Day 18: Caye Caulker, Belize
I was looking forward to a mini vacation in my travels and thought it was somewhat deserved considering the prior tumultuous 48 hours.
Paradise was only 45 minutes from gang ridden Belize City crime and I was ready to soak it all in.
Caye Caulker is interesting, just as you can’t say Belize City is representative of the country, you probably can’t say the same about Caye Caulker.
It’s sunny, easy and everyone takes it slow. It wasn’t a typical party island rather a lot of couples vacationing and snorkeling in Caye Caulker or ready to dive the famous Blue Hole.
One of the more interesting, and sometimes annoying aspects of the island is the men who are ready to entertain the steady stream of female travelers.
Most are hoping that you’re looking for a 3-day boyfriend and want you to be the first to volunteer.
On my third day I met Bryan who sells souvenirs along the main road.
Like most there he knew I was from Canada as he asked on Day 1, but this day instead of calling “Hey girl” “Hey shorty” or the all purpose “Hey you” he shouted “Hey Canada” and without much to do I went over to talk to him.
Surprisingly, we had a great conversation as he showed me that his pink finger was a marker that he had just voted in the island elections and explained that the island was in a state of transition.
There are many who want to raise rent to wipe out the roadstand vendors, small hostels and tour operators to put in large condos like on the other islands.
Apparently there are also infrastructure issues in the rainy season as there as the water washes from the road and the buildings sit in pools of water, rotting the little foundation they have.
I was off to photograph the sunset and he generously offered to show me an area near the iguana reserve but I already had my location picked out so I bid him adieu.
An hour or so later he saw me again and wanted to see the sunset photos. He then asked if I was interested in coming back to his place so he could make me a drink.
And of course as I’m from Canada and the locals love BC bud, he also offered a smoke.
He was disappointed when I told him that I was taking it easy tonight and would need to kindly decline the offer.
After that night I decided I had enough of Belize, it was a bit expensive and I had no need for a boyfriend and enough of the island vibe.
Ayngelina… you’re too precautious… at this rate, you’ll never get raped…
Did I just say that?!
I love that sunset shot!
and I have to say I think Brian is husband material…..
If you meet the love of your life on your trip, please make sure it is a nice area that I will want to visit 🙂
I hated Caye Caulker (except for the guy who walks around selling cake out of a basket.) My friend and I traveled there with a group. We thought we were taking proper precautions by having our ex-Marine friend walk us home from the beach bar, but as soon as he went to his room in the cottage next door, strangers were banging on our door and making ahem, obscene suggestions. They wouldn’t go away until we started screaming bloody murder. It spooked us enough that we left ahead of the group the following day for Quintana Roo. It’s not like we weren’t then propositioned in Mexico, but at least the men there would just ask us if we were married or tell us that we were beautiful.
Did you end up diving the Blue Hole? it would actually be my main reason to go to Belize… But those 2 posts of yours really make me reconsider…
The Blue Hole is spectacular from the air. Actually diving it (as a recreational diver) is not – there are more interesting places to dive. Try the pacific.
Caye Caulker is a horrible place. Been there several times in my live and I hate it more each time I return. Boring as hell, ugly, crappy hotels, greedy locals, just a dump. Stay away from Caye Caulker.
I went to Caye Caulker with the intention of staying for a day or two, but then I met Bryan and lived in his place for a week. What a legend. Had some of the best conversations I ever had in me life with this man. I’d love to go there and meet him again. Happy days!
Were traveling in a group with one small child, we are at port in Belize City, and intended to simply jump a water taxi to the Caye Chaulker for the day and head back to port and get back on the Cruise.
Any suggestions, concerns, considerations I should be made aware of.
Any input is appreciated.
One Love
CJ
I would rather choose to visit San Pedro – there is more to see. Always watch out for hustlers!
I loved Caye Caulker, I was gone diving all day, every day for the 8 days I was there so I only spent a few hours each evening and all of Xmas day actually on the island. I will admit that if I hadn’t been gone diving from dawn until dusk it would have gotten boring quickly. I didn’t have any of the problems the other people describe. I met some amazing locals through the people who worked at the dive shop (Belize Diving Services, which is THE BEST dive operation I have ever had the privilege to dive with). I went to the animal shelter, run by a man who lives outside, basically with no roof over his head because everything, I mean everything he has ever had goes to the animals. I met Marin, the first woman to open up her home to travelers way back when in the 60s before anyone knew about Caye Caulker and she told us all about how the island has changed over the last several decades.
I didn’t hang out much on Front Street or at the Split, amongst the loud people selling things or the partiers. It was a lovely little island, I walked all the way around it, seeing beautiful views of the turquoise ocean….
Just wanted to share, because everyone else’s comments were so negative….
We were in Caye Caulker and San Pedro and occasionally I would leave my girlfriend behind in the apartment or lying on the beach and go for a walk. Nearly every single time I was by myself or with my brother a guy, much like your mate Bryan, would come up and try and sell coke or weed. Though, as soon as Alana was back with us we didn’t hear a peep from them… Having said that I never felt intimidated by anyone though.
I love Caye Caulker. It is the safest place on Earth and the people never harass anybody. I also love to go to Watts and Harlem during vacation.