Exploring Harvest Caye, Belize: Activities And Adventures

Harvest Caye in Belize is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. It offers a range of activities for visitors, including swimming in the large pool, relaxing on the beach, ziplining, paddleboarding, kayaking, and shopping. There are also several restaurants and bars, such as the Landshark Bar and Grill, and a wildlife experience with a butterfly exhibit, a boa constrictor, and aviaries. For those seeking a more authentic local experience, there is a ferry to Placencia, a colourful beach town, and river tubing excursions.

Explore the island's flora and fauna at the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary

The Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary is a must-visit when exploring Harvest Caye in Belize. This sanctuary is dedicated to the Blue Morpho Butterfly, a species native to Belize and renowned for its large size and iridescent blue wings. The sanctuary is located within the cruise port area and offers a free, immersive experience to learn about the island's flora and fauna.

As you enter the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary, you will find yourself in a secluded area teeming with hundreds of vibrant butterfly species. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be witnessing the butterflies in flight within the glass house, their colourful wings creating a mesmerizing display.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is a true natural wonder. With a wingspan ranging from five to eight inches, it is among the largest butterfly species globally. The striking iridescent blue colour of its wings is a result of microscopic scales on the wing's back that vividly reflect light. This adaptation not only aids in attracting potential mates but also serves as a defence mechanism, startling predators and warning them of the butterfly's toxicity.

In addition to their beauty, Blue Morpho Butterflies play a crucial ecological role as pollinators. They are drawn to the abundant wildflowers and gardens found across Belize, contributing to the island's vibrant flora. The sanctuary provides an opportunity to learn about the butterfly's life cycle, from egg to pupae, and the challenges they face, such as predators and unfavourable weather conditions.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary is more than just a place to admire these beautiful creatures; it offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of nature and the importance of conservation. It showcases Harvest Caye's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and providing visitors with an educational and immersive experience.

So, when visiting Harvest Caye, be sure to include the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary on your itinerary. It promises to be an informative and memorable experience, allowing you to explore the island's rich biodiversity and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Belize.

Take a ferry to Placencia for snorkelling and kayaking

If you're looking to explore beyond Harvest Caye, taking the ferry to Placencia is a great option. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Placencia.

Getting to Placencia

First, you'll need to purchase your ferry tickets from the excursion desk on the ship before disembarking. The round-trip fare is usually around $25, and it's important to buy your tickets early as the service is capped at fewer than 400 people per day. Keep in mind that you won't find any mention of this ferry service on the official cruise website, so plan ahead.

Exploring Placencia

Once you arrive in Placencia, you'll have approximately three hours to explore before taking the return ferry. The beach is a short walk from the ferry, offering pristine white sand and clear waters. If you're looking for more comfort, you can rent chairs and settle in.

For snorkelling enthusiasts, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, located 11 miles from shore, is a popular spot. You can also rent sea kayaks to explore the bay and discover the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that Placencia has to offer.

If you prefer to stay on land, Placencia has plenty of options as well. You can rent bikes or a golf cart to explore the town, browse art galleries, or shop for local souvenirs, jewellery, crafts, and rum.

Dining in Placencia

When it comes to dining, Placencia offers a variety of options, including small beach bars and cafes serving delicious local cuisine such as jerk chicken, fried fish, conch fritters, and chowder.

Excursions in Placencia

If you're interested in excursions, keep in mind that the three-hour window might be a bit challenging for longer tours. However, you can always inquire about local companies that work within the ferry schedule or ask about alternatives if you miss your scheduled return.

Overall, taking the ferry to Placencia offers a great opportunity to experience the authentic local culture, enjoy pristine beaches, and explore the underwater world through snorkelling and kayaking adventures.

Go ziplining from the lighthouse

Ziplining in Harvest Caye, Belize, is an exhilarating experience that offers a unique perspective of the island. The zipline course, with a length of 1300 feet, begins at the top of the lighthouse, aptly named the Flight House, and takes you on a thrilling journey across the island. At a height of 100 feet above the ground, you'll soar like a bird over the pool, the port area, and the sparkling waters, with the breathtaking backdrop of coral reefs and Mayan mountainsides.

The zipline offers two riding options: the traditional seated position and the thrilling Superman pose. The latter allows you to fly face-down over the beach and the ocean, with swimmers and sunbathers cheering you on. It's an unforgettable experience that combines adrenaline and breathtaking scenery.

The ziplining activity in Harvest Caye is suitable for most people, with a few exceptions for safety reasons. Pregnant women and individuals with heart conditions or other physical challenges are advised not to participate. The cost of this activity is $89 for adults and $69 for children, a price that promises an unforgettable adventure.

The lighthouse, or Flight House, is more than just the starting point of the zipline. It serves as a prominent landmark and adds to the island's aesthetic appeal. The long pier that connects the ship to the port leads you directly to the lush greens of Belize's forests and the iconic lighthouse.

Harvest Caye's ziplining experience is highly regarded by visitors. One guest, Brian M, described their first ziplining experience as fantastic, praising the clear instructions and the thorough safety checks by the staff. The excitement of soaring over the beach and the water, combined with the cheers of onlookers, made the final zipline their favourite.

Try river tubing in the rainforest

If you're looking for an adventure in the lush rainforests of Belize, then river tubing is the perfect activity for you! This excursion is offered by Norwegian Cruise Line and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the country.

The river tubing excursion typically begins with a short boat ride from Harvest Caye to the mainland, followed by a bus ride through the picturesque countryside. Along the way, you'll get to see quaint villages and enjoy stunning views of the Mayan mountains.

Once you arrive at the starting point, you'll receive a brief safety instruction before easing into the river. The river is usually crystal clear, fed by mountain springs, and offers an ever-changing landscape as you float through a mountain gorge and over small rapids. Keep an ear out for the abundance of tropical birds that call the protected rainforest home.

One of the highlights of the river tubing excursion is the opportunity to stop at a natural hot spring. You'll be able to step out of your tube and enjoy the unique experience of standing with one foot in cool water and the other in warm water.

After the tubing experience, you'll have the chance to visit a local shop, taste local rum and wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch of local dishes such as empanadas and chicken escabeche.

This excursion is suitable for almost all ages, with life vests provided, and is a great way to combine adventure with the relaxation of floating down a slow-moving river. So, if you're looking for a fun-filled day in Harvest Caye, Belize, river tubing in the rainforest is an excellent choice!

Relax at the beach or by the pool

Harvest Caye in Belize is a great place to unwind and relax. Here are some ways you can relax at the beach or by the pool:

Beach Relaxation

If you're a beach bum, Harvest Caye has got you covered. The island boasts a stunning 7-acre beach with white sand made from crushed seashells and turquoise blue ocean waters characteristic of the Caribbean. You can grab a lounge chair, soak in the sun, and enjoy the calm waters. If you prefer some shade, you can rent clamshells for $30 a day, or arrive early to snag one of the few hammocks available. For a more luxurious experience, you can rent a float pad and drift in the warm waters.

The beach also offers active pursuits like beach volleyball and jumbo-sized chess. If you're travelling with kids, they can enjoy the kid's splash zone, filled with water toys, slides, and a giant barrel that dumps water for a waterfall-like experience.

Poolside Relaxation

For those who prefer pools, Harvest Caye has a massive 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 and a swim-up bar with in-water seating, giving it an open-air restaurant feel. There are plenty of lounge chairs surrounding the pool for you to relax on, and palm trees provide shade and a beach-like vibe.

If you're looking for some privacy, you can rent pool-facing cabanas, which offer air-conditioning, lounge chairs, a couch, a mini-fridge, and a private shower. These cabanas start at $250 a day. You can also enjoy the Caribbean dance music played at the Landshark restaurant right next to the pool or relax in the shaded pool beds.

Beachfront Cabanas

For the ultimate relaxation experience, you can splurge on one of the 11 beachfront villas. These air-conditioned villas offer a luxurious retreat with a living area, TV, mini-fridge, private bathroom, outdoor shower, and four outdoor loungers. Food service is also available in these villas.

Little Harvest Caye

For a truly exclusive experience, you can visit Little Harvest Caye, a private island just a short boat ride from Placencia Village. This 1.5-acre island paradise offers panoramic views of the Maya Mountains, the open ocean, and Placencia Village. It features five private bedroom suites, a main living and entertainment area, a pool, and a bar. You'll have a boat and driver at your disposal to explore the surrounding area.

Little Harvest Caye provides the best of both worlds—the privacy and exclusivity of a private island, along with the amenities and comforts of a luxury resort. It's the perfect place to put your feet up and relax.

Frequently asked questions