Caye Caulker

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If you're backpacking from Mexico to Guatemala (or vice versa) along the coast, it's impossible to avoid Belize.

I met some people who just did a straight bus shot through Belize without stopping, since it is an English speaking country, is heavily westernized, is pretty touristy, and is rather expensive. So, is it worth a stop in Caye Caulker if you are a backpacker passing through Belize between Guatemala and Mexico?

Maybe. It's geared toward those on a budget, and you'll have plenty of company, but it just didn't catch me like it did some people. I might be missing something, though, since there are a few expats there who came and never left.

This site gives a good idea of what you can do there. A few more notes:

If you are looking to dive in the the Blue Hole, or go on other nearby diving and snorkeling excursions, Caye Caulker isn't a bad place to spend a couple of days. The snorkeling is fun, particularly in Shark Ray Alley, but dives are apparently very expensive.

Caye Caulker easy to get to from Belize City, or even on a new ferry from Chetumal, Mexico.

The water is a beautiful blue, but there aren't really any beaches on the Key.

During July, the mosquitoes were pretty maddening, especially at dusk. Watching the sunset at the Split makes up for this.

It's definitely a party place. It isn't really loud at night, but if you're staying in a dormitory, expect people coming and going till 6 AM every night.

There isn't much to see culturally.

The roads are all sand, which is neat, I guess.

There is impressive food on the island, especially seafood. It's generally affordable and delicious, even at sit-down restaurants. There is even an excellent pizza joint inland.

Dirty McNasty's is a good hostel. It's open but it's still under construction. The beds are comfortable and the rum punch is free.

I was never terribly interested in Belize, so this was my only stop. I'm sure there are many wonderful places to visit in the country (others love it); however, even spending just a couple of days here can be an expensive endeavor when compared to Mexico and Guatemala.

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Photos

Main Street
All sand

Deserted Caye
What Caulker must have once looked like