Our day started around 9:00 am. We bought water taxi tickets to go to Caye Caulker. This smaller island is approximately a forty-five minute ride north of Ambergris Caye. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. As we pulled into Caye Caulker, you could see the colorful buildings lining the island’s shoreline. The Spaniards named this little piece of paradise after the Hicaco Plum (Coco Plum), which is plentiful on the island.
Caye Caulker was formed on a limestone coral reef that is blanketed with sugar fine white sand and tropical foliage. The island itself is five miles long and a mile wide. It’s year-round population has been estimated to be around 2,000 residents. Tourism was introduced to the island in 1964, which is a large part of its economic survival.
In recent years, the island has attracted numerous back packers who are seeking a more non-commercialized destination. Caye Caulker offers a lowkey – come as you are atmosphere. It has gained popularity with people looking for an out of the way place that doesn’t fit the typical vacation itinerary. The town itself, ‘Caye Caulker Village’, is the only town on the island. It has no paved or manufactured streets and its infrastructure can be questionable at times. It’s a bit primitive but again, offers a simplistic lifestyle.
The mid-morning sun was beating down on us and the island’s humidity was rapidly rising. We came to a spot where the Caribbean Sea was calling our names. I threw off my shirt, kicked off my sandals, and made a mad dash for the water. After a refreshing dip, we drip dried for a few minutes and proceeded down the beach. A brightly colored – open air – thatched building just ahead of us came into view. This two story structure looked like a libation station, a watering hole or more commonly known as a bar! Just what the doctor ordered!
The Lazy Lizard seemed to be a place where the fun starts. The colorful graphics and welcoming graffiti on the walls spelled out the need to investigate a little closer. The structure itself looked pretty rustic, but seemed to fit its surroundings. We circled the building to give it a once over before deciding to hang around. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a beverage. You never know what you’ll stumble upon when being adventurous. This place was a good find!
The Lazy Lizard has a new dock, wading area, and a beach front bar where patrons can lounge. While taking in the views, a party boat slowly motored by. We wouldn’t have believed it if we didn’t see it with our own eyes. The captain was steering an outboard motor with his foot. Anything goes when you are visiting an out-of-the way destination. The sun was straight up and the party was in full swing. We marveled at how the free spirited and much younger crowd let their day’s concerns just blow away with the afternoon’s sea breeze. We finished our drinks and decided to explore more of the island.
On the way back to town, we noticed a beachside food vendor standing over his BBQ barrel. A young boy had just delivered a couple of live lobsters to the cook. We stopped and asked what the price would be for the newly dropped off bounty. We agreed on a price and our lunch was set. We watched as the cook prepared our feast, “It can’t get any fresher then this!” Lunch was served on a picnic table, under swaying palm trees, and at the foot of the Caribbean Sea. All I can say is, “Red Lobster, eat your heart out.”
After an amazing lunch, we made our way to main street. Both sides of Avenida Langosta are dotted with a variety of homegrown shops. The hard packed streets were easy enough to maneuver. But when afternoon showers erupt, being bare foot would be the only way to get around. On this particular day, we were blessed with clear skies and lots of sunshine.
Our stroll took us by a lot of unique shops and services. It must have been a slow day for crime on the island, because the local police ‘patrol cart’ was sitting idle. However, if they needed to get somewhere quickly, their handy dandy golf cart was right out front and ready to go.
We followed Avenida Langosta to its farthest point. We pasted several homegrown eateries, shops and a hostel. At the end of the street was a small path that lead towards the water.
There it was. A small and very rustic cemetery on the edge of the beach. This holy plot of ground had carved stone and wooden crosses marking the final resting place of past islanders. Our first thoughts were, “Why not checkout the town’s local cemetery?”
However, with respect to the families who have love ones laid to rest there, I limited my encroachment. I read a few of the names and dates on the crosses along the outer perimeters, but that’s as close as I got.
It was getting close to our departure time back to Ambergris Caye. We visited one more local ‘watering hole’ before heading out. When enjoying yourself, time seems to quickly fly by. Our day on Caye Caulker was coming to an end. We were ready to return back to our homeport. Caye Caulker is an ideal place to relax, be yourself, and leave your worries behind.
I could see an author coming here and writing a novel using this island paradise as a backdrop. They could title it, “A place where the clocks have no hands !” Here is where the worries of everyday life have yet to be created. Life can be as simple as reaching for your favorite habit with no regret or negative bearing on your mortality. This is what Life was meant to be!
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
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