The Northern Cayes, Belize
Belize has two main mobile providers: Digi (Belize Telemedia Limited) and Smart. Digi generally presents better coverage on Caye Caulker and throughout Belize. SIM cards typically cost around $10-15 BZD. Purchase them at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) upon arrival or at authorized dealer stores on the mainland. An unlocked phone and your passport are needed for registration.
Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and bars on Caye Caulker deliver free Wi-Fi for their customers. Connection speeds vary and might be slower than urban centers. It is usually sufficient for browsing, emails, and basic communication. Some accommodations may have better Wi-Fi than others.
A small post office exists on Caye Caulker. Mail service, especially for international shipping, can be slow and unreliable.
English is the official language of Belize. This minimizes language barriers for most visitors. Many Belizeans also speak Kriol (Belizean Creole). Spanish is common, especially in northern and western parts.
Local SIMs and Wi-Fi ease communication on the island.
Know the typical operating times for island establishments.
Generally open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Some smaller shops may close for a lunch break, typically between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
Breakfast spots open early, often by 7:00 AM. Lunch service typically begins around 11:00 AM. Dinner service starts around 6:00 PM, with most kitchens closing by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Bars may stay open later, especially on weekends.
Usually open from early morning (7:00 AM or 8:00 AM) until late afternoon (5:00 PM or 6:00 PM) to manage bookings for the next day's excursions.
Several ATMs are on Caye Caulker, near the water taxi terminal and at major banks like Atlantic Bank.
Main banks (e.g., Atlantic Bank) are typically open Monday to Friday.
Check holiday schedules and seasonal hours to avoid surprises during your visit.
Respect local customs for a positive experience.
A simple "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good evening" is common and polite when entering shops, restaurants, or starting conversations with locals. Direct eye contact is fine, a sign of respect.
Casual comfort is the norm, but covering up swimwear when not on the beach or near the water respects local norms. See Section 3.1 for more information.
Always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children. Discreet photography of people in candid moments is wise.
Refer to Section 2.3 for detailed information on tipping and dining customs.
Patience and courtesy greatly enrich your island journey.
Caye Caulker presents challenges for travelers with mobility impairments.
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is limited. The island's sandy, unpaved streets and the general absence of sidewalks or ramps make navigation difficult for wheelchairs or walking aids.
Golf cart taxis assist with short distances, but getting in and out might be an issue depending on individual needs. Most boat tours require boarding from docks, which may not have ramps or specialized equipment.
The Split area is relatively flat, but accessing the water or different levels of the Lazy Lizard bar poses challenges without ramps.
Golf cart taxis can move you around, but personal mobility access will vary based on specific cart type and individual needs. No dedicated accessible public transport.
