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Caye Caulker Travel Checklist

Caye Caulker Travel Checklist

Caye Caulker The Northern Cayes, Belize Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Plan your trip early to cover all necessary elements.

3+

Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm your passport has at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended period of stay in Belize.

Visa Requirements

Research visa requirements for your nationality and apply for any necessary visas. This process might take time.

International Flights

Book your international flights to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), most notably if traveling in the high season (December-May) to secure better prices and availability. Consider using a travel rewards card, for example those from Capital One Travel, for booking flights and accommodations.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, such as from World Nomads, that covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and trip disruption coverage.

Health Consultation

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travel to tropical regions.

1

Month Before

Domestic Transfers

Book your domestic flights from BZE to A Small limestone coral island off the coast of belize (CUK) or your water taxi transfers from Belize City.

Tours & Activities

Book any particular tours or activities that need advance reservations, like a Blue Hole dive trip or a specialized fishing charter.

Home Arrangements

Arrange for pet-sitting, house-sitting, or mail help if needed.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and your credit card providers about your trip dates to avoid any fraud notifications or service interruptions.

1

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Double-check and confirm all your flight, accommodation, plus tour arrangements.

Document Gathering

Organize all necessary documents: passport, visa (if applicable), your travel insurance plan info, and copies of prescriptions. Keep both physical and digital copies.

Medications & First Aid

Pack all prescription medications in original containers and assemble your tropical-specific first aid kit.

Electronics Prep

Power up all your devices, pack power adapters, and confirm your camera has extra memory cards.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for Caye Caulker and Belize on apps like Maps.me or Waze.

Currency

Exchange some currency into US Dollars (which are widely accepted) or Belize Dollars for immediate expenses upon arrival. Small denominations are beneficial.

Required Advance Bookings and Reservations

Bookings Checklist

  • International flights to BZE.
  • Accommodation on Caye Caulker, especially for high season or specific properties.
  • Popular or specialized tours, like a Blue Hole dive, certain fishing charters, or multi-day mainland excursions.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Research Focus

  • Read up on local customs and the "Go Slow" motto to understand the island's unique pace.
  • Familiarize yourself with practical safety tips for equatorial destinations, including sun protection and mosquito bite prevention.
  • Research current weather patterns for your travel dates.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Security Measures

  • Secure your home: Make sure doors and windows are locked.
  • Inform a trusted neighbor or friend of your travel plans.
  • Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
  • Arrange for care of vegetation or pets.

Financial & Utilities

  • Confirm bills are paid or set up for automatic payment.

Important Advisory

Timely preparations result in a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Arrival Checklist

These constitute the first steps to take upon arriving in Belize and A Small limestone coral island off the coast of belize.

First Steps Upon Arrival at BZE

  • 1
    Immigration and Customs

    Go through immigration, presenting your passport and onward/return ticket. Clear customs with your declaration form.

  • 2
    Local SIM Card

    If you wish, purchase a local SIM card (Digi or Smart) at the airport or wait until you reach The Old capital of belize or San Pedro for more options.

  • 3
    Transfer to Caye Caulker

    If you're flying domestically to CUK, check in for your flight. If taking the water taxi, take a licensed taxi from BZE to the The Old capital of belize water taxi terminal.

Initial Steps on Caye Caulker

  • Orientation Strategy

    Once on A Small limestone coral island off the coast of belize, locate your accommodation. The island is small, so a quick walk around the main village aids you in getting your bearings.

  • Currency Exchange and Initial Purchases

    US Dollars are widely accepted, with the fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD = ONE US dollar. You may receive change in BZD. Locate an ATM to withdraw Belize Dollars or USD if needed. Purchase bottled water immediately upon arrival. Many lodgings provide purified water for refills.

  • Getting from The Entry point to Accommodation

    From A Small limestone coral island off the coast of belize Water Taxi Dock: Most accommodations in the main village are within walking distance. If you have heavy luggage or are staying further afield, take a short golf cart taxi ride. From Caye Caulker Airport (CUK): The airport is on the edge in the village. A short golf cart taxi ride will take you to your accommodation.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

Purchase gifts a day or two before your departure to avoid last-eleventh-hour hurry. Be aware of customs regulations for your home country. Shipping items home from Belize can be expensive and intricate. Consider items from Eagle Creek for travel organization.

VAT Refund Procedures

Belize does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

From A Small limestone coral island off the coast of belize to BZE (via water taxi): Allow ample time. This typically means departing Caye Caulker by water taxi at least 4-5 hours in advance of your international flight's departure time from BZE. From Caye Caulker to BZE (via domestic flight): While quicker, still allow sufficient time (at least 3 hours before international flight) for airport check-in and security at BZE. Confirm your international flight time and domestic transfer times.

Final Checklist Before You Go

Pack any liquids in your carry-on according to airline rules. Double-check all your belongings are accounted for. Keep your passport and boarding passes readily accessible.

Caye Caulker Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation