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Caye Caulker is a little over 7km long, with the
southern, inhabited end curing away west like a hook; the northern
tip of the island forms the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve,
while the reef offshore is a marine reserve. At the northern
end of Caye Caulker village you come to " The Split ", a
narrow (but widening) channel cut by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and a
popular place to relax and swim. It's also a glaring example of what
happens when mangroves are cut down - the original owner of the
beach bar here removed them to build a dock, and the subsequent
erosion now threatens to wash the bar away.
The reef is certainly an experience not to be
missed: swimming along coral canyons accompanied by an astonishing
range of fish, with perhaps even the odd shark or two (these will
almost certainly be harmless nurse sharks). Here, as everywhere,
smokeless should be aware of the fragility of the reef and be
careful not to touch any coral - even sand stirred up by fins can
cause damage.
Trips to the reef
by skiff (US$10-20 per person, depending where you go, plus US$3-4
for snorkel equipment rental; around 3hr) are easily arranged;
contact Meldie at Driftwood Snorkeling (phone 226-0011), on the
front north of the centre, or Carlos Ayala (phone 614-9986). One of
the best day outings is offered by Ras Creek, in his dory Rice
'n' Beans, which sails from the main dock in the morning - you're
almost certain to encounter nurse sharks and eagle rays. Kayaks
are available too: try Daisy's hotel or ask at the Galerķa
Hicaco (phone 226-0178), where you can also rent a sailboard
. The Galerķa's owner, marine biologist Ellen McRae, gives really
well-informed wildlife tours .
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 Belize
travel guide
Caribbean
guide
diving
trips and scuba instruction are available from Frenchie's, towards
the northern end of the village (phone 226-0234), who offer
enthusiastic, knowledgeable local trips, with some great reef diving
and coral gardens, plus day-trips to the Blue Hole. Caye Caulker is
a good base for day-trips to the other cayes,
especially Goff's, English and Sergeant's cayes for dolphin
and manatee spotting; ask at Driftwood. |
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