Norwegian Breakaway: Beach Or Berth In Belize?

The Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship docks at Harvest Caye, a private island resort off the southern coast of Belize. The island is part of The Norwegian Edge initiative and was developed in partnership with the Belizean government. It is the only port with a cruise ship pier in Belize, meaning passengers can walk to the island in around 10 minutes, although there is also transport available. Harvest Caye features a range of facilities and activities, including a beach, pool, zip line, nature park, and several restaurants and bars.

The Norwegian Breakaway docks at Harvest Caye, a private island owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line

The island is accessible via a long pier, which the cruise line has conveniently canopied to protect passengers from the Caribbean sun. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk down the pier, and golf carts are also available for those who prefer not to walk. Upon arrival at the port, passengers are greeted by the lush greenery of Belize's forests and a lighthouse landmark. The ship docks a short distance from the shore, allowing for easy exploration of the island.

Harvest Caye boasts a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, complete with a swim-up bar and palm trees for a beach-like vibe. The pool area also features cabanas available for rent, offering privacy and amenities such as lounge chairs, a couch, a mini fridge, and a personal concierge. The island also has a 7-acre white sandy beach with lounge chairs and palm trees providing shade. For a more private beach experience, beachfront cabanas are available for rent.

In addition to the pool and beach, Harvest Caye offers a variety of shore excursions and activities. The island has a zip line course that starts from the top of the lighthouse, offering a bird's-eye view of the island and the surrounding waters. There is also a saltwater lagoon for kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric float boats. Harvest Caye provides access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, for snorkelling and other water activities.

The island also features a nature park with a wildlife sanctuary home to macaws, toucans, butterflies, snakes, and other small animals. This sanctuary is free to visit, and guests can learn about the flora and fauna of Harvest Caye. The island also has a shopping village with locally made souvenirs, crafts, and other items.

Harvest Caye provides a unique experience for cruisers, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting activities. The partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Belizean government ensures that the local community benefits from the economic activity generated by the island. This private island retreat is a highlight for many passengers choosing a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Harvest Caye features a 7-acre beach with white sand and turquoise waters

Harvest Caye is a 75-acre island off the southern coast of Belize, owned exclusively by Norwegian Cruise Line. The island is part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, which aims to bring higher standards to the high seas. Developed in partnership with the Belizean government, Harvest Caye boasts a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy.

One of the most notable features of Harvest Caye is its 7-acre beach. The beach is lined with thousands of lounge chairs, nestled among the palm trees. The ocean provides warm turquoise blue waters, typical of the Caribbean. The beach offers plenty of shade from the palm trees, but for those seeking more comfort, clamshells are available for rent at $30 per unit, per day.

In addition to the beach, Harvest Caye also features a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool. The pool area includes a swim-up bar, lounge chairs, and palm trees for a beach-like vibe. There is also a kids' splash zone with water slides and toys, located just a short walk from the pool.

The island offers a range of other activities, including ziplining, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling. There is also a wildlife park with native animals and birds, as well as a butterfly enclosure. For those who want to explore the mainland of Belize, shore excursions and ferry tickets to the town of Placencia are available.

Harvest Caye provides a unique and authentic Caribbean experience, with all businesses and restaurants owned and operated by locals. This means that food and drinks are not included in the cruise package, and guests will need to bring cash or a credit card to make purchases. Despite this, Harvest Caye offers a convenient and enjoyable beach experience for those seeking a relaxing day by the sea.

There is a range of activities available at Harvest Caye, including ziplining, snorkelling, and kayaking

Harvest Caye in Belize offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers. Here are some of the activities on offer:

Ziplining

One of the most popular activities at Harvest Caye is ziplining. The zipline course starts at the top of the lighthouse and runs across the island, allowing you to soar 100 feet above the port and get a bird's-eye view of the pool, the port area, and the surrounding waters. The zip line is 1,300 feet long, and you can choose to zip line in the Superman position or seated upright.

Snorkelling

Harvest Caye is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere. This makes it an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can explore the vibrant coral reefs and discover the diverse marine life that calls this place home.

Kayaking

The saltwater lagoon at Harvest Caye is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lagoon at your own pace. This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the island.

In addition to these activities, Harvest Caye also features a large freshwater pool, a beach, wildlife exhibitions, including a butterfly house, and several locally-owned shops and restaurants. The island is easily accessible, as cruise ships can dock directly at the island, and there is also a ferry service to the mainland and nearby attractions.

The island offers an abundance of natural wildlife, including toucans, butterflies, and manatees

The Norwegian Breakaway docks at Harvest Caye, a private island owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line. The island is located off the southern coast of Belize and is known for its abundance of natural wildlife, including toucans, butterflies, and manatees.

The island's wildlife sanctuary is home to various species of animals and birds, such as toucans, macaws, snakes, and butterflies. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and learn about the flora and fauna of Harvest Caye. The Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary, a highlight for many, features hundreds of beautiful butterfly species.

For those interested in marine life, the surrounding waters of Belize are home to manatees, also known as sea cows. These gentle, underwater-grazing creatures can be spotted at the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary and the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Manatees are protected by law and several wildlife sanctuaries in Belize, ensuring their safety and conservation.

In addition to its wildlife, Harvest Caye offers a range of activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. The island also features a large swimming pool, a beach, and a kid's splash pad. Visitors can also explore the local culture and cuisine in the nearby town of Placencia.

Overall, Harvest Caye provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural wildlife of Belize, including toucans, butterflies, and manatees, while also enjoying the various amenities and excursions the island has to offer.

Harvest Caye is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, making it a convenient destination for cruisers

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, located off the southern coast of Belize. It is part of the Norwegian Edge initiative, designed to bring higher standards to the high seas. Developed in partnership with the Belizean government, Harvest Caye offers a wide range of activities and natural wildlife, as well as access to the world's second-largest barrier reef.

One of the key advantages of Harvest Caye is that it is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier. This makes it a highly convenient destination for cruisers, as they can walk along a covered path directly from the ship to the island in about 10 minutes. For those who need it, transportation is also available. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous difficulty of cruisers having to transfer to the port of Belize City via a small boat, which was cumbersome and inconvenient.

The pier at Harvest Caye is canopied, protecting passengers from the Caribbean sun. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk down the pier, but golf carts are also available for those who prefer a ride. The pier's entrance features mist jets that spray water to keep visitors cool and moisturized in the tropical climate.

Harvest Caye offers a range of facilities and activities for cruisers to enjoy. The island features a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, a 7-acre white sandy beach, and a 1,300-foot-long zip line. The swimming pool is a popular attraction, with lounge chairs, palm trees, and a swim-up bar. The beach provides a relaxing atmosphere with lounge chairs and palm trees for shade. For those seeking more privacy, beachfront cabanas are available for rent.

In addition to the beach and pool, Harvest Caye also offers a variety of shore excursions and activities. These include ziplining, barrier reef snorkeling, rainforest river tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and a monkey river eco-tour. The island also has a nature park with butterflies, birds, and other small animals, as well as botanical gardens. Visitors can also explore the history and culture of the region by visiting Mayan ruins and the archaeological site of Nim Li Punit.

Harvest Caye provides a unique dining experience, with food and drinks available for purchase from local vendors. The island has eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks, offering a mix of typical bar food and Caribbean specialties. It is important to note that ship cards are not accepted as a form of payment, so cruisers need to bring cash or a credit card.

Overall, Harvest Caye offers a convenient and enjoyable destination for cruisers, with a range of activities, natural attractions, and cultural experiences, all easily accessible thanks to its cruise ship pier.

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