes with their natural behaviour. It can lead to dependency on humans, change feeding patterns, and increase the risk of injury both to the fish and the people involved.

The tarpon feeding dock is a popular stop on a snorkelling tour, even with companies that don’t feed the fish themselves, but we think it’s best to avoid the dock and leave the fish be.

A tourist feeding a large tarpon fish, encouraging it to leap out of the water for its food. This kind of unethical wildlife tourism is very common in Belize.
Feeding animals can disrupt natural behaviours

28. Snorkelling with baited sharks

Snorkelling with sharks in Shark Ray Alley is one of Caye Caulker’s most popular experiences, but it’s, again, ethically questionable. Guides often attract nurse sharks and stingrays by chumming the water (throwing in fish) to ensure close encounters for tourists. While nurse sharks are generally harmless to humans and accustomed to this routine, baiting alters their natural behaviour. Over time, this can disrupt their feeding patterns, increase aggression, and make them reliant on human interaction. It’s best to be sure the provider you’ve booked with doesn’t feed marine life for a sustainable experience.

Four nurse sharks circling a coral formation. They are searching for an elusive lionfish.
It’s best to choose a hands-off operator

Caye Caulker Travel Information

Now you know the best things to do in Caye Caulker, you may be wondering about the logistics of planning your Belize trip.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting Caye Caulker in our traveller’s guide to the island, from the best hotels in Caye Caulker to the best restaurants in Caye Caulker. We’ve also included transportation information, a breakdown of when is best to visit, and lots of handy tips.

An aerial view of the Split - a gap in the land of Caye Caulker where a channel runs through to the sea.
There are so many activities in Caye Caulker

Things to do in Caye Caulker: FAQs

To finish, we’ll leave you with these frequently asked questions about things to do in Caye Caulker, answered.

What is Caye Caulker famous for?

Caye Caulker is famous for its laidback vibe, “Go Slow” motto, and amazing marine life. It’s packed with unique things to do, from adventure activities to relaxing moments. The island is a gateway to the Belize Barrier Reef, making it a top spot for snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Visitors come to swim at The Split, sail at sunset, kayak through mangroves, and spot wildlife like pelicans on the docks. There’s no better place to relax in a hammock with a book, sip rum punch at the Lazy Lizard, or join a snorkelling trip to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

What to do on Caulker Caye?

For a fun day out, you can take a day trip to snorkel on coral reefs, dive the world-famous Blue Hole or the diverse Turneffe Atoll, rent a paddleboard or kayak. If you want to slow down, simply relax at The Split with a cocktail. For nature lovers, a walk through the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve offers a chance to see rare birds, iguanas, and crocodiles, or explore the quiet North Island by bike.

What to do in Caye Caulker when it rains?

Rainy days on Caye Caulker are a chance to unwind. If you’re staying somewhere with a sea view, enjoy the storm from your balcony. Settle into a cosy cafĂ© like Ice & Beans and watch the rain with a good book or warm coffee. Join a yoga class at Namaste, browse local art or handmade jewellery in village shops, or take a Belizean cooking class. Rain often passes quickly, so keep your swimsuit handy for a swim when the skies clear.

What to do in Caye Caulker with kids?

Caye Caulker is a fun and safe island for families. Kids will love taking a boat tour to spot colourful fish and stingrays on the calm waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. Bliss Beach and the shallow areas near The Split offer shallow waters for splashing and swimming. You can rent bikes with child seats and explore the island together, or keep an eye out for wildlife like pelicans diving for fish or iguanas sunbathing on docks.

What to do in Caye Caulker at night?

Evenings on Caye Caulker are relaxed and social. Head to a beach bar like I&I Reggae Bar or the Lazy Lizard for live music, or enjoy a seafood dinner at local spots like Chef Juan’s or Reina’s. Night snorkel and dive tours offer a more adventurous way to spend the evening, and you might spot phenomena like bioluminescent plankton or nocturnal species like octopuses.

What is the best beach on Caye Caulker?

Caye Caulker doesn’t have long sandy beaches like some Caribbean islands, but there are some great places to enjoy the sand and sea. The Split is the most popular spot, with swimming areas and beach bars. For something quieter, take the ferry to North Island’s Bliss Beach or Northside. Some hotels and guesthouses also have private docks or ladders into the sea, which can feel like your own little slice of paradise.

Can you swim in Caye Caulker?

Yes, you can swim in Caye Caulker, although the island’s shoreline is more seawall and dock than sandy beach. The best spot for a dip is The Split, where you can hang out all day in the clear turquoise water. The North Island also has quieter swimming areas. The best swimming in Caye Caulker is accessible on a snorkelling tour.

Can you swim the Split Caye Caulker?

Yes, but with care. The Split is swimmable, but it has a strong current running through the channel, especially toward the centre. If you stay close to shore or use the floating rings and platforms provided by the Lazy Lizard, you’ll be fine. Strong swimmers occasionally cross it, but there’s a lot of boat traffic in the area, so it’s not very safe to go too far offshore.

The Split in Caye Caulker. Palm trees and shrubbery are blowing in the wind as a ferry loads some passengers ready to cross.
We hope you enjoy these things to do in Caye Caulker!

Liked this post? Follow us on Instagram for more useful travel guides and handy tips!

Read next:

A Comprehensive Caye Caulker Travel Guide

21 Best Hotels in Caye Caulker

19 Best Restaurants in Caye Caulker

A Complete Guide to Snorkelling in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker vs Ambergris Caye: Which Island to Choose?

Our Belize Destination Guides:

Our Belize Travel Guides:

Save this article for later!