A small sand island just a few KM long and 800m wide, Caye Caulker is a magical slice of the Caribbean, ideal for backpacker types. There is a choice of pretty basic cabin and small apartment accomodation, laid back bars and restaurants serving creole, mexican and Belizean fare, plenty of rastas, English and creole pattoir language, no real beach to speak of - but azure tropical water filled with marine life all around - oh and the world's second largest reef system - and for the diver's the 'world no.3' site: the blue hole.
We had a great day snorkelling with the reggae boys; Steve, Steven and Harry, who made up for the lack of guidance with large doses of rum punch on the way back. We sailed with a gaffa taped boom; saw turtle, eel, sharks, rays, gruper fish and coral in the water. It was a bit tough to be in a big group when we had to go into close formation where the current was strong - and we could only see other flippers - but we always felt safe - as we joked that if there was any trouble our god-like skipper Steve would just rise up like Neptune, part the waters and lift the boat clear.
After a few days just chilling (sun bathing and learning Jose Gonzales riffs respectively) the reggae boys appeared in the Oceanside disco (Caye Caulker's only night spot of note) to thrill us with R. Kelly's 'I belive I can fly' and 'We are the world'. Frankly they were a tuneless shambles but we love them. We also got lucky by witnessing the sashing of the contestants for Miss Lobster 2008 and the associated revelry.
The highlight for Jamie on Caye Caulker was joining the daily 5.30 footy match with the locals, who took it very seriously, came well equipped and went in hard, on a pitch that was littered with dangers (plastic forks, sand, mud, mounds etc.). Special mention must go to Juice and Walter for their part in a regular event which is top secret. Sorry readers, but that's just the way it has to be.
The moral of this story is; go to Belize before it is totally overrun by Americans. Belize has reef and jungle, probably the only two natural phenomena (apart from Wayne Henty) that you cannot find in the US. And it is English speaking. And just a stone's throw from the US and the uber developments in Mexico like Cancun. Go soon folks and enjoy it.
Hanging with the Caye Caulker wildlife after another backgammon session
At the 'split' enjoying the sunsplash vibe
And we thought Jamie looked most like a lobster after getting burnt on the first day on the island; The ladies fight it out for first prize
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