Caye Caulker is a beautiful island off the coast of Belize known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant marine life. Here are 20 fun facts about Caye Caulker that you might not know:
1. No Cars, No Problem:One of the most unique features of Caye Caulker is that there are no cars on the island. The primary mode of transportation is golf carts and bicycles.
2.Split Personality:The Split, a narrow channel that divides the island in two, is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a drink at the Lazy Lizard bar. Many people think The Split was a direct result of Hurricane Hattie when the truth is, The Split always existed. Yes, Hurricane Hattie might have made it a bit wider, but it was intentionally dredged out for boats to pass through instead of having to travel all the way around the island to get to the back.
3. Shark Ray Alley: Many people are familiar with the shark and ray alley located near San Pedro, but little do people know that just two minutes away is an even better Shark and Ray alley located directly in front of Caye Caulker. This Shark Ray Alley is shallow making it easy to stand in the water. It’s also covered in stingrays compared to its counterpart in San Pedro where you might see 2 or 3 stingrays here or there.
4. Manatees: Caye Caulker is home to a population of West Indian manatees. They can be found directly to the back of the island OR directly in front before getting to the reef.
5. Eco-Friendly:The island is known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. You’ll find various eco-friendly accommodations using solar panels and water cisterns. and you’ll even find solar golf carts.
6. Go Slow: The island’s motto is “Go Slow,” reflecting its laid-back, relaxed pace of life.
7. Lobster Season:The island celebrates the opening of lobster season with a big festival typically held the first weekend in July.
8. Mangroves: The island is surrounded by extensive mangrove forests, providing important breeding grounds for marine life.These mangroves can mostly be found at South Point and Northside Caye Caulker.
9. Hol Chan Marine Reserve:This protected area is close to Caye Caulker and offers incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. In fact, plenty of tourists describe it to be the best snorkeling in the world.
10. Birdwatching: The island is a paradise for birdwatchers, with various species of migratory and resident birds such as the following:
Certainly, here is a list of popular birds for birdwatchers on Caye Caulker:
1. Brown Pelican,
2. Magnificent Frigatebird,
3. Great Blue Heron,
4. Snowy Egret,
5. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,
6. Osprey,
7. Green Heron,
8. Northern Mockingbird,
9. Black-crowned Night-Heron,
10. Common Tern.
11. Dive Blue Hole: Caye Caulker is a popular starting point for dive trips to the Great Blue Hole, a world-renowned underwater sinkhole.The Blue Hole is a true wonder of the world.
12. Conch Republic: One former Caye Caulker resident built an entire conch shell wall in front of his property. It is marvelous.
13. No High Rises:The island has strict building regulations that prohibit structures taller than three stories, preserving its small-town charm.
14. Barefoot Island: Many residents and visitors embrace the island’s casual lifestyle by going barefoot.
15. Fresh Seafood: You can enjoy delicious, freshly caught seafood at the island’s restaurants and street vendors. Several restaurants will cook your meal for free as long as you purchase some sides with it such as Swings, Enjoy Restaurant, and Steve’s Grill.
16. Iguana Sanctuary: To the south of the island past the airstrip, you can find iguanas crawling out the woodworks. There certainly isn’t a shortage of them.
17. Caye Caulker is a village: Caye Caulker has approximately 2000 residents across 7 neighborhoods listed as follows:
- North Side
- South Point
- Eden’s Isle
- Village Center
- Bahia
- Black Neighborhood
- Airport Neighborhood
18. Biking Paradise: Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation, and you can explore the island’s sandy streets on two wheels.
19. Local Arts and Crafts: You can find unique Belizean arts and crafts in the island’s shops and from local artisans along the main street heading towards the Split.
20. Great Snorkeling and Diving: The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, is easily accessible from Caye Caulker, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.
Caye Caulker is a secret paradise with plenty of natural beauty, adventure, and culture to explore. Whether you’re a nature lover, water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a laid-back island experience, Caye Caulker has something for everyone.