Exploring Caye Caulker: A Paradise for Cyclists and Seafood Lovers

Cycling Around Caye Caulker

After the snorkelling yesterday we felt an easy day was due for our last full day in Caye Caulker. Michelle then posted she was renting a bike for the day so we decided to join her as did Ella.

Karen and Michelle got the last 2 brand new bikes from one shop and Ella and I found 2 rust heaps from another. Mine was also too small! The bike hire was incredibly cheap £7 each for the older bikes and £10 for the others. This covered a full 24 hours. We cycled around our side of Caye Caulker with so many bumps and massive puddles. No maps as the island is small (only golf carts and bikes)...however, randomly following paths did mean we located the island dump site at one bit so we had to turn around.

Beachfront Dining: Fresh Lobster Awaits

For lunch we had a table on the beach and just beside us one of the staff was sorting the freshly caught fish, very amazing. I went for lobster again as feel unlikely to ever have it so fresh and cheap as it is here, it was about £16 for a whole lobster. All the meals were nice and a memorable place to eat.

More Cycling and a Puncture

In the afternoon we caught a boat across The Split to the north side of Caye Caulker and met some others from our group. They had found a beach resort with a pool which you could use if you bought a drink. After time with them we cycled more and then set off back to the ferry. Unfortunately I got a puncture so had to push my bike for the last half hour!

All the bikes were fixed wheeled ones, I don't think I'd been on one of those since I was 10! Luckily it didn’t take too long to get used to no brakes and cycling backwards to stop. It was good fun cycling. Lots of hot weather, nice views, good conversation and laughs.

Local Stereotyping?

We went for tea (dinner for most) with the group again tonight , the food was fine but the wooden benches weren't great after a day of cycling on these bikes and terrains.

Our guide had us in hysterics after our meal tonight. She was explaining about their culture and the women cooking all the food and the boys serving and behind the bar. The whole group then heard her say the boys were Kitchen Mayans. I think she saw us looking good a bit shocked and some mentioned why. She explained they are Kekchi Mayans and its their culture for the woman to be in charge of the cooking including the BBQ. She wasn't suggesting all Mayans had a set place in the house!

We leave Caye Caulker tomorrow, it is somewhere neither of us knew much about, but would really recommend. It is a lovely island, with a slow pace of life but still plenty to do if you want to. The food and drinks aren't expensive and there is a great mix of food available. The people are all brilliant as well. It is a bit of pain to get to but in a way that adds to the charm.