Caye Caulker lies off the coast of Belize, just to the south of Mexico, in the calm, warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea. It is a small island (technically a ‘caye’, a sandy island lying on top of a coral reef), but is an absolutely gorgeous place, packing a whole lot of personality and energy into its diminutive space.
Most importantly of all, Caye Caulker is an eco-friendly paradise, and the perfect destination for travelers looking to combine a vacation with a sense of environmentalism. One of the best places to cruise, Belize and its beautiful cayes have been taking great steps forward over the last few years when it comes to the Green agenda, and Caye Caulker is a fantastic example of ecotourism done right.
Caye Caulker was the first island in Belize to become a Climate Smart Island, shifting its tourist economy and infrastructure to become low carbon and climate resilient wherever possible. Measures like hydropanel water harvesting systems that create drinking water from the air, installing high-efficiency air conditioning units across the island, and proactive protection measures for flora and fauna mean that it is an incredibly eco-friendly place to visit.
There are plenty of tours and organizations offering ecotourism options on Caye Caulker, but it is important to do your research and explore the environmental credentials behind the tour operators before deciding on what to do.
The best eco-friendly activities you can do on Caye Caulker tend to be in the ocean, with wildlife trips, boat tours, and snorkeling all readily available.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area under the sea, predominantly for loggerhead sea turtles. Maintained and watched over by local guides, these stunning creatures swim lazily around this reserve, and you can join them in the water for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
This stretch of water is populated by manta rays and nurse sharks. Despite their fearsome appearance it is also perfectly safe to swim with both of these underwater predators, and it will be something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Discover the true beauty of Caye Caulker’s world beneath the waves at the Coral Garden, another protected spot that benefits from the island’s commitment to environmentalism. See the remarkable colors of the reef and the spectacular creatures that live in it, from elongated eels to enormous Tai Pai fish!