Belize
We only used one dive company while visiting Caye Caulker but BDS will not disappoint. All employees are very professional with a high safety standard. The boat was kept in excellent condition. There was definelty a sense of pride that they had some of the newest and nicest boats on the island.
Once on board there was a general safety briefing which included the plan for the day and each dive. You were also assigned a scuba master guide that would assist you with anything scuba related. After you just get to sit back and be a guest aboard while enjoying the cruise out to the first dive location. This is a great chance to see some wildlife. On route to one of our destinations we watched Exocoetidae, known as Flying Fish, leaping out of the water and flying about 4 feet above before diving back in.
In between dives 1 and 2 there was time to go back inside the reef to see and swim with the local sharks. This is a must do! Not all dive tours will have time for this so make sure when you book at least one of your tours includes this. Inside the reef also offers calmer waters so if you are at all prone to sea sickness this allows you some recovery time while eating lunch.
The waters of Belize are pretty warm. I was diving at the beginning of February and the first day I wore a shorty but the second day I went just in my swimming trunks.Overall I would recommend the shorty just because it helps with rash protection from the equipment straps.
BDS has many dive options, include the Blue Hole. We decided not to do the Blue hole mostly due to the travel time to get there. After researching the best dives we decided seeing wildlife and the beautiful coral reefs was more appealing.When I return to Caye Caulker, and I will definitely be returning, I will plan an extra day specifically for a fly-scuba-boat tour. Not only do I want to dive it someday but also want to see it from above which everyone we talked to said was the best way to experience the Blue Hole.
Please visit them at:
belizedivingservices.com
If you want a beach party this is where to hang out. There is a bar and usually some loud music. They serve food while offering beach activities. There is a volleyball court and a protected inlet area for swimming that has a sloped walk in entry. There is also a platform to jump off of that is maybe 3 meters high.
This is the best place to see the sun set on the island. The viewing area is wide open at the western most point so you will have plenty of room to find a spot to enjoy.
The Split got its name due to the waterway between the two islands. The northern island is starting to be developed but I did not go over. However swimming the split is an activity many enjoy. Most just swim across and back to say that they did it. The locals would organize a race across with a casual swim back.
Take some time to relax and enjoy the sun at the split. Buckets of beer or your choice of cocktail will make it feel like vacation. The baskets of food was good. We enjoyed a burger or seafood basket while hanging out. For eating out of a basket with a beer in hand it hit the spot. Perfect for a late lunch or afternoon snack.
It didn’t take long to find the hot spot at night while on Caye Caulker. Berries Reef is not the only bar in town but definitely is one of the hot spots after dark. Located in the center of town makes the streets seem alive with people as you enter the bar for some music and a drink.
Out in the front of the bar others are hanging out. You can pick up some street food and just enjoy the island life. Out the back side of the bar is direct access to the water so you can grab a seat and enjoy the view. The back is also a bit quieter if you just want to hang with your group and chat. Inside is a normal bar atmosphere. People are buying drinks, dancing and trying to meet others who are on vacation.
Many of the visitors I met while on Caye Caulker are repeat visitors. Start talking to one of them while at Barrier Reef Sports Bar and you will feel so welcomed to the island as well as knowledgable about everything going on by the time you leave that night. Locals also hang out here so you get a flare of local culture without it being fake or paid for.
House of Fry Jacks
This is where you get your breakfast while on Caye Caulker. Before you head to whichever dock you are departing on for your scuba or snorkeling adventure get in line at Errolyn’s. Pick your choice of which Fry Jack you want to try.
By far the easiest and tastiest breakfast in town. Right next door is a little fruit shop where we bought something to go with our Fry Jack but also can pick up some more for the days adventures.
So what is a Fry Jack?
A Fry Jack is a fried tortilla stuffed with your choice of ingredients. My favorite was Scrambled Egg, Cheese, and Ham. The egg, cheese and chicken was also very good.
When we were there they closed by 11:00 and not open on Monday’s but just ask anyone you meet that has been there more than a day or two and they will be able to tell you if there have been any changes to their schedule.