Exploring Harvest Caye, Belize: A Walker's Paradise

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island in Belize, operated and managed by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The island is located just a few miles offshore from mainland Belize and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere. While the island does feature a large swimming area and food and drink facilities, there is a regular ferry service to Placencia Village on the mainland, which offers a more authentic Belizean experience. This service operates several times a day and only takes a few minutes to reach the brand-new docks in Placencia. The village boasts cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, souvenir shops, and dive outfitters, as well as colourful murals and a pedestrian-only sidewalk. For those seeking adventure, there are options for zip-lining, cave tubing, and exploring ancient Maya ruins.

The island is accessible by a lengthy walk from the docked ship or a short ferry ride

Harvest Caye, a privately-owned island in Belize, is accessible by cruise ship. The island is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and serves as a port for its cruise ships. While the ship does dock directly at the island, passengers face a lengthy walk from the ship to the island. The pier connecting the ship to the island is quite long, and NCL provides a canopy to protect passengers from the sun. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk down the pier, but golf carts are also available for those who prefer not to walk.

For those who wish to explore beyond Harvest Caye, there is the option of a short ferry ride to the mainland. A regular ferry service operates between Harvest Caye and Placencia Village on the Belize mainland. The ferry ride is just a few minutes long and offers a convenient way to explore more of Belize. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased from NCL, either onboard the ship or at the information station on Harvest Caye, for a round-trip cost of $20 USD. This ferry service provides easy access to popular destinations such as Placencia, ancient Maya cities, and nature reserves.

There is a range of water sports and activities, including ziplining, kayaking, and paddleboarding

Harvest Caye in Belize offers a range of water sports and activities, including ziplining, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The island features a 1300-foot-long zip line that sits 136 feet above the ground. The zip line starts at the top of a majestic lighthouse, called the Flight House, and offers breathtaking views of the pool, port, coral reefs, and Mayan mountainsides of Belize. Ziplining across Harvest Caye is a thrilling experience that gives you a bird's-eye view of the island.

For those who enjoy water activities, the island's lagoon is a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The lagoon is home to various species of marine animals, including manatees, and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding coral reefs. You can also take a boat tour of the lagoon to relax and enjoy the sea breeze while observing the diverse sea life.

In addition to ziplining, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Harvest Caye also offers other exciting activities such as river tubing and parasailing adventures. The island is committed to supporting the local economy and showcasing Belizean culture through native performances, local artwork, and businesses selling their products.

Harvest Caye truly offers something for everyone, with its range of water sports and activities, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

The island features a nature park with local wildlife such as toucans, macaws, and iguanas

Harvest Caye in Belize is a privately-owned island by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The island features a nature park with local wildlife such as toucans, macaws, and iguanas. The nature park is called the Harvest Caye Nature Park and it is a free attraction for visitors. It is home to a variety of animals including toucans, macaws, butterflies, snakes, and iguanas. The nature park also features a butterfly sanctuary, the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary, which has hundreds of butterfly species in stunning shades of blue and orange.

The nature centre at Harvest Caye is part of NCL's efforts to make the island eco-friendly and provide visitors with information about the native wildlife. NCL has hired a naturalist with 25 years of experience with the Belize Zoo to care for the animals. The nature park is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Harvest Caye, as it offers a glimpse into the natural wildlife of Belize.

The island also features a giant wooden carving of two iguanas and wildlife murals at the welcome centre, showcasing the local culture and artwork. NCL has also planted thousands of trees and plants, including over 10,000 mangroves, to provide a habitat for birds and marine life. The Nature Centre is also helping the endangered scarlet macaws with a breed and release program.

The nature park is just one of the many attractions on Harvest Caye, which also includes a beach, a swimming pool, a zip line, and various restaurants and bars. The island offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, making it a popular destination for cruise ship passengers.

You can take a ferry to Placencia on the mainland for cafes, bars, and souvenir shops

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island in Belize, owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers, offering a range of activities and facilities such as a large swimming pool, a beach, a nature park, and shopping areas. It is also known for its eco-friendly initiatives and emphasis on local culture.

While Harvest Caye offers a variety of attractions, those looking to explore beyond the island can take a ferry to Placencia on the mainland. Placencia is a charming, low-key fishing village located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. It is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, offering a unique island-like experience.

Placencia is renowned for its beautiful beaches and exclusive resorts, as well as a thriving food scene that pairs fine dining with hearty, locally-inspired meals. The village itself has a range of lovely shops, charming cafes, and seafood restaurants. Here are some places you can visit during your time in Placencia:

• Maya Beach Hotel Bistro: Located about eight miles from Placencia Village, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience by mixing local ingredients to create world-class dishes.
• Rumfish y Vino: This famous restaurant takes advantage of fresh Belizean ingredients to create extraordinary fusion dishes. It has attracted celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, who dined there during her honeymoon.
• Rick's Cafe: Located in downtown Placencia, Rick's Cafe offers a classy dining experience with a variety of food options, including salads, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. It is also a great spot for fancy cocktails.
• The Galley Restaurant & Bar: This unassuming local restaurant offers traditional Belizean home-cooked meals with a focus on memorable flavours. Don't forget to try their delicious seafood dishes and ask for their homemade hot sauces.
• The Secret Garden: Tucked away in the middle of Placencia, this laid-back Bohemian coffeehouse serves a unique blend of Belizean and international cuisine. It has gained popularity due to online reviews praising it as one of the best food experiences in Placencia.
• Above Grounds Coffee House: This wonderful little coffee shop, located near the southern tip of Placencia, offers freshly brewed coffee and other hot and cold drinks. It is a great spot for breakfast, with a variety of homemade baked goods.
• Barefoot Beach Bar: Located on the beach in downtown Placencia, Barefoot Beach Bar is a casual spot for food, drinks, and live music. It offers good pub food options, including kid-friendly items.
• De Tatch Restaurant: Owned by Seaspray Hotel, one of the original hotels in Placencia, this beachside restaurant excels in cooking Belizean seafood. The ambiance is exceptional, with a thatched cabana setting right on the beach.
• Yoli's Over Da Water Bar & Grill: A cozy spot loved by both locals and tourists, Yoli's serves authentic Belizean dishes. They are known for their big BBQ on Sundays, attracting people from all over the peninsula.
• Muna Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Muna is the only rooftop restaurant and bar on the Placencia Peninsula, offering an upscale dining experience with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea, the lagoon, and the Maya Mountains.

Placencia truly offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you're strolling along the beach, exploring the village, or enjoying a meal at one of the fantastic restaurants, you're sure to have a memorable time during your visit to Placencia.

There are several restaurants and bars on the island, including the Landshark Bar & Grill

Harvest Caye, a privately-owned island in Belize, offers a plethora of restaurants and bars for visitors to indulge in, including the Landshark Bar & Grill. This comprehensive guide will delve into the diverse dining and drinking options available on the island, providing a detailed overview of each establishment.

Firstly, let's talk about the Landshark Bar & Grill, which is one of the most popular venues on the island. Affiliated with Jimmy Buffett's restaurants, it is locally owned by one of Belize's top restaurateurs, Provision. The two-storey restaurant boasts ample seating, with both indoor, air-conditioned comfort and outdoor terrace seating overlooking the pool. The menu features a variety of dishes, including foot-long fish sandwiches, chicken wings, grilled chicken, fried shrimp, salads, and ceviche, a traditional Belizean delicacy. The bar serves Landshark beer and Belikin, a local Belizean brew. It's important to note that food on the island is not included with your cruise, and cruisers will need to pay separately with US dollars or Belize dollars.

In addition to Landshark Bar & Grill, Harvest Caye offers several other dining options. Horse Eye Jack's, Laughing Bird Bar & Grill, and Manatee Bar & Grill are some of the notable eateries mentioned in reviews. These establishments provide a range of cuisines and atmospheres to cater to different tastes and preferences.

For those who enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer, Harvest Caye has four bars to quench your thirst. The Rum Coco Bar, Cat 5 Bar, Hurricane Bar, and Laughing Bird Bar each offer their own unique ambiance and beverage selections. Cocktail prices typically range from $9 to $12, while a beer will cost you around $5.

It's worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has partnered with the Belizean government to ensure that all restaurants, amenities, and shops on the island are locally owned. This provides an authentic experience for visitors and supports the local economy.

When it comes to payment, it's important to carry cash or a credit card, as your ship card is not accepted at the port. This applies to both shopping and dining on the island. However, you will need your ship card for onboarding the ship at the end of the day.

In conclusion, Harvest Caye offers a diverse range of dining and drinking options to suit different tastes and preferences. The Landshark Bar & Grill is a standout choice, offering delicious food and breathtaking views of the pool and beach. With its affiliation with Jimmy Buffett and local ownership, it embodies the unique blend of international appeal and local flavour that Harvest Caye strives for.

Frequently asked questions