Caye Caulker – ever heard of it? No? Well, luckily for you this is a judge-free zone and I’m here to tell you more about this beautiful Caribbean island.
Caye Caulker is located a short ferry ride off the small central American country of Belize. It’s a beachgoer’s and diver’s dream destination with crystal clear waters! And let’s not forget about the beautiful mangrove forests and birdlife too, this one’s for outdoor enthusiasts and ornithologists alike.
Caye Caulker hostels are few and far between, the unicorn of accomodation in Caye Caulker. While there aren’t many hostels, they do exist and they’re sweet and basic and give you a taste of local life. I’m here to provide you with the best hostels and a few other budget accomodation options in Caye Caulker.
These options are the best out there. So now, all you need to do is book that flight! Whether you’re heading off on a diving retreat, a solo backpacker seeking your next thrill, or a travelling couple, there’s something for you on here.
Let’s dive in! (Not into the crystal clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, just yet.) Get your beach bums ready for this Caribbean dream.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Caye Caulker
- Best Overall Hostel in Caye Caulker – Tropical Oasis
- Best Hostel in Caye Caulker for Solo Travellers – Sophie’s Guest Rooms
- Best Cheap Hostel in Caye Caulker – Bella’s Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Caye Caulker – Popeyes Beach Resort Caye Caulker
The 4 Best Hostels in Caye Caulker
As I mentioned before, there aren’t many hostels in Caye Caulker but they do exist and Caye Caulker hostels are special. I’ve found you the best options on this small but gorgeous Caribbean island that will more than meet your accommodation expectations.
Here they are!
1. Tropical Oasis – Best Overall Hostel in Caye Caulker
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Private Room: From $35/night
- Address: Calle La Posa, Belize
My pick for the best overall hostel in Caye Caulker for 2024 is (insert drum roll here)…Tropical Oasis! Why have I given it this prestigious title, you ask? Well, quite frankly, it ticks all the boxes.
It’s got that real rustic, laidback kind of feel that epitomizes the Caye Caulker lifestyle. And, to be honest, this is not just one of the best hostels in Caye Caulker, it’s one of the best hostels in Belize!
Do you know that sand-between-the-toes, hammock-chilling, beers-around-the-evening-barbecue feeling? Well, that’s why. To support this laidback, rustic feel, Tropical Oasis has all the amenities you’ll need to ensure you have both a comfortable and connected stay.
I’m talking about free Wi-Fi, safety lockers in every room, a fully equipped kitchen, and even an epic outdoor barbecue area.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Small, intimate vibe
- Epic outdoor kitchen to rustle up meals
- The rustic feel and laidback vibe
Furthermore, guests of Tropical Oasis will benefit from its amazing location on Caye Caulker. The beach is close by, the local supermarket is around the corner, and one of the favourite hang-out spots, The Lazy Lizard, is conveniently located. The local water taxi is also only a few blocks away so getting to and from the hostel from the mainland is easy.
The hostel can also arrange fishing trips in the nearby Caribbean waters, snorkelling outings, kayak rentals, and kneeboard and tubing adventures. Stock up on time here, you may need to alter your Belize itinerary and extend a few more nights… I did. You can be sure that there’s not going to be any shortage of fun when staying at Tropical Oasis!
2. Sophie’s Guest Rooms – Best Hostel in Caye Caulker for Solo Travelers
- Private Room: From $46-$56/night
- Address: 40 Park Street, Belize
It is important to note that Sophie’s Guest Rooms is more of a budget beachside hotel than it is a hostel. However, it offers many of the same amenities that a hostel does and definitely has more of a laid-back, hostel feel to it. There are a total of five rooms available, with four of them budget and one having slightly more amenities to offer.
Although Sophie’s is located on the quiet end of the town, the ever-popular Lazy Lizard is close by so there is no shortage of partying and good times to be had. However, if you’re looking for some wild parties, then Sophie’s is not the place for you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to the beach and the Lazy Lizard
- Private rooms that can sleep up to 3 people
- Amazing sunset photo ops
Aside from its great offering of amenities, Sophie’s is highly attractive because of its limited number of rooms. This means that it’s not as wild and busy, making it a great place for those looking for a more relaxed island vibe. This tropical paradise lacks in Caye Caulker hostels, but it’s made up for in hospitality, great for a bit of serious R&R.
The private rooms also make it a great option for couples or friends sharing to have something a bit more secluded than a dorm room. The rooms also sleep up to three people and make use of both a double and single bed – perfect for families who are travelling with a child.
3. Bella’s Backpackers – Best Cheap Hostel in Caye Caulker
- Dorm (mixed): From $17-$23/night
- Private Room: From $49-$100/night
- Address: Crocodile Street, Caye Caulker, Belize
When it comes to the most affordable hostel in Caye Caulker, the obvious choice is Bella’s Backpackers. Located on the backside of the island, Bella’s Backpackers also has that chilled, island feel to it. It’s a short stroll from the picturesque Caribbean Sea and has unparalleled sunset views over the lake out back.
The hostel is also family-run which is really put across into the hostel as you feel very much at home when staying there. It feels super safe and the best part – it’s the most affordable hostel on the island!
The hostel also offers free canoes to all of its guests to use. That’s right, FREE CANOES! Go wild and paddle on the lagoon and capture that Instagram-worthy sunset from the water. Thank me later!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Backyard Sunday Funday
- Great places to chill
- A short stroll from the Caribbean Sea
Aside from these already attractive offerings, Bella’s Backpackers also has a whole host of amenities on offer that make this affordable hostel even better. There are barbecue facilities, there is a fully-equipped kitchen, and of course, free Wi-Fi and internet access.
Last but not least, the backyard Sunday Funday is not to be missed. So, make sure you’re there over the weekend, and more importantly, Sunday! Think backyard barbecue, beers, and beats – it’s time to get a bit social on the island.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Popeyes Beach Resort Caye Caulker – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Caye Caulker
- Private Room: From $32/night
- Address: Full hostel address
Location, location, location – that is the major drawcard when it comes to Popeyes Beach Resort. The resort is a short walk to the beach, water taxis, bars, restaurants, and snorkel day trips. It is important to note that Popeyes Beach Resort is not a hostel but another option for budget accommodation on Caye Caulker.
That being said, the amenities and attractions don’t stop there! Every room has modern AC to keep you cool during those hot summers at your laptop as well as a beachfront pool to dip in. Caye Caulker is the ultimate destination to kick back and relax in.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Swimming Pool
- Free wi fi
There are a few different room types available, starting around $44 for the basic double-bed private room with an en suite. The rooms all have free Wi-Fi, linen, and towels included so all you need to do is rock up and enjoy the island life! If you’re on the job there’s a little table in each room perfect for zoning into your screen without outside distractions.
Enjoy this tropical paradise for an average price, pretty sweet for a Caye Caulker hostel (or not hostel, really) if you ask me. After being on the road it’s nice to park up in a private room and have somewhere to get the work done I reckon. Especially if you’ve been on a party hostel spree! None of that here.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Caye Caulker
Everyone needs good travel insurance, make sure you get yours before you travel.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQ about Hostels in Caye Caulker
You might regret not asking that question when you had the chance! Find out all the necessary information beforehand on places like the US Travel Advisory so that it doesn’t cost you in the long run.
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Caye Caulker.
What to Pack for your Caye Caulker Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do hostels in Caye Caulker cost?
Depending on the offering, hostels can set you back between $13 and $17 for a dorm room and around $30 – $35 for a private room. Other budget accommodations will set you back around the same price ($30 – $45) for a room.
What are the best hostels in Caye Caulker for couples?
Popeyes Beach Resort is an ideal budget accommodation for couples in Caye Caulker. It is clean, beachfront and centrally located, and with a pool.
What is the best hostel in Caye Caulker near the airport?
Bella’s Backpackers is the most affordable hostel that offers an airport shuttle service for an additional fee, near the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport.
Final Thoughts on Caye Caulker’s Hostels
Caye Caulker is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a little island getaway. The birdlife is amazing, the weather is great outside of hurricane season, and of course, the beaching and diving are second to none.
Along with this, the Caye Caulker hostel offerings on the island are slim but the ones that are available are both affordable and authentic. Along with the other budget accommodation offerings, they are designed to attract solo travellers, digital nomads, and couples alike.
I personally had a great time at Bella’s Backpackers, I met the most lovely people there, it’s a very social hostel.
If it’s a party hostel and the vibe that you’re after, the Caye Caulker might not be your best option. Rather seek out another location in the Caribbean (hint – there are plenty of party hubs!).
Whichever hostel or accommodation option you pick, you can rest easy knowing you will have something decent that isn’t going to break the bank. After all, I don’t know about you, but I want to travel as far and as wide as I can and spend the least cash possible.
I hope that this guide helps you to find your perfect Caye Caulker hostel or other budget accommodation option. And by all means, if there’s a new spot that I’ve missed or any other information about the island, be sure to let me know!
Safe travels!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Belize for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Belize before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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