Visiting Caye Caulker Belize this October
With reopening the Belize International Airport for international flights on October 1, 2020, Phase 3 of the “Belize Travel Reopening Plan” will be in effect. However, the Government of Belize (GOB) together with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) implemented quite a few restrictions for visiting Belize during this phase to prevent spread of COVID-19. We will point out what these restrictions mean to you as a visitor, so you know what to expect when visiting Caye Caulker in October.
In addition to the mandatory use of facemasks and enforcement of social distancing, the GOB and BTB implemented a “safe corridor” to test the new procedures of the recently implemented “Tourism Gold Standard” recognition program for accommodations and tour operators. The “safe corridor” reintroduces tourism slowly and its procedures are in place to ensure employees’ and travelers’ safety.
We, at GoSlowCayeCaulker.com, want to share a few thoughts, so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision when to visit us in Caye Caulker.
When You Arrive In Belize Hop On A Flight To Caye Caulker
Once you made it through the safety protocols at the airport in Belize City that we highlighted in the Updated COVID-19 Belize Entry Requirements and our recent post Belize International Airport To Reopen On October 1, 2020, you will want to get to Caye Caulker!
However, the water taxi companies announced that they are not ready for the “safe corridor” requirements when the Belize International Airport reopens on October 1.
So, to get to Caye Caulker, you will have to book a connecting flight with Tropic or Mayan Air, or ask your accommodations to organize a private boat pick up with a Gold Standard approved tour company.
You Can Book Your Stay Only With Gold Standard Certified Accommodations
All of the accommodations in Belize will have to become Gold Standard certified to reopen for business at some point. But if you want to visit Caye Caulker, Belize this year in October, you can only book your stay with accommodations that are certified for the “safe corridor” under the Tourism Gold Standard recognition program.
So, in addition to the new Gold Standard certification, accommodations that are qualified to receive visitors starting October 1 have to offer full service onsite. Full service includes to organize transportation to and from the airport. Moreover, the accommodations have to have a beachfront location or a pool, and a restaurant/bar has to be on the property. As alternative to a restaurant, the hotel can contract catering services for meals or offer grocery service for condo-type settings. On top of that, accommodations have to offer isolated tours that are limited to guests of the property.
Most accommodations in Caye Caulker are small guesthouses, so you won’t find that many options that can offer mentioned amenities, thus are qualified to reopen during the Phase 3 “safe corridor”.
As of today six accommodations in Caye Caulker have been added to the Gold Standard Hotel list. A total of 76 hotels are approved in Belize. More accommodations will be added to this list in the next week or two, so stay tuned!
UPDATE 9/24/2020: The list of certified hotels is growing. Find the Caye Caulker certified hotels and tour operators HERE!
You will see all kinds of new Gold Standard signs at your accommodations
You Cannot Leave The Hotel Property To Explore The Island On Your Own
With the current “safe corridor” regulations in place, you are not allowed to venture out and explore Caye Caulker on your own. So, no restaurant visits, no bars, no shopping, and no mingling with locals. Not even strolling along the beach is approved during Phase 3. In fact, accommodation owners will be held responsible if their guests leave the property.
However, approved accommodations will organize onsite entertainment, which can include a variety of activities. Check with your Gold Standard hotel what they will offer to keep you entertained!
UPDATE: These restrictions have been reviewed, improved and updated. Find the latest UPDATE HERE!
You Can Go On Tours With Gold Standard Certified Tour Operators
The new Tourism Gold Standard also includes tour operators.
If you want to leave the premises, you have to book tours with a Gold Standard approved tour company. Your accommodations will work with tour companies and can assist you with the booking process.
So, during your stay you can enjoy a snorkeling trip, go on a scuba diving tour, or explore the sites on the mainland, as long as it is an organized tour with a certified tour operator.
The Gold Standard for tour operators includes capacity restrictions for all tourism sites to ensure social distancing.
On the upside, smaller groups will provide for a more intimate tour experience. Sites and parks will manage tours by appointment to limit the number of persons on site, so excursions and visits to tourism sites may be more enjoyable when it’s less crowded.
Your Vacation Will Be More Organized And Less Spontaneous
During this “safe corridor” phase of the Belize Travel Reopening Plan, your trip to Caye Caulker, Belize will be much less spontaneous and much more organized.
However, the Caribbean Sea will be as beautiful as always. Maybe even more with the lack of boat traffic over the last few months. You will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling the Reef, Hol-Chan, and Shark-Ray-Alley just as much with the temporary “safe corridor” process in place. However, the restriction to explore the island on your own during Phase 3 is definitely a drawback.
In conclusion, if you want to relax, like to sit by the ocean, read books by the pool, and take organized tours, visit now and enjoy the less crowded tours and tourism sites!
But if your main goal is to wander around Caye Caulker, visit beaches, restaurants and bars, or mingle with locals, wait until the next phase (Phase 4) of the reopening plan. Unfortunately, as of today, no date for the start of Phase 4 has been announced.
*Phase 3 was originally scheduled for August 2020, but rescheduled due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Belize.
UPDATE - GOOD NEWS ON BELIZE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS!
Can't Visit In 2020? Plan Your Caye Caulker Trip For 2021!
INSIDER TIP!
If you’re ready “for the island” check out our Special Offers and Coupons before booking your accommodations!
