Itinerary

Day 1

Arriving at Caye CaulkerOn the way to Belize City the countryside is lush and green with large plantations (bananas, oranges etc) and tropical forests. Belize City isn't all that exciting, so instead you will be dropped off at the little harbour from where the boats depart to Caye Caulker (approx US$8). It's a thrilling 45-minute boat ride, skimming across the smooth, turquoise sea, the sun glistening in the water and finally the waving palm trees of Caye Caulker in the distance.On arrival to Caye Caulker the locals await you with friendly curiosity. The only traffic on the sandy roads is pedestrians, cyclists and golf buggies. Everyone walks barefoot or in flip-flops. If you've already switched to relaxed Caribbean mode and can't be bothered to carry your luggage, you can have it taken to your hotel on the back of a golf-buggy or a wheelbarrow for just a dollar.If you fancy sleeping in Belizean style, you'll be staying in a basic wooden hut on stilts just a couple of feet from the sea. This is what most of the low-budget hotels on the island look like. You'll have your own bathroom with shower and toilet and of course the ubiquitous Caribbean ceiling fan and hammock. If it's still very hot, open the little wooden window to let in the cool sea breeze.

Day 2

Caye CaulkerThe motto on Caye Caulker is "Go slow" and everywhere you go you're greeted with "Whazzup man?" and "Everything okay man?" in a funny Caribbean accent.Have some fun in the sun today, swimming in the warm Caribbean waters and checking out the Spilt where "it's all happening". If you want a bit more action, then you can rent a canoe and head into the mangroves to look for wildlife and deserted beaches on the other (uninhabited) side of Caulker. There are plenty of day trips on offer both in and around the water: at Shark Ray Alley you can swim among the little nurse sharks and rays. Hol Chan marine reserve and Coral Garden are great for snorkelling and to the south of Belize City is a protected mangrove where you can see manatees in their natural habitat.If you're lucky enough to spot dolphins on the way the boat will stop to allow you jump overboard and snorkel among them.After a walk across the island you can try the local cuisine... Fish of course! For where else can you get a plate full of fresh lobster for US$13?

Day 3

Caye CaulkerIf you fancy doing something a bit more active than chilling in a hammock or on the beach, here are a few options.Half Moon CayeHalf Moon Caye is a small island nature reserve home to a large breeding colony of the endearingly named Red-Footed Boobies, a large seabird of the gannet family with, you guessed it, scarlet red feet. From a platform you can look right onto the nests of these cute but pompous looking birds. There are also several frigate birds, the males blowing up their bright red throats like a balloon.Blue HoleIf you're into scuba diving then you may have heard of the mysterious Blue Hole where you can follow in the footsteps (or flippers) of Jacques Cousteau and descend to a depth of 42 metres. Blue Hole is a dark spot in the Caribbean Sea and once at the bottom you'll be surrounded by stalagmites, stalactites and unsettlingly big reef sharks. This dive is for experienced divers only and reputedly one of the best diving spots in the world.

Day 4

Caye Caulker, departureAfter breakfast (try the Fried Jacks) it's time to make your way to the harbour of Caye Caulker to catch the boat around 8.30am back to Belize City on the mainland (US$8). From there you can either continue up towards Mexico, or through the jungle into Guatemala and Tikal temples.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Three nights in accommodation

Exclusions -

Meals, transport to/from Belize City, boat return Belize City to Caye Caulker (approx $15 per person) and excursions.

Extras -

You can upgrade to a comfort hotel with a swimming pool, contact us for more details
Belize is more expensive than Mexico or Guatemala, because the Belizean dollar is linked to the US dollar
There's a cash machine on Caye Caulker but it's often empty so bring some cash with you
You'll get a free visa for Belize on entry
Change any leftover Belizean dollars at the border, they can't be used once you leave the country
On leaving Belize you will need to pay approx US$20 departure tax and US$3.50 conservation tax per person