Caye Caulker is a Belizean beach paradise with the motto “go slow”, which sums up the sluggish pace of life here. It’s somewhere to chill on the beach, neck a few cocktails, and maybe even indulge in some water sports.
There’s a small number of hostels here, which match the chilled-out vibe. They help make this a budget alternative to the glossier Ambergris Caye. Due to the lack of hostels, I’ve thrown in a couple of budget-friendly private stays too.
I loved my time here, wandering around not just tourist spots, but also meeting fisherman on offbeat paths on the south island, and visiting the lesser-explored north island, where I had massive beaches entirely to myself.
Here I’ll cover the best hostels to base yourself during a dreamy Caye Caulker trip!
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Caye Caulker Accommodation Suggestions From My Experiences
Let’s Break Down Caye Caulker’s Best Budget Stays
As I mentioned before, there aren’t many hostels in Caye Caulker but they do exist and the budget options here are special. I’ve found you the best places on this small but gorgeous Caribbean island that will more than meet your accommodation expectations.
Here they are!
1. Tropical Oasis – Best Hostel Overall
- Price: $
- Best for: Solo travellers, budget backpackers and water sports lovers
- Highlights: The hammocks, the BBQ, and the range of water activities on offer
- Dorm (mixed): From $19/night
- Private Room: From $51/night
- Address: Calle La Posa, Belize
My pick for the best overall hostel this year is (insert drum roll here)…Tropical Oasis! Why have I given it this prestigious title, you ask? Well, quite frankly, because I stayed here and 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 accommodation options here, it’s one of the best hostels in Belize!
It has that sand-between-the-toes, hammock-chilling, beers-around-the-barbecue feeling. 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: free Wi-Fi, safety lockers, a fully equipped kitchen, and even more.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Small, intimate vibe: This isn’t a mad party haven, it’s laidback in true Caye Caulker style
- Epic outdoor kitchen: Rustle up a meal on the BBQ, and crack open some beers with your new buddies
- Water sports on offer: Snorkelling, kayaking, boat tours, you name it
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 here!
2. Sophie’s Guest Rooms – Best Budget Private Room
- Price: $$
- Best for: Couples, chilled vibes, and anyone who wants more privacy
- Highlights: Free coffee, private rooms and a laundry service if needed
- Private Room: From $58/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. I stayed here when I wanted more privacy, and loved it!
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:
- Location: It’s close to the beach and the Lazy Lizard
- Private rooms: Some of the cheapest on the island, and they can sleep up to 3 people
- Scenery: You can get some amazing sunset photo ops from here
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.
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
- Price: $
- Best for: Budget backpackers, solo travellers, and anyone who likes canoeing
- Highlights: Free canoe rental and Sunday Funday
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $79/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: A great way to make new friends whilst bonding over food
- A short stroll from the Caribbean Sea: And if that’s not enough, just wait to see the sunset here
- Regular group events: Bella’s loves to bring people together through activities they arrange
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. I’m still in touch with friends who I met here!
4. Popeyes Beach Resort Caye Caulker – Best Budget Stay for Digital Nomads
- Price: $$
- Best for: Digital Nomads, and anyone else who wants a balance of budget-friendly and private
- Highlights: AC in the rooms, a beachside pool, and the excellent location
- Private Room: From $40/night
- Address: Playa Asuncion Beach Front, Caye Caulker, Belize
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’ 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: Sometimes I get quite sticky with Caye Caulker’s heat and humidity, so coming here to find air con was a welcome relief
- Swimming Pool: If you wanna go for a dip with a little more privacy than the Caribbean Sea offers, then you can easily do so at Popeye’s
- Decent Wi-Fi: Popeye’s gets my recommendation for the best digital nomad spot because the Wi-Fi here is better than anywhere else I’ve stayed in Caye Caulker. It’s fast and never once dropped out
There are a few different room types available, with the cheapest being the basic double-bed private room with an en suite. The rooms all have free Wi-Fi, linen, and towels included. 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 budget Caye Caulker pad 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.
5. Caye Caulker Hostel – Best Newcomer
- Price: $$
- Best for: Anyone looking for a little privacy a few blocks back from the Lazy Lizard
- Highlights: Curtains on lower bunks, cooking facilities, and a balcony to watch the sunset
- Dorm (mixed): $22/night
- Address: Avenida Langosta, Caye Caulker , Belize
The newcomer on the block. Caye Caulker Hostel has expanded Caye Caulker’s hostel scene from two, to a whopping three.
This is the one place I’m yet to stay at myself because it has only recently opened. But people who have come here rate it highly, even if there are a few minor tidbits that need sorting out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Privacy curtains: You can hide from your roomies if you’re an introverted traveller on a budget. Only on the bottom bunks though, so be sure to ask for a bottom bed if possible
- Shower temperature controls: You can set the temperature on the shower, rather than waiting to find the right balance between hot and cold, a neat touch for sure
- Security: Whilst Caye Caulker avoids much of the danger in mainland, this hostel has secure lockers assigned to each bed
It’s a secure place with decent-sized lockers. Easily big enough for 2x medium-sized bags, but a classic 80l Gringo Trail backpacking rucksack might be a tight squeeze. There’s also a supermarket directly opposite, so you can buy some munch to whip up in the communal kitchen.
The beds also have reading lamps by the beds, so you can read your favourite travel books before you go to sleep.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Caye Caulker
Everyone needs good travel insurance, make sure you get yours before you travel. Caye Caulker isn’t dangerous like parts of the mainland, but it’s easy to have an accident after necking too many cocktails at the Lazy Lizard.
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!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Picking The Perfect Budget Caye Caulker Accommodation
Caye Caulker has a limited hostel scene, but thankfully, there are some decent private options too, so broke backpackers do have some good options. Quality over quantity folks!
For digital nomads, you may want to consider one of the private stays for a little more privacy whilst you work. For party animals, if I’m honest, Caye Caulker probably isn’t the right place for you. San Pedro has more of a lively nightlife scene. As I said earlier, the motto here is “go slow”!
I personally had a great time at Tropical Oasis, I met the most lovely people there, it’s a very social hostel, and there’s very little difference in price compared to the cheapest option (Bella’s).
Chances are that you won’t be spending much time in your accommodation anyway. You can walk around the islands and do water sports by day, hit the bars in the evening, and sleep off the Lazy Lizard’s finest beverages at night, so really this is just a spot to put your head down.
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.
