Harvest Caye: Exclusive Access For Cruise Passengers

Harvest Caye is a port in Southern Belize, owned exclusively by Norwegian Cruise Line. The island is a popular destination for cruisers, offering a range of activities and facilities, including a large swimming pool, a beach, a nature park, and a zip line. While all cruise passengers can access the island, there are some restrictions and additional costs to be aware of. For example, food and drinks are not included in the price, and passengers must pay in cash or with a credit card. Additionally, there is no complimentary beach barbecue, and drinks are not included in beverage packages.

Getting to Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye is a 75-acre island located off the southern coast of Belize, in the Caribbean Sea. It is a private port built by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in partnership with the Belizean government. The port is used by three cruise brands: Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas.

Harvest Caye is a popular destination for cruise passengers, and all of Norwegian Cruise Line's routes to Belize include a stop at the island. The island is known for its natural beauty and cultural offerings, with a variety of activities and facilities for visitors to enjoy.

When arriving at Harvest Caye, passengers will be greeted by the lush greenery of Belize's forests and a lighthouse landmark. The ship docks a short distance from the shore, and passengers can walk along a covered path to the island, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Transportation is also available for those who need it.

The port entrance features mist jets to keep visitors cool in the Caribbean heat, and paved paths lead to the different facilities on the island. The shopping area includes shops selling local crafts, jewellery, t-shirts, perfumes, handwoven items, and paintings.

At the centre of the port is a direction board that points visitors to the various locations on the island. To the left is the excursions pavilion, where boat transfers to the Belize mainland depart. To the right is a giant swimming pool area, the beach, the lagoon, a kid's splash pad, and the Landshark Bar and Grill.

Further down the island is the "Flighthouse", a 136-foot-high venue for aerial activities, including a 3,000-foot zip line that stretches across the island. The lagoon is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the marina offers a variety of shore excursions.

Harvest Caye is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of Belize. There is a regular ferry service from the island to Placencia on the coast, a colourful and popular tourist destination. From Placencia, visitors can access the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef, as well as popular mainland destinations such as ancient Maya cities and national parks.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Untame Belize offers ATV tours that take visitors through jungle river crossings, citrus orchards, and inaccessible sites deep in the rainforest, such as the abandoned Lyman Prison.

Harvest Caye offers a range of activities and facilities to suit different interests, whether it's relaxing on the beach, exploring the natural surroundings, or immersing oneself in the local culture.

Payment methods on the island

Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in Belize, does not accept ship cards as a form of payment. This is because the island's businesses are owned by local people.

Instead, cruise passengers visiting Harvest Caye will need to carry cash or a credit card to pay for any meals, drinks, souvenirs, or other purchases on the island. US and Belizean dollars are both accepted. It is also worth noting that American Express is not accepted on the island.

For those who want to save money, it is possible to return to the ship for meals, as food and drinks on the island are not included in the cruise package.

Excursions and activities

Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, offers a plethora of activities and excursions for all ages. The island boasts a range of natural attractions, including access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, and a saltwater lagoon. Here is a detailed overview of the excursions and activities available:

Beach and Pool

The island features a 7-acre beach area with ample lounge chairs and palm trees for shade. The far end of the beach is rarely crowded and offers a tranquil escape. The 15,000-square-foot pool is a popular attraction, boasting a swim-up bar and a waterfall, and complimentary chairs and umbrellas.

Water Activities

Harvest Caye provides access to a range of water activities. Guests can explore the Belize Barrier Reef through snorkelling excursions, offering the opportunity to observe colourful reef fish, coral formations, sponges, sea fans, and sea anemones. Other water activities include rainforest river tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and catch-and-release fishing.

Zipline Adventures

For thrill-seekers, Harvest Caye offers an extensive zipline course. The 3000-foot-long zipline stretches across the island, including the Double Beach Run zipline, where guests can race side by side. The Flighthouse Zipline Adrenaline Package combines the Lagoon Run Adventure Zip and the Superman Beach Zipline Run, providing an exhilarating experience.

Nature and Wildlife

The island is home to a diverse range of natural wildlife and flora. Guests can explore the Blue Morpho butterfly and wildlife sanctuary, a free nature park where they can learn about Harvest Caye's flora and fauna. The island also offers a Monkey River Eco Tour, providing an opportunity to discover the local rainforest and its inhabitants.

Cultural Excursions

Harvest Caye also offers cultural excursions that provide insight into the history and culture of the region. Guests can visit Mayan ruins, such as the archaeological site of Nim Li Punit, and learn about ancient Mayan practices and rituals. Additionally, there is an opportunity to explore the process of chocolate-making and taste locally made sweets.

Dining and Shopping

The island features eight venues for dining, snacks, and drinks, offering a blend of typical bar food and Caribbean cuisine. For a quiet dining experience, guests can visit Horse-Eye Jack's Villa Bar & Bistro, located on the other side of the island. Harvest Caye also has a shopping village with locally made souvenirs, t-shirts, chocolates, and more.

Ferry to Placencia

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) off the southern coast of Belize. It is part of the Norwegian Edge initiative, which aims to bring higher standards to the high seas. While Harvest Caye offers a range of activities for cruisers, such as a beach, a pool, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef, some passengers may be interested in exploring beyond the island. One option for those seeking a more authentic local experience is to take a ferry to Placencia, a colourful beach town that is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Purchasing Tickets

It is important to note that the ferry service to Placencia is not mentioned on the NCL website. Therefore, tickets cannot be purchased through the website. Instead, tickets must be bought from the excursion desk onboard the ship before disembarking. The round-trip ferry fare was $25 at the time of writing, and the service is capped at fewer than 400 people per day. It is recommended to inquire about tickets early in the cruise to secure a spot.

Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule is also only available at the excursion desk onboard the ship. The ferry takes approximately 15-20 minutes to get to Placencia from Harvest Caye.

Things to Do in Placencia

Placencia offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. The beach in Placencia has white sand and clear water, with options for public beach access or renting chairs. Laughing Bird Caye National Park, an island 11 miles from shore, is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving excursions. Visitors can also rent bikes, golf carts, or sea kayaks to explore the area. Fishing trips are also a popular activity in Placencia, although it is unclear what to do with any catch.

Placencia has a variety of dining options, including small beach bars and cafés selling jerk chicken, fried local fish, conch fritters, and chowder. There are also art galleries and souvenir stands selling local jewellery, crafts, and rum. For those interested in booking land excursions, it is important to note that the roads in Belize are not built for swift travel, and it may be challenging to fit these into a short time frame.

Returning to Harvest Caye

According to one source, passengers are supposed to take a return ferry three hours after arriving in Placencia. However, it is unclear if there are penalties for missing the scheduled ferry. It is recommended to inquire about this before booking any excursions or activities that may conflict with the return time.

Food and drink

Harvest Caye in Belize offers a variety of food and drink options for visitors to enjoy. Here is some essential information about what to expect regarding food and beverage services during your time on the island.

Food Options

The island's most prominent restaurant is the LandShark Bar & Grill, an affiliate of Jimmy Buffett's restaurants. This two-storey restaurant, with ample air-conditioned seating, is located right by the pool and offers a variety of menu items, including foot-long fish sandwiches, chicken wings, grilled chicken, fried shrimp, salads, and ceviche, a traditional Belizean delicacy. The prices for entrees range from $12 to $18.

For those seeking a quieter spot, there is Horse Eye Jack's, the smallest bar and restaurant on the island, located near the end of the island by the private villas. Here, you can enjoy a mix of burgers and salads, along with local snacks like plantains and ceviche.

Another option is the Laughing Bird Bar & Grill, located down the beach from LandShark. This spot serves up tropical drinks and BBQ options, ceviche, burgers, nachos, and chicken baskets.

Drinks

Harvest Caye has several bars to quench your thirst. The Landshark Bar & Grill offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a terrace overlooking the pool, and serves Landshark beer and Belikin, a local Belizean brew.

The island also boasts four other bars: the Rum Coco Bar, Cat 5 Bar, Hurricane Bar, and the Laughing Bird Bar. These bars serve a range of drinks, including cold coconut-themed cocktails and cold Belikin beer. Cocktail prices typically range from $9 to $12, while a beer will cost you around $5.

Additional Information

It is important to note that food and drinks on the island are not included in your cruise package. You will need to pay separately using US dollars or Belize dollars. If you wish to save money, you can always return to the ship for meals instead.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, it may be helpful to contact Harvest Caye or your cruise line in advance to inquire about specific options available during your visit.

Lastly, don't forget to bring cash or a credit card, as your ship card is not accepted for food and beverage purchases on the island.

Frequently asked questions