Where to Stay in Caye Caulker: 12 Best Hotels & Areas (For Every Budget)
Post summary: Amazing hotels in Caye Caulker for your perfect Belize trip.
After spending much time on the incredible island of Caye Caulker, I can tell you it’s one of those places that completely lives up to the hype.
This charming Caribbean island runs on one simple motto: “Go Slow.” It’s a place where the water is impossibly blue, the vibe is incredibly laid-back, and the only traffic jams are caused by bicycles and golf carts.
But while planning your snorkeling trips and sunset dinners is easy, figuring out where to stay can make or break your trip. The island is small, and the best spots get booked up fast. Choosing the wrong location can mean a long, hot walk back to your room instead of a breezy, two minute bike ride.
To help you avoid that mistake and plan a trip that’s just as amazing as mine, I’ve put together this guide to the best hotels on the island, based on my own experiences and research.
Let’s dive in!
Tip: Here’s my take on whether Belize is safe to travel to before you go.
If you’re still deciding between destinations, see my breakdown of Belize Versus Costa Rica: Which Is Better For You? to help you choose.
The Best Area to Stay in Caye Caulker: North vs. South Island
Before we get into the hotels, you need to understand the layout of the island. This is the single most important factor in choosing where to stay. Caye Caulker is actually two separate islands divided by a narrow channel called “The Split.”
- The South Island: This is the main hub of Caye Caulker. It’s where the water taxis arrive, where you’ll find the vast majority of restaurants, tour operators, bars, and shops. It’s lively, convenient, and where all the action happens.
. - The North Island: This side is much quieter, more remote, and less developed. There are a few high end and private resorts here. To get to the main village on the South Island, you have to take a small, 5-minute ferry that runs back and forth across The Split.
My Recommendation: For 99% of travelers, especially if this is your first time here, the South Island is where you want to be. Staying here means you can walk or bike everywhere you need to go. You’ll have easy access to food, activities, the water taxi port, and the social vibe that makes the island so special.
This guide focuses on the best hotels, most of which are conveniently located on the South Island.
The Top Caye Caulker Hotels
From beachfront cabanas to modern boutique hotels, here are my top picks for where to stay in Caye Caulker.
1. Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
Stay at Weezie’s if you want a true boutique hotel experience. This is easily one of the most modern and stylish properties on the island, with a clean, airy design that feels both upscale and relaxed.
You get a beautiful pool area lined with palm trees, a spacious private dock for lounging, and stunning ocean views. The rooms come with fully equipped kitchens and A/C (a mustttt have in the Belizean heat). They also offer free use of kayaks and paddleboards, which is a huge perk!
It’s located in a quieter part of the island, so it’s perfect for when you want to escape the noise of The Split but still be close enough to the action.
2. Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel
The Barefoot Hotel strikes a great balance between the laid back island lifestyle and modern comfort.
Something I really love about this Caye Caulker hotel is that it’s conveniently located just a ten minute walk from The Split, the most popular hangout on the island.
If you want to be in the thick of water and beach activities, this would be a great place to stay.
The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool with a poolside bar and a rooftop terrace perfect for sunset. The rooms are clean and modern, with elegant kitchenettes, which are just enough for preparing simple meals.
3. Bay Towers Hotel
If you do decide the quiet seclusion of the North Island is for you, Bay Towers is your best bet.
This boutique aparthotel has just six individually furnished units, which makes it feel very personal and exclusive.
The ocean views are incredible, and you’re just a short walk and ferry ride from The Split.
I love that each unit feels like a home away from home, with a full kitchen and private yard. The rooftop terrace and outdoor pool are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Plus, it’s one of the few pet friendly options on the island!
4. El Ben Cabañas
El Ben Cabañas is one of the more unique boutique hotels on Caye Caulker, which a handful of postcard perfect beach bungalows, with thatched roofs and private porches.
It feels more secluded than a traditional hotel, which is perfect if you’re a couple or taking a honeymoon.
The property is right on the beach, surrounded by palm trees and romantic docks. You can lounge by the pool, walk the beach, or even get a massage at their on site spa. It’s a perfect little slice of paradise.
5. Iguana Reef Inn
Located right in the heart of a charming fishing village, Iguana Reef Inn gives you a more upscale, polished Caribbean experience.
The property is beautiful, with sand colored buildings, lush palm trees, and a fantastic beachfront area with its own bar and swimming spot. It’s a great place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
The vibe here is a bit more refined, which makes it a favorite for couples or anyone looking to relax in a beautiful, central location.
6. Costa Nube
The vibe at Costa Nube is chill, homey, and no fuss, making it a fantastic value.
The rooms are large and come with a kitchenette and a patio with garden and sea views.
The hotel offers free bikes to guests, which is the best way to explore the island. It’s a simple, comfortable, and highly-rated spot that feels more like staying at a friend’s beach house than a hotel.
7. Treetops Hotel
This beachfront hotel has beautifully designed rooms that feel like they’re straight out of a magazine, combining bohemian beach style with modern comfort.
The ocean views are incredible, but the real standout is the private beach area, giving you a quiet spot to relax away from the crowds.
Treetops is also a great base for adventure, as they can help you arrange snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing right from the property.
8. Caye Reef Condos
This is another five-star Caye Caulker hotel that you’ll need to book early! It has the ambiance and comfort of a luxury hotel with the space of a small apartment.
These beachfront condos are everyones favorite because they offer a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, and even a hot tub.
Each condo is individually decorated and comes with a full kitchen and a breezy balcony with hammocks.
I recommend staying here if you’re traveling with family or a group and want a bit more room to spread out.
9. La Isla Resort
Located on a private white sand beach, La Isla has stylish rooms and is in a great location without a huge price tag.
The rooms are clean and come with adorable kitchenettes, making it a great spot if you’re looking for comfort and convenience on a budget. There’s a nice outdoor pool and two on-site restaurants, so you have everything you need for a relaxing stay.
10. Island Magic Beach Resort
Island Magic is a great mid-range hotel in Caye Caulker that’s centrally located and right on the water.
The rooms here are simple and comfy, but the real magic is the balcony with a hammock overlooking the sea. It would easily be my perfect spot for morning coffee.
The resort has a great pool with a swim up bar and an on-site restaurant, which is convenient if you don’t want to leave the hotel. It’s a solid choice if you want comfort and convenience without the luxury price tag.
11. Penthouse Velento
For a true home-away-from-home feel with incredible views, check out these penthouse-style condos.
The property faces the ocean and has a wonderful pool area and a private dock, perfect for spending your days lounging by the turquoise water.
The condos themselves are stunning and spacious, with full kitchens and open-plan living areas that lead out to balconies overlooking the ocean.
Stay here if you plan to stay longer because it’s in a great area and gives you the independence of an apartment.
12. Colinda Cabanas
This spot is legendary on the island for a reason.
If you want that classic, colorful Caribbean cabana experience right on the beach, book Colinda Cabanas immediately (they sell out months in advance!). We actually stayed here twice during our trips to Belize because we loved it so much.
Nestled on a beautiful stretch of sand, these cozy suites and cabanas offer incredible views of the Belize Barrier Reef from your private patio hammock.
They also provide complimentary bikes, kayaks, and snorkel gear, which saves you a TON of money and makes exploring the island super easy.
It’s the perfect blend of value, location, and authentic island charm.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
Here are some of the most common questions I get about planning a trip to Caye Caulker.
How Many Days Do You Need in Caye Caulker?
I’d recommend three full days to a week. This gives you enough time to do a snorkeling or diving trip, explore the island by bike, relax at The Split, and try plenty of local restaurants without feeling rushed.
It’s the perfect place to start or end a longer Belize road trip itinerary, where you can visit Mayan Ruins, go cave tubing and experience all of the other best things to do in Belize.
How Do You Get to Caye Caulker
The easiest way is by water taxi from Belize City. The two main companies are San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. The ride takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a short 15-minute flight from Belize City (BZE) or San Pedro with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, but this is much more expensive.
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Caye Caulker?
It really comes down to your budget and priorities.
- Dry Season (January – April): This is peak season. You’ll get the best weather with lots of sun and clear skies, but you’ll also face bigger crowds and higher prices. You need to book hotels far in advance.
. - Rainy Season (June – November): This is the low season, but it’s a great time to find deals on hotels. The rain often comes in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day clear. Just be aware that this is also hurricane season.
I’ve been to Caye Caulker in both the dry season and the rainy season and had a great time! Even in the low season, the weather blew over quickly even when it did rain.
Can You Drink Tap Water at a Hotel in Caye Caulker?
It’s best to avoid drinking the tap water to be safe. Most hotels and guesthouses provide filtered drinking water for their guests, and bottled water is cheap and widely available.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker, Belize: Final Thoughts
So, which of these fantastic hotels feels like the perfect fit for your trip?
Choosing might take a sec, but you should consider the location, your priorities, and how you plan to spend your time on the island.
Caye Caulker is all about slowing down and soaking in the easygoing vibe, and any of these cozy spots will help you do just that.
I absolutely loved my time in Belize, and Caye Caulker was a major highlight. If you’re dreaming of an island getaway with palm fringed shores and that perfect Caribbean feel, I know you will LOVE Caye Caulker as much as I do.
More Belize Travel Guides:
Belize Experiences: Top 10 Best Things To Do in Belize
Renting a Car: All you need to know about renting a car in Belize
Belize Hiking: Hiking the Tiger Fern Falls
Visiting Caracol: Driving to Caracol, Belize
Belize to Guatemala: How to get from San Ignacio to Tikal without a tour
Belize vs. Costa Rica: Belize Versus Costa Rica: Which Is Better For You?
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