Harvest Caye, Belize 101—top things to do & insider tips
Are you planning your next Caribbean trip on a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing? If Harvest Caye Belize is on your itinerary, you're in for an unbelievable experience. Norwegian’s 75-acre private island destination has pristine beaches, sun-worthy activities, and eco-friendly attractions that appeal to travelers of all types – whether you're seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, Instagram-worthy moments, or family-friendly activities.
Find out everything you need to know about Harvest Cay Belize – from the best excursions and snorkeling spots to insider tips that will help you make the most of your day on this exclusive Harvest Caye Belize cruise port.
On this page:
- Where is Harvest Caye Belize?
- Best time to visit Harvest Caye
- Top things to do in Harvest Caye
- Shore excursions: What’s worth booking?
- Frequently asked questions
Related: Find out why Harvest Caye is among the best islands for nature lovers
Find your cruise to NCL private island, Harvest Caye:
Where is Harvest Caye Belize?
Just 1.5 miles from Placencia's shoreline in Southern Belize, Harvest Caye Belize rises from turquoise waters like a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Unlike other cruise destinations that can feel like theme parks with palm trees, Norwegian’s exclusive, private island actually embraces its Belizean roots. You'll find local vendors selling handcrafted goods, authentic food that brings real island flavors, and eco-tours that showcase Belize's natural beauty.
One of the best parts? Your massive cruise ship pulls right up to the island's dock—no bobbing around in those tiny tender boats trying not to spill your morning coffee. Step off the gangway and you're already there, with swaying palms and golden beaches just a short stroll away. Everything you need is right on the island, though if you're itching to explore the mainland's jungles and ruins, you'll want to book an excursion to get you there.
The Harvest Caye Belize map shows how this lush, tropical island includes both quiet spaces and activity zones, featuring:
- A 7-acre white sand beach on the west side with beach chairs
- A massive pool area with swim-up bar and flowing waterfall
- An east side saltwater lagoon for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and electric boats
- The Flighthouse (for zip-lining) on the north end
- Shopping, dining, and wildlife experiences throughout
- Excursion departure points located near the pier
How to get around: Harvest Caye features well-designed paved walking paths that connect all the main areas, including the beach, pool, shopping village, excursion center, and wildlife encounters. For those who prefer not to walk, a convenient tram shuttle service is available to transport visitors throughout the island.
Best time to visit Harvest Caye
You can't go wrong visiting Harvest Caye no matter what time of year you choose. Belize enjoys amazing tropical weather year-round, making the Caribbean perfect for vacations whenever you can get away. The island offers fantastic excursions and water activities in every season.
Summer (June, July, August) is when most people travel there, so expect to share the beautiful beaches with other visitors - which adds to the lively atmosphere! The weather stays warm and sunny throughout the year, so whenever you book your trip, Harvest Caye will welcome you with all its natural beauty and exciting activities. The Caribbean is truly gorgeous no matter which season you choose to visit.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Morning is the ideal time for booking excursions that take you off the island, as you'll beat the midday heat and have the afternoon to enjoy Harvest Caye's pool and beach facilities. This strategy works especially well for families with children who might need downtime later in the day.
Related: I went solo: My Norwegian Escape review
Top things to do in Harvest Caye
There's a great variety of things to do in Harvest Caye Belize for every type of traveler and energy level. You can relax on gorgeous beaches with a cool drink in hand, or get your heart racing on a zipline adventure above the treetops - the best things to do in Harvest Caye Belize intersperse excitement with relaxation.
As you plan what to do in Harvest Caye, keep in mind that some activities come free with your cruise package, while others are premium experiences that cost extra. Here's our full rundown of the can't-miss things to do at Harvest Caye Belize during your visit:
Relaxing on the beach & poolside
The island features a 7-acre Harvest Caye Belize beach with clear waters for swimming and sunbathing. Complimentary beach chairs, calm waters, and Harvest Caye Belize cabana rental options are available. The 15,000 square foot pool includes a swim-up bar, waterfall, free loungers, and optional private cabanas for an additional fee.
Wildlife & nature experiences (complimentary)
Visit the butterfly garden with native species and conservation displays. Spot wild iguanas, see indigenous birds in the aviary, and learn about Belizean ecosystems through educational exhibits.
Water activities
Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or electric boat rides in the saltwater lagoon (fees apply). Harvest Caye Belize snorkeling excursions take you to the barrier reef to see coral formations and marine life with professional guides. Bring your own gear to save on rental fees.
Adventure activities
The Flighthouse Zipline Harvest Caye Belize is a 136-foot tall, 3,000-foot ride with knockout aerial views. Other options include parasailing, wave runner tours, river tubing, and wildlife eco-tours. Book these activities in advance through Norwegian or on your cruise ship.
Shopping & dining
Harvest Caye Belize shopping includes a craft market with authentic souvenirs, duty-free items, and handmade crafts. Harvest Caye Belize restaurants like LandShark Bar & Grill and Laughing Bird serve American and Belizean food.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Your onboard drink package doesn't work on the island, so feel free to fill up your Yeti with a cocktail before you disembark.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line’s More at Sea: Explained
Shore excursions: What’s worth booking?
Harvest Caye Belize excursions open doors to adventures beyond the island's shores, letting you discover more of Belize's incredible natural beauty and culture. From diving into colorful underwater worlds to meeting local artisans and trekking through lush rainforests, excursions in Harvest Caye Belize give you a taste of what makes this country so special.
Here are some of the best excursions in Harvest Caye Belize:
Barrier Reef snorkeling tour takes you on a 45-minute boat ride to pristine snorkeling locations where you'll receive equipment and instruction before diving in to see diverse marine life including tropical fish, rays, and possibly turtles, making it consistently the highest-rated excursion option.
Zip-Lining across the island offers multiple package options that can be combined with other activities for a full day of excitement, all while providing spectacular aerial views of the entire property from unique vantage points.
Mayan ‘Ruins & Spice’ tour includes visits to ancient archaeological sites like Nim Li Punit where you'll learn about Mayan history and culture, followed by exploration of local spice farms to understand Belizean agriculture, with transportation and guides included throughout the experience.
Catch-and-release fishing excursions allow you to fish the rich waters of southern Belize with professional guides and all equipment provided, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Monkey River eco tour takes you cruising through mangroves to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, toucans and other wildlife, includes a guided nature walk, and features educational commentary about local ecosystems throughout the journey.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Excursions from Harvest Caye Belize sell out quickly. Book well in advance through Norwegian's website or the cruise planner to secure your spot.
Related: Norwegian Aqua: The dynamic duo of luxury and adventure
FAQ
Is Harvest Caye owned by Norwegian Cruise Line?
Yes, Harvest Caye is a 75-acre private island destination exclusively owned and operated by Norwegian.
Do I need to take a tender boat to Harvest Caye?
No. Unlike other cruise destinations, your Norwegian Cruise Line ship docks directly at Harvest Caye’s pier, so you can walk straight onto the island without needing a tender boat.
Is there a fee to use the beach and pool at Harvest Caye?
No, access to the 7-acre white sand beach and the 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar is complimentary. However, private cabanas and certain water activities may have additional costs.
Do Norwegian drink packages work on Harvest Caye?
No, Norwegian’s onboard drink packages are not valid on the island. Food and drinks must be purchased separately at Harvest Caye’s restaurants and bars.
Can I use U.S. dollars on Harvest Caye?
Yes, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island, along with major credit cards.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book excursions in advance as popular activities sell out quickly.
Is Harvest Caye worth it?
The Harvest Caye, Belize port shines as a standout cruise destination, blending quiet escapes with pulse-quickening activities against a backdrop of genuine Belizean spirit. From soaring above the canopy to lounging on sun-warmed shores, the island rewards curious travelers with unexpected delights. For those cruising about Norwegian, this vibrant slice of Belize is a richness of experience that lingers in the mind long after returning to sea.
Ready to experience the beauty of Harvest Caye for yourself? Book your Norwegian Cruise Line adventure with Cruisebound today and set sail for this slice of Belizean paradise.
