Caye Caulker is what you imagine paradise looks like. Calm, crystal clear, aqua-blue waters, tall palm trees, and vibrant buildings. This small, beautiful island off the coast of Belize is a wonderful place to visit and embrace the slower pace. You can hang out in a hammock with a tasty drink, soak up the sun, and melt your worries away! Plus, there’s no hassle with cars, as the island is small and easily walkable. If you need to get around, you can simply hop in a golf cart taxi!
When planning a trip to Caye Caulker, it’s good to know that the island is split into two, with a north side and a south. We’ve stayed on both sides, and each offers a little bit of a different vibe. Either way, you can’t go wrong and will appreciate the “Go Slow” atmosphere. Let’s dive into some of the differences to consider when booking your trip!
Why are there two parts of Caye Caulker?
The Split is a stretch of water between the North and South sides of Caye Caulker. There are a couple of theories as to why the island was split into two. One is that the Split occurred in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie wreaked havoc on Belize’s coastline. The second is that it was man-made. Our snorkel tour guide told us that it was originally man-made to allow for the passage of boats, and it widened during the hurricane.
Today, The Split is a very popular place to hang out, grab a drink, swim, and windsurf on the north side of Caye Caulker.
Differences between North and South Caye Caulker
South Caye Caulker is the hub for most of the restaurants, transportation, and accommodations on the island, making it the favored spot for tourists. However, if you truly want to embrace Caye Caulker’s “Go Slow” motto, consider staying on the newly developed North Caye Caulker. With only a few resorts and a handful of restaurants available, there are fewer crowds and activities here. You can unwind at the resort, indulge in a relaxing spa day, spend time at Koko King Beach, or take a leisurely bike ride.
South Caye Caulker transportation
If you’re staying on the south side of Caye Caulker, you’ll find it’s pretty easy to reach your accommodation. Still, it’s a good idea to touch base with your hotel for any tips they might have to help you out.
Where to stay on South Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker has a range of accommodations that cater to everyone, from boutique hotels to cozy beachfront resorts. Here are some of the popular choices:
- Weezie’s Hotel is a nice spot that mixes modern comforts with stunning sea views.
- Jan’s Hotel is known for its friendly service and cozy stays with a personal touch.
- Island Magic Beach Resort is family-friendly, with a fun pool and easy access to the beach.
- Iguana Reef Inn is a wonderful little gem known for its private beach and breathtaking sunsets.
- Seaside Cabanas is just a stone’s throw from the beach. It offers a laid-back tropical vibe, a refreshing pool, and an on-site bar.
Seaside Cabanas
When we first visited Caye Caulker, we stayed with friends at Seaside Cabanas, and we just fell in love with it! This adorable oceanfront place has a pool with gorgeous ocean views that we used every single day.
My husband and I had a cozy queen room that was clean and had everything we needed. Our friends were in a bigger room right at the front, complete with a private rooftop lounge that had a hammock, a jacuzzi, and more of those amazing views.
Every morning, we treated ourselves to the yummy Belizean pastries for breakfast—such a delightful way to start the day! The hotel’s location was fantastic, making it easy for us to get to and from the water taxi dock, grab a bite at nearby restaurants, and check out The Split. Plus, if you feel like having a cocktail, they have a great on-site bar!
I had originally planned to book this hotel again for our most recent visit, but we decided to mix things up and explore the north side of Caye Caulker by staying at El Ben Cabañas instead.
Restaurants on South Caye Caulker
There are so many places to eat on the south side, so let’s talk about some of our favorites. We wanted to venture out and try more restaurants, but we ended up sticking to spots that serve grilled cheese, cheese, pizza, and quesadillas since our seven-year-old can be pretty picky.
But before we dive into the food recommendations, here’s a fun little tidbit: lemons are super hard to find in Belize! We love our iced tea and water with lemon, but every time we asked for it, we got lime instead. I’ve read a few reasons for this—like lemons not growing well in tropical climates, a possible citrus shortage, or that locals just prefer limes. So, if you’re a lemon lover like us, good luck out there!
Caribbean Fusion Brewing Company
We stumbled upon Caribbean Fusion Brewing Company—no pun intended, hahaha!—after a friendly guy on the corner handed us a flyer about their brewery tour, and it quickly turned into one of our favorite spots.
The owners, who are from Texas, opened the first brewery in Caye Caulker. The place is beautifully decorated and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. We were truly impressed by their craft beers, and they also have a full-service bar serving up cocktails and wine.
As promised, we joined the owner for a brewery tour, which was a blast. We learned about their journey to this location and got an insider’s look at their brewing process. Although we had dinner plans and couldn’t sample the food ourselves, the dishes we saw being served at other tables looked absolutely delicious!
Pasta Per Caso
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you should definitely book a table at Pasta Per Caso. We had the pleasure of dining there during our first trip to Caye Caulker, and it was absolutely fantastic! Just a heads-up: reservations are a must, and they only accept cash.
South Side Pizza
Southside Pizza, Caye Caulker’s “one and only” biker bar, has earned two big thumbs up from our son—and we’re fans as well! We’ve dined there a couple of times, and each visit has been an awesome experience. The pizzas feature a thick crust and an array of high-quality toppings, and they offer a selection of beer and spirits to sip on.
Ice and Beans Café
Ice and Beans Café is a perfect spot for getting a fix of caffeine and sweets with a laid-back vibe and marvelous views! They’re famous for their organic Belizean coffee, and their drink menu has something for everyone—frappuccinos, smoothies, iced teas, ice cream, milkshakes, tea lemonades, and even rum bulls! You’ll also find a mouthwatering selection of freshly baked goodies, like donuts, bagels, bubble waffles, smoothie bowls, and yogurt parfaits.
Our son was all about the ice cream, while we were fans of their blended iced coffees. The outdoor seating area is ideal for relaxing, with swings, hammocks, and picnic tables where you lounge and take in the sights of the Caribbean Sea.
Bambooze Beach Bar and Grill
How could you resist a place called Bambooze?! With its happy hour deals, fun swing seats, and ocean views, what’s not to love? We visited twice—once for drinks and once for dinner. It’s such a lively spot, and my son was all about sitting on the swings at our table.
Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill
The Lazy Lizard is a treasured beachfront bar and grill right at The Split. With its laid-back vibe, sensational ocean views, and fun atmosphere, it’s a hit with both locals and visitors. You can jump in the water, sunbathe, or just kick back with drinks in the shallow turquoise waters. The bar is famous for its signature “Lizard Juice” cocktail, which is a must-try for anyone wanting to savor the tropical experience. With live music, delicious food, and a lively social scene, the Lazy Lizard is the place to be!
The Pelican Sunset Bar
We tried to get a table at The Pelican Sunset Bar, but it was just too busy, so we didn’t get the chance to try it. This spot is known for its sunset views, delicious seafood—especially the lobster—and yummy tropical cocktails! With seating right over the water, you can catch glimpses of fascinating marine life like stingrays. Plus, they often have live music, which makes it a fun must-visit for anyone looking to kick back with great food, drinks, and gorgeous Caribbean scenery.
Things to do on South Caye Caulker
Hang out at The Split
The Split is such a fun hangout with its beach bar, swimming areas, and breathtaking sunset views! It’s one of the best places to relax in the sun, take a leap off the dock or high platform into the clear water, grab some food and drinks at the Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill, and even join in on some water sports! This spot really is one of the go-to places on the south side, and it gets a pretty lively crowd. It has a bit of a party vibe, but overall, it’s super laid-back. LOL!
Thinking back to our first trip over 10 years ago, we were a lot younger and spent tons of time at The Split. We would grab a bucket of beer and just soak in the picturesque sunset. I’ll never forget the time my hubby and his friend swam across The Split (which is now a no-no). This time, when we visited, it was really crowded, and since we weren’t drinking, we decided to give it a miss. I guess we’re just a bit older now! Haha!
Shopping
Take a stroll through the charming and colorful streets and discover the small boutiques, street vendors, and artisan markets. You’ll find an array of handcrafted souvenirs, such as intricately carved wooden pieces, conch shell crafts, unique handmade jewelry, vibrant island-themed paintings, and more. Most of the shops are along Front Street and Middle Street, while artisan stalls are located near The Split.
Dining
Get your fill of fresh seafood, Belizean rice and beans, fry jacks, and ceviche at beachside restaurants. Some coffee shops and restaurants have hammocks to relax while grabbing a drink or bite to eat.
North Caye Caulker transportation
If you’ve booked a resort on the north side, contact your hotel before your trip to arrange transportation. We stayed at El Ben Cabañas, and they took care of all our transportation from the Caye Caulker Airport.
Restaurants on North Caye Caulker
La Fogata
We had such a wonderful time celebrating my husband’s birthday at La Fogata, at the Blue Zen Resort! We couldn’t get enough of their wood-fired pizzas and enjoyed sipping on refreshing cocktails and craft beers. Their menu has everything from tacos and burgers to chicken, short ribs, and pasta—something for everyone!
Lotus by Habanero
Another restaurant at the Blue Zen Resort is Lotus by Habanero. Although we didn’t get to try it, they serve up some farm-to-table dishes inspired by Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine.
North Side Happy Lobster
For lunch, we decided to take a leisurely walk to North Side Happy Lobster from El Ben Cabañas. It was so nice and quiet—just us and a few people at the bar, which made for a pleasant, private dining experience. I adored the outdoor, beachy atmosphere with tables set up right on the sand.
T&T Bar and Grill
During our stay at El Ben Cabañas, we ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their restaurant, the T&T Bar and Grill. Everything was great! Plus, they have an inviting bar area where you can grab a cocktail or some appetizing food while you unwind.
Where to stay on North Caye Caulker
North Caye Caulker, situated across “The Split” from the main village, offers a more tranquil and secluded experience with a few resorts to choose from:
- Blu Zen– A modern resort where you’ll find roomy condos, a splendid infinity pool, and dining at La Fogata and Lotus by Habanero.
- Happy Destiny – A charming boutique resort featuring cozy cabanas that surround a central pool.
- El Ben Cabañas – An affordable, elegant retreat, complete with individual thatched-roof cabanas, a private dock for your adventures, a refreshing pool, and the T&T Bar and Grill.
El Ben Cabañas
For my husband’s birthday, we decided to head back to Caye Caulker and check out the north side. We stayed at the El Ben Cabañas and had an awesome time. Our cabana was cozy, and we loved hanging out by the pools and dining at their restaurant, the T&T Bar and Grill.
The resort feels like a tropical paradise, with vibrant plants everywhere and large iguanas roaming around. The staff were so friendly and helpful, especially when it came to setting up our tours. The front desk team took care of everything for us, arranging our snorkeling adventure and a fun mainland tour that included visits to Altun Ha, cave tubing, and ziplining. Each of the tours was a blast!
If you’re curious to learn more about El Ben Cabañas, check out El Ben Cabañas: Relaxation on the North Side of Caye Caulker, Belize
Things to do on North Caye Caulker
Koko King Beach
Koko King, last known as Northside Beach Club, may be closed, but the beach remains accessible to tourists. This beach is one of the few spots on the north side where you can actually swim. For a small fee of about 5 to 10 Belizean dollars, you can enjoy swimming and hanging out on the lounge chairs. Just remember to bring your own food, drinks, and towels for a complete beach day.
Bike around
Explore the island on two wheels by renting a bike from your resort. If you cycle to the northern end, you can take a stroll around Blue Zen Resort or El Ben Cabañas, where you can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner.
Spa day at Blue Zen Resort
For a touch of pampering, spend a day at Blue Zen Resort’s Bambu Spa. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, a manicure, or a pedicure.
Pros and cons of staying on North Caye Caulker
If you’re on the hunt for a quiet and secluded island escape, the north side of Caye Caulker is a fantastic pick! It’s less developed, with only three resorts as of 2025, so there are a lot fewer people, and it’s even more laid-back than South Caye Caulker.
Keep in mind, though, that options for dining and activities are a bit limited over there—there are just a couple of markets and a handful of restaurants. Depending on what you’re looking for, this could be a good thing or not. Most of the fun and excitement happens on South Caye Caulker, which is easily accessible by a quick ferry ride. We enjoyed using both the ferry that our resort offered and the Split to Split ferry, which was great since it gives discounts and free rides for kids.
For the most part, we found the ferry service pretty convenient, and the rides were quick. However, there were times while strolling around the south side when I wished I could just pop back to our hotel without needing to hop on the ferry. If being close to shops and restaurants, along with the convenience of returning easily to your lodging, is a priority for you, the north side might not be the best fit. Plus, when booking tours on the mainland, that extra ferry ride can stretch your day a bit longer.
Since this side is still being developed, some construction noise, like early morning hammering or sawing, can occur. Due to the new infrastructure, we also experienced a couple of power outages, but overall, the experience was still enjoyable!
Which side do I prefer?
That’s a great question! The north side is a wonderful choice for many people, but after experiencing both sides, I personally lean towards the south side. We wanted to walk around, dine out, and go shopping, and I found the south side to be more convenient for that. It’s also really nice to be able to quickly return to your hotel to drop off items, use the bathroom, change clothes, or take a break. While these things were still possible on the north side, it became a bit more of a hassle because it required a boat ride.
That said, if we go back, I wouldn’t mind mixing it up and splitting our time between the north and the south. It would be great to start with a full dose of relaxation on the north and then head to the south side for some fun!