If these places are full, don’t worry; there are many plain-Jane budget rooms along Front Street that are easy to find.

Yuma’s House (tel. 501/206-0019, yumahousebelize [at] gmail [dot] com) is a converted private home to your right as you walk off the town dock. It offers dorm-style rooms (US$12.50), plus a few private rooms (US$28–30) with shared bathroom and kitchen and a relaxed community atmosphere. Hang out on the funky little dock or garden benches and hammocks. The rooms are small, clean, and colorful.

Edith’s Hotel (tel. 501/206-0069, US$20–25), with small and tidy rooms, is a landmark on the center street of Caye Caulker. Rooms come with hot and cold water, ceiling fans, communal kitchen area, and shared or private bath. Daisy’s and Lena’s are also old-school family-run guesthouses towards the south end of town.

In the heart of the village by the soccer field, there are two great options for reasonable rooms and cabanas. Sandy Lane (tel. 501/226-0117) has nine rooms (US$11–13 with shared outside shower/facilities, US$16 with private bath) and four cabanas with kitchenette and TV (US$25). There is a communal outside cooking area as well.

Across the lane is M and N Apartments (tel. 501/226-0229), which has 10 rooms (US$15, shared bath), three cabanas (US$30), and one upstairs apartment (US$60).

A bit farther south along the beach, you’ll find
Tom’s Hotel (tel. 501/226-0102, toms [at] btl [dot] net, US$18–30), popular with budget travelers. There are many options—32 rooms, plus a few simple bungalows. Tom’s is well kept and clean, with hot and cold water, fans, louvered windows, tile floors, wireless Internet, and a sea view.

If you’re packing a tent, the only place to camp is on the beach at Vega Inn and Gardens (www.vegabelize.com, US$12 pp). The site provides communal hot and cold showers, flush toilets, luggage storage, and security. They also have comfortable hotel rooms with all the amenities.