Barefooted Caulker

Something in between a tropical paradise and a fishing village, Caye Caulker is a true gem of the Caribbean Sea and one of the most visited sites in Belize. This island of approximately 8km length with around 2,000 residents remains unique and does not seem to have lost its identity, despite the half million of visitors that every year reaches this English speaking small country.

Right after the disembarkment procedure from the water taxi from Belize City your face will be astounded by the range of colours of everything. As it was our very first experience in the Caribbean we were probably wearing a big smile, synonym of happiness, with the typical expression of someone who reached an important travelling goal, after a life of postcards.

The first impression is that a stable equilibrium between tourism facilities and the natural amenities has been preserved: the architecture is clearly an evident sign of how the lifestyle of the island couldn't be more laid back and chilled. It seems part of the dna of our beloved destination to be immune to sophisticated hotel frameworks, but at the same time eager to maintain its simple and basic wooden made cottages - Belize me.

-In order to avoid any diplomatical crisis with the Belmonpan' central government, which is the smallest capital in the world, make sure you pronounce it "key" or "kee". Litteraly, Caye is the name used to call the 450 islands and the atolls of the country.

At first Caulker grew as safe harbour for local fishermen, a shelter to head to during storms. Later on it flourished thanks to the small scale industry development in boat building and fishing, but also lobster trapping and coconut processing. Only from the 70's it started to be an attraction for foreign tourists.

Its sheer and immaculate crystal water is the perfect recipe for a sunbathing holiday or to take the first steps into the scuba diving society. Make sure you spend some time at the "Split", the centerpiece and the most crowded spot of the island if you're searching for sand, reggae music and a sipof the local Belkin beer.

The Split divides Caye Caulker in two separated islands: the southern part where most of the life goes on and the northern portion, with a mangrove palude that does not allow so much development and is scarcely inhabitated. The Split was originally a little channel , that enlarged thanks to the Hurricane Hattie in 1961.

One of the most recommended requirement in the island is watching the sunset: there are few options but we picked the most contemplative one, easy accessible from several spots on the back of the island. Not so many people pick this, but its quietness makes it even more phenomenal and unforgettable, as the photo suggests.

The landscape of the island is sweetly characterized by the traditional wooden cottages on stilts on the beach, where a broad variety of colors makes it extremely picturesque. You can cycle around the island or walk barefoot enjoying its concrete-free paths, while discovering hidden spots and small elements of everyday life, that show how fab the island is.

Fishing still represents the backbone of the local industry, as it supports about 80 families in the island; on top of that Caulker is a dreamy and unique destination for professional anglers, as it's an ideal habitat for a myriad of saltwater fishes.

The Belizean barrier reef is an intricate chain of submerged islands and small cays: the perfect exosystem that supplies food and shelter to a incredibly high variety of baitfish and crustaceans, which - in return- attract larger predators.

No need to say that among the streets of Caulker fish is "the" king of food choice, coming in different forms and versions and quite hard to resist. Fish kebab is a popular skewer, that often comes with rice and Caribbean sauce.

Few other multicultural options are available, as La Cubana, that will certainly capture your attention as it displays a whole roasting pig on the barbecue in the main road: here we have a sample of the swein feast, a nice adventure in a fish course paradise.

Even if the atmosphere at night spreads all its coziness, it is during the days that you get the most inspirational snaps: from its everyday life elements to the backpacker touristy offers, Caulker is a rainbow of vibrations that is better served slow.