Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, Belize? Which Is Best For You?

Belize is one of the top vacation destinations in Central America thanks to its stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, prevalent snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and abundant Mayan history.

Two of the country’s most popular islands are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Visitors planning a trip to Belize often ask themselves, “Should I stay in Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye?”

I was so torn when planning my trip to Belize that I decided to spend some time in both. Here’s what I found… 

Caye Caulker Or Ambergris Caye?

Below I’ll go into the differences between the two islands and explain why I chose Caye Caulker over Ambergris Caye in the debate!

Note: San Pedro is Ambergris Caye’s largest (and only) city so you’ll often see ‘Ambergris Caye’ and ‘San Pedro’ used interchangeably. If you see me write “Caye Caulker vs. San Pedro,” that means the exact same things as “Caye Caulker vs. Ambergris Caye”.

What Is Ambergris Caye Known For?

Ambergris Caye is the most popular tourist destination in Belize and the largest island. It’s located near incredible scuba diving and snorkeling sites such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Great Blue Hole.

San Pedro is the island’s only town and is fairly large for this small country. The bustling streets are lined with bars, restaurants, and lots of entertainment. Ambergris Caye attracts a diverse range of visitors but leans more towards older people and families.

What Is Caye Caulker Known For?

Same as above, Caye Caulker is known for its proximity to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Great Blue Hole making it a desirable diving and snorkeling destination.

Caye Caulker though, is much smaller, population-wise and in total land area. The smaller island results in a much more laid-back vibe. The island often attracts a younger crowd and backpackers, although it doesn’t carry with it quite the nightlife reputation that often comes with this demographic.

Similarities Between Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker  

They’re Both Beautiful

These two islands are surrounded by the surreal, bright blue water of the Caribbean Sea. There’s no argument here, they both offer excellent views. 

They Both Have Very Friendly Locals

All locals we spoke with on both islands were super friendly and gracious when we had questions or needed help. 

Getting To Each Island Takes About The Same Amount Of Effort

Both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are accessible by air via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. These direct flights connect from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City and are about 15 minutes each way. 

You can also get to the islands by boat via Ocean Ferry Belize or the Belize Water Taxi. Getting to Caye Caulker by ferry is about 45 minutes and roughly $20. Ambergris Caye is closer to an hour and a half by ferry and about $35.

In The “Stuff To Do” Category There’s A Lot Of Similarities

They both have similar entertainment and excursions options. 

Both islands offer fun bars, restaurants, and beaches.

Again, each is located in close proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef — the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Additionally, if you want to do any excursions on mainland Belize — such as Mayan ruins or cave tours — it takes about the same amount of effort to get inland. 

However, there is a small caveat here… While the ‘things to do’ options are similar, Ambergris Caye offers them on a much larger scale, but we’ll get into this more below.

The Ambergris Caye vs. Caye Caulker Debate: What Makes Caye Caulker Better?

Visit Caye Caulker… If You’re On A Budget

The island of Caye Caulker is less expensive than Ambergris Caye. 

Of course prices will vary but the average hotel on Caye Caulker will set you back about $60 / night. Whereas Ambergris Caye will average closer to $100/ night. You can also expect to save on dining, drinks, and excursions in Caye Caulker.

To be clear, you are getting what you pay for, things are of higher quality on Ambergris Caye. 

Note: In part due to budget, Caye Caulker attracts the backpacker crowd. Don’t feel like you won’t fit in if you’re not traveling this way though. We saw a wide variety of people here… and I’m not a backpacker or tight budget traveler myself!

Visit Caye Caulker… If You Want More Of An Island Vibe

Caye Caulker’s motto is “Go Slow.”

The sandy streets are unpaved, there’s no cars and hardly any golf carts, there’s people BBQing right on the beach. Everywhere you go, you see colorful wooden houses, hear the palm trees rustling and smell the ocean. All of this lends itself to an authentic island experience. 

Did You Know? Caye Caulker is about 5 miles long and no more than a mile wide, so you’re constantly right on the turquoise water. 

Ambergris Caye on the other hand is 25 miles long and also about a mile wide. It’s got paved roads, a few taxis, a ton of golf carts, and thus the atmosphere is different than the aforementioned.

Check out my 3-Day Itinerary Caye Caulker, Belize for an idea of what a weekend here looks like.

Visit Caye Caulker… If You Prefer A Slower Pace When Traveling  

Love slow travel? Stay on Caye Caulker. The relaxed vibe here is unmistakable. 

Stroll around the island, bike to The Split, grab a bite to eat and stare out at the drop-dead gorgeous Caribbean Sea. No islanders will huff and puff as they try to pass you on the street. That’s not the vibe here, the locals “go slow” and demand that visitors follow suit.  

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) is a much larger city than Caye Caulker — we’re talking San Pedro’s population of about 14,000 vs. Caye Caulker’s 2,000 — due to this sizable population difference, it’s only natural for things to move at a faster pace in Ambergris Caye.

Visit Caye Caulker… If You Like Meeting People On Vacation 

I can’t think of any destination where I met people so quickly, easily, and naturally. The island is so small that by day two of your visit you’re recognizing people around town and stopping to chat with them. 

We explored the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with a tour group, and by the end of the day we befriended about half the boat and ended up having drinks with them and one of our tour guides that night.

The locals on Ambergris Caye are very friendly as well, however you don’t get the “stop and chat with strangers on the street” feel there. 

Be sure to also check out: The Best Things To Do In Caye Caulker.

Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye: What Makes Ambergris Caye Better?

Visit Ambergris Caye… If You Prefer Upscale Accommodations

There’s no doubt, Ambergris Caye has much nicer resorts and hotels than Caye Caulker. Frankly, just about all of its infrastructure is in better shape than Caye Caulkers.  

Note: For this reason Ambergris Caye attracts more families and older travelers — although it’s still fairly diverse in tourist demographics. 

Matachica Resort Belize and Xanadu Island Resort are examples of luxury resorts you can find in Ambergris Caye, you will not find lodging like this in Caye Caulker.

Visit Ambergris Caye… If You Want More Variety In Dining & Bars

This large island has an excellent assortment of dinning and nightlife options. You could easily go to a different bar and restaurant every day in San Pedro. Looking for a specific meal? Amazing food? Something casual? Or something a bit more upscale? You’ll find it all here. 

Caye Caulker has a good variety considering how small it is, but you’ll probably find yourself frequenting the same few bars and restaurants throughout the trip. 

Visit Ambergris Caye… If You Prefer Better Amenities

Ambergris Caye is the main island in the Belize island system. Thanks to its relatively large geographical size and population it has better services and access to a wide variety of necessities.  

If you didn’t catch on in the “Visit Caye Caulker” section, Caye Caulker is limited in what it offers. If staying somewhere without a hospital or traditional grocery store is more than your stress levels can handle, then Caye Caulker is not for you.

Visit Ambergris Caye… If A Sandy Beach Is A “Must Have” 

If you’re a beach-lover trying to decide which is better, Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye? Then Ambergris is for you. Simply put, it has better white sandy beaches and a wider variety of them than Caye Caulker.  

Caye Caulker has The Split which feels like a beach but really it’s docks next to the ocean.

Note: You’ll hear some people complaining about seaweed on beaches throughout Belize. This is turtle grass that grows in the calm, shallow waters near shore and it’s essential for marine species. Most beaches on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker have this. But Ambergris Caye does have some beaches without. 

Ambergris Caye vs. Caye Caulker: Which Was My Favorite?  

When choosing between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye I have to go with Caye Caulker. It really gave me a sense of island life and I loved the slow pace here. Befriending locals and laid-back travelers made for a vacation experience I’ll never forget.

However, that’s not to say I wouldn’t return to Ambergris Caye, I’ll probably visit both again whenever I’m fortunate enough to return. 

Also, know it’s easy to day trip between the two islands. Just because you say on Ambergris Caye doesn’t mean you can’t visit Caye Caulker, and vice versa.

How To Get To Ambergris Caye

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is the nearest major airport, located in Belize City.

From here Ambergris Caye is accessible by air via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. The flight is about 15 minutes on a small seaplane from Belize City and costs about $100 – 150 USD each way.

Otherwise, plan to arrive on boat through Ocean Ferry Belize or the Belize Water Taxi. The boat takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is roughly $35 USD each way. 

It is possible to get to Ambergris Caye by private transfer or water taxi. Cost and time required will vary.

How To Get To Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is also accessible by air via Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. The flight is about 15 minutes on a small seaplane from Belize City. The cost is about $100 – 150 USD each way.

Otherwise, plan to arrive by boat through Ocean Ferry Belize or Belize Water Taxi.

By boat the one way fee is roughly $20. It takes 45 minutes to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker by ferry.

It is possible to get to Caye Caulker by private transfer or water taxi. Cost and time required will vary.

How To Get From Ambergris Caye To Caye Caulker?

The ferries mentioned above, Ocean Ferry Belize and Belize Water Taxi, navigate between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker in each direction.

It takes about 30 minutes to get from one island to the other and costs about $20 each way. The islands are 15 miles apart.

The ferries run often, making it easy to go for a day trip to Caye Caulker from Ambergris Caye or vice versa.

Additionally you can arrange a private charter or water taxi.

How To Get Around Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is fairly large, most visitors rent golf carts to get around during their vacation. There are cars on the island but I don’t recommend renting one, employ a taxi if needed.

During our visit we got around by foot and bike, utilizing the occasional taxi when necessary.

Ambergris Caye primarily has paved roads, there is some mild traffic but nothing compared to major cities. Finding parking for your golf cart can be a hassle at times.

How To Get Around Caye Caulker

It’s easy to get around Caye Caulker by foot alone. The island is extremely small, less than a mile wide and 5 miles long. Some may want a bike, a few may want a golf cart.

During our visit we got around by foot the entire time.

Caye Caulker has dirt roads, there is maybe one car on the island and virtually no traffic.

What Is Lodging Like On Ambergris Caye?

Ambergris Caye offers a wide variety of lodging from hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Most hotels and resorts are local but there’s the occasional chain.

Hotels in Ambergris Caye are considered expensive especially compared to other Central American destinations.

What Is Lodging Like On Caye Caulker?

Caye Caulker primarily offers hostels and low to mid range-budget hotels. Most are small hotels or boutiques, you won’t find chains here.

Caye Caulker hotels are more affordable than Ambergris Caye and are generally considered low price.

However, with the recent development of Caye Caulker’s north island, high-end, resort-like properties are becoming available.

Check out the Best Hotels In Caye Caulker, Belize or Best Hostels & Guesthouses In Caye Caulker (for a budget-friendly stay!) for more ideas.

Ambergris Caye Beaches

AC has wide variety of white sand beaches to choose from with Secret Beach being the most popular. Many hotels have beach areas or waterfront features for guests and visitors.

Seagrass is common at many beaches and is considered environmentally important. Some resort remove the seagrass, others don’t.

Caye Caulker Beaches

Caye Caulker has plenty of waterfront areas but less beaches than Ambergris Caye. The most popular ‘beach’ is The Split which is like a pier or dock. A few hotels have beach areas, some with sandy stretches, some more so docks, like The Split.

Same as in Ambergris Caye, seagrass is common at many beaches and is important for the environment and marine life.

Things To Do In Ambergris Caye

There’s a wide variety of entertainment options in Ambergris Caye and many companies offering tours and excursions.

Some of the most popular things to do in Ambergris Caye are:

• Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or dive the Great Blue Hole.
• Lounge out at Secret Beach. 
• Golf cart around town and explore the shops.
• Enjoy the ample beach bar and nightlife options throughout town. 

For more check out: The Best Things To Do In Ambergris Caye

Things To Do In Caye Caulker

There’s a surprising number of things to do in Caye Caulker considering it’s a tiny island, but the ‘things to do’ category isn’t as extensive as Ambergris Caye.

There are far fewer companies offering tours and excursions here, compared to San Pedro. You can still find plenty of tours, there’s just less companies to choose from.

Some of the most popular things to do in Caye Caulker are:

• Lounge out at The Split with a bucket of Belikins. 
• Snorkel the Hot Chan Marine Reserve or dive the Great Blue Hole.
• Attend Caye Caulker Lobster Fest.
• Explore the restaurants, bars, and shops throughout town.

For more ideas check out: The Top Things To Do In Caye Caulker

Ambergris Caye Restaurants & Nightlife

There’s good variety of restaurants to choose from in Ambergris Caye. Options are diverse in types of food and also in budget. Whether you want an upscale restaurant, a quick bite, casual waterfront pub, etc. you’re likely to find it.

In regards to watering holes there are a lot of bars to choose from. Most are on the casual side, many offer events such as live music, trivia, chicken drop bingo (yep, it’s a thing). During the day, most waterfront bars have water sports and inner tubes for floating.

Late night dancing can be found at Jaguar’s Temple Night Club, the island’s only bar open past midnight. There’s no doubt Ambergris Caye likes to have a good time.

Caye Caulker Restaurants & Nightlife

Caye Caulker has a decent variety of restaurants to choose from, I was impressed by the numerous options available considering the small population. Additionally, most restaurants are on the casual side, you won’t find any upscale dining here.

Caye Caulker also likes to have a good time with numerous bars to choose from. Water sports or inner tubes for floating are standard at waterfront bars. There are some entertainment options, like live music, but not to the scale of Ambergris Caye.

Late night dancing can be found at I&I Reggae Bar, which is rockin’ pretty much every night of the week.

Is Ambergris Caye Expensive?

Ambergris Caye is one of the more expensive destinations in Belize and Central America. As an American though, I considered the prices low compared to traveling around the United States.

Is Caye Caulker Expensive?

Caye Caulker is more budget-friendly than Ambergris Caye. Lodging, dining, and entertainment will all be less expensive than AC.

Again, Caye Caulker will be more expensive than other Central American destinations but much less expensive than travel in the United States.

Is Ambergris Caye Safe?

As a woman traveling with two other female friends we felt safe during our visit to Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is pretty large so use the same common sense and caution you would in any other city.

Is Caye Caulker Safe?

I was traveling here with two other young women and never felt unsafe. The small size of Caye Caulker added to my feeling of safety here.

Is Ambergris Caye Or Caye Caulker Better For Families?

I think Ambergris Caye is the better choice for families.

The island has superior infrastructure, more traditional grocery stores, health care options, etc. Additionally it offers more variety in terms of lodging and entertainment.

Is Ambergris Caye Or Caye Caulker Better For A Honeymoon?

Ambergris Caye is the best place for those seeking a traditional honeymoon. There are nice resorts, upscale restaurants, and more beaches to choose from.

However, a couple who likes to get off the beaten path would probably enjoy Caye Caulker more. The island is extremely laid-back, casual, and more of an authentic island experience.

Is Ambergris Caye Or Caye Caulker Better For A Solo Traveler?

Caye Caulker is best for solo travelers.

The island is full of backpackers and it’s extremely easy to make friends here. I am not a backpacker but my girlfriends and I made friends with solo travelers while in Caye Caulker which made for a great experience.

Is Caye Caulker Or Ambergris Caye Better For Scuba Diving & Snorkeling?

It depends.

Ambergris Caye has a lot more companies offering diving and snorkeling trips and its slightly closer to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Scuba divers in particular will have more options here, there’s only one scuba diving company in Caye Caulker although it’s highly rated.

Caye Caulker, on the other hand, has a fair number of tour guides and they offer lower prices for similar value. Additionally, it’s slightly closer to the Great Blue Hole.

Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker Weather

The islands are only 15 miles apart so their weather is very similar.

Average Temperatures:

• January – 83° / 68° (Average High/ Low F°)
• February – 84° / 70°
• March – 86° / 71°
• April – 88° / 75°
• May – 90° / 77°
• June – 89° / 77°
• July – 89° / 77°
• August – 89° / 77°
• September – 89° / 76°
• October – 87° / 74°
• November – 85° / 71°
• December – 83° / 69°

Winter and spring tend to be the driest time of year. Summer and fall can see heavy precipitation, although, it’s rare to experience a full day of rain. Hurricanes are possible summer – fall but aren’t common, at least considering Belize’s location in a hurricane zone.

Belize is very humid and the sun here is intense, which will make temperatures, especially in summer, feel even warmer than the thermometer indicates.

Winter, roughly November – March, is the most popular time to visit both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

For ideas on what to pack for your Belize vacation check out: What To Wear In Belize

Additional Places To Stay In Belize

• Visit Corozal for a sleepy seaside town bordering Mexico.
• Stay in San Ignacio if you want access to the country’s excellent outdoor activities and Mayan ruins. There’s fabulous luxury resorts out here, you can read about my favorite one here: The Lodge at Chaa Creek.
• Placencia is another wonderful Belize beach destination, it’s located on the mainland south of Belize City. I’ve yet to visit but have been told the beaches here are among the best in Belize.
• Splurge and stay on a private island resort such as Thatch Caye Resort.

Be sure to also check out Where To Stay In Belize for more details!

Have you visited Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker? What’s your opinion in the Ambergris Caye vs. Caye Caulker debate?  

Looking for more ideas? Check out my Belize guides below!

More Caye Caulker Guides:

• 3-Day Itinerary Caye Caulker, Belize
• Caye Caulker, Belize: Best Things To Do
• Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour: What Company Should You Book?
• Best Hotels In Caye Caulker, Belize
• Best Hostels & Guesthouses In Caye Caulker (for a budget-friendly stay!)

More Ambergris Caye Guides:

• Ambergris Caye, Belize: Best Things To Do

More Information For Your Belize Vacation:

• Where To Stay In Belize?
• Belize: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary
• Belize: What To Wear + Packing List
• San Ignacio Guides