Belize’s 2 High Caribbean Islands

Of the lots of of islands dotting Belize’s Caribbean coast, there are a minimum of two that stand out as timeless favorites for vacationers close to and much. Though they share a couple of similarities—together with being Journey + Leisure Worlds Greatest Awards winners—the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker can usually really feel worlds aside. Sitting only a 30-minute boat journey away from one another, these two Caribbean islands, usually thought to be cousins, have rather a lot to supply with every boasting its personal distinctive attraction. Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to learn about Belize’s two prime islands, together with which is best for you.

Caye Caulker: A Laidback Crowd-Favourite 

Craving a change of tempo? Take it from this Belizean traveler and head to Caye Caulker. At simply 5 miles lengthy and fewer than a mile vast, Caye Caulker provides every part one may ever need in a peaceable, tropical escape. That’s true whether or not the plan is to chill and calm down otherwise you’re hoping to pepper your “do nothing” itinerary with a couple of distinctive experiences.

From enjoyable in an overwater hammock, cocktail in hand, to exploring the sandy streets by foot or by bike, Caye Caulker is all concerning the “go gradual” life-style.  Named the most effective islands within the area this yr, the tiny coral island has been rising in reputation. Nonetheless, it has managed to keep up its genuine attraction, even because it turns into a burgeoning island vacation spot. Right here, vacationers can really transfer at their very own tempo.

Caye Caulker, Belize. Photograph by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash

Spend your mornings hanging out at Ice N Beans Cafe or practising your solar salutations at considered one of Namaste Cafe’s yoga periods. Plus, be sure you cease by the ever-popular Errolyn’s Home of Fry Jacks for a quintessentially Belizean breakfast. Caye Caulker’s meals scene is a rising one, and enjoyable new locations to dine, like Shado Beni, which serves up Trinidadian delicacies, are at all times popping up.

Related: 10 Fantastic Issues to Do in Caye Caulker

So far as can’t-miss experiences go, head north in the direction of The Cut up when you’re on the lookout for energetic seaside bars. Each The Lazy Lizard and Sip N Dip promise a good time close to the water. Head even additional (throughout the channel that separates the island into two components) to get pleasure from a few of Caye Caulker’s newer developments and experiences. Lounge round on the seaside or dine at hidden gems like Northside Pleased Lobster. And whereas Caye Caulker’s northern facet will get a justifiable share of affection, don’t neglect to enterprise south, the place timeless favorites like Barrier Reef Sports activities Bar & Grill and I and I Reggae Bar await.

Different crowd-favorite actions embody boozy tiki bar boat cruises and sundown chasing on the western facet of the island (full with stingray watching). They’re all nice methods to unwind and unplug, however when you’re hoping for an additional contact of journey, make the most of Caye Caulker’s handy location. High snorkel and dive spots, just like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, lie only a quick boat journey away. You may even e book your self a flyover tour of the Nice Blue Gap from the island.

Ambergris Caye: Eclectic and Buzzing With Power

Caye Caulker’s a lot busier—and sometimes extra luxurious—counterpart is Ambergris Caye, discovered simply 30-45 minutes north. At about 25 miles lengthy, it’s Belize’s largest island and as such provides a really various vary of experiences to vacationers. Although not almost as crowded as different island locations, Ambergris Caye is definitely buzzing with vitality, particularly in comparison with its smaller cousin. Golf carts, the primary mode of transportation, dart backward and forward amidst a flurry of beachgoers and enthusiastic vacationers.

Related: Why Spend money on a Trip Dwelling on These Caribbean Islands

From being a base for diving lovers to the place the place celebrities go to have a good time, the island of Ambergris Caye is a dream vacation spot for a lot of in search of an energetic Caribbean island trip. On the coronary heart of all of it is San Pedro City, the island’s essential hub.

Inside city, it’s all about meals, drinks, and beachside enjoyable. Numerous resorts and eating places line the seashores in addition to the inside roads. They vary from intimate boltholes like newly renovated Bananas on the Seaside and timeless eateries like Elvi’s Restaurant to lounges like LIV and Sundown Lounge. However that doesn’t imply that the island is all motion on a regular basis. These craving a bit extra peace and quiet can decide to remain north (or south) of city, selecting resorts as distant or as near the motion as they’d like.

Cocktails within the water at Secret Seaside, Ambergris Caye. Photograph by Carolee Chanona

For a lot of visiting this Caribbean island, the 7-mile drive north to Secret Seaside is a should. And although it’s not fairly a secret anymore, the favored hangout spot provides loads of enjoyable—from in-the-water tables to floating day beds and even a waterpark. In the meantime, those that select to enterprise south can discover a quirky arcade bar, genuine Japanese delicacies, and even a personal seaside membership.

After all, it goes with out saying that the island’s place—only a stone’s throw away from the Belize Barrier Reef—additionally makes it one of many prime locales for diving, snorkeling, and different offshore adventures.

So, which of those two prime Caribbean islands will you be paying a go to to first?

Featured Pictures by ROEming Belize Journey Company