We are Reanna & Chris – a travel couple from the UK. In this article we will be sharing stories and tips from our travels in Caye Caulker, Belize. The best way to describe Caye Caulker is a blissful little island where cars are absent, backpackers ride around on bicycles all day and the sun shines endlessly. Before we start, allow us to share our story as a travel couple.
Reanna is 28 and works as a freelance marketer. She is working part time as we travel (which is super helpful to keep our funds topped up a little bit as we go). She has traveled to 64 countries so far but her ultimate dream is to reach every country. She would settle for every continent though!
Chris is 30 years old and his career is in financial crime investigations. However, where and when he can, he likes to take some time out from work between roles to travel around the world. We met online via a dating app. But at the time, Reanna had already booked to complete a nine month trip all around Asia with her sister and a couple of friends.
However we instantly hit it off and by the weeks leading up to Reanna leaving, we were spending pretty much 24/7 with each other. Funnily enough, we knew soon after meeting that there was something worth keeping as Chris had booked to visit Reanna in Malaysia on our third date.
Fast-forward three years and we have traveled to 18 countries together, including living in Australia for nine months. We have done solo trips before (Reanna more) but travel is certainly a huge part of both of our lives.
The ability to be able to see such vastly different landscapes, dive into different cultures and experience a lot more than you ever could by being in one location is a bug we think will never go. Or at least we hope not!
Five Amazing Nights in Caye Caulker
We are on a nine month trip which started in Mexico and we are hoping to work our way down to Argentina to tick off as many places on the way down. Reanna has previously been to Belize and Caye Caulker, and it was one of her highlights, so we timed it so we would be there for her birthday.
Our time there was intentionally chilled (which perfectly matched the island vibes). It was a perfect way to enjoy a relaxed week while traveling. We were in Belize for a total of eight nights, arriving in San Pedro for the first three nights and then spending a further five nights on Caye Caulker.
As it was Reanna’s birthday, we treated ourselves to a stay at Jan’s Hotel which was beyond perfect as we had a suite which had a balcony and kitchenette. This meant we could get up and make ourselves a morning coffee and enjoy a relaxed start to the day looking out to the beach.
Our first port of call after we checked in was to head to The Split which had changed quite a bit since Reanna’s last visit, but it was equally as beautiful and a perfect place to cool off and experience the clear sea water.
Whilst on Caye Caulker we also hiked all the way around to the south of the island and tried to loop back around but unfortunately it was too boggy and we had to admit defeat and turn around (word of advice if anyone wants to try this, bring insect repellent). Our final activity was due to be a snorkeling tour, however due to the weather we were unable to do it. But this just means we will have an excuse to have to come back another day.
Our Favorite Place on the Island, The Split
You will struggle to find another place like Caye Caulker in the surrounding countries. Belize has such a chilled vibe and somehow Caye Caulker manages to slow everything down that little bit more. It really does live up to its island motto of “Go Slow”. It has everything you would want from an island: great beaches, clear water, delicious food, amazing community spirit and finally (but definitely not least) the most beautiful sunsets.
Our favorite place on the island, hands down, must be The Split. We feel it’s the focal point of the island and no matter when you head there you will be greeted with friendly people sharing this little piece of heaven with you. And once you are done jumping into the crystal-clear water, what better way to dry off other than with a bottle of Belkin in your hand.
The first thing to do on Caye Caulker, and sorry to keep going on about it, is to visit The Split. It’s such a unique location which is a rare find from all of the places we have visited. Our main recommendation is just walk around and explore this incredible island and there will be pretty much an option for most people. Depending on the weather we heard good things about the snorkeling tours so that sounds like a must-do!
Super Chill Locals & Caribbean Cuisine
Caye Caulker is a super friendly place – you instantly feel like you have been there longer than you actually have. For example, most mornings whilst getting our coffee someone would be wishing us good morning or walking to dinner asking how our day was and suggesting local restaurants.
When it comes to the food on the island, we were both vegetarian and we almost assumed that eating a great variety of food during our Central and South America trip was out of the question – but we were blown away.
Because of the Caribbean influence, it means we had so many options. Our personal favourite was the Creole style vegetables with rice from Swings. Also, we had the most amazing traditional Belizean breakfast at Brisas Del Mar: scrambled eggs, beans, cheese and most importantly fried jack!
Tips for Traveling to Caye Caulker
Our suggestion is to always arrive at a new destination in the morning as it gives you a chance to drop your bags off at your accommodation and then explore the island. Certainly, spend the first day walking around the sandy streets and get your bearings. Then head to The Split and cool off with a dip into the beautifully crystal-clear water (just be careful of the current).
Weather dependent, we would then suggest planning out a couple of activities for your time in Caye Caulker. However, set some time aside to simply sit back and relax and live the island motto of “Go Slow”.
We would like to finish by sharing our favorite moment from this trip. It was a simple moment whilst having an iced coffee in the hammocks at Ice and Beans Cafe (which we highly recommend). There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and we were certainly the most relaxed we had been in a long time. We appreciated the chilled vibes and watched the world go by.