Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | BZ$30–60 | BZ$100–250 |
| Food | BZ$20–40 | BZ$50–100 |
| Transport | BZ$0–15 | BZ$20–50 |
| Activities | BZ$0–50 | BZ$80–180 |
| Drinks | BZ$10–30 | BZ$40–80 |
| Daily Total | BZ$60–195 | BZ$290–660 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free on arrival in Belize — extendable at the immigration office in Belize City for BZ$50/month
- Caye Caulker is reached by water taxi from Belize City (BZ$22, 45min). San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry run hourly services
- International airport is Philip Goldson (BZE) near Belize City — 30 minutes by taxi to the water taxi terminal. Tropic Air flies direct to Caye Caulker for BZ$180+
Health & Safety
- Sun exposure is the main health risk — the Caribbean sun is intense and reflection off the water doubles the UV. Wear SPF 50+, a hat, and a rash vest for snorkelling
- Caye Caulker is very safe — petty theft is rare. The island community is small and tight-knit. Use normal precautions with valuables
- Sandflies (no-see-ums) can be fierce at dawn and dusk, especially near the beach. Use repellent with DEET or cover exposed skin
Getting Around
- No cars on Caye Caulker — everything is reached on foot, by bicycle (BZ$15–20/day), or by golf cart (BZ$80–120/day)
- Water taxis to San Pedro, Belize City, and Chetumal (Mexico) run multiple times daily from the main dock
- The island is 8 blocks wide and 25 blocks long — you can walk end to end in 20 minutes at the "Go Slow" pace
Connectivity
- WiFi available at most accommodations and cafes but speeds are slow — Belize's internet infrastructure is limited. Download content before arriving
- Digi and BTL are the two mobile providers. SIM cards available at small shops on the island (BZ$20 with data from BZ$10/day)
- Mobile data works on the island but is patchy. Coverage on the water and at snorkel sites is non-existent — download offline maps
Money
- Atlantic Bank ATM on the main street — the only ATM on the island. It sometimes runs out of cash in peak season, so withdraw on the mainland as backup
- US dollars accepted everywhere at the fixed 2:1 rate. Carry both BZD and USD. Change is usually given in BZD
- Cash is preferred at street carts and small restaurants. Some larger establishments accept cards but charge a 3–5% processing fee
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — Belize protects its reef strictly. Bring it from home or buy on the island (more expensive)
- A rash vest or UV shirt for snorkelling — you will be in the water for hours and back sunburn is almost universal among visitors
- Sandfly repellent, a quick-dry towel, water shoes for rocky shore entries, and a waterproof bag for electronics on boat trips
Cultural tips
Go Slow
The island motto is "Go Slow" — it is painted on signs, dock posts, and T-shirts. It is not just a slogan but a genuine way of life. Rushing, complaining about wait times, or expecting mainland efficiency will make your experience worse. Embrace the pace.
Reef Respect
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not touch coral, stand on reef, chase marine life, or take anything from the water. Use reef-safe sunscreen only. The reef is alive and took millennia to build — a careless fin kick can destroy decades of growth.
Island Community
Caye Caulker has a resident population of about 2,000 — a mix of Creole, Mestizo, and Garifuna Belizeans. Greet people, support locally-owned businesses, and remember that this is someone's home, not just your holiday destination.
Belizean Culture
Belize is a cultural melting pot — Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Mennonite communities all contribute to the national identity. Music ranges from punta and reggae to brukdown. Try the food from all traditions — each community brings something different to the table.
Wildlife Interaction
Nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley are wild animals — do not grab, ride, or harass them. Keep a respectful distance from manatees. Do not feed any wildlife. The animals at these sites are habituated to boats but they are not tame.
Reduce Plastic
Belize banned single-use plastic in 2019. Bring a reusable water bottle and bags. The island's waste management is limited — everything you bring must eventually leave by boat. Reduce your footprint.
