Island Time: Thanksgiving in Caye Caulker, Belize

For the past few Thanksgivings, we’ve skipped the turkey and traveled instead, with our dear friends. They’re like family, and somewhere along the way, we discovered we’re excellent travel companions. In 2024, we set our sights on Belize, and more specifically, the dreamy island of Caye Caulker—and it was everything we hoped for and more.

Caye Caulker is a tiny slice of paradise, just five miles long and wonderfully relaxed. There are no cars here—just bicycles and golf carts zipping down sandy lanes. Shoes are optional, the breeze is constant, and the pace is slow. The island motto? Go Slow. We gladly obliged.

Snorkeling Adventures

What drew us here most was the chance to snorkel in one of the most spectacular marine environments in the world. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere (second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is just a mile from shore.

Our first snorkel trip was a quick speedboat ride away and included three incredible stops:

• The Channel,
• Shark Ray Alley, and
• Coral Gardens.

We swam with nurse sharks and stingrays, marveled at vibrant corals, and drifted through turquoise water so clear it felt unreal. We ended the day at Tarpon Town, where massive tarpons leapt from the water to snatch fish from our hands, and at Seahorse City, where we spotted the tiniest seahorse clinging to seaweed like an ornament on a tree.

A few days later, we booked another tour to find manatees—and we did! Several, in fact. On that trip, we also snorkeled around a shipwreck and spotted sea turtles gliding gracefully beneath us. It was the kind of day you replay in your mind long after you return home.

Home Base

We found the perfect place to stay: an Airbnb called Caribbean Seaside Sunset Home. It was spacious and comfortable, with two wraparound porches, swings and Adirondack chairs, and a dock that stretched out into the sea. We swam off the dock, watched the sunset every evening with a drink in hand, and took the kayaks out for short paddles. Bikes were included too—our main form of transportation on the island.

Island Eats

The food in Caye Caulker was a highlight. Every corner seemed to have a street grill sizzling with fresh seafood. We’d wander until we found the catch of the day and sit down for a casual meal with our toes in the sand.

Some favorites:

• Errolyn’s House of Fry Jacks – A must-visit for breakfast; the boys made this a regular stop.
• Ice n Beans – For coffee and island vibes. The girls loved the bubble waffles.
• The Split – A fun spot for afternoon drinks and people-watching.
• IL Pellicano Cucina Italiana – Where we had our Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, we ate Italian food in Belize—and it was amazing.
• Las Palapas – Another great meal with a sea breeze and cold drinks.

Getting There

Caye Caulker is easy to get to. From Belize City, you can either take a short flight or hop on a ferry. We opted for the ferry both ways, with quick cab rides to and from the airport. The journey itself feels like part of the adventure—watching the mainland fade away as you speed across water toward a slower, sunnier world.

Until Next Time

Caye Caulker captured all of our hearts. It’s the kind of place where you forget what day it is, where your kids get to snorkel alongside sharks and turtles, and where every sunset feels like an event.

We left sandy, sun-kissed, and grateful—for friendship, for adventure, and for the kind of trip that reminds you just how big and beautiful the world is.