Things are usually a bit more expensive on an island than they are on the mainland, because everything has to be brought in by barge, water taxi, or airplane. However, if you are traveling on a budget, we have plenty of free things to do in Caye Caulker!
Here’s a list of our favorite 10 free things to do in Caye Caulker
1. Watch the sunrise
The sunrise is beautiful on any spot on the reef-side on Caye Caulker. Grab your coffee, sit on one of the docks, and watch the sun come up.
2. Swim in the ocean
You can swim off most of the docks. Our favorite swimming spot is at The Split. If you’re a good swimmer, you can swim over to north-island. But don’t attempt it if you’re not sure or if you are by yourself. Let somebody keep an eye on you. The current is very strong at times!
3. Walk or take a bike ride down the nature trail
You can walk or ride the bike all around south-point. Start on Back Street and pass the airstrip on the reef side. Just follow the trail and you will end up on the other side of the island.
4. Visit the seahorse reserve
The seahorse reserve is located on the Leeside at Iguana Reef Inn Hotel. On the north side of their seawall you will find a net in the water that the seahorses like to hang on to. Seahorses are tiny and might not be easy to spot at times. But don’t give up too quickly!
5. Feed the tarpons
You can watch people feed the tarpons at Tarpon View or, if you’re brave enough, feed them yourself. Tarpons will jump out of the water to snatch a sardine from your hands. Watch your fingers, though. They have pointy teeth!
6. Enjoy an afternoon in the sun at The Split
If you went swimming at The Split, it’s not unlikely that you will spend some time here. It’s a fun place to hang out and enjoy a beer or a Lizard Juice. The Lazy Lizard and Pizza Al Taglio offer a delicious lunch. For your caffeine fix, see Aria at Aria Kat Art – Gallery, Boutique & Coffee bar. It’s a perfect spot to sit in the shade for a while and enjoy one of the delicious coffees.
7. Take a walk down the beach
You can start at The Split and walk the beach south. There are plenty of options for pit stops along the way. And if you’re not tired of walking see tip 3 above and continue down the nature trail.
8. Join the Pelican feeding
Management of Iguana Reef Inn feed the pelicans every day around sunset time and the pelicans know when it’s dinner time! You will see them waiting on the dock and on the beach of the hotel and it makes for a great photo op!
Feeding of the pelicans even made the news!
9. Watch the sunset
The sun sets on the leeside of the island and we have three favorite spots for watching the sunset. No.1 is at The Split. The Split has the largest seafront and you can sit on the seawall, have a Belikin or glass of wine and enjoy the view. Our two other favorites for watching the sunset are at Iguana Reef Inn and the Pelican Sunset Bar.
10. Mingle with the locals
The best way to get to know a country is through its people, so don’t be shy and get to know the locals!
No matter where you go, you’ll meet some of the locals or longtime expats. Don’t be shy and start a conversation!
We will add to that list as we go, so sign up if you don’t want to miss a thing!
