Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Caye Caulker, see the dedicated budget guide.
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 and 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, so 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, as 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, so download offline maps
Money
- Atlantic Bank ATM on the main street is 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, as Belize protects its reef strictly. Bring it from home or buy on the island (more expensive)
- A rash vest or UV shirt for snorkelling, because 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", 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, as each community brings something different to the table.
Wildlife Interaction
Nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley are wild animals, so 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, and everything you bring must eventually leave by boat. Reduce your footprint.
