Belize Fall 2025

"Go Slow." It’s not just a suggestion in Caye Caulker; it’s a way of life.

This November, my partner Kimberly and I escaped to this tiny limestone coral island off the coast of Belize for a week of sun, sea, and incredibly fresh seafood. If you are looking for a place where shoes are optional, the streets are made of sand, and the stress of daily life melts away the second you step off the boat, this is it.

Here is everything we loved, what we ate, and the one thing we’d do differently next time.

Getting There: A Lesson Learned

We flew into Belize City and opted for the standard route: a shuttle to the ferry terminal followed by an hour-long water taxi ride to the island.

The Reality: The ferry was packed, busy, and hot. After a long day of travel, it wasn't the relaxing start we were hoping for.

The Tip: Next time? We are absolutely skipping the boat. Do yourself a favor and book the short island-hopper flight from Belize City directly to Caye Caulker. The views are supposed to be incredible, and you’ll be on the island with a drink in your hand before the ferry even leaves the dock.

Where We Stayed: Iguana Reef Inn

We checked into Iguana Reef Inn, and it was nothing short of wonderful. It is located on the leeward side of the island, meaning it offers the best sunset views in Caye Caulker.

The hotel has a lovely pool and a private beach area, but the real magic happens at dusk. Every evening, huge stingrays glide right up to the shore near the beach bar. Being able to stand in the water and watch these gentle giants glide past your feet while the sun dipped below the horizon was a surreal experience.

The Food Scene: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Belizean food is arguably the hidden gem of the Caribbean. We ate our way across the island, and there wasn't a single bad meal. Here were our standouts:

Breakfast: You cannot go to Belize without eating Fry Jacks. We loved Em's and the legendary Errolyn's.
Dinner Highlights: Hibisca offered great atmosphere and flavors, and Chef Kareem’s street food was some of the best we had.
Drinks with a View: We spent plenty of time at Pelican Sunset Bar and the Parrot Head Tiki Bar.

For pure beach bar vibes (think swings in the water and buckets of beer), you have to hit The Dock Cafe and Bar, Bliss Beach, and the famous Sip and Dip. And, of course, no trip to Caye Caulker is complete without visiting The Lazy Lizard at "The Split"—a channel that divides the island in two.

The Adventure: Spearfishing & Shark Ray Alley

While lounging is great, getting out on the water is where Belize shines. We booked a tour with Lokal Culcha Tours, and it was the highlight of the trip.

Huge shoutout to Captain Gilbert and First Mate Chino—they were the absolute best. We went snorkeling in the famous Shark Ray Alley (swimming with sharks is a rush!), but the real fun was spearfishing and diving for lobster.

This wasn't just a sightseeing tour; it was a culinary experience. After we caught our haul, Gilbert and Chino grilled the fresh fish and lobster right there on the boat for our dinner. It doesn't get fresher than that.

We also made time to hand-feed the massive Tarpons at the tarpon dock—a terrifying and exhilarating experience where huge fish launch out of the water to snatch bait from your hand!

The Verdict

Caye Caulker stole our hearts. It’s unpretentious, vibrant, and incredibly welcoming. Whether you’re there to hunt for lobster with Captain Gilbert or just watch the stingrays at Iguana Reef, the "Go Slow" motto eventually gets to you.

We will definitely be back—but next time, we’re taking the plane!