If you want a more relaxed island experience, then Caye Caulker is a great option. Its essentially an artificial private island that offers plenty of activities, shopping, and has nice beaches you can enjoy. If you have never snorkeled before, the trip would probably be great, but I would recommend taking the ferry over to Placencia and go with a more experienced crew. Has anyone done this yet, and if so, do you have any advice to make sure it goes smoothly? Gran Canaria is a popular destination for those seeking a beach paradise. You will discover out extra about these flowers and plants at the wildlife sanctuary. This fantastic reef life is just a short swim away from the overwater cabanas, but while there, make sure to take a boat trip too to the nearby coral shelf! Cap Cana is a stunning beach area located in the Dominican Republic. I learned that lesson in Aruba, too. The ancient Mayan civilization has discovered the large hat at Nim Li Punit, which is located in the Mayan Kekchi language. This location is a 3 square miles marine reserve and famous for its vibrant display of sea life and reef system. Yelapa is a gorgeous beach town located on the coast of Jalisco, Mexico. When the wind blows, you can feel the breeze as you soar 100 feet above the Manatee Lagoon. Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience the underwater world. There are several companies available offering round-trips and also island hopping. Since then , she is traveling all over the world to discover our waters. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. Almost all the way around the island, we swim all the way back to the islands southern tip. You might even spot a turtle, ray or nurse shark and even manatee as they make their home within the mangroves of the Lark Caye range. Every day of the year is a good day for fishing in Belize. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Started June 21, 2021, By You will also obtain a briefing from the park ranger concerning the park, the dos and donts, the history, and so on. Its located proper next to the reef and allows you to simply begin your snorkeling adventures proper from their seaside. This adrenaline-fun-packed activity will go away you with a very memorable expertise. By With its picturesque beaches and tranquil waters, its no wonder why so many people flock to this area for a relaxing getaway. Ill be bringing my stuff to shore anyway, so Ill try some of these spot just for fun. The Belize Barrier Reef is usually best viewed during the dry season from November to May, when the weather is cooler and the Reef is shallower. Sanctuary Cap Cana is a luxurious resort located in the Dominican Republic. The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the worlds largest coral reef systems and is located in Belize. I'll be back there in 2 weeks on the Breakaway and am not sure if I'll just have a beach day or book the excursion again. Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years experience. This practice helps to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations. This stretch of area is home to several types of reef fish like snappers, angelfish, damselfish, and you can experience swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays too. I've been to Harvest Caya few times and was very much underwhelmed by the place. You may even spot sharks and turtles while snorkeling alongside the reefs edge. We did a personal island on Carnival final June. What did you end up doing for a snorkeling excursion? The area features a great variety of marine life found here including hermit crabs, reef sharks, large groupers, and also different turtle species like loggerhead, green and hawksbill. A band was put in place stopping guests from taking bottled water with them onboard the cruise ship. The crew knew exactly where to take us to snorkel with sharks and we had been able to see several small and enormous sharks. If you sign up for a Laughing Bird Caye trip, usually you will go to extra good snorkel spots too corresponding to Lark Cayes where you can snorkel over huge coral heads. Take a snorkel tour of Belizes Barrier Reef and the azure waters surrounding it. Longboat Key is a barrier island located in Manatee County, Florida. You will enter the water right from the shore as it is truly a part of the coral reef. The experience out the the reef was easy because of junior. It is a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of Belize and witness firsthand the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Harvest Caye is an island measuring approximately seven acres (2.8 hectares) located just a few miles offshore of southern Belize. If you decide to take a boat trip, you can go to the nearby Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos. is yes! How did this workout? To learn more about the companys private island in Belize, click here. The park is technically a 20 yards wide, 25 ft deep channel in the barrier reef that was dedicated a national park in 1987 in order to keep the area safe from over-fishing and allow the reef and marine life to recover. Powered by Invision Community. According to the author, Harvest Caye is not like other private islands in that there is no complimentary beach barbecue, nor is there any alcoholic beverage package included. Ive contacted Splash Dive Belize, who offer a private two-stop snorkling tours ($95pp). Very interested in more information? We hope you will enjoy our site and find valuable information here! Because of its popularity, it is always busy, so try to book a morning trip to avoid crowds. Additionally, you should pay attention to any safety instructions given before entering the water. In Caye Caulker, there are no roads or vehicles, and the environment is laid-back and bare-foot. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 1. I attached a compilation of a few pics I took there. The have a world class reef not far from here. Norwegian Cruise Line passengers have access to a cruise ship pier in Harvest Caye, making it the only Caribbean port with one. Simple reason, there's not an abundance of sea life there. They can be seen in the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, near Placencia every year between March and June as they migrate through the area. Cruisers' Choice Awards! Ride a wave runner down Placencia Lagoon, leaving a rooster tail in your wake while you look out from your rear-view mirror. But what about snorkeling in Gran Canaria? Have you been there? We had a great lunch at the Silk Cayes that they offered. Yes I too am looking for a spot in placeina. Sounds like I will have to ferry over and set up a private trip ahead of time. There are plenty of tours available ready to show you the best spots to snorkel. How To Choose The Right O-Ring Size For Your Scuba Tank: A Guide To Safety And Security, Dangers Of Overfilling A Steel Scuba Tank: Understanding The Risks, The Risks Of Scuba Diving Without A Dive Suit, Securing Your Scuba Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide To Looping A Scuba Tank Strap, Exploring The Depths: Understanding The Basics Of Scuba Diving And The Pressure In A Scuba Tank. We recommend purchasing a ticket onboard the ship. This can be divided into two sections: 250-300 pounds and 300-400 pounds. It also offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including snorkeling. A detailed report from the author states that all restaurants, bars, and shops on Harvest Caye are run by Belizean personnel, and that NCL owns the island. Here youll snorkel around corals teeming with tropical fishes of different sizes and colors. The entire snorkel is over your head, so the weather should be calm. Belize snorkeling isnt easy to find from the shore, but our Belize snorkeling resort on the beach allows you to snorkel right from the beach. One of the worlds most fascinating places is the Blue Hole in Belize that is the largest ocean sinkhole in the entire world and can even be seen from space. The surrounding reef system is teeming with colorful marine life and unique corals. I'll be checking into it again . Therefore, we regularly share ocean facts including conservation topics and interesting things about sea creatures. With its stunning views and abundant marine life, it provides an immersive experience that will stay with you long after your holiday ends. So if youre looking for a unique way to explore Belizes Caribbean coastline look no further than Harvest Caye! Thank you, If anyone is taking the Jade cruise out of Miami on the last Sunday of Feb and wants to figure out snorkeling or diving please contact me6512491616, You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By When and where do we reserve and what are the rental costs? Is there anywhere to snorkel at Harvest Caye without booking an excursion? On Western Caribbean cruises, its common for there to be a lot of SCUBA divers onboard hoping to dive in Caymans, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, and so forth. Youll find some of the favorites when you snorkel in this area: sea turtles, stingrays, groupers, reef sharks are regular visitors on the reef. 100 times surpasses Harvest. 2 - It's Really Close to the Mainland Finnrox, January 12, 2018 in Norwegian Cruise Line. ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. Start Times: 11:00 AM Duration: 4 hours $257 Per Person Add to Itinerary Youll be able to see sponges, fans, and other reef structures. Harvest Caye is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere and a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The crew did every little thing to make the boat ride clean and safe. I tried several areas, including up near the rocks by the dock. The conservation area here measures 45 acres. With miles of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Outer Banks provides an ideal setting for a relaxing yet adventurous trip. You will fly in a Superman position at 40 miles per hour. But can you also enjoy snorkeling on the North Shore? Please follow the instructions to reset your password. The only resort in this area is a small one with 30 rooms. Harvest Caye Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Excursion - Harvest Caye Excursions Free Back to Ship Guarantee & Free Last Minute Cancellations! Some people may find this strange, but we believe that it is a great way for guests to ensure that the island remains unspoiled and that food and beverages are served to them. Beginners and intermediate snorkelers alike will enjoy the shallow water entry. Copyright All rights reserved | Theme by, Shop And Carry Somewhat Piece Of Belize With You, This Tour Is On The Market To Everybody And Specially Designed To Accommodate Passengers Of The Following Cruise Lines, Harvest Caye Belize Experiences (click To Scroll To), The Best Ways To Scale Back Plastic Usage At Home And When You Journey, What To Expect When Dating A Belizean Man. Harvest Caye, a private island located just a few miles offshore from Placencia, is owned and operated by a group of investors. The staff at the dive shop can provide valuable information about safety precautions as well as advice about where to find some of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Simply the Best Deal Guarantee, Or we refund 115% of Difference! Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. Harvest Hosts allows members to take a rest from the road and enjoy unlimited overnight stays at unique locations such as breweries, farms, golf courses, wineries, and much more! The best snorkeling is found off the north shore of the island, where there is a reef just offshore. Doesnt follow daylight savings time, so in the summertime, its in the same time as Denver. Harvest Caye is an entry suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels who want to get in the water in a reasonable amount of time. Snorkeling is one of these activities, allowing you to explore the vibrant coral reefs and observe varied species of fish and other aquatic creatures. - Read 668 reviews, view 743 traveller photos, and find great deals for Harvest Caye Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal at Tripadvisor. A snorkel excursion is the perfect way to explore the reef and see the amazing marine life that it is home to. Some sea life you may encounter in the Blue Hole are Caribbean Reef Sharks, spotted drums, parrotfish, and several others. Everything from barracudas to crabs, lobsters, parrotfish can be found lurking within the reef. Any exceptions are noted in the tour descriptions. The weather conditions are generally good year-round making snorkeling possible in all seasons. The best i can figure is that you need to take the NCL ferry ($20 RT) to Placencia. Silk Cayes are 3 small islands also known as the "Queen Cayes", perfect for snorkeling or Laughing Bird Caye National Park.Harvest Caye is a 75 acres eco-friendly cruise port in southern Belize, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. There wss enough time to get back to the cruise? Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! Hol Chan Marine Reserve is definitely one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Belize so it is easy to access it via boat from Ambergris Caye. The Flighthouse tower, located in the heart of the city, is all about adrenaline. The excursion is about an hour boat ride to the site, an hour in the water and an hour back. As a result, the lives of humans have been cut short. From milling our own wheat daily in our bakery to creating beautiful Provo gift baskets , our passion for phenomenal baked goods is the reason for everything we do.Come by our Provo bakery soon for a free slice of fresh bread! But one of the most popular activities on the island is snorkeling. The ports entrance is lined with mist jets that spray you with water preserving you cool and moisturized within the Caribbean heat. We snorkel in many areas along the coast, and we swim to a popular spot in a nearby river or in our kayaks whenever possible. However, the water is shallow so it is not very clear like Costa Maya or Cozumel, especially if the wind is kicking up waves. SNORKEL LAUGHING BIRD CAYE Check out some of the best snorkeling spots in Southern Belize! Placencia is both the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef, a mecca for snorkeling and scuba diving, and to popular destinations on the mainland like animal refuges, ancient Maya cities, and national parks. You can demand that they sell it to you because the ferry is sanctioned by NCL, and they control ticket sales. I'd say in 10+ years, maybe Just about the time they're selling the island ;). They even have over-the-water rooms out there. They do not realize that some people are not exposed to the water, and when they are in it, things can get rough. It is unlikely you will be a victim of gang-related problems or braking and entry faced be the Belizean Citizen. Its known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Snorkelers who have visited this area in the past have reported seeing incredible snapper schools, barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and lobsters. Parasail lots of of ft above Belize waters on a parasailing adventure. Visitors to Harvest Caye can explore these breathtaking sites from the comfort of their own beach chairs or from guided boat tours. Beer, soda, water. Enjoy the enticing aroma and warm surroundings of your local bakery! Harvest Caye is a private island located five miles off the coast of Placencia in southern Belize. Which has never happened before in 40 plus years of snorkeling. The island has a variety of nightlife options, with beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to party. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! It seems you are not allowed to do that right now. NCL Water bottle packages are $16.95 for 6 liters, $29.95 for 12 liters and $24.95 for 24 liters. Regarding the sea temperatures, there isnt much to worry about since the Caribbean Sea is warm enough year-round. Harvest Caye is an island located just five miles off the coast from the gorgeous Placencia Peninsula, home to the most beautiful beaches in the . The snorkeling there is horrible. For those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available. After snorkeling we head over to Ivans quaint little rustic Caye for lunch of roast chicken, ceviche and caramelized onion potato salad. I will update the post if I see or hear of any snorkeling excursions while I am there. Flexibility to modify or cancel excursions without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival into port. We had fun in Belize. The snorkeling here is very limited and not much to see. It also has a top-tier infrastructure, making traveling to it easy. Please refresh the page and try again. Practically nothing to be seen. The country is home to hundreds of cays and features several marine parks with fantastic healthy coral reefs and abundant sea life. Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world's largest living barrier reef. Im going to bring my snorkeling gear and try from shore. I am heading there at the end of February and was wondering the same about snorkeling. But excursions go to a reef. The purpose of snorkeling harvest caye is to collect corals and other marine life for use in aquariums and research. Dare to be more adventurous then help in fighting the Lionfish infestation by booking our Lionfish hunting excursion. It's a man made island (yes, they dug and loaded in sand and dirt and added to a small piece of land). Local Garifuna performers create a lively atmosphere during a cruise down Harvest Cayes turquoise waters. In fact, many locals and tourists alike flock to Mahogany Bay specifically to experience its vibrant underwater world. It is located on the Caribbean side of the island, and its crystal clear waters are an ideal spot for snorkeling. The Norwegian Jewel sets sail on a Sunday (November 24, 2024) and returns on a Sunday (December 1 . Cruise passengers can relish in some of the top activities from Harvest Caye, Belize but you might want to disembark to mainland Placencia to engage in other activities at your own pace. Most reefs are located about 20-60 miles offshore, therefore are reachable by boat only, so plan your vacation accordingly and accept that you have to sign up for boat tours if you wish to access the best Belize snorkel spots. Those who enjoy capturing the beauty of the oceans can read our waterproof camera recommendations as well as snorkeling photography tips. Harvest Caye is a beautiful 75-acre private island located off the coast of Placencia, Belize. But youve almost tempted me. They had been very helpful with our snorkeling and pointed out many fish and coral. We noticed so many alternative fish within the reef and learned a lot concerning the reef, coral and varied species of marine life. The ceremonial site was built on a hill overlooking Toledos fertile lowlands and is the only one of its kind in Latin America. As such, there just has not been enough time for a legitimate ecosystem to develop. over a year ago. Its funny but in the past the snorkeling from shore is often better than an excursions because you are closer to the reef. Seems like you have to do a ferry ride or excursions to a snorkeling area. :rolleyes: This time we did the ferry ride to Placencia; did not try to snorkel and it might be difficult to do because of timing. Private excursions are not permitted, and unless on a cruise ship, it is not possible to leave the island. It also offers rentals for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visiting mega-cities is not her style but getting lost in tiny coastal villages, capturing the beauty of the sea while snorkeling. A giant marine sinkhole known as the Great Blue Hole can be found in the waters off the coast of Belize. Its architecture, alone, heralds the Old Caribbean style. Harvest Caye, Belize Barrier Reef Snorkel Excursion | Norwegian Cruise Line Enable Accessibility This website uses cookies. Id definitely try to snorkel there. But what about snorkeling? The island is known for its tranquil beaches, lush rainforest, and delicious seafood. Find the one for your ship name and date of departure. San Pedro Island is only a 15-minute drive from Belize Citys municipal airport. Some of probably the most beautiful beachfront villas within the Caribbean are found on Harvest Caye. CC Help Jenn Youll feel the excitement as you soar 100 feet above the Manatee Lagoon as the wind blows. The island is located near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Belize City and the mainland. During the winter, its in the identical time zone as Chicago. There are also special guidelines you should follow for your own and for the creatures safety, please take these very seriously and you will certainly have an unforgettable, lifetime experience! We take the public bus to the beach and snorkeling from shore is excellent. We attempt to e-book with smaller local companies for our outing internationally and this place though a smaller native company was completely perfect. Example Arrachi beach Aruba. We recommend Iguana Reef Inn Hotel that is situated right on the waters edge and is nestled within an authentic Caribbean town. The caye features wildlife exhibitions, including a blue morpho butterfly house. Then several days later we were driving around and said oh, isnt that where we snorkeled? Best snorkeling we had in Aruba was Mangel Halto. We're looking at two itineraries and the only difference in ports is Belize City vs. I was hoping there would be an easy snorkeling excursion to do while in Harvest Caye. Harvest Caye is an exclusive 75-acre island located just off the coast of southern Belize. View all View all photos (743) Traveler (743) Pool & Beach (365) Great Harvest is your whole grain breads bakery in Provo, Utah. You must travel ten miles out to the Southern Barrier Reef in order to reach the first dive site, which takes 30-40 minutes. The meals was great and Jamie would have taken us to do about anything we might have requested. By The waters around Harvest Caye are also home to some remarkable shipwrecks, which can be explored by snorkelers and divers alike. Ambergris Caye is one of Belizes most popular tourist destinations, with a diverse range of hotels, restaurants, and dive shops. Guests must walk along a covered path for about 10 minutes to reach the island. Harvest Caye is a recently built island where ships dock. You can ride a wave runner across the calm waters of Placencia Lagoon. With its white sand beaches, lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters, it is no wonder Harvest Caye has become a popular tourist destination. It is a popular destination for beachgoers, as its beautiful white-sand beaches provide the perfect setting for relaxation and recreation. The Belize Barrier Reef and Caye Caulker are two of the most popular snorkel spots on the planet. snorkel with stingrays, fish, and eels in addition to a variety of sea creatures. Started August 27, 2021, By Were going there soon and I believe I read somewhere else that you can snorkel right from shore in same area as excursions are. If you want to explore the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, then you should consider snorkeling in Tobacco Caye. There are many extraordinary places for snorkeling in Belize, and Silk Cayes is one of them where youll find tons of sea life and healthy reefs. There are also a few other snorkeling spots around Harvest Caye, including near the mangroves on the south side of the island. While snorkeling in Belize, you should keep an eye out for yourself. There are videos on youtube that show the water at Harvest Cay. Our favorite snorkel spot is a 2-mile paddle away from the Aquarium, which we consider to be one of our favorite spots. In conclusion, there is definitely snorkeling available on Harvest Caye! The island is also home to many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals that can be spotted during your stay. There are many different companies that offer shore excursions and each one is different. For tips on where to go or what to do check out our other website SeaSpiration.com! But Im very picky and want superior options. The island features stunning natural beauty including lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The availability of species varies greatly depending on the depth and clarity of the water, the proximity to reefs and rivers, and the amount of time of year. Gran Canaria is a popular destination for those seeking a beach paradise. You can check PADIs web site for dive operators at numerous locations. Your fins will float more freely if you wear a floatation band around your waist, preventing them from dipping vertically and causing sediment to accumulate on the sea floor. Harvest Caye is an exclusive port of call for Norwegian Cruise Line, located in southern Belize. The "ferry" is not listed as an shore excursion on the NCL website. We noticed all types of fish, nurse sharks, rays and. Snorkeling at the Barrier Reef was beautiful, the weather, the water, the coral, and the fish! She fell in love with the ocean when she put her head underwater in the Red Sea in 2008. But theres far more to discover. On Harvest Caye in Belize, a Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens are located. Thanks for all the responses so far. It is located off the coast of Belize, and it is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the region. In conclusion, there is definitely snorkeling available at Harvest Caye. That reef nooks AMAZING! Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. If you want to experience the wonderful marine life in an area that is thought of as second best to Australia's Barrier Reef, then you can do so by taking a 15-minute boat ride to a location where you can take off on our ever-growing list of activities, such as a. She is hoping to inspire people to protect our oceans by sharing her underwater stories. Dominica is one of the top Caribbean destinations for people looking to experience an unforgettable vacation. Not really helpful for guests with bodily limitations. As somebody that has been all over the world and on plenty of expidetions I can verify that theese guys are prime notch and want then the best of luck on future endeavors. Actually, Ambergris Caye offers some of the best Belize offshore snorkeling so if you dont want to take boats to the outer reef, this is a great place. Harvest Caye - Belize Cruise Excursions - Goff's Caye Beach and Snorkeling Tour Central America Belize Belize District Belize City Belize City - Things to Do Belize Cruise Excursions - Goff's Caye Beach and Snorkeling Tour Belize Cruise Excursions - Goff's Caye Beach and Snorkeling Tour 297 Reviews #18 of 51 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Belize City A snorkeling experience at Harvest Caye is an unforgettable adventure.