Need help choosing where to stay in Caye Caulker? After exploring the island from one end to the other, we’ve scouted out the best area to stay in Caye Caulker and the best Caye Caulker hotels for a range of budgets.
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Choosing where to stay in Caye Caulker
So you’re planning a trip to Caye Caulker? Great choice!
I don’t need to harp on about how incredible this Belizean island is, with its sparkling blue Caribbean waters, laidback go slow vibes, fiery sunsets and access to one of the world’s best reef systems…
But seriously, Caye Caulker is amazing, and no matter which accommodation you choose, you’re going to have an incredible time on this island!
But you do have to decide where to stay in Caye Caulker, and luckily there is a great range of accommodations available for all styles and budgets.
What I loved most about Caye Caulker was that the majority of accommodation is small-scale, locally owned and boutique style. There are just a handful of high-rise buildings, and even then, they are not chain resorts. Most options have a local, Caribbean flavour and suit the island’s laidback vibe.
Here are 16 great Caye Caulker hotels for different budgets and location preferences.
Caye Caulker hotels summary
💰 BUDGET OPTIONS
🏡 MID-RANGE OPTIONS
🏩 BOUTIQUE LUXURY OPTIONS
- Island Magic Beach Resort
- Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
- Iguana Reef Inn
- Seaside Villas
🧭 NORTHSIDE OPTIONS
Best area to stay in Caye Caulker
SOUTH 👇🏼 VS NORTH 👆🏼
Most people aren’t aware, but Caye Caulker is actually split into two islands:
- 👇🏼 The south island is what most people know as ‘Caye Caulker’. It’s where the water taxis arrive, where the main village is, and the majority of accommodations, restaurants and activities are. Most visitors won’t leave the south island.
- 👆🏼 The north island is the more remote and secluded island. To get there, you need to take a short five-minute ferry ride from the south. There are just a handful of accommodation options and a few restaurants. It’s developing quickly, but for now, it is a remote and peaceful island, outside of the main hustle and bustle.
Below is a section on staying on the north side, going into more detail about the implications of staying here, and some recommended hotels.
But for most people, the south island is where you want to be. And in terms of specific location, basically anywhere on this island is great. The largest concentration of restaurants, bars and activities is in the northern part of the south island.
But don’t be hung up on staying right there. Caye Caulker is tiny, and even if you stayed all the way down south, you’d be less than a 10-minute bike ride away from the heart of the action! We preferred being a little further out of the centre.
EAST 👉🏼 OR WEST 👈🏼
The east or the west coast is fine, and honestly, in a place this small, location is not super important.
The east is the windward side, exposed to the open ocean. The ocean is a lot more blue and vibrant on this side, but if there is any seaweed (common at certain times throughout the year) it will mostly be on this side of the island.
The breeze blows from the east frequently throughout the year, especially in the dry season. It means it’s much cooler over this side, but if the winds are strong, it can be a bit annoying. This is also the sunrise side!
The west side is the sunset side of the island. It’s sheltered from most of the wind throughout the year. It doesn’t usually get a lot of seaweed, and the water is calmer here but it’s not as bright blue.
I think the main thing is choosing accommodation that you love and can afford, because no matter where you stay you will have easy access to everywhere else on the island.
If you don’t have the budget for a waterfront hotel, don’t worry as there are so many great spots to hang out and soak up the sea even if you’re accommodation isn’t right there.
We would recommend renting bikes if you do find yourself outside the centre of town. This will give you complete freedom to reach almost anywhere on the island within minutes.
It means you can enjoy being in a quiet, secluded location away from the noise in the heart of the village, but still have easy access to food and drink options.
16 Best places to stay in Caye Caulker
We would highly recommend booking your Caye Caulker accommodation as far in advance as possible. This is a small, but very popular island and things can sell out quickly, especially in the peak November – April season. This is amplified even more if you’re on a tight budget, as there are not a lot of affordable options. Don’t leave it too late to book!
Where to stay in Caye Caulker on a budget
It’s no secret that Belize is an expensive destination for budget travellers. Many backpackers skip over it completely on their Central American travels in favour of cheaper countries like Mexico or Guatemala. But Caye Caulker is an unmissable Belize destination, one of the best islands in the whole region and anyone who skips it is missing out big time!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Caye Caulker on a budget, it is possible. Some of the hostels are less than ideal, with bad reviews, but there are a handful of guesthouse-style options that whilst not dirt cheap, offer much better value.
1. Go Slow Guesthouse
- 💰 Average price per night – $20 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 8/10
- 📍 Location – just behind Front Beach and the main road
- 🛏️ Room types – dorms, private rooms with or without bathrooms
- 👙 Amenities – communal kitchen, outdoor hang-out area with hammocks, free kayaks
For a hostel that is clean, safe and comfortable Go Slow Guesthouse is a great option. It’s not a full-on party hostel and has more of a quiet, laid-back vibe. However, you’re located in the heart of the village, so bars and parties aren’t too far away if that’s what you’re looking for.
You can’t miss Go Slow from the street, it’s bright and rainbow painted and fits perfectly with the Caye Caulker vibe. The guesthouse has a well-equipped kitchen, good areas to hang outside with hammocks, and it offers both private and dorm rooms. The staff are really friendly, and everything is cleaned to a very high standard every day.
2. Sophie’s Guest Rooms
- 💰 Average price per night – $50 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – the back (west) side of the island near The Split
- 🛏️ Room types – private rooms with shared bathrooms
- 👙 Amenities – free morning coffee, paid water refills, beach lounges
If you’re looking for budget accommodation that is still private, Sophie’s Guest Rooms is the best place! Consistently rated over 9/10, this place is in high demand, and we would encourage you to book early if you want to stay here as there aren’t many rooms.
There are just five rooms, all can accommodate up to three guests in one double and one single bed. They all share bathrooms. One of the rooms is larger and more equipped than the others with ocean views, Netflix, a fridge, a coffee machine and a microwave. They offer free coffee to all guests in the mornings.
It is located on the west side, right behind one of the only small beaches on the island, with lounge chairs on the sand for guests only, and some incredible sunset views! You are practically on The Split, and you can be at the Lazy Lizard within minutes.
3. Blue Wave Guest House
- 💰 Average price per night – $40 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 8/10
- 📍 Location – just behind Front Beach and the main road
- 🛏️ Room types – private rooms with shared bathrooms, private rooms with private bathrooms
- 👙 Amenities – communal kitchen, leafy courtyard area
If you’re cost-conscious but not willing to stoop to a dirty dorm bed in a party hostel, Blue Wave is a fantastic choice.
They don’t have dorm rooms, but they do have some rooms that share bathrooms. There is also a communal outdoor kitchen for guests. This keeps costs down, but the property is still peaceful, clean and cosy.
It’s located just off the main street on Front Beach, so you’re within walking distance of all the main restaurants, The Split etc.
4. Sea n Sun Guesthouse
- 💰 Average price per night – $60 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – tucked on a side street off the main road and Front Beach
- 🛏️ Room types – private rooms with shared bathrooms, private rooms with private bathrooms
- 👙 Amenities – free bikes, free kayaks, communal kitchen
Sea n Sun is another guesthouse vs a hostel. It’s not always cheap, as some of their nicer rooms with private bathrooms definitely fall out of the ‘budget’ category, but if you can snag a room with a shared bathroom, this is good value for a couple.
The owner and staff are exceptionally friendly, the rooms are clean and spacious (maybe a little dark) and the property has a lovely tropical, relaxed feel. There is a communal kitchen, and they offer FREE bikes and kayaks for guests.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker in the mid-range
There are a ton of great mid-range, comfortable private options in Caye Caulker that won’t break the bank. Most are locally owned, traditional Caribbean-style accommodations with bright colours, outdoor spaces and obligatory hammocks.
5. Picololo Studio Apartments
- 💰 Average price per night – $70 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – slightly out of town near the airport
- 🛏️ Room types – self-contained private cabins
- 👙 Amenities – free bikes, kitchen amenities and coffee, pick up from the dock
This is where we stayed in Caye Caulker, and we cannot recommend Picololo Studio Apartments more highly! Owners Hilary and Pike, a Belizean-Canadian couple, have a number of self-contained studio cabins on their beautiful property. They are affordable, fully equipped, with the best, laid-back vibe.
It’s set a few streets back from the main drag, near the airport, but this was absolutely perfect for us. It was quiet and peaceful and felt like a haven from the noisy centre. Plus, every guest has a bike to use (not first in best dressed, your own bike). So a quick five-minute ride and we were right in the heart of it.
The apartment itself was perfect, and Hilary considered every single detail a traveller could want! A fully stocked kitchen with local coffee, filtered water, and every cooking utensil you might need. A HOT shower with great pressure, hooks everywhere for hanging things (an essential), and a clothesline outside for wet stuff. The patio had chairs and a table, a hammock and bug coils to burn in the evenings. Plus, their two cute doggies Cuda and Sushi are always around ready for a cuddle.
6. Colinda Cabanas
- 💰 Average price per night – $100 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – beachfront in the south of the island near the airport
- 🛏️ Room types – self-contained private cabanas, rooms with kitchenettes
- 👙 Amenities – free bikes, kayaks and snorkel gear, private dock and beachfront area
Ask any local best place to stay in Caye Caulker and they will probably recommend Colinda Cabanas. If we didn’t stay at Picololo, we would have wanted to stay here.
One of the best hotels in Caye Caulker with exceptional ratings, Colinda is tucked away on a quiet beachfront in the south of the island on the beautiful eastern side.
At first glance, it might seem like it is a bit out of the way, but with the free bicycles they provide, you are in the heart of town in just a few minutes but can enjoy the peace and solitude on the property.
They have just 14 colourful suites and cabanas right on the water, most with a full kitchen or at least a kitchenette. All rooms have a coffee maker with local Belizean coffee provided, and an outdoor seating area with chairs, a table and a hammock.
All guests have access to free bikes, kayaks, and snorkel gear, as well as plenty of great spots to laze on the beach with lounges and hammocks. The beach here is gorgeous and sandy, and they have a dock with a palapa to relax and enjoy a sunrise. Book early, Colinda sells out quickly!
7. Dream Cabanas
- 💰 Average price per night – $75 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – just south of the town centre on a quiet street
- 🛏️ Room types – private cabanas with kitchenette and bathrooms
- 👙 Amenities – patios with seating, gated access to the property, drinking water refills
Tucked away on a quiet street just outside the main area, Dream Cabanas has a handful of cabanas inside a private, gated garden area. The leafy space feels quiet and peaceful, despite being just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of town with restaurants, bars and beaches within easy walking distance.
The property has seven similar rooms, with fridges, coffee machines and microwaves, as well as modern bathrooms with steamy hot showers and small patios with seating out the front. The décor is neat and contemporary, and the rooms are kept sparkling clean. All previous guests rave about the powerful air conditioning.
This is a really great and affordable option, allowing you a private space, and the ability to prepare snacks and basic meals, whilst still being close to the action. Take a look at the photos and you’ll see how nice and modern the cabanas feel for the price. The reviews are all fantastic!
8. Sea Dreams Hotel
- 💰 Average price per night – $120 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – right near The Split
- 🛏️ Room types – private rooms with bathrooms, apartments with kitchens
- 👙 Amenities – daily breakfast, free bikes, private dock with sunset views
If you want to be in the heart of the action, this is the place! Just steps from The Split and the main street, Sea Dreams Hotel is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in Caye Caulker.
Rooms are rustic but well equipped, the apartment options are a lot bigger and brighter. The studio options are in a neighbouring building, and have access to a shared swimming pool.
There is a delicious breakfast included daily served on their roof terrace, free bike rentals and a dock with amazing sunset views and a nice little sandy beach. It’s actually my favourite place to relax on the island and we spent many hours reading books and lazing on this little beach.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker for boutique luxury
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Caye Caulker that will offer a five-star luxury experience, you won’t find it here. There are no large all-inclusive resorts, no chain hotels, no Hilton, Hyatt or Holiday Inn. However, there is a distinct category of upper-end, boutique options on the island that offer a more luxurious experience with more amenities.
9. Island Magic Beach Resort
- 💰 Average price per night – $120 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 8/10
- 📍 Location – right on Front Beach near the dock
- 🛏️ Room types – rooms with kitchenettes, suites with kitchens
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pool, beach bar and restaurant
We walked past Island Magic many times and oohed over it every time. Located on a quiet road on the beachfront on the east side of the island, we think is the best area to stay in Caye Caulker. The hotel has stunning beach views, and the sandy road that runs in front of it is the prettiest on the island in our opinion, lined with palm trees.
Island Magic is one of the few accommodations to have a swimming pool, and they have a fantastic outdoor area over the ocean with plenty of lounges, swings and palapas. There is an on-site beach bar and restaurant which does a great happy hour.
There is a range of room categories, some with ocean or pool views. The larger suites come with a full kitchen, and the smaller rooms offer a basic kitchenette so you can still enjoy a morning coffee and breakfast from your room.
10. Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
- 💰 Average price per night – $180 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – beachfront in the south of the island near the airport
- 🛏️ Room types – oceanfront rooms, suites and penthouses and separate garden cottages
- 👙 Amenities – three swimming pools, private dock with lounges, café and beach bar, snorkel gear, paddle boards, and kayaks free of charge
Weezie’s is easily the most modern and fanciest accommodation offering in Caye Caulker. The rooms are gorgeous and their pools and beachfront dock are stunning. Let me tell you, if budget wasn’t an issue, this is absolutely where we would be staying, and I can see this being a great choice for a honeymoon or special getaway.
The property is situated in the south of the island near the airport, which again may feel a little far at first glance, but with the incredible barrier reef views to the east and the quiet seclusion, it is a great location. They offer bike or golf cart rentals to easily get around the island.
Weezie’s is actually two separate locations. The oceanfront hotel, which has a range of room categories, all with kitchens, right on the waterfront. But they also have their garden cottages which are a short five-minute walk inland on a quiet street, with five self-contained cottages surrounding a pool. Guests in the cottages have full access to the amenities, dock and two swimming pools at the hotel area. Guests can use snorkel gear, paddleboards and kayaks free of charge.
11. Iguana Reef Inn
- 💰 Average price per night – $200 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9.5/10
- 📍 Location – beachfront on the western side of the island
- 🛏️ Room types – private rooms, garden cabins and one apartment
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pool, beach bar, free bikes and paddleboards, breakfast included
Iguana Reef is right on the beach on the western side of the island and has a traditional and classy style. You’re an easy walk to The Split, Ice and Beans and the beach BBQs on Front Beach.
Fancy in the context of Caye Caulker, but still a laidback, Caribbean vibe, the property is beautiful and rooms are well maintained. There are a range of room categories, all featuring patios with different views. They have one cabana and one apartment that offer a fully self-contained experience.
There is a swimming pool, free bike and paddleboard rental, and breakfast is included. The hotel has a gorgeous beach bar and restaurant, and they whip up some delicious cocktails. Plus you have some of the best things to do in Caye Caulker right on your doorstep, with sunsets, stingrays and seahorses at the beach bar.
12. Seaside Villas
- 💰 Average price per night – $310 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – right on Front Beach near the dock
- 🛏️ Room types – fully self-contained villas
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pool, hot tub, rooftop lounge
If you want a self-contained option with the ability to cook or enjoy a morning coffee, while still enjoying luxurious amenities, Seaside Villas is the place!
The villas are very spacious and modern and equipped with complete kitchens and everything you need for an independent stay. Many of the rooms have ocean views.
The property has a communal pool and also a hot tub on the rooftop with sweeping ocean views!
Situated just on the southern edge of town on the waterfront, the location is the best of both worlds, close to the action but relaxed and peaceful.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker on the north side
If you weren’t aware before, now you know Caye Caulker is actually split into two islands! The south island hosts the majority of accommodations, restaurants, activities and action. The north side is a lot quieter, but there are a handful of great accommodations there, and more coming every year.
It’s not a bad place to stay, just so long as you are actually aware you are on a different island.
You get between the two islands via a short boat ride, and many accommodations offer a free service on a daily timetable. Otherwise, there is a public service that runs back and forth from The Split on the main island (the Split-to-Split Ferry), which costs $5 BZD each way.
🧭 SHOULD YOU STAY ON THE NORTH ISLAND?
I would only recommend staying on the north side if you like seclusion and quiet and really want to relax.
It’s not overly difficult to get to the south island, but you won’t be able to walk out your door and have the popular restaurants, bars and cafes at hand.
There isn’t much to choose from in terms of food on the north island, and you will most likely have your meals at your hotel, or if you’ve got kitchen facilities, cook yourself.
Your accommodation can organise pick up via boat for tours like snorkelling, so you can still participate in activities, but you won’t be in the heart of the action.
I would suggest combining a stay on the north side with a few days on the main island, so you can do all your exploring first, and then come and relax at a resort on the north side and have some downtime.
13. Blu Zen
- 💰 Average price per night – $300 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – east side of the north island
- 🛏️ Room types – self-contained condos
- 👙 Amenities – three swimming pools, gym, daily ferries to the south island, beach bar, café and restaurant
Blu Zen is one of the best hotels in Caye Caulker if you’re looking for modern luxury. This newly opened hotel is probably the most typical resort-style accommodation you will find on the islands.
Blu Zen comprises a number of ultra-sleek and modern condos, all with private kitchen facilities, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, dining areas and private terraces.
The resort has three pools, a private beachfront area, a gym and a range of dining options. There is a pool bar, restaurant, café, and convenience store on-site. Blu Zen offers guests bicycle and kayak rentals, and daily boat shuttle services to the south island.
We popped our heads into Blu Zen when we were exploring the north side, and it was seriously fancy. It’s basically brand new, and if you’ve got the cash to splash, this is the place to do it.
14. Bay Towers
- 💰 Average price per night – $140 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 9/10
- 📍 Location – west side of the north island
- 🛏️ Room types – one and two-bedroom suites with kitchens
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pool, private beach area, daily ferries to the south island
Bay Towers is a relatively new resort in the southwest area of the north island. The resort consists of four two-bedroom suites in the ‘tower’, and two one-bedroom rooms in a smaller building behind that. Each comes equipped with a kitchen, and rooms in the tower have balconies with stunning ocean views.
There is a pool on the property and a gorgeous private beachfront area. At times throughout the year, the east side of the island can have an influx of seaweed, but the west side usually remains clear. The water at Bay Towers should be clear and stunning year-round, with some amazing sunset views.
The hotel offers daily boat shuttles to the south island from their dock for free, which makes getting between the two islands easier. They also offer complimentary hire of bikes and kayaks for guests. The reviews are fantastic, and if you’re looking for somewhere to relax in privacy, Bay Towers is a good option.
15. El Ben Cabañas
- 💰 Average price per night – $180 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – 8/10
- 📍 Location – east side of the north island
- 🛏️ Room types – double, queen and king cabañas
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pools, restaurant and bar, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear
El Ben Cabañas offers a different style of accommodation on the north side of Caye Caulker. Where the two other options have a modern feel, El Ben takes a more natural approach, with palm-thatched bungalows and lush tropical gardens.
There are pool or ocean cabanas of various sizes, sleeping up to 4 guests. The rooms don’t have too many kitchen amenities, which is important to note given the remote location. They do have an on-site restaurant that receives good reviews.
Although the property is waterfront, there is not a sandy beach area and the water is surrounded by mangroves. There are two small swimming pools with plenty of loungers and a sun deck to swim and relax on.
16. Island Magic Villas
- 💰 Average price per night – $230 USD + (check prices for your dates)
- ⭐️ Average rating – brand new!
- 📍 Location – southeast side of the north island
- 🛏️ Room types – self-contained villas
- 👙 Amenities – swimming pool, restaurant, beachfront area
Hot off the press! Island Magic Villas is a brand new accommodation on the north side of Caye Caulker, open in late July 2024!
From the same owners as the highly-rated Island Magic Beach Resort on the southside, you know this is going to be a fantastic option.
Rather than a typical resort style, the villas are completely self-contained, which is perfect for the northside where there are fewer restaurants and amenities (although there is a great restaurant on-site!).
The villas can house anywhere from 1 – 8 guests, so if you’re a family or larger group, this is a perfect option. If you’re looking for a bigger place, holiday house style, to sprawl out and relax away from the hustle and bustle this is perfect!
Best hotels in Caye Caulker: Final thoughts
I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Caye Caulker.
Honestly, no matter where you choose I have no doubt you will have a fantastic time! Caye Caulker is one of our all-time favourite islands, and everything about this place is magic.
Let me know where you are booking in the comments!
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