Caye Caulker

We honestly didn’t know if we were going to head to Caye Caulker or not.  The island is a fantastic tourist destination and was bound to be expensive.  We went anyways and it was worth every penny.

After saying a quick goodbye to the truck we left Backpacker’s Paradise and headed towards the water taxi dock.  An hour ride on the Thunderbolt I (powered by 3x 200hp Yamaha outboards) brought us to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.  Then we were on a shorter ride from San Pedro to Caye Caulker.  Sure, it’s a little touristy over here, but was laid back, were no cars, and very easily walked.  The island is only a couple blocks wide and eight km long so bikes or walking are the most popular modes of transportation.

We shared a room at Sophie’s Guest House with Sarah and Wilson on the west (quiet) side of the island.  Our first day was spent sampling the food and swimming at The Split.  The Split is a relatively new addition (subtraction?) to the island when Hurricane Hattie ripped the island in two in 1961.

Main Street, Caye CaulkerWilson enjoys Ender’s Game from the hammock at Sophie’s Guest House. While we were here we had to snorkel.  What’s the point of spending time near one of the longest reefs in the world if you’re not going to explore it?  We hooked up with Tsunami Adventures for our 3 hour snorkeling tour.  After hopping on one of their little 18ft boats we cruised out to the reef and flopped off the boat.  We saw all sorts of fish (lion fish, giant barracudas, angel fish), conch, eels, and a little hawksbill turtle before jumping back into the boat to Shark/Ray Alley.  Right, like we’re going to hop into the water with stingrays and sharks.  Good thing they were nurse sharks and we were deep enough not to have the chance to step on the stingrays.  Best snorkeling we’ve ever done.  Period.   Blurry GoPro photos show the fury of the stingrays and sharks.  Okay, maybe there wasn’t any fury.

And then we met George.  His line to Richard was, “You must be a great fisherman, man.  To get a catch like this.” And then he pointed to Ash and gave Richard a hug.  Our friend Fer was in Caye Caulker and had the pleasure of having George as her bartender only weeks before.  He made sure to offer “…free shots for the pregnant lady.”  Thanks George!The Split Optional mode of transportation