Exploring Harvest Caye: Ferry To Belize?

Harvest Caye is a privately owned island in Belize, located a few miles offshore from the mainland. It is operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and serves as a port of call for all of the company's routes to Belize. While Harvest Caye features a lagoon, restaurants, and a beach, passengers seeking a more authentic experience may opt to take a ferry to the mainland. Indeed, there is a regular ferry service from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village on the coast of Belize, offering an opportunity to explore the country beyond the cruise line's offerings.

The ferry from Harvest Caye to Placencia costs $20-$25

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island located a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. It is operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and all NCL cruise ship passengers docking in Belize will arrive at Harvest Caye. While the island boasts a lagoon, restaurant facilities, and a beach, there is also a regular ferry service to Placencia for those who want to explore more of the country.

The Placencia Ferry operates from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village on the mainland, and tickets cost $20 USD per person for a round trip. The ferry service runs several times a day and only takes a few minutes to arrive at the new docks in Placencia. It is worth noting that tickets must be purchased from NCL, either onboard the ship or at the information station on Harvest Caye, and they may try to dissuade you from buying them. This is possibly because they want you to stay on their island or join an organised excursion, or perhaps to allay local concerns about cruise passengers overwhelming the small peninsula.

Placencia is a great gateway to the rest of Belize, with easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef, as well as popular destinations on the mainland such as ancient Maya cities and national parks. It is also a vibrant village in its own right, with cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, and dive outfitters.

So, if you are looking to explore beyond Harvest Caye, the ferry from Harvest Caye to Placencia, costing $20-25, is a great option.

You can buy ferry tickets from NCL onboard or at the marina

If you're looking to explore beyond Harvest Caye and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Belize, the ferry service to Placencia is your ticket to adventure. Here's everything you need to know about buying ferry tickets from NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).

Buying Ferry Tickets from NCL:

• Onboard the Ship: You can purchase ferry tickets from the NCL excursion desk while you're onboard the ship. This is a convenient option, especially if you want to secure your spot early. Keep in mind that the ferry service is capped at fewer than 400 people per day, so it's a good idea to inquire about tickets early in your cruise.
• At the Marina in Harvest Caye: If you prefer to buy your tickets once you arrive at Harvest Caye, you can do so at the information station on the island. This option provides flexibility if you're still deciding whether to take the ferry or stick around on the island.

Ticket Prices and Schedules:

The round-trip ferry ticket typically costs around $20-$25 USD, which is a great deal for a day trip to Placencia. Be sure to ask about the ferry schedule when purchasing your tickets, as this information can be hard to come by. The ferry operates several times a day, and the journey to Placencia only takes a few minutes.

Exploring Placencia:

Placencia is a charming village with a lively atmosphere. You'll find cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, and dive outfitters. Its pedestrian-only main street is lined with colourful murals, reflecting the vibrant culture of Belize. Beyond the village, you can explore ancient Maya pyramids, venture into the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, or zip line through the lush jungle canopy.

So, whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, the ferry from Harvest Caye to Placencia offers a seamless gateway to the best of Belize. Remember to buy your tickets from NCL, either onboard your ship or at the marina, to start your exploration of this beautiful country.

The ferry takes a few minutes to arrive in Placencia

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island located a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. It is operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and all NCL cruise ship passengers docking in Belize will arrive at Harvest Caye.

There is a regular ferry service from Harvest Caye to Placencia, which is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef, a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The ferry service operates several times a day and takes just a few minutes to arrive at the brand-new docks in Placencia Village.

Tickets for the ferry cost $20 USD round trip and can be purchased from NCL onboard the ship or at the information station on Harvest Caye. It is recommended to purchase tickets for the first ferry of the day to maximise your time in Placencia.

Placencia is a lovely village with cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, and dive outfitters. It is also home to a vibrant multicultural community, with Mayan and Garifuna villages nearby. Visitors can learn about traditional foods, music, and crafts, and take part in activities such as zip-lining, cave tubing, and horseback riding.

The ferry ride to Placencia from Harvest Caye is quick and convenient, making it easy for visitors to explore the beauty and culture of southern Belize.

Placencia has colourful beachside bars and cafes

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island located just a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. It is operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). While there is not much to do on Harvest Caye besides visiting some food and drink facilities and a large swimming area, there is a regular ferry service to Placencia, a lovely village on the Belizean mainland.

• The Shak Beach Cafe: Open from sunrise to sunset and beyond, this cafe serves coffee, juice, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, and rum punch.
• Barefoot Beach Bar: This bar is right on the beach, with most patrons sipping ice-cold Belikin beers or colourful shots.
• Placencia Beach Club: A beachfront pool bar where you can relax with a creamy Kahlúa.
• Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar: This bar features billiards, beach volleyball, dance-offs, karaoke, and weekend rock bands.
• The Flying Pig Bar and Grill: A friendly bar where you'll feel like a local and be known by name.
• Placencia Yacht Club: Claimed to have the best sunset views in town, this bar serves a range of rum-filled cocktails.
• The Three60 Martini Bar: Located at the Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas, this bar offers uninterrupted rooftop views of the Placencia Peninsula.
• Muna Rooftop Restaurant and Bar: Located at the Ellysian Boutique Hotel, this bar provides a bird's-eye view of the village and the sea.

In addition to these, Placencia also has internet cafes and coffee shops, bringing it into the 21st century.

You can rent bikes, golf carts, and sea kayaks in Placencia

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island located just a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. It is operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and serves as a port of call for all of its routes to Belize. While Harvest Caye boasts its own lagoon, restaurant facilities, and a beach, many visitors opt to take the ferry to Placencia to explore the mainland and experience the local culture.

Placencia is a colourful beach town that is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It offers a range of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. You can also rent bikes, golf carts, and sea kayaks to explore the village and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Several companies offer golf cart rentals in Placencia, including Barefoot Services and Captain Jak's. These golf carts provide a unique and leisurely way to discover the village and its surroundings. With a golf cart, you can easily get to Placencia Village from your resort and explore the larger area, including nearby restaurants, craft beer spots, and mini-golf courses.

If you're looking for a more active mode of transportation, bike rentals are also available in Placencia. Bicycles are a great way to explore the village and are especially enjoyable on the paved, two-lane road that runs up and down the peninsula.

For those seeking aquatic adventures, sea kayaks can be rented to explore the bay and discover the beauty of Placencia from the water. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, paddling around Placencia is sure to be a memorable experience.

Whether you choose to rent a golf cart, bike, or kayak, exploring Placencia on your own offers a unique and immersive experience. You can discover the local culture, enjoy the natural beauty, and create your own adventure. So, if you're planning a trip to Harvest Caye, be sure to consider taking the ferry to Placencia and exploring all that this charming destination has to offer.

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