BATTLES OF THE CAYES: CAULKER VS. AMBERGRIS

One of the hardest parts of visiting the cayes in Belize is deciding which island to call home for the duration of your stay. I know, first world problems much? 

Luckily, the Google machine was invented. Even so, there seems to be quite a difference in opinion when it comes to claiming the best island along the coast of Belize. Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are both fan favorites when it comes to beach bumming, cocktail sipping, and ocean excursions.

Without inserting too much bias, I am prepared to provide you with information pertaining to both cayes in hopes you will come to your own conclusions. If you are a ‘skip-to-the-end-of-the-book’ kinda gal {or guy}, you will find my opinion on the winner of this battle at the end of this post.

Size

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the cayes in Belize stretching for 25 miles. Most tourists stay in the town of San Pedro, but private villas are also available along the island should you seek a more secluded experience. AC is technically two islands connected by a short bridge {word of warning, you must pay to cross the bridge so be prepared if you choose to venture north}. Due to the size of the island, it is somewhat necessary to hire a golf cart, though I know of few that have opted out. Cars and trucks are also common on AC.

In contrast, Caye Caulker is only 5 miles long. There are no cars on the island, and it is small enough to get around by walking or hiring a bike for $15 BZD {$7 USD} daily. CC is also technically two islands. Unlike AC, there is no bridge connecting the two. There is, however, free water taxi’s that will bring you across “The Split” and to the only bar on the second island. Another option is simply swimming, as it would only take a few breaststrokes to reach the other side.

Round 1: Ambergris Caye

Accommodation

Being the larger island, one would assume accommodation on Ambergris Caye would be abundant. And it is. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and private homes scattered throughout AC. Whether you choose to be ‘downtown’ among the hustle and bustle, or secluded with your own private beach, you will find accommodation on AC.

But the same can be said for Caye Caulker. CC offers a plethora of options for every budget. You can also find hostels, hotels, and private villas along the coast of CC.

Round 2: Tie

Price

Every year, tourists flock to Ambergris Caye. Many refer to AC as ‘San Pedro’ because the town is so bustling it’s gained a huge reputation on its own {and Madonna singing about it didn’t hurt}. AC attracts families, retirees, and those with a bit of extra cash in their pockets. AC caters to those not necessarily looking to ‘rough it’. Therefore accommodation is on the pricier side, and restaurants serve food and alcohol with a larger price tag than the surrounding islands.

Now, there is a reason why Caye Caulker is a backpackers paradise. The price tag is hard to beat. Accommodation can be found for as little as $20 BZD {$10 USD} and my breakfast usually put me back $5.00 BZD {$2.50 USD}. I ate lobster dinner twice while staying on CC, each for $10 USD. Include the beer and my entire meal {for a whole lobster I might add} was under $15 USD.

Round 3: Caye Caulker

Beaches

I’m going to be completely honest: I was utterly disappointed by the beaches on both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.  Yes, there is technically white sand everywhere you look on both islands. And crystal blue water surrounding you from each direction. And it’s all stunning. But there wasn’t a single ‘beach’ that convinced me enough to lay a towel down and wade in the water. You will find rocky surfaces leading into seaweed layered water. Or densely packed sand leading into a very shallow layer of water.  It was rare to find people ‘laying on the beach’ on either island. Hot tip: the best place to swim on CC is ‘The Split’.

Round 4: Tie

Excursions and Activities

The cayes are famous for the copious amounts of excursions they offer. The Blue Hole is incredibly well-known and draws tourists from around the world. Both islands offer snorkeling tours, sailing tours, fishing tours, and diving tours galore. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also popular activities to partake in.

That being said, on Ambergris Caye your options are endless when it comes to booking excursions. You have multiple tour companies competing for your dollar, and plenty of willing participants ready to pay. This means, less of a chance of having to cancel a tour due to lack of customers, and more likely your tour guide will go above and beyond to provide you with an unforgettable experience {in order to keep up with his/her competitors).

On Caye Caulker, the same tours are readily available {literally you see the other guides from AC while you are out on the water}. However, your options are limited simply because of the size of the island. At one point, I was on the verge of missing out on an excursion simply because no one else on the island wanted to go. Eventually, we rounded up a group of three others and we were on our way, but it can be limiting.

Round 5: Ambergris Caye

Atmosphere

And finally, we tackle the most important distinguishing factor between the two islands: the atmosphere. Ambergris Caye {San Pedro specifically} is a very busy island, as far as islands go. You can hardly escape the hustle and bustle, which comes with pros and cons. The nightlife on AC is more significant, but also requires a bit more caution when it comes to personal safety. You will get to know many fellow tourists. For example, I was invited to a private villa for an afternoon after simply asking a Texan woman how much her go-cart rental was. It’s a great location for a girls weekend, bachelorette party, birthday, etc. Alternatively, families enjoy the amount of activities, restaurants, and swim up bars to keep everyone happy.

Caye Caulker moves at a slower pace. In fact, the formal motto of the island is, ‘Go Slow’. The vibe is extremely laid back, and it’s quieter during the afternoons. As it is a smaller island {with significantly less tourists}, you truly get to know the locals that live there. You will meet the infamous ‘cake lady’ and chuckle at the Rastafarian man that is constantly flirting with every women on the island {you’ll know when you see him}.

At times, I felt extremely alone as a tourist on Caye Caulker. Usually, I wouldn’t find this ideal {I prefer civilization present at all times when I’m traveling alone}. But for some reason, I welcomed the deserted feel of the island on this trip. By the end of my week in Caye Caulker, I felt like I’d lived there for years.

When I did eventually find my way to Ambergris Caye, I had subconsciously already committed to building a life with Caye Caulker. I found AC too crowded and lacking the charm of CC. The islands are aesthetically so similar, that it truly comes down to personal preference.

Round 6: Caye Caulker

Overall, it’s safe to say that Caye Caulker immediately stole my heart. I will undoubtedly return to Belize one day. When I do, I feel no need to return to AC and instead plan to spend my time on Caye Caulker once again. Therefore, the winner is…

Caye Caulker