Discovering Harvest Caye, Belize

Harvest Caye is a privately-owned island in Belize, operated and managed by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The island is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers, offering a range of exciting activities and facilities. From zip-lining and kayaking to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, there's something for everyone.

The island boasts a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, a 7-acre white sandy beach, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Visitors can also take a short ferry ride to the nearby village of Placencia, offering a glimpse of local culture and natural beauty.

With its mix of thrilling adventures, relaxing beach vibes, and cultural experiences, Harvest Caye, Belize, has something to offer for everyone.

Explore the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is a beautiful creature native to Belize, with a wingspan of up to eight inches and iridescent blue wings that reflect light vividly. At the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary in Harvest Caye, you can observe hundreds of these butterflies in a secluded glass house, as well as learn about their life cycle and behaviour.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary is part of the free wildlife and nature park at the centre of the cruise port. Here, you can also see macaws, toucans, snakes, and other small animals, as well as learn about Harvest Caye's flora and fauna. The sanctuary is a great place to escape the buzz of the port and find some shade.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is also celebrated at butterfly farms across Belize. At Chaa Creek, a luxurious jungle lodge at the foothill of the Maya Mountains, you can take a guided tour of their Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and observe every stage of the butterfly's life cycle. Chaa Creek's aim is to encourage learning about the environment and have fun at the same time. Their tours are offered in conjunction with tours of their Natural History Centre and are free for guests.

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch in Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo District, is another great place to learn about the Blue Morpho Butterfly. They have over 30 native species on their 100-acre grounds and boast the largest butterfly exhibit display in Belize.

Butterfly farms and sanctuaries in Belize provide an immersive experience and a fascinating insight into the life cycle of these fragile creatures, whose short lives play an essential role in the ecosystem as pollinators.

Take a ferry to Placencia

If you're looking to escape the cruise company island and experience the real Belize, you can take a ferry to Placencia, a colourful beach town that's popular with tourists and locals alike.

Booking the Ferry

The Placencia Village Ferry can be booked from your on-board cruise excursion desk. It's recommended to book early to secure a spot on the first ferry, which will give you more time to explore Placencia. The round-trip ferry fare is usually $25, and tickets must be bought from the excursion desk on board the ship before disembarking. 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.

What to Do in Placencia

Placencia offers a range of activities and attractions to suit different interests. Here are some suggestions:

• Beaches: The beaches in Placencia boast white sand and clear water. You can find public beaches or rent chairs for a more comfortable experience.
• Snorkelling and Diving: Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a small island 11 miles from shore, is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving excursions.
• Exploring the Town: Placencia is a walkable town with beach bars, cafés serving local cuisine, art galleries, and souvenir shops selling local crafts, jewellery, and rum.
• Fishing: Fishing trips are a popular activity in Placencia, although it's not clear what you can do with your catch.
• Outdoor Activities: You can rent bikes, golf carts, or sea kayaks to explore the town and the surrounding bay area.

Practical Information

• The ferry ride to Placencia takes about 15-20 minutes.
• US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Placencia, and the exchange rate is 2 Belize Dollars to 1 US Dollar.
• It is recommended to bring cash, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
• There are no mentions of specific dress codes or requirements, but it is advisable to bring a change of clothes if you plan to return to the ship in wet swimwear.
• Sunscreen is essential for a day in the sun, especially if you plan to spend time on the beach.
• If you plan to participate in water activities, consider bringing or renting snorkelling gear, towels, and dry clothes.

Taking the ferry to Placencia offers a great opportunity to explore beyond Harvest Caye and experience the local culture and natural beauty of Belize.

Try water sports

Harvest Caye in Belize offers a range of water sports activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

The island's saltwater lagoon is the perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm waters offer a relaxing experience with plenty of bends and turns to explore. The area is roped off, so you don't have to worry about venturing into the open water. You can also take a boat tour of the lagoon to enjoy the sea breeze and view the wildlife.

Swimming

Harvest Caye boasts a 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, one of the largest on a cruise port. The pool is beautifully designed with an under-the-bridge section, a swim-up bar, and in-water seating. There are plenty of lounge chairs for relaxation, and palm trees provide shade. If you're feeling adventurous, you can dance to the energetic Caribbean music played at the Landshark restaurant nearby. For more privacy, pool-facing cabanas are available for rent.

Beach Activities

The 7-acre beach at Harvest Caye offers a range of activities. You can relax on a lounge chair, soak up the sun, and enjoy the warm turquoise blue waters. For more comfort and shade, clamshells are available for rent. If you're feeling active, you can play beach volleyball or jumbo-sized chess. There's also a kid's splash zone with water toys, slides, and a giant barrel that dumps water for a waterfall-like experience.

Boat Tours

In addition to kayaking and paddleboarding, you can explore the lagoon and mangrove estuaries by boat. This excursion offers a soothing and informative experience as you learn about the tropical wildlife and plants in the area. Keep an eye out for animals like manatees!

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

While Harvest Caye itself doesn't mention snorkelling or scuba diving, it is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere. Consult your cruise line for snorkelling and scuba diving excursions to the best sites, as Belize is known for being one of the best diving spots in the world.

Visit the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit

Harvest Caye in Belize is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers, with its beautiful beaches, a swim-up bar, and plenty of activities and sights to explore. One such attraction is the ancient Mayan city of Nim Li Punit, located in the southern area of Belize, within the Toledo District. Here are some reasons why visiting the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit should be on your itinerary when visiting Harvest Caye:

A Glimpse into Mayan History

Nim Li Punit, meaning "The Big Hat" in the Mayan Kekchi language, is a medium-sized site from the Maya Classic Period, flourishing from the 5th to the 8th century AD. The site consists of structures surrounding three plazas, including several step-pyramids, with the tallest pyramid reaching a height of 11 meters (approximately 33 feet). The ruins were once a bustling village home to up to 7,000 Mayans and served as an important ceremonial and ritual centre.

Stunning Stelae and Artefacts

Nim Li Punit is often referred to as Belize's stelae capitol, boasting 26 of these monumental carvings, eight of which pay tribute to gods and heroes. The longest stela in the central plaza depicts a figure wearing a large hat, giving the site its name. In addition to the impressive stelae, two concrete buildings serve as visitor centres and museums, housing precious artefacts and relics that provide insight into the cultural history, religion, and way of life of the ancient Mayans.

Breathtaking Natural Surroundings

The ruins of Nim Li Punit are nestled in exotic surroundings, situated high atop a Maya Mountain ridge in southern Belize. The site is bordered by the majestic Maya Mountains to the west and lowland swamps and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The nearby Maya Mountains and foothills are among the oldest surface rock formations in Central America, dating back approximately 200 million years.

Easy Accessibility

Nim Li Punit is conveniently located just off the Southern Highway in the Toledo District, about 50 kilometres north of the town of Punta Gorda. It is easily accessible by booking a tour with a local resort or exploring on your own. The site is also within a two-kilometre radius of the paved Southern Highway, making it a straightforward drive for those renting a car.

A Chance to Immerse Yourself in Mayan Astronomy

The ruins of Nim Li Punit offer a unique insight into the astronomical knowledge of the ancient Mayans. The east group of buildings near the plaza is believed to have served as an astronomical observatory. The special arrangement of the terrace provided the perfect vantage point for observing the moon, sun, and stars. Additionally, the Plaza of the Stelae in the South Group is thought to have been used to align the sunrise with the equinoxes and solstices, aiding the Mayans in creating their intricate calendars.

Relax on the beach

Harvest Caye in Belize is a great place to unwind and relax on the beach. The beach is just behind the pool area, across the pavement from the 15,000-square-foot swimming pool. The beach features 7 acres of white sand, made from crushed seashells, and turquoise blue ocean waters common to the Caribbean. There are at least 2,500 lounge chairs available, as well as hammocks and clamshells available for rent.

The beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm waters. If you're feeling active, you can play a game of beach volleyball or jumbo-sized chess. For those seeking privacy and comfort, beachfront cabanas are available for rent, offering a more exclusive beach experience.

The beach at Harvest Caye also provides easy access to various water sports and activities. The saltwater lagoon is ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, and electric float boats. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try ziplining across the island, starting from the lighthouse, or take a boat tour to explore the surrounding waters.

It's important to note that the beach at Harvest Caye is man-made, and the water visibility can be unclear. However, it still offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of shade under the palm trees and easy access to various amenities and facilities on the island.

Frequently asked questions