Ten days in Belize flew by like the breeze off Caye Caulker’s coast. From sun-drenched snorkeling to mystical cave explorations, I packed my days with wild beauty, kind strangers, and sizzling street food. Here’s a look at what I experienced—and what I’d recommend for anyone dreaming of an unforgettable Belizean escape.
Essential Information
Money: 2 BZD = 1USD pegged
Tipping: Not expected, but 10% appreciated
Daily Average Wage: 130 BZD = $65 USD
Sunrise: 5:30am
Sunset: 6pm
Weather: 26-31C
Water: Drink Bottled
Entry requirements: No Visa for Can & US
Language: English
Flights:
✈️ Getting There & Getting Around
Airport to Pier
Airport shuttle: $15 per person
Taxi: 30 USD pp
Water Taxi to Cay Caulker
There were only two water taxi options to Cay Caulker
https://sprinter.bzhttps://sprinter.bz
Hotels:
We chose to stay at an Airbnb
Travel around:
- The Island is extremely walkable. We never had any need to take a Taxi
- However, if you need to take one, our research showed good review for Gilber Taxi Service -Gilbert Taxi on Caye Caulker – Best Prices, Friendly Service – +501 652 4084 or Whatsapp at +501 652 4084 – Taxi and tour ($5 per trip)
🏝️ Caye Caulker: Chill Island Vibes
🐟 Diving into Adventure
- Scuba Dive at Frenchie’s Diving Services (June 9): This was our first dive, and wow—Sam was magic underwater. Patient, intuitive, and an expert at marine pantomime. We saw green eels and so much more.
- Snorkeling at Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley (June 10): The sea life was stunning, but Caveman Tours felt too crowded. Choose smaller tours if you value personal space.
🥭 Food Highlights
- Chef RP’s Roadside Grill: Absolute gem. Roberto’s soulful stewed chicken and sour sap juice were a highlight. Don’t miss it—but go early, hours can be irregular.
- Ana’s Pupusas: Crispy pockets of joy! Ana’s mango juice? Perfection.
- Fantasy Dining: Great ceviche and mango smoothies, though cocktails were weak.
- Errolyn’s Fryjacks: Must-have morning bites! Go for the chicken filling.
🏛️ Into the Jungle: San Ignacio & Beyond
🚍 On the Road Again
We left Caye Caulker and traveled inland to San Ignacio. Getting around is fairly easy—Gilbert Taxi is cheap and reliable ($5 BZD per trip), or take local buses.
🏞️ Ruins & Rainforest
- Tikal National Park (June 13): A full-day cross-border excursion into Guatemala. Tikal GO Tours made it smooth with punctuality and guidance through immigration.
- Cahal Pech & Xunantunich (June 14): Both accessible from San Ignacio. DIY tours are doable—bring cash for ferry and entry.
- ATM Cave (June 16): A wild underground adventure. Wear shorts, skip sunscreen, and expect to get wet. Carry water. Yellow Belly Backpackers offers a good-value tour.
🛍️ What to Bring Home
Don’t skip:
- Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce (also available at some US stores)
- One Barrel Rum
- Recado Spice Balls
- Maya Faya Sauce
- Heinz Salad Cream
🌴Reviews
🐠 Snorkel & Dive: Mixed Experiences Beneath the Waves
⭐ Caveman Snorkeling Tours – ★★★☆☆
While the marine life was mesmerizing, our experience on the Caveman tour was a bit of a squeeze—literally. Fourteen guests on a tiny boat felt more like a game of human Tetris, with one poor soul sliding off her seat repeatedly. Add slow check-in under sweltering heat and gear mishaps, and it became a lesson in choosing your snorkel company wisely.
Tip: Ask about boat size and guest limit before booking. Comfort matters when you’re spending all day bobbing on the ocean.
⭐ Frenchie’s Diving Services – ★★★★★
Our first dive ever—and what a way to begin! Sam, our instructor, made everything underwater feel intuitive and fun. His silent charades were surprisingly effective, and spotting two giant green eels was the cherry on top.
Must-try for beginners: Discover Dive at Frenchie’s. You’ll feel safe, excited, and probably hooked for life.
🍽 Foodie Favorites from Caye Caulker
⭐ Fantasy Dining – ★★★★☆
Fresh conch ceviche, mango smoothies, and the island breeze. Just go easy on the cocktails—the alcohol is more of a whisper than a shout. Jerk pork chop was a solid win.
Cost: ~$30 BZD per meal. Vibe: Laid-back, great for your first dinner in Belize.
⭐ Chef RP’s Roadside Grill – ★★★★★
Hidden treasure alert! This unassuming roadside grill serves up some of the most soulful Belizian cuisine on the island. Roberto and his wife pour love and spice into every dish, and their sour sap juice is oddly addictive.
Local tip: It’s take-out only and easy to miss—look for a grill and a man with a headlamp. Go early if you want to catch it open.
⭐ Ana’s Pupusas – ★★★★★
Pupusas here are chef’s kiss. The mango juice was unforgettable, and there’s even a clean restroom out back—a rare backpacker luxury.
Snack tip: Grab a few pupusas for breakfast and thank me later.
⭐ Errolyn’s House Of Fryjacks – ★★★★☆
A Belizean classic you can’t skip. Morning bites only, so wake up hungry. The chicken options outshone the bacon-and-cheese combo.
🏛️ Jungle Wonders & Mayan Ruins
⭐ Tikal GO Tours – ★★★★★
My day trip to Guatemala was seamless thanks to Tikal GO. From border crossings to historical deep-dives into the Mayan world, it was professionally handled and deeply enriching.
Shoutout: Our driver Justin deserves a raise and a round of applause.