Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea measuring about 5 miles (North to South) by less than 1 mile (East to West). The island gets its name from the practice of caulking or sealing the seams in wooden boats to make them watertight, due to the high number of shipwrights on the island. ("Caye Corker"; the alternative spelling of the name used by British cartographers has largely fallen into disuse). Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles north of Belize City (17,44,33N 88,01,30W), and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. In recent years the island has become a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists. There are over 30 hotels, and a number of restaurants and shops.
