Belize // Experiencing the Caribbean feel at Caye Caulker

Belize // Experiencing the Caribbean feel at Caye Caulker

Belize can’t be compared to any of its neighboring countries in Central America. After we crossed the border from Guatemala (to read about our adventures there, click here) it felt like we had just set foot on one of the islands in the Caribbean. Belize definitely stands out and resembles more the laid-back Rastafari culture of Jamaica than the Latino culture of its neighbors.

Of course, this distinction wasn’t there when the Mayas were still ruling the area, and plenty of interesting ruins can be visited in Belize. Still blown away from the Tikal ruins we’d visited days before in Guatemala (we’ll be reporting on that soon!) we chose to visit the Xunantunich ruins located at the border with Guatemala.

In order to get there we had to take a squeaky hand cranked river ferry to cross the lovely Rio Mópan. After that it was just a short hike up the hill towards the site’s entrance.

As it happened we were almost the only ones visiting the ruins of Xunantunich which really gave it an extraordinary feel, especially when we were standing on top of the highest temple (El Castillo) overlooking the site and the surrounding jungle.

Being big fans of the Mayan culture we thought it would never happen, but after visiting Xunantunich (and about a hundred other Maya sites in Guatemala and Mexico) we became a little temple-oversaturated… the need to kick back a few days at the beach had almost become unbearable :) Lucky for us Belize has some the best beaches in the world – That’s what we call good timing!

So we took the bus to Belize City and hopped on a water taxi to the stunningly beautiful island of Caye Caulker.

As soon as our flip-flops touched the sandy surface of Caye Caulker’s “streets” we carried our backpacks towards Yuma’s House Belize, a laid back backpacker’s hostel on the island shore with plenty of hammocks to recline in and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere!

“Go slow” is the island motto, and we were often reminded of this by dreadlock rasta locals when they spotted us strolling at a pace they considered way too much energy-consuming.

Caye Caulker is an exceptional place and a perfect getaway for those looking for a few days of chillaxing at the beach. It almost seems as if this tiny island is made for doing absolutely nothing, and feeling totally cool about it!

One of the most popular places to hang around on the island is without a doubt at the Lazy Lizard Bar. As the name suggests, this is a perfect place to sit back, sip on a refreshing Belizean rum punch and enjoy great ocean views while reggae tunes fill your ears and make sure you reach the ultimate state of laziness.

The Lazy Lizard Bar is located at “The Split”, a landmark that was supposedly the result of Hurricane Hattie literally cutting the island in half in 1961.

After 2 days our Zen state had more or less reached its maximum so we felt time had come to get (a little) active again! We got into our bathing suits (which is basically the only garment we ever wore on the island) and embarked on one of the sailing boats ready for some snorkeling near the spectacular reefs surrounding Caye Caulker.

The sails were hoisted and from time to time we jumped into the water to witness the amazing ocean life around us. Sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, lobsters and thousands of fish amidst beautiful coral reefs… you name it, we’ve seen it!  :) – PS: Crappy but memorable photos due to crappy disposable camera…

On the way back to the Caye Caulker the crew opened the rum punch bar (read: a 10 liter jerry can) and our captain called on Bob Marley to assist him in getting us and our fellow sailors safely back ashore.

Once we felt the ground firm under our feet again (the rum punch did made it quite challenging), we still had some time to see the sun sinking spectacularly in the Caribbean Sea before we indulged ourselves in nibbling on some of the tastiest grilled lobster you can imagine.

Fran’s Grill is the place to be! She grills seafood like no other! Don’t be fooled by the styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery (eating with your hands makes it even more tastier!), the fabulous flavors compensate this more than enough to make this finger-licking feast unforgettable!

Yeah man!