blog home Hammocks, sunsets and sea shells: Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt learns what it means to “go slow” on this Caribbean island.

Visual Adventure: Caye Caulker

Hammocks, sunsets and sea shells: Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt learns what it means to “go slow” on this Caribbean island.

by Gary Arndt Posted on 31 July 2015

In 2012, I took two weeks off to process some photos from recent travels, and to relax. I decided to spend that time in Caye Caulker, Belize, where the motto is “go slow.” It’s a sentiment that applies to everything on the island, from transportation (there are no cars here) to the attitude, and even the internet.

Here are some of the images I captured during my stay.

I took a nap one day and woke up just in time for sunset. This scene unfolded right outside my window. Bleary-eyed, I grabbed my camera and took this photo of a mangrove tree. Afterwards, I immediately went to back to bed.
I took a nap one day and woke up just in time for sunset. This scene unfolded right outside my window. Bleary-eyed, I grabbed my camera and took this photo of a mangrove tree. Afterwards, I immediately went to back to bed.
Given its location just south of Mexico and close to the coast, Caye Caulker gets its fair share of visiting pleasure craft.
Given its location just south of Mexico and close to the coast, Caye Caulker gets its fair share of visiting pleasure craft.
It is a small island but there is still wildlife to be found. This pelican was resting on a post during sunset.
It is a small island but there is still wildlife to be found. This pelican was resting on a post during sunset.
Although technically part of Central America, much of the island has a Caribbean feel, including the architecture.
Although technically part of Central America, much of the island has a Caribbean feel, including the architecture.
Lobster-fishing is popular in Caye Caulker, where you’ll find lobster traps all over. One nice benefit is that the price of lobsters is the lowest I’ve seen anywhere in the world. You can get a lobster at a place like Wish Willies for about $10.00 USD.
Lobster-fishing is popular in Caye Caulker, where you’ll find lobster traps all over. One nice benefit is that the price of lobsters is the lowest I’ve seen anywhere in the world. You can get a lobster at a place like Wish Willies for about $10.00 USD.
Conch is a very popular menu item all over the Caribbean. I found this pile of conch shells near a local dock for fishing boats. Note the holes in each shell, which is how the conch is extracted.
Conch is a very popular menu item all over the Caribbean. I found this pile of conch shells near a local dock for fishing boats. Note the holes in each shell, which is how the conch is extracted.
“Go slow” also applies to drying clothes. No need for a dryer when you live in the tropics.
“Go slow” also applies to drying clothes. No need for a dryer when you live in the tropics.
The place I stayed at has several captive birds. I’m not sure you’d want to sleep that close to them, however, given how much noise they made.
The place I stayed at has several captive birds. I’m not sure you’d want to sleep that close to them, however, given how much noise they made.
Oceanside dining is the norm on Caye Caulker.
Oceanside dining is the norm on Caye Caulker.
A “busy” intersection on Caye Caulker.
A “busy” intersection on Caye Caulker.
Mangroves line the coastline making it one of the defining characteristics of the islands in Belize.
Mangroves line the coastline making it one of the defining characteristics of the islands in Belize.
There are plenty of places on the island where you can practice the “go slow” philosophy.
There are plenty of places on the island where you can practice the “go slow” philosophy.
Life on Caye Caulker isn’t luxurious, but it is peaceful.
Life on Caye Caulker isn’t luxurious, but it is peaceful.
A wonderful part of being on a small island is that you’ll get great sunrises and sunsets every day.
A wonderful part of being on a small island is that you’ll get great sunrises and sunsets every day.

Getting There

G Adventures runs a number of departures in Belize encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater for different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.

Tags: Artikel, Belize, Caye Caulker, Central America & the Caribbean, Everything Everywhere, Featured, Travel Photography
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