Do you remember the old "Bounty" chocolate ads? If not, then Caye Caulker, one of the many beautiful Belize Islands, will put you in mind of them. Who knows? Maybe they shot the very scenes at this location. This Caye is definitely a "taste of paradise".
I set foot on this 5 mile long, 1 1/2 mile wide Caye when the water taxi taking us to Ambergrise Caye ran into a little bit of trouble. The boat`s axil broke! Nothing serious, as far as the deck hands were concerned. They would soon have it fixed. But we thought of it as an extra free bonus to be stuck for a while on this "Bounty Island". Sitting back, enjoying the sun, sea and scenery isn`t quite the same as sitting on a bus stop bench, in front of a broken down bus, in rainy old England, now is it? No wonder the local pace is so laid back!
Lobster on the Menu
Why? They did us an injustice by fixing the boat before lunch, because here is where you`ll get fresh lobster on a platter with pasta or pineapple. Whatever your fancy, it`s all freshly caught just a few hours before eating. Lobster season runs from Feb - June, but you will still be able to order at other times of the year. Don`t forget the cool Belikin beer to wash it all down.
Lobster fishing on Caye Caulker is an old traditional Industry that is still placed before tourism, helping to keep the Island`s natural flavour alive, in contrast to Ambergris Caye. In fact, fish in general is abundant because the migration routes of all kinds of fish pass the Island, and the lobster and conch have their feeding grounds in the location.
If you happen to visit during June and July, you will enjoy the Lobster Festival, where the place is filled with visitors as locals hold lobster barbeques. Brightly coloured balloons adorn the streets, some fly their kites, and some simply eat lobster, drink Belikin, and dance to reggae and Calypso.
Caye Caulker - The Name
Where does the Island get it`s name? There are quite a few theories flying around.
One is that perhaps it was named because sailors would fill their cork bottles, replenishing their water supplies at La Aguada spring, where there is abundant fresh water. The spelling of the name on old English maps, Cay Corker, helped to mould this theory. Personally, I think the English probably couldn`t understand the accent and got it wrong.
Another story flying around is that it may have derived from the Spanish name "Hicaco", the name for coco plum trees that used to grow in abundance at one time on the Islands of Belize. And with a clever play on words, the buccaneers, explorers, and pirates who came to repair or waterproof (caulk) the hulls of there boats, adapted the name to Caye Caulker. I think this explanation is more likely. (See the book - Belize - Lonely Planet; pg. 116)
Streets and Beaches
If you are thinking of going on a Belize island vacation, here is a little bit of information for when you get there.
There are 3 main streets called Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street. These run parallel with a thin strip of beech. The beaches are not wide and spectacular, but I think the size suits the Island and they are sooooo pretty.
There`s a swimming area called the "Split". Heed the caution if you want to swim there because marine traffic use this narrow pathway in the sea. It was created when hurricane Hattie struck the Island in 1961, literally tearing a part of the island away. The gap has eroded through the years resulting in a wider more accessible route.
Keep an eye open for the famous sign which says "Go Slow". Not to worry! There`s not much traffic here, only a hand full of golf buggies.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
If you are like me and have a craving for exploring the underwater world, then Caye Caulker is close to one of the best dive sites in the world. The Barrier Reef. For snorkelling, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are not too far, only 9 miles travelling North, offshore Ambergris Caye, where I stayed for a few days and enjoyed the encounter with nurse sharks and stingrays.
