5 Best Nightlife in Caye Caulker, The Cayes and Atolls

Knock back a campechana or two to the beat of reggae jams at this three-story, red-green-yellow mainstay, which has been going strong for more than 30 years. Swings hang from the ceiling in lieu of barstools, and the open-air top floor has hammocks and a view of the village. The second floor is for dancing, often with a live DJ. This is the kind of joint that gives out prizes of thongs and nail polish on Ladies' Night.

This touristy spot boasts a nice, pint-size walk-in beach on the lagoon (so no risk of Sargassum seaweed). You can enjoy a pricey piña colada and partake in a Caye Caulker pastime: day drinking. Sunset is a favorite hour here, for humans as well as southern stingrays, which gather in the shallows. They suffer from human interaction, so don't join other tourists in petting them. 

"Sunny place for shady people" is the slogan of the Lazy Lizard, which sits right at the edge of the water at the northernmost tip of the village. During the day you can swim at the Split and cool off with some Belikins. Sunsets are amazing and after dark there's a spotlight pointed into the water so you can see fish, small sharks, and occasionally even a crocodile swimming around. Don't expect clean bathrooms, seating or delicious bar snacks, but because of the location this is by far the most popular hangout on the island.

Come here to sip on a cheap Cuba Libre, chew the fat with with locals and travelers, and maybe toss back a Jell-O shot with your newfound friends. In the backyard, you can play Belikin pong or chill under palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights. On DJ nights the scene gets groovy.