Harvest Caye, Belize: What to pack along

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s resort-style destination off the coast of southern Belize, and this is one port where knowing a few things before you walk off the ship will save you some surprises.

First, no tendering! The ship docks at a long, covered pier, so you walk straight off and onto the island. The pier is about 0.3 miles long, but there’s a complimentary open-air tram if you don’t want to make the walk.

Once ashore, you have access to a huge resort pool, beach, loungers, umbrellas, kids splash area, restroom facilities, Wildlife Experience and Butterfly area without paying an additional admission fee. The island is nicely set up for an easy day where you don’t need an excursion at all.

The Big Thing to Know: Bring Your Wallet. Harvest Caye does NOT operate like an all-inclusive NCL private island. Bring cash or a credit card with you.

Your NCL drink package does not work on the island, and you don’t charge food and drinks to your ship card. The island’s bars and restaurants are operated by local Belizean businesses, so cocktails, beer, bottled drinks, snacks, and meals are paid for separately with U.S. dollars or a major credit card.

Food isn’t included either. If you want lunch at one of the island restaurants or beach grills, plan on paying out of pocket. There is an easy workaround if you’d rather save the money. Since the ship is docked at the pier, you can head back onboard for lunch and return to the island afterward.

A Few Things to Grab Before Leaving the Ship:
* Grab a beach towel before heading down the pier. There aren’t complimentary towel stations waiting for you on Harvest Caye.
* Your ship Wi-Fi package also stays onboard. If you need internet while ashore, you’ll need cellular service or an international data plan. Otherwise, this is an easy place to disconnect for a few hours.
* Don’t forget your wallet. Even if you’re planning a mostly free beach or pool day, you’ll need cash or a credit card if you decide you want a cold drink, lunch, or a little shopping.

So, are you doing the Pool or Beach? You could easily spend your whole port day around the huge resort pool. There are complimentary loungers and umbrellas, a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and a nearby splash area. Justin will always choose the beach over the pool so we headed for the beach straight away. Complimentary loungers and umbrellas were plentiful which was a pleasant surprise. If you want to get farther away from the activity and music around the pool, the southern end of the beach tends to be quieter.

There is one lesson I learned the itchy way. PACK BUG REPELLENT.

We settled into the area near the end of the zipline over the water, and I got absolutely eaten alive by what I believe were sand fleas or no-see-ums. And I mean eaten alive.

I’d seek out a quieter stretch of beach again, but I’d personally avoid setting up near that same area without bug repellent. Sunshine and an ocean breeze are much less enjoyable when something tiny is treating you like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

One of the cooler free features on Harvest Caye is the Wildlife Experience.

The shaded nature area gives you a chance to see some of Belize’s wildlife without booking an excursion. There are colorful scarlet macaws, toucans, butterflies, and other native animals.

It’s an easy break from the beach and pool, and since admission is included, there’s little reason to skip it. Even if your plan is primarily to find a lounger and stay there, I’d carve out some time to wander through.

If lounging isn’t your thing, Harvest Caye has several paid activities. The Flighthouse zipline course crosses parts of the island and lagoon, including the zipline over the water. Kayaks and paddleboards are available around the saltwater lagoon, and cabanas and private beach villas offer another option if you want your own dedicated space. There’s also a small shopping village with local crafts, artwork, chocolate, souvenirs, and other goodies.

TL;DR:
Harvest Caye is an easy port to explore independently. You don’t need to arrange transportation or book an excursion to fill the day. Walk off the ship, find a lounger, swim, visit the wildlife area, browse the shops, and enjoy the clean facilities before wandering back to the ship whenever you’re ready. The biggest thing is understanding what comes with your day and what stays onboard.
* Beach, pool, loungers and umbrellas are included.
* The Wildlife Experience and pier tram are included.
* Food and drinks cost extra, and your NCL drink package doesn’t work ashore. Bring cash or a credit card.
* Your ship Wi-Fi stays onboard.
* Your beach towel needs to come with you from the ship.
* And if you’re heading to the beach, especially toward the quieter end? Bring the bug repellent. Trust me on that one.Read more