Caye Caulker Tourist Attractions

Lying15mi/24km south of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker has earned a reputation as a haven for budget travelers. The small island is about 4mi/6.5km long and measures approximately 650yd/600m in width at its widest point. About 750 people of the Creole, Mestizo and Garifuna cultures inhabit Caye Caulker, and coconut palms and mangroves are found along most of the island's shores. Iguanas and several bird species are commonly spotted.In 1961, Hurricane Hattie actually split the island in two, creating an area called the Split. Most of the land north of the Split is largely undeveloped. Caye Caulker has a relaxing atmosphere with white sand streets and golf carts for transportation. Guesthouses are rather basic, but the pleasant climate and numerous water sports opportunities continue to draw several visitors each year.In the 1700s, British buccaneers (Baymen) frequented Caye Caulker as a place to repair their boats and restock their fresh water supply. The island's population grew when Mexico's War of the Castes forced Mestizos onto Caye Caulker, and Mestizos still represent the largest bulk of Caulker's population. Luciano Reyes purchased the island in 1870 and then divided the land among several families. Caye Caulker has always been a fishing settlement and remains one today, however tourism is a rapidly growing industry.