Kristine and I took a fairly unusual vacation (for us) last week and headed south to the country of Belize for some wonderful R & R on the laid back island of Caye Caulker, which is located about 21 miles northeast of Belize City. After meeting up with Kristine in Denver late Saturday night upon her return from Philadelphia and my day up on Pacific Peak and drive down from the mountains, we took two easy flights from Denver to Dallas and Dallas to Belize City on Sunday morning, and then hopped on the really fun 10 minute flight on Tropic Air over to Caye Caulker to arrive late Sunday afternoon.

The island of Caye Caulker on the small puddle-jumper flight

We were very fortunate to be able to stay with the Sullivan Family from Minturn at their small residential compound that they had built a few years ago. The Sullivans had been coming to Caye Caulker for many many years by now and fell in love with the island on their first visit. Kristine and I had our own little bungalow with a nice bedroom, a small kitchen and living room, and a secluded deck. The Sullivans stayed in the larger bungalow next door while we were there and the 3rd bungalow was rented to a nice couple from Pennsylvania. All three structures opened up onto a communal deck space and a pool. Their compound is called Weezie’s Cabins.

Kristine and our small plane

Following Jack on his bike to Weezie’s cabins once we had landed on the island

It had been a long time since we had seen water this blue

Kristine had taught two of the Sullivan kids, Sarah & Jack, at Red Sandstone Elementary in the past. It was a treat for us to have all of the Sullivans there during our visit as they are a terrific family and were essentially our tour guides pointing out all of the hot spots and tidbits of info on the island. We even ran into an ex-teacher from Red Sandstone Elementary, Tom Treet, who retired a few years ago and moved to Caye Caulker permanently. It was great for Kristine to catch up with Tom.

Kristine & Tom

Left to right: Kristine, Sarah, Tom, Jessica, and Jack up front

The Sullivans also let us use their bikes to get around the island as well as their paddle boards. We took the paddle boards out for 2+ hours the first day and went along the leeward side of the island for a good distance.

Kristine paddling out

Kristine getting the hang of paddle boarding again before we set out

In 1961, a hurricane split the island in two down the middle so that there is now a north and south island separated by 100 yards of ocean channel. On the northern tip of the south island is a pretty rustic yet happening outdoor bar/club called The Split, which is “bumping” all day long and popular among spring breakers.

The Chalks & Sullivans hanging out at The Split one evening

We got a beach massage at The Split on our last day and I don’t think we’ve ever had as loud a massage in our lives. On our first day, we paddle boarded across the channel to the much more isolated north island where there are only a few homes and no utilities at all. On our third day, we paddle boarded again down to the Split from the windward, ocean side of the island and swam the channel. The Sullivans are also building an oceanfront hotel, which is pretty far along in the construction process.

The Sullivans’ hotel under construction

The island is almost a sandbar of sorts. There are really no what we would think of as “beaches”. The island is protected by an extensive reef about 1 mile due east of the island where all of the ocean waves break. The reef gives way to amazing snorkeling, however, and Kristine and I had a wonderful 2nd day boating and snorkeling out on the reef.

Me heading out on the sailboat to snorkel

Kristine and a few others from Canada and Germany

Me getting ready for snorkeling

Me taking the plunge

We snorkeled behind some fisherman where a large loggerhead turtle was feeding as well as sting rays. I was so close to the loggerhead that his foot brushed up against me

Kristine

Kristine checking out some Nurse Sharks

Captain Ian setting the sails and taking us home after a great day of snorkeling

It was wonderful to buy fresh fruit and eat them on our deck in the mornings. Also, the coffee was awesome to wake up to at a few local cafes.

Me waking up

Kristine buying fresh pineapple, papaya, and cantaloupe

Breakfast on our deck

Caye Caulker is very rustic with only dirt roads and bikes and golf carts to get around on, but this all absolutely adds to the island’s charm and laid back lifestyle. Some of our favorite “around the island” pics are as follows:A wonderful 3 full days and 4 nights on Caye Caulker with Kristine. We concluded that we sure miss doing these more relaxed tropical vacations and will have to do more in the future. Though, you can’t beat a good climbing trip 🙂 We’ll always do those.

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