On my favourite evening on Caye Caulker I did nothing at all. I pulled up a plastic chair on our guest apartment’s balcony, and watched palm trees sway in the wind as fishing boats got smaller and smaller and reggae music wafted from a bar down the street.
A local we had met a few days prior stopped to chat with me through the railings as he cycled back from work – and, hailing from a small (albeit not tropical) island myself – I forgot for a moment that I wasn’t home.
Caye Caulker is a little island bubble of laidback Caribbean charm just an hour or so by ferry from Belize City.
The island has long been an established stop on any backpacker’s Belize or Central American route for hosting one of the largest living barrier reefs in the world and oozing with tropical hospitality and relaxed, ‘go slow’ vibes.
Caye Caulker is actually two islands separated by ‘The Split’ – although the southern island is where you’ll find the majority of local life and tourism.
This might be a strange addition to a ‘where to stay’ guide, but when it comes to choosing an accommodation on the island, I’d channel some Caribbean cool and not stress too much about where to book.
Caye Caulker’s businesses are extremely welcoming and the community vibe on the island means many hostels and hotels have an ‘open-door’ policy for events, tours and restaurants for non-guests. I attended yoga classes at boujee hotels I hadn’t booked, and went to boat parties in hostels I wasn’t staying at.
Despite only being a mile wide and five miles long, there is a range of accommodation experiences on the island – and whether you are a social party-goer, laidback ocean lover, or want to live with (or like) a local – Caye Caulker definitely has something for you.
I spent three weeks on the island, soaking up the sun, (too much) rum and finding the best places to stay to enjoy this mini tropical paradise.
- $$ Bella’s Backpackers – the social pick for nights out and meeting other travellers
- $ Traveller’s Palm Backpackers – a solid budget option in the heart of Caye Caulker
- $$ Mayan Falls – a practical base for digital nomads and longer stays
- $$ Sea n Sun Guesthouse – a family-run guesthouse away from the buzz
- $$$ Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel – garden cottages for a boutique experience
- $$ DreamCabanas – a cosy choice for couples who want their own space
Know before you go
- Currency confusion – The Belizean dollar and the US dollar are both official tender in Belize. On Caye Caulker, we found that locals preferred the Belizean dollar and were slightly confused on US exchange rates (which often meant we lost out on some cash in the conversion!). The island is largely cash-based, and card machines do come with extra fees in most places.
- Getting around – There are no cars on Caye Caulker! Locals use golf carts and bikes (which can be rented through your accommodation or hailed like taxis. If you’re willing and able to walk a few miles a day, you probably don’t need much of a transportation budget for the island.
- ‘Go Slow’ – the official motto of Caye Caulker and a testament to the island’s laidback attitude. Check-in times, ferry times, and tour starts are often just a suggestion. Unlike the ‘late-night’ culture in much of Latin America, island businesses (aside from nightlife spots) tend to close early and only open for short periods during the day. Some weekends, it was difficult to find an open restaurant after 8 pm. Plan your meals, shops and pharmacy runs accordingly.
Best hostels in Caye Caulker
$$ Bella’s Backpackers
Bella’s is the heart of Caye Caulker’s backpacking scene and is conveniently located in the island’s centre, too – just a short walk from The Split (the most popular swimming area).
Known locally for legendary events like the weekly Sunday Funday boat party, this hostel is a super social, activity-orientated hub.
The ‘yard’ boasts a private dock for sunset-watching and marine-life-spotting (I saw three enormous rays on my first night!), as well as an on-site bar, pool and tennis tables, and daily snorkelling and boat tours. A dream hostel for nightlife lovers and those in search of company.
Bella’s offers a mix of dorms ranging from 9-4 beds and a variety of private rooms adorned with driftwood and seashell decor. The beachy design is simple and open plan and our room was always cool and clean.
$ Traveller’s Palm
If you’re worried about getting lost on Caye Caulker, Traveller’s Palm, located on Traveller’s Palm street, might be an easy address to memorise.
This smaller hostel is just a short walk from the ferry terminal and stands out as an iconic pink and yellow Caribbean townhouse with a panoramic rooftop terrace.
Away from the party atmosphere of Bella’s, Traveller’s Palm is better for those on a stricter budget or perhaps couples and friends who prefer to dip in and out of social-heavy spaces. The hostel offers a range of marine wildlife tours, paddleboarding and fishing expeditions as well as longer, accompanied day trips into mainland Belize.
Traveller’s Palm has four small and simple dorm rooms, and one private room. The hostel is cosy and basic, with lovely local staff and a welcoming and friendly vibe that doesn’t feel forced.
Best guesthouses & Airbnbs in Caye Caulker
Mayan Falls
A well-kept Caye Caulker secret is that some guesthouses and private apartments are actually more budget friendly than the island’s hostels.
When we stumbled upon Mayan Falls we couldn’t quite believe our luck that the mini apartment, with a pool and balcony, was ours for less than the price of a dorm bed (at the time!).
Mayan Falls is a holiday apartment complex to the south of the island near the landing strip (although the airport is tiny so you aren’t cheaping out on a noisy stay). I’d be lying if I said that the accommodation is well-positioned if you’re coming by boat, but it is perfect for airport arrivals, has a few small shops and bars nearby and is only around a 20-25 minute walk to the island’s centre.
The apartment set-up, including a kitchen, bedroom and living room area, is perfect for longer visitors, digital nomads (very strong Wi-Fi!) or couples and friends. Although a bit out-of-the-way, the complex is gated and guarded, has 24/7 pool access and feels like a slice of local living off of the beaten track.
$$ Sea n Sun Guesthouse
Sea n Sun is a charming guesthouse just a few minutes from The Split and the iconic Stingray Beach tucked away down a palm-lined, peaceful side street.
The property is based around a large patio and garden area with regular BBQs. Although it’s not a bustling hostel, there’s a pleasant, friendly atmosphere amongst both live-in staff and guests.
The accommodation offers free kayaks and bikes, but is a small, family-run business and doesn’t have any on-site tours, though staff are so thoughtful they often arrange tours through other companies for you.
There are six private, spacious double rooms as well as a smaller single and the family feel of the property means the layout and decor is simple, beachy and authentic.
If you’re looking for a locally owned, mindful and private stay, Sea n Sun is a well-located, well-hosted choice.
Best hotels in Caye Caulker
$$$ Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel
If you’re going to treat yourself to some luxury on a long backpacking trip, then Weezie’s is the perfect place to do it. In fact, even though I didn’t stay the night here, the property was so pretty — and the activities and on-site restaurants so worth it – that I may as well have been an honorary guest.
Morning yoga sessions with a sea view, gorgeous hidden gardens, three pools and both cafes and restaurants just metres from your room makes Weezie’s a relaxing, resort-like option.
While located closer to the airport and the southern side of the island, free bikes and private golf-cart taxi services are always available and the beach is a few minutes from the front gardens.
The property is definitely more popular with traditional tourists and family groups, but the on-site activities attract island-wide guests and a community buzz. The hotel also owns private cottages a few blocks back from the main site for a truly peaceful and luxury lodging.
I can’t pretend Weezie’s is budget friendly, but it boasts a range of small studio rooms, simple twins and all-out suites complete with TVs, queen sized beds, balconies and stunning, classically Caribbean views.
$$ DreamCabanas
On first glance, a modern, private accommodation like DreamCabanas looks like it would come with a hefty price tag – but this hotel is one of the more affordable non-hostel or guesthouse options on Caye Caulker.
A mid-island location hidden away a few roads back from the town centre, DreamCabanas is the perfect property if you’re looking for a spacious room to unwind in, a couple’s retreat or even a nomad basecamp (all the rooms have a good desk and strong WiFi).
The hotel runs an extensive list of trips and excursions around Caye Caulker, the neighbouring island of San Pedro, and mainland Belize as well as a ferry or airport pick-up service.
As per the ‘Cabana’ name, each room is a private lodge with either a balcony overlooking the palm-tree patio, or a door opening out to a peaceful outdoor seating area. The rooms are clean, modern and functional and topped up with new towels everyday.
P.S. After checking your accommodation off the to-do list, be sure to read our travel guide to Caye Caulker to know the best things to do in the island!
