Vacationing at Home: A Resurgence of Local Tourism in Caye Caulker amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

In April 2020 the laid-back and content way of life for Belizeans came to a grinding halt. The Coronavirus pandemic forced businesses and schools and ultimately the entire country to reluctantly close their doors, and Belizeans were told to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus in the country. In Caye Caulker, an island that relies heavily on tourism for their survival, the outlook seemed dire. It was a surreal, shocking and sad time for Belizeans across the country.  

In May, many of the government’s restrictions were eased and Belizeans cautiously returned to a semblance of normalcy. Locals started trickling into Caye Caulker and today, there is a tangible, renewed, and optimistic energy in the air. For the past month, Caye Caulker has seen a resurgence in local tourism. Belizeans are coming from all over the country, vacationing at home, to enjoy the food and music at the Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill and of course the cool waters of The Split. With outdoor seating and the necessary safety protocols in place, the Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill has become the most favoured Beach Bar in the country. When we asked the locals why they are flocking to Caye Caulker, many are quick to explain that Caye Caulker currently feels like it did years ago. When Belizeans travel to the island, they feel as if they are going on a fabulous vacation but the familiarity of the island also make them feel like they are going home.  

Add in the amazing hotel deals being offered to Belizeans and you can see why locals can’t stay away. Hotels like The Beach Club at Caye Caulker are offering rooms for as low as $80.00 BZ per night. The Beach Club at Caye Caulker is a beach front hotel located in the heart of Caye Caulker. Their room types include: Bunk Rooms (Double/Single), Courtyard (Single, Double and Triple), Poolside (Double) and Sea view Studio (Double). Another hotel offering incredible rates is The Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel. One of the newest and most modern hotels on the island of Caye Caulker, the hotel is offering special rates for Belizeans on a variety of rooms including Courtyard, Pool and Sea view suites. For locals interested in day trips, The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Ocean Ferry Belize Water Taxi are both offering daily runs to and from the island of Caye Caulker.  

In the past months, The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill and The Split have come full circle, serving its locals with pride and gratitude for keeping this little island alive during very uncertain times. In the months ahead we continue to welcome our locals and we remain optimistic because 2020 has proven that if nothing else, Belizeans are truly resilient.