The Distance Between Adventure And Relaxation: Harvest Caye And Belize City

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island located just a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. It is one of Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) private islands and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere. The island is approximately seven acres (2.8 hectares) in size and features a saltwater lagoon, a large freshwater pool, and wildlife exhibitions, including a butterfly house. Popular destinations such as Placencia, ancient Maya cities, and nature reserves are just a short distance from Harvest Caye, with a ferry service to Placencia operating multiple times per day.

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island by Norwegian Cruise Line

As a privately-owned island, Harvest Caye provides a seamless and exclusive experience for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line. The cruise line has developed the island in partnership with the Belizean government, ensuring that local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, contributing to the local economy. This collaboration has resulted in a range of exciting activities and amenities that showcase the natural beauty and culture of Belize.

One of the most striking features of Harvest Caye is its 7-acre beach area, offering plenty of space for guests to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is complemented by a 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar and a cascading waterfall, providing a refreshing escape from the tropical climate. For those seeking more adventure, the island also boasts a saltwater lagoon and access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, for various water sports and snorkelling excursions.

Harvest Caye also showcases its natural wildlife through exhibits and interactive experiences. It features a blue morpho butterfly house, aviaries, and botanical gardens, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna. Additionally, the island offers exciting shore excursions, such as zip-lining across the island, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and river tubing in the nearby rainforest.

The island caters to a range of tastes and preferences, with eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks. The menus offer a mix of typical bar food and Caribbean specialties, such as fried plantains and ceviche. For those who want to explore beyond the island, a ferry service to the mainland, Placencia, operates multiple times per day, providing easy access to popular destinations like ancient Maya cities and nature reserves.

Overall, Harvest Caye, a privately-owned island by Norwegian Cruise Line, offers a unique and immersive experience for cruise ship passengers. With its combination of natural beauty, exciting activities, and local culture, it has become a highly sought-after destination for travellers seeking sun-soaked fun and relaxation in the heart of Belize.

It's located a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, located just a few miles offshore from Placencia in southern Belize. Placencia is a charming, low-key fishing village renowned for its beautiful beaches. It is located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula, which measures approximately 19 miles from north to south but is only half a mile wide.

Placencia has successfully retained its old-world charm, with locals heading out to sea every morning in small boats to bring in the daily catch. Visitors can stroll along the village's 4,000-foot-long pedestrian-only "main street", adorned with colourful murals and artwork. The village also offers lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield.

Placencia is one of the most popular beach destinations on Belize's southern coast. It is known for its luxury beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars. Despite its growth, Placencia has managed to maintain its quiet and charming atmosphere, with golf carts still a popular mode of transportation.

The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east. It offers a range of activities, including hiking through mountainous rainforests, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, diving, and exploring Mayan ruins. Tour guides and dive centres provide various excursions, with boat rides to the outer cayes being a favourite among visitors.

Placencia is also a great gateway to mainland tours and attractions. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park offer incredible hiking opportunities just an hour away by car. Red Bank Village is home to magnificent scarlet macaws from December to March, and Monkey River offers a wonderful boat tour followed by a jungle hike to spot howler monkeys.

Harvest Caye, being just a few miles offshore from Placencia, allows visitors to easily access and explore all that this charming village and its surrounding areas have to offer.

The island is around 75 acres and has a 15,000 sq. ft. swimming pool

Harvest Caye is a 75-acre island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and is located just a few miles off the southern coast of Belize. The island is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The island boasts a 15,000 sq. ft. swimming pool with a swim-up bar and cascading waterfall. The pool area is surrounded by lounge chairs and private cabanas available for rent. The cabanas can accommodate up to six guests and offer concierge food and beverage services, private bathrooms, and air conditioning.

In addition to the pool, Harvest Caye also features a 7-acre beach with white sand and calm, clear waters perfect for children to play in. The beach offers plenty of seating and water sports activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.

The island also includes a saltwater lagoon, a wildlife exhibition with a butterfly house, and the Flighthouse, a 136-foot-high venue for aerial activities such as zip-lining. Guests can also explore the on-site shopping village, which features popular name-brand retailers and local Belizean crafts.

Harvest Caye provides a range of exciting shore excursions, including zip-lining across the island, snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. The island is easily accessible from the mainland, with a ferry service operating multiple times per day to the nearby town of Placencia.

Harvest Caye is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere

Harvest Caye is a small island located just a few miles offshore of southern Belize. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere. The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including fish, coral, and sea turtles.

The island of Harvest Caye itself offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. It features wildlife exhibitions, including a butterfly house that is home to blue morpho butterflies. There is also a saltwater lagoon, a large freshwater pool, and a swim-up bar. Harvest Caye was voted the "Best New Cruise Port" in 2017 by Porthole Magazine, thanks to its beautiful beaches and abundance of amenities.

The caye is easily accessible from the mainland, with popular destinations such as Placencia, ancient Maya cities, and nature reserves just a short distance away. A ferry service to Placencia operates multiple times per day.

Harvest Caye is privately owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and is a popular port of call for cruise ships. The island covers approximately seven acres (2.8 hectares) and offers a range of activities for cruise ship passengers, including zip-lining, jungle tours, and visits to ancient Maya cities.

The caye is also known for its convenient amenities, such as accepting American dollars and having English as the official language. Overall, Harvest Caye is a safe and enjoyable destination that offers a blend of relaxation and exciting adventures.

Popular destinations like Placencia, ancient Maya cities and nature reserves are easily accessible from Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye is a great gateway to some of Belize's most popular destinations. Located just a few miles offshore of southern Belize, it is a convenient base for exploring the country's natural and cultural attractions.

Placencia

Placencia, one of the most beautiful areas in Belize, is easily accessible from Harvest Caye. A regular ferry service connects the two, with multiple departures throughout the day. Placencia is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef, a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. It is also the jumping-off point for mainland attractions like animal refuges, ancient Maya cities, and national parks.

Ancient Maya Cities

For those interested in exploring ancient Maya civilisation, there are several nearby sites easily accessible from Harvest Caye. The Mayan Ruins at Nim Li Punit, for example, feature well-preserved drawings and writings, as well as a museum and a welcome centre. The site also has a ball court and an observatory. Another option is to visit the Mayan Temple at Nim Li Punit, where you can learn about ancient Mayan practices and rituals.

Nature Reserves

Harvest Caye is also close to several nature reserves. The Cockscomb Basin Wilderness Sanctuary, for instance, is home to more than 200 jaguars and offers hiking trails. Harvest Caye itself has a nature park with macaws, toucans, butterflies, snakes, and other small animals. The island is also part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Other Popular Destinations

Other popular destinations accessible from Harvest Caye include the Monkey River, where you can take a boat tour, and the mysterious Lyman Prison, an abandoned and allegedly haunted former prison for Belize's most hardened criminals. For those interested in cultural experiences, there are also guided tours to local villages, chocolate factories, and colourful open-air markets.

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