Explore Harvest Caye, Belize's Tropical Paradise

Harvest Caye in Belize is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a 75-acre oasis with lush greenery, an expansive pool, a beach, and a saltwater lagoon. The island offers a range of activities, including ziplining, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. Visitors can also explore the local wildlife, visit Mayan ruins, and shop for locally made souvenirs. There are several restaurants and bars on the island, as well as beachfront cabanas available for rent.

Relax at the beach

If you're looking to relax on the beach during your stop at Harvest Caye, Belize, you're in luck! The cruise port boasts a 7-acre white sandy beach with turquoise blue ocean waters. There are 2,500 lounge chairs available, so you can easily find a spot to relax and soak up the sun. If you prefer some shade, there are plenty of palm trees along the beach, or you can rent a clamshell for $30 a day.

For those seeking a more active beach experience, there are also opportunities to play beach volleyball or jumbo-sized chess. You can also rent a float pad and spend the day floating in the warm waters. If you're travelling with kids, there is a kid's splash zone with water toys and slides located just behind the beach.

The beach is just a short walk from the cruise ship, and along the way, you'll be greeted by the lush greens of Belize's forests and a lighthouse landmark. The pier is canopied to protect you from the Caribbean sun, and golf carts are available if you don't want to walk.

The beach is also conveniently located near other amenities, including a swimming pool, a kid's splash pad, a lagoon, and the Landshark Bar and Grill. So, whether you're looking to relax on the beach or explore the other attractions that Harvest Caye has to offer, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

Explore the nature park

Harvest Caye in Belize is a nature lover's paradise. The island features a nature park and wildlife sanctuary, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna. The park is home to a variety of animals, including toucans, macaws, butterflies, snakes, and iguanas. You will also find a Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary, where hundreds of stunning butterfly species will take your breath away as they dance around a glass house.

The nature centre, Harvest Caye Nature Park, is part of Norwegian Cruise Line's efforts to make the island eco-friendly and educate visitors about native wildlife. It is free to enter, and a naturalist with 25 years of experience at the Belize Zoo takes care of the animals.

The island itself is a testament to Norwegian Cruise Line's commitment to the local economy and eco-friendly practices. They have employed hundreds of local Belizeans in the construction and operation of the facilities, and they have prioritised the use of local materials and vendors. The nature park is just one example of how they are helping to protect endangered species, such as the scarlet macaws, with a breed-and-release programme.

The island is also filled with beautiful flowers and plants, giving it a tropical Caribbean scent and a vibrant, colourful appearance. You will learn more about these plants and flowers at the wildlife sanctuary.

If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, try the zip line that starts at the top of the lighthouse. This gives you a bird's-eye view of the island and the ocean, including the pool area, coral reefs, and Mayan mountains in the distance.

Harvest Caye's nature park and wildlife sanctuary offer a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the local ecosystem, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.

Try water sports

Harvest Caye in Belize is a great place to try water sports. The island features a saltwater lagoon that is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and electric float boats. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lagoon, which is home to various species of sea animals such as manatees. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can take a boat tour of the lagoon and get a closer look at the sea life.

The island also has a giant lighthouse called the "Flighthouse," which serves as the starting point for the zip line course. The zip line is 1,300 feet long and offers stunning views of the pool, port area, and the ocean. You can choose to zip line in the Superman position or seated upright. The cost for this activity is $89 for adults and $69 for kids.

In addition to these activities, Harvest Caye also offers beachfront villas and poolside cabanas for rent. The villas come with air conditioning, a living area, a private bathroom, an outdoor shower, and lounge chairs. The cabanas are equipped with lounge chairs, a mini fridge, and a private shower stand.

So, whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity like zip lining or a more relaxed experience kayaking or paddleboarding, Harvest Caye has something for everyone. Be sure to bring cash or a credit card, as these activities may require an additional cost.

Visit the Mayan ruins

Harvest Caye in Belize is a great cruise port to visit the Mayan ruins. The ancient Mayan archaeological site of Nim Li Punit, which means "large hat" in the Mayan Kekchi language, is a highlight for those interested in history and culture. Here are some reasons why you should visit the Mayan ruins at Harvest Caye:

• Well-preserved Ruins and Rich History: The Nim Li Punit ruins are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. The site includes a Mayan temple, a ball court, an observatory, and a small museum housing recovered artifacts, Mayan drawings, and writings.
• Understanding Ancient Rituals: By exploring the ruins, you can discover how the ancient Mayans lived, practised their rituals, and used drawings and writings to record events and rituals.
• Nearby Excursions: Harvest Caye is an excellent base for excursions to the Mayan ruins and other attractions. The cruise port offers various tours and activities, including a six-hour excursion to the Nim Li Punit ruins, river rafting, nature tours, and a visit to the nearby Rio Grande River for tubing or rafting.
• Supporting the Local Economy: Harvest Caye prioritises supporting the local economy. The port showcases native performances, displays local artwork, and provides spaces for local businesses to sell their products, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and directly contribute to the community.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Harvest Caye is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, allowing visitors to walk directly from the ship onto the island. This convenience makes it easier to access the Mayan ruins and other attractions without the need for tender boats.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The island is surrounded by lush greenery and hosts an abundance of natural wildlife. It also provides access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, offering a unique opportunity to combine exploration of ancient ruins with snorkelling and other water activities.

Shop for local crafts

Harvest Caye in Belize is a great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. The port has an expansive shopping village featuring local Belizean crafts and popular name-brand retailers. The shopping area includes shops like Moho Chocolates, a local business selling chocolates and soaps made from Belize cocoa beans. You can also find a rum-tasting centre, and stalls selling jewellery, t-shirts, perfumes, handwoven items, and paintings.

The shops and vendors at Harvest Caye are all locally owned and operated, so you can be sure that you're getting authentic Belizean products and supporting the local economy. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) partnered with the Belizean government to ensure that the port was as authentic as possible, so you won't find any big-name shops like Diamond Internationals here.

In addition to the shops at the port, you can also take a ferry to Placencia, a colourful beach town that's popular with tourists and locals alike. There, you'll find souvenir stands selling local jewellery, crafts, and rum, as well as art galleries and small beach bars.

It's important to note that you'll need to bring cash or a credit card to make any purchases at Harvest Caye, as your ship card is not accepted at the port.

Frequently asked questions