Island in Belize District, Belize
Is Caye Caulker safe?
A relaxed island where most visitors feel safe.
Is Caye Caulker safe?
A relaxed island where most visitors feel safe. Petty theft from rooms and beaches and late-night drunk nights are the main issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-03-11.
- Homicide rate in Belize: 28.1 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Belize: 22.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Caye Caulker at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from unattended belongings, bikes and rooms, occasional drug-related incidents, and boat transfer overcharging. |
| At night | The Split is busy until late and the island is small; take a torch and avoid dark side lanes after drinking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for most solo women. Catcalling happens; watch drinks at bars and take a taxi or cart home late. |
| Other risks | Sargassum and sandflies on the beaches; Strong sun and heat; Hurricane season Jun–Nov |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street tours priced much higher than office rates; compare operators
- Bike or golf-cart rentals with surprise damage fees
- Dock touts offering 'discount' snorkel trips with unlicensed boats
Take care
- Back Street after midnight: poorly lit and quiet
- Unlit beach paths: trips and snatch thefts
- Swimming near boat lanes without a flag
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Damaging coral or the reef is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.
- Changing money on the street is illegal; use banks or licensed exchanges.
- Removing Maya artifacts or protected wildlife without a permit is illegal.
How Caye Caulker compares in Belize
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Caye Caulker | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ambergris Caye | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Placencia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Ignacio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Caye Caulker safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for most solo women. Catcalling happens; watch drinks at bars and take a taxi or cart home late.
Is Caye Caulker safe at night?
The Split is busy until late and the island is small; take a torch and avoid dark side lanes after drinking.
What is the crime rate in Caye Caulker?
Theft from unattended belongings, bikes and rooms, occasional drug-related incidents, and boat transfer overcharging. Nationally, Belize records 28.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Caye Caulker?
All emergencies 911.
More about Caye Caulker
Going to Caye Caulker solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Belize Tourism Board
- Tropic Air
- Maya Island Air
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.