I'm planning to visit Caye Caulker in early-mid January of 2003. what are the best beaches to visit / stay at?

You are on the right track.

Best of everything is right here on Caye Caulker.

That is my biased opinion.

What beaches? You find them, and let us know.
Caye Caulker doesn't have any beaches.

Beaches??? Are you sure you've been to Caye Caulker recently? The beach is great and here's proof. http://www.cybercayecaulker.com/split.htm

The photo was taken recently from the roof of the Lazy Lizard bar right at the split.
What a view!

The "Split" is still the best swimming area on Caye Caulker with a beach bar playing Caribbean music all day and lots of fun colorful characters to keep you amused. Almost the entire length of the East Side (Reef View) of the island is a beach.

Tina is right, the Split is a good place to swim. If you are looking for the traditional beach, with soft sand, etc., that you will not find on CC. The sand is coral sand and packs somewhat hard. Sand has been brought into the area near the split- the one that has the palapas. I understand that bech chairs and loungers can be rented in this area.

Don't let the lack of a traditional beach keep you away from CC. It is a wonderful place to be and many things make up for the lack of soft sand. Wear sunglasses becaue the sand is so white it can be blinding, like snow (if you've ever seen that).