I visited this island for the first time on a Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy and spent my whole day there! It it possible to go to mainland Belize if you so choose via ferry. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity during this visit, but plan to go back!

Here is my list of recommendations when visiting Harvest Caye!

Things To Do in Harvest Caye

1. Take an Excursion

I booked an excursion through NCL for this port! Specially, the Barrier Reef Snorkel, and it was an awesome time! The group that took us out was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. We were fitted with gear but you were also able to bring your own. We were split into groups with a guide and snorkeled for around an hour around the island. The reef was incredible, I swam alongside schools of fish, and only accidentally tasted salt water a few times! My mask lost suction towards the end but I still had an amazing experience. Despite applying sunscreen, I did get a light burn on my back from the consistent exposure. Next time, I'll have to bring an underwater camera!

2. Have Local Food

There are a few different places to eat on the island! Honestly, I didn't look around too much before picking one & decided to eat at Mahogany Grill right by the marina. I ordered the Belizean Salbutes which were fried masa tortillas with shredded chicken, cabbage, queso fresco, and a side of plantain chips. It mostly reminded me of Mexican food but I overall enjoyed it. Keep in mind that you will be charged automatic tax and gratuities which can add quite a bit to your bill. For reference we ordered two drinks and two meals for about $55 and after tax and gratuities it was $70.

3. Skip the Alcohol

Your drink package does not carry over to this island so you will have to pay for those out of pocket. I had a drink with my lunch and honestly don't think it was worth the extra cost. A frozen drink cost me around $13 and that doesn't even take taxes and automatic gratuities into account. These add up very quickly! Especially if you have the Free at Sea package, save it for the ship.

4. Try Local Chocolate

There's a local chocolate vendor with free samples! I'm a huge chocolate fan. Dark or nothing and I will die on that hill. They do offer milk chocolate varieties as well if that's more your taste but the dark is far superior. We did their 3 for $20 deal for a plain dark, dark coffee, and a dark coconut bar. They also sell cocoa butter bath products and have information on how the chocolate is made. It's a very fun little spot!

5. Grab Some Local Hot Sauce

During our lunch they had Marie Sharp's Habanero Pepper Sauce, made in Belize, and it was so good I asked if it was sold anywhere in the area. There is a stand near the duty free store that has many varieties and I bought a bottle to take home! Little things like this are my favorite souvenirs.

6. Try Local Ice Cream

There is a small ice cream shop on the island with many flavors I'm sure anyone would recognize. However, they two that caught my eye: Craboo & Soursop. The craboo reminded me of a vanilla with fruity undertones and the soursop was not sour at all! 

7. Visit the Wildlife Experience

This is a free attraction on the island complete with a blue butterfly enclosure, iguanas, birds, and snakes. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk through but is a fun way to see some wildlife and great for photos!

8. Enjoy the Pool or Beach

The in-ground pool is large and very beautiful with a bridge and waterfall. It's right by an indoor restaurant and the beach making it easily accessible. The pool only gets to about 4.5' deep max but is a great place to relax. There are also changing rooms by the restaurant, just follow the signs if you need to switch into your suit!

9. Take a Picture with the Belize Sign

Even though this is a private island there is a country sign you can take a picture with! Just something fun for Instagram...or a YouTube thumbnail *cough cough*

10. Zipline

Unfortunately, this isn't something I got a chance to do, but it is an option! There's a lighthouse on the beach you can zipline over the ocean on. It looks really fun!

Check Out the Vlog!