Harvest Caye, Belize

Harvest Caye is a private resort island, and its attractions are all self-contained. A central feature is the massive, 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, complete with a swim-up bar and surrounded by private cabanas available for rent.

The island's landmark is the 130-foot-tall Flighthouse, which serves as a hub for adventure activities. From here, guests can take a thrilling zip line that soars over the island and beach. The lighthouse also offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

For a calmer experience, the island includes a Nature Center that houses native Belizean wildlife like toucans, scarlet macaws, and butterflies. For those seeking access to the mainland, cruise lines offer shore excursions to explore Mayan ruins like Nim Li Punit or the jungles of southern Belize.

From Harvest Caye, passengers can take a ferry to explore destinations on the mainland. A popular nearby spot is the village of Placencia, a charming, low-key resort town on a long peninsula. It's known for its beautiful beaches, local artisan shops, and seaside restaurants, and is about a 20-minute ferry ride from the island.

For those interested in history, the Mayan archaeological site of Nim Li Punit is a common excursion. Located in the jungle of the Toledo District, this site features several plazas, pyramids, and a notable collection of stelae. Reaching it involves a ferry ride to the mainland followed by a bus journey of about one hour.

Another popular trip is a boat tour to Monkey River Town to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.

The cruise port is the island of Harvest Caye itself. Cruise ships dock directly at a long pier, so there is no need for tendering. Passengers can walk directly from the ship onto the island.

The destination is a private island resort owned by the cruise line, so there is no separate city or town on the caye. All amenities, including a massive pool, a seven-acre beach, restaurants, bars, a shopping village, and recreational facilities, are located on the island and are just a short walk from the pier. To access the Belize mainland, passengers must take a ferry, which is typically part of a pre-booked shore excursion.

On Harvest Caye, all transactions are cashless and are charged directly to your stateroom account using your ship key card. No local currency or cash is needed or accepted for any purchase on the island itself.

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which has a fixed exchange rate of approximately 2 BZD to 1 USD. If you take an excursion to the mainland, US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, so exchanging currency is typically not necessary. Credit cards are also accepted in larger mainland towns like Placencia, where ATMs can be found.

Harvest Caye is a private island with controlled access, making it an exceptionally safe environment for cruise passengers. Security is managed by the cruise line, and guests can feel secure exploring all parts of the island independently. The entire destination is self-contained and monitored.

When participating in shore excursions to the mainland, it is highly recommended to use tours booked through the cruise line. These operators are vetted for safety and reliability, and they guarantee your timely return to the ship. If you choose to visit a mainland town like Placencia independently, exercise standard travel precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, not displaying expensive valuables, and staying in well-populated tourist areas.

Harvest Caye enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm and humid conditions throughout the year. The primary cruise season, from late fall to spring, aligns with Belize's dry season, which runs from approximately December to May.

During this period, visitors can expect plenty of sunshine and average daily temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31°C). The rainy season, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, is from June to November. This period sees a higher chance of rain, often in the form of brief but heavy afternoon downpours. It's recommended to pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket just in case.

No transportation is required on Harvest Caye itself, as the entire 75-acre island is designed to be explored on foot. A paved walkway connects the cruise ship pier directly to the pool, beach, restaurants, and all other amenities.

To visit the Belizean mainland, passengers must take a ferry. Ferries to the port of Malacate are used for organized shore excursions booked through the cruise line. A separate ferry service, which can be booked as an activity, is also available for guests wishing to visit the nearby village of Placencia independently. Once on the mainland, excursion transport is typically by tour bus, as there are no ride-sharing services or extensive public transit options suitable for tourists on a tight schedule.

Shopping on Harvest Caye is centered in the Shopping Village, an open-air marketplace conveniently located near the pier. The shops offer a variety of goods, blending popular duty-free items with authentic Belizean products.

Visitors can find local crafts, such as wood carvings and textiles, alongside Belizean culinary specialties like locally made chocolate, Marie Sharp's famous hot sauces, and regional rum. The village also features high-end jewelry and watch retailers, as well as brand-name clothing and standard souvenirs. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account, and prices are fixed.