The Ultimate Escape: Discovering Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island Paradise In Belize

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize. It is a 75-acre oasis off the southern coast of Belize, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a wide range of activities. The island was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite. The island features a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, a 7-acre beach, a zip line, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.

The island's history and development

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, is a 75-acre oasis off the southern coast of Belize. It was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, with local inhabitants owning the businesses and working onsite, contributing to the local economy. The island was opened to the public in November 2016, costing $50 million and taking four years to build.

The island is part of Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) The Norwegian Edge initiative, which aims to bring higher standards to the high seas. Harvest Caye is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a wide range of activities for guests. The island features a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, a 7-acre white sandy beach, and a 3,000-foot zip line. It also provides access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, and a saltwater lagoon for water sports.

The development of Harvest Caye as a private island for Norwegian Cruise Line involved the construction of various facilities and amenities. These include luxurious beachside cabanas, an expansive pool area with a swim-up bar and private canopy cabanas, a lighthouse called the Flight House, and a nature center where guests can visit toucans. The island also has a large marina, offering various shore excursions, and an expansive shopping village featuring both name-brand retailers and local Belizean crafts.

Harvest Caye is known for its commitment to authenticity and local involvement. All 400 staff members are locals, and all restaurants, amenities, and shopping stores are locally owned. Even the materials used to construct the man-made port were sourced locally from Belize. This partnership with the Belizean government ensures that the local community benefits economically from the presence of the cruise port.

Activities and attractions

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, offers a wide range of activities and attractions for guests to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:

Beach and Pool

The island boasts a 7-acre beach area with plenty of loungers and palm trees for shade. The ocean provides warm, turquoise blue waters, and there are also clamshells available for rent. The 15,000-square-foot swimming pool is a popular attraction, featuring a swim-up bar and a waterfall.

Zipline and Aerial Activities

The Flighthouse is a 136-foot-high venue for aerial activities, including a 3,000-foot zip line that stretches across the island. Guests can choose to zip line in the Superman position or seated upright, soaring 100 feet above the port and getting a bird's-eye view of the pool, port area, and the surrounding waters.

Water Sports

The saltwater lagoon is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and electric float boats. The island also provides access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Nature and Wildlife

Harvest Caye hosts an abundance of natural wildlife and is home to a nature centre where guests can visit toucans. The island also features a free wildlife experience, including butterflies and birds, as well as botanical gardens.

Excursions

Various shore excursions are available, such as rainforest river tubing, barrier reef snorkelling, a monkey river eco tour, glass-bottom boat rides, and catch-and-release fishing. Guests can also take a ferry to the mainland and explore nearby destinations such as Placencia, a colourful beach town, and the Mayan Temple at Nim Li Punit.

Dining and Drinking

The Landshark Bar & Grill, affiliated with Jimmy Buffet's restaurants, offers delicious food and drinks. The island also has four bars: the Rum Coco Bar, Cat 5 Bar, Hurricane Bar, and Laughing Bird Bar.

Shopping

Harvest Caye has an expansive shopping village featuring popular name-brand retailers, as well as local Belizean crafts, souvenirs, jewellery, and rum.

Food and drink

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, offers a variety of food and drink options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here's what you need to know about the culinary and beverage offerings on the island:

Dining Options:

The island features eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks. The Landshark Bar & Grill, affiliated with Jimmy Buffett's restaurants, is a popular dining spot. It offers a range of dishes, including foot-long fish sandwiches, chicken wings, grilled chicken, fried shrimp, salads, and ceviche, a traditional Belizean delicacy. The restaurant is locally owned and operated by one of Belize's top restaurateurs, ensuring an authentic culinary experience.

For those seeking a change of scenery, the Manatee Bar & Grill is located on the other side of the island by the marina. Horse-Eye Jack's Villa Bar & Bistro is another option for those seeking a quieter dining experience. It is located at the far end of the beach.

Drinks and Bars:

The island has four bars: the Rum Coco Bar, Cat 5 Bar, Hurricane Bar, and Laughing Bird Bar. These bars offer a range of cocktails, including fruity cocktails and cold coconut-themed drinks. Local Belizean beer, such as Belikin, is also available. Cocktail prices typically range from $9 to $12, while a beer will cost around $5.

It is important to note that Harvest Caye does not include food and drinks in the cruise package, unlike some other private islands. Additionally, drink packages purchased for the cruise do not extend to the island. Therefore, guests will need to bring cash or a credit card to pay for their meals and beverages.

Special Dietary Requirements:

While there is no specific information available regarding special dietary requirements, the variety of dining options on the island suggests that guests with different dietary needs should be able to find suitable choices. However, it is always a good idea to inquire with the specific dining venues or the cruise line directly for more detailed information regarding any dietary restrictions.

Local Specialties:

For those interested in a culinary adventure, Harvest Caye offers the opportunity to learn about local specialties. Guests can visit the Moho Chocolates shop, which sells chocolates and soaps made from Belize cocoa beans. The island also has a rum-tasting centre, where guests can sample exotic rums, wines, and spirits. Additionally, the local restaurants and bars may feature Belizean dishes and drinks, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture through their taste buds.

Shopping

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, offers an extensive shopping experience for visitors. The island features a large shopping village with a variety of stores, including popular name-brand retailers and local Belizean craft shops.

Upon entering the port, visitors are greeted by Moho Chocolates, a local shop selling chocolates and soaps made from Belize cocoa beans. The shopping area also includes a rum-tasting centre, jewellery stores, and shops selling t-shirts, perfumes, handwoven items, and paintings.

For those seeking handcrafted souvenirs, the market area on the island offers a range of locally made goods, such as paintings, jewellery, perfumes, t-shirts, and rum.

It is important to note that ship cards are not accepted at the port, so visitors should carry cash or a credit card to make purchases.

Excursions

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, offers a wide range of excursions and activities for guests to enjoy. Here is some information on the various excursions available:

On the Island

There are plenty of activities available right on the island of Harvest Caye. The 7-acre beach offers a range of water sports, including snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and electric float boats. The island also features a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool with a swim-up bar and a waterfall. For those seeking adventure, there is a 3,000-foot-long zip line that stretches across the island, as well as a double zip line where guests can race.

The island also boasts a saltwater lagoon, a kid's splash pad, private cabanas, a manatee lagoon, and animal encounters. There is also a nature centre where guests can visit toucans and a free wildlife experience with butterflies and birds.

Off the Island

For those looking to explore beyond the island, there are several excursion options available:

• Lagoon Wildlife and Mangrove Estuaries Tour: This 1.5-hour tour takes guests on a boat ride to explore the saltwater mangrove estuaries and encounter wildlife such as manatees.
• Flighthouse Zipline: This zip line offers a thrilling experience, with speeds of up to 100 mph and views of the pool, port area, and coral reefs.
• Mayan Temple of Nim Li Punit: Guests can explore the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Nim Li Punit and discover the history and culture of the Mayans.
• Rainforest River Tubing: A fun and refreshing river tubing adventure through the rainforests of Belize, suitable for the entire family.
• Parasailing: Soar hundreds of feet above the Caribbean Sea and enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waters.
• Ferry to Placencia: A short ferry ride away is Placencia, a colourful beach town popular with tourists and locals. Here, you can enjoy the pristine beach, snorkelling, diving, fishing, and exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Frequently asked questions