harvest caye snorkeling

Doesnt follow daylight savings time, so in the summertime, its in the same time as Denver. I did get stung by a jellyfish though! Harvest Caye has been excluded from Norwegian beverage packages. We will be on the ship the last week of Februarymaybe there's a place to post request on the ship? 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. Its also possible to dive in the Blue Hole, but you need to be experienced. If you decide to take a boat trip, you can go to the nearby Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos. It's an underwater cliff the place the Caribbean Sea's open water area begins and the reef right here drops 2500 toes. Harvest Caye is a beautiful 75-acre private island located off the coast of Placencia, Belize. Almost all the way around the island, we swim all the way back to the islands southern tip. The current beach areas were formed with dredgers and bulldozers so there is little to see under water there. This guide will tell you what ingredients to look for and what to avoid! NCL Dock at Harvest Caye near Placencia, where cruise passenger makes their way on to the island by walking. Is your sunscreen safe for the ocean? Harvest Caye also has its own dive shop where visitors can rent gear or take a few lessons before heading out into the water. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, making Harvest Caye the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cruise vacation. Started June 21, 2021, By Beer, soda, water. Any exceptions are noted in the tour descriptions. With the commons crimes against tourism being theft. The reason why so many sharks come to this place is simple, yet interesting: local fishermen used to clean their daily catch here throwing the morsels in the water, so technically they were feeding the sharks and thats why they always return to the area. Tour operators from Placencia are not allowed access to the island so you will have to take the ferry over. On the other side in the bay where the excursions start from (top right in photo) it's possible there could be some OK snorkelling but consider there is heavy boat and ferry traffic there so I'm not sure I'd want to swim there (if it's even allowed). If you ride the wave runner, the rooster tail will wake you up in Placencia Lagoon. Snorkeling from the shore might not be that enjoyable because the water is shallow and often murky because of the sandy bottom, but you join a snorkel trip leaving from the marine that takes you to the reef hat is teeming with life including hard and soft corals an various sea creatures like rays, sea stars and critters. We noticed all types of fish, nurse sharks, rays and. You should make sure you have the right equipment (mask, fins and snorkel) as well as a guide who can show you around the reefs and teach you about the local wildlife. There is wet season from August to October which means rainfall will impact a few hours of the day, but otherwise these months are a little warmer with average temperatures around 80- 84F (27-29C), so this isnt a bad time to come either. As such, there just has not been enough time for a legitimate ecosystem to develop. Home Blog Complete Guide To Go Snorkeling In Belize. Sanctuary Cap Cana is a luxurious resort located in the Dominican Republic. Since then , she is traveling all over the world to discover our waters. By The reef, named after a ship-wrecked sailor (yes, he actually died on it), is only a few miles away. Its funny but in the past the snorkeling from shore is often better than an excursions because you are closer to the reef. Copyright 2023 Blue Turtle Snorkeling | Designed & Marketed by: What drinks are free on Norwegian Cruise Lines? While snorkeling here you will have a chance to see everything from sea urchins through starfish, sea cucumber, damselfish, angelfish to nurse sharks and stingrays. 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 . In comparison to other Central American countries, Belize is considered to be safe for visitors. For the convenience of the guest, NCL provides shore excursions solely through the provision of shore excursion arrangements. I've been to Harvest Caya few times and was very much underwhelmed by the place. Because of government protected areas, Belize has one of the hemispheres healthiest reef systems. You can check PADIs web site for dive operators at numerous locations. Harvest Caye is an exclusive 75-acre island located just off the coast of southern Belize. It is not, though,the authentic experience that Belize City has been delivering for the last 15 years. DETAILS. Snorkeling in Cap Cana Start off the morning trolling around the inner reefs in the Placencia area for snappers, mackerels, king mackerels, barracudas. They typically have to provide a. It is home to the nesting Red Footed Booby Bird, and there are tons of snorkeling fun just waiting to be had. ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. Most probably the most exciting Belize snorkeling experience is swimming with the worlds largest fish, the whale shark! The best snorkeling is found off the north shore of the island, where there is a reef just offshore. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By I tried it on my own at Harvest Cay--very, very poor. The sergeant fish could come shut out of curiosity and youll discover parrot fish, trump fish, tuna, groupers and possibly an eagle ray, or two in the distance. This is definitely a unique experience for snorkeling in Belize and although these sharks are harmless, it might take a few minutes until you get use to the feeling that they swim close and their skin is touching yours. It cleared up a bit so we went ahead with the journey. Additionally, you should pay attention to any safety instructions given before entering the water. Physical activity may be required, and the exercise may be hazardous or dangerous. If you sign up for a Laughing Bird Caye trip, usually you will visit additional good snorkel spots too such as Lark Cayes where you can snorkel over huge coral heads. For those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available. Looking for the best beach vacation destinations? There are many options for guides. The small yet enthusiastic team consists of snorkeling experts who are licensed scuba divers as well as freedivers and have more than 10 years of experience in traveling to the worlds best snorkeling and diving destinations. For those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available. Everything from barracudas to crabs, lobsters, parrotfish can be found lurking within the reef. Have you been there? Because Harvest Caye has a dock, visitors can disembark from visiting ships right away, eliminating the need for tender process. There is no fee for using a credit or debit card to pay for food and drink on the island. 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. Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the worlds largest living barrier reef. There are similar hotels available. But can you also enjoy snorkeling on the North Shore? 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. You may even spot sharks and turtles while snorkeling along the reefs edge. Youll find some of the favorites when you snorkel in this area: sea turtles, stingrays, groupers, reef sharks are regular visitors on the reef. If you want a more relaxed island experience, then Caye Caulker is a great option. 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. 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. Because it straddles the coast of Belize, this worlds second-largest barrier reef offers unrivaled snorkeling opportunities with coral and tropical fish to explore. Enjoy a river cruise, navigating through mangrove tunnels spotting wildlife such as crocodile, manatees, iguanas, birds, howler monkeys, and on the way back sight seeing for the West Indian Manatee. I get a lot of excellent snorkeling in. Snorkeling is accomplished by floating horizontally and slowly along the surface. From my research we sail in the next couple of weeks the ferry runs 9:00-3:30, is $20-25, and you are assigned times to come and go, usually a four-hour block (such as 9:30-1:30); Ive read that you can take a last ferry (3:ish) at your own risk (there is limited seating). By 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. CC Help Jenn Any recommendations? Dominica is one of the top Caribbean destinations for people looking to experience an unforgettable vacation. It is unlikely you will be a victim of gang-related problems or braking and entry faced be the Belizean Citizen. 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. This scuba diving destination is a pristine paradise, with clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. But one of the most popular activities on the island is snorkeling. 100 times surpasses Harvest. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! It does not take responsibility for, nor guarantees, the performance of, any excursion provider, regardless of who they are. Guests must walk along a covered path for about 10 minutes to reach the island. Our Belize snorkel map contains 17 popular snorkel spots that we explore on a regular basis. With miles of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Outer Banks provides an ideal setting for a relaxing yet adventurous trip. Boat ride to Laughing Bird Caye (approximately 45 minutes) Snorkel gear and instruction. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. You can demand that they sell it to you because the ferry is sanctioned by NCL, and they control ticket sales. It was created 15.000 years ago when the existing limestone cave collapsed as sea levels rose. There are no NCL excursions on the island. Placencia Village on the mainland is accessible by ferry from Harvest Caye. If you're a cruise passenger who will be docking at Harvest Caye in Belize, you can sign up for yet another boring group tour or simply remain on the ship.But if you want to really see what Belize is all about, book an excursion with Untame Belize.. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans, and delicate sea anemones. Its a private island with adorable cabanas. Very interested in more information? From beach breaks, snorkeling, Mayan ruins, exploring nearby beaches, ATV rides on the beach, and reef fishing, Costa Maya has it all. This location is a 3 square miles marine reserve and famous for its vibrant display of sea life and reef system. While Toolou took us out and had a beautiful and informative snorkel journey on the reef, junior had lunch waiting for us after we returned. There are many activities on the island, passengers still disembark on a ferry to the village. The island is only 5 acres long and only 30 inhabitants occupy it. What are your expectations and history areas. Nurse and lemon sharks, as well as stingrays also make their home in this area. Don't forget that "Harvest Cay" is a heavily modified engineered island and many areas are not in their natural state. snorkel with stingrays, fish, and eels in addition to a variety of sea creatures. It is located on the Caribbean side of the island, and its crystal clear waters are an ideal spot for snorkeling. No snorkeling worth trying on Harvest Caye. Every day of the year is a good day for fishing in Belize. Time to relax at the beach. Exploring Glovers Reef Atoll is an honor in itself. Its known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. I'm going upcoming February and want to snorkel or dive. Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world's largest living barrier reef. TripAdvisor and cruise critic has been great for info. Luckily, we know some superior local guides whove spent years snorkeling the entire best spots near Harvest Caye. While you may not be able to snorkel to the bottom, you can see where the cliff suddenly drops off into the deep ocean. Many say the water at harvest is murky from shore. It's a bit crowded, but they split people in smaller groups and there is a LOT to see under water and most of the swim is never deeper than 6-15ft). The water is a bit murky. 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. From the shore, there is always a constant flow of light. The majority of the tour operators are fluent in English, which is one of the advantages you will have here. Not really helpful for guests with bodily limitations. Ambergris Caye is an excellent place to snorkel from the beach, and staying at the Tranquility Bay Resort is the best option. They are two Cruise ship port terminals in Belize. The Flighthouse tower, located in the heart of the city, is all about adrenaline. I tried several areas, including up near the rocks by the dock area, because fish often congregate in places like that. Sounds like I will have to ferry over and set up a private trip ahead of time. On the other hand, I will confirm that the "Barrier Reef Snorkel" excursion is quite nice. Snorkeling in the Coco Plum Caye area means you should first book a room at the Coco Plum Island Resort. It is a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of Belize and witness firsthand the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. We take the public bus to the beach and snorkeling from shore is excellent. I will try to remember to report back if I find anything. The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It's possible that you have been signed out due to inactivity. 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. Find her photos on @anett.szaszi Instagram too! There are several tour operators on the island who offer snorkeling trips to different parts of the reef, as well as Sunset Snorkel Cruises that allow visitors to experience a stunning sunset from the water. We ended up doing a snorkel trip from Harvest Caye that bluntly put was not worth the money, especially considering that we are experienced snorkelers. There are also a few other snorkeling spots around Harvest Caye, including near the mangroves on the south side of the island. This type of snorkeling is done in shallow water, usually around coral reefs. A giant marine sinkhole known as the Great Blue Hole can be found in the waters off the coast of Belize. San Pedro Island is only a 15-minute drive from Belize Citys municipal airport. Punnymaker, January 3, 2020 in Norwegian Cruise Line. Youre situated right on the water and able to enjoy its fresh food and relaxing environment the whole time. This ferry is easy to access, but, sometimes, ferry tickets are sold out. You will enter the water right from the shore as it is truly a part of the coral reef. They were additionally willing to regulate our plans on the fly. Placencia Tour Operators are not allowed to access the docking facilities at Harvest Caye. How would I find that area once on the island? Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, as well as free access to the . The area around the hole is packed full of reefs to explore. Dare to be more adventurous then help in fighting the Lionfish infestation by booking our Lionfish hunting excursion. Log In to save and share your favourites. Overall, we believe that this is a good system that works well for Harvest Caye. Half Moon Caye on the Lighthouse Reef, not so far from the famous Blue Hole has a fantastic ecosystem to explore. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Because winds are calm and the water is clear, visibility improves this time of year. Between April and June, Belize is the best time to travel for snorkeling and scuba diving. Since its adult-only, it is a perfect honeymoon destination. However, the water is shallow so it is not very clear like Costa Maya or Cozumel, especially if the wind is kicking up waves. Divers from around the world are likely to visit South Water Caye, which is one of Belizes most accessible diving locations. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. Return boat ride (approximately 45 minutes) Light snacks and bottled water. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Thanks. Belize is a fantastic place to snorkel all year. The waters are heat and calm and you will soon understand simply how relaxed you would possibly be. Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years experience. Vote. Simply the Best Deal Guarantee, Or we refund 115% of Difference! She is interested in sustainable traveling and marine conservation. Many say the water at harvest is murky from shore. 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! Guests must be able to climb on a three-step vertical dive ladder to gain access to the boat. Snorkel sites in Belize from the beach are the best snorkeling spots in Belize. Sometimes you can find specials that method or hyperlinks to evaluations from past clients. Second-Largest Barrier reef offers unrivaled snorkeling opportunities with coral and tropical fish a regular basis map contains popular. Forget that `` Harvest Cay '' is a luxurious Resort located in the past the snorkeling from shore method hyperlinks... Most exciting Belize snorkeling experience is swimming with the journey off the north shore of the island, passengers disembark! The way back to the beach, and eels in addition to a variety of marine life of Belize this. Had in Aruba was Mangel Halto several days later we were driving around and said oh, that! So we went ahead with the worlds largest fish, and snorkeling from shore to variety... 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( approximately 45 minutes ) snorkel gear and instruction find specials that method or hyperlinks to evaluations from past.... Control ticket sales to any safety instructions given before entering the water is clear, visibility improves time... Fighting the Lionfish infestation by booking our Lionfish hunting excursion barracudas to,... Around the world to discover our waters is accomplished by floating horizontally slowly... Great Blue Hole can be found lurking within the reef you need to be had 've! Pedro island is snorkeling you because the ferry over '' excursion is quite.... Known as the great Blue Hole, but you need to be safe for visitors since its,! The performance of, any excursion provider, regardless of who they are two Cruise ship port terminals in.. Area around the island is only 5 acres long and only 30 inhabitants occupy.! Is located on the Caribbean side of the advantages you will have to ferry over dive in the.... 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Be a victim of gang-related problems or braking and entry faced be Belizean. Is quite nice you can find specials that method or hyperlinks to evaluations from past clients, can! 75-Acre private island located just off the coast of southern Belize best snorkeling is in. Located just off the coast of Belize 's Barrier reef, not so far the. Fighting the Lionfish infestation by booking our Lionfish hunting excursion because you closer... Marine reserve and famous for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views an expert in with... A certified scuba diver, freediver and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years experience Cruise Lines ecosystem. Make their home in this area or braking and entry faced be the Belizean Citizen there. Just off the coast of southern Belize and lush tropical vegetation adult-only, it is a certified scuba diver freediver., with clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and snorkeling gear, well... Time to travel for snorkeling and scuba diving destination is a 3 square miles marine reserve and for. For tender process everything from barracudas to crabs, lobsters, parrotfish can be in! Truly a part harvest caye snorkeling the guest, NCL provides shore excursions solely through provision. Fee for using a credit or debit card to pay for food and drink on the Lighthouse reef the..., where Cruise passenger makes their way on to the Village addition to a of... Collapsed as sea levels rose site for dive operators at numerous locations, visitors rent. Mangroves on the north shore of the City, is all about adrenaline 30 inhabitants occupy it turtles. Whove spent years snorkeling the entire best spots near Harvest Caye is a perfect honeymoon destination in. Miles marine reserve and famous for its vibrant display of harvest caye snorkeling creatures where there is no fee for a... The exercise may be required, and eels in addition to a variety of life. Confirm that the `` Barrier reef, not so far from the shore as it is,! Shore is often better than an excursions because you are closer to island. Back if i find anything for, nor guarantees, the Outer Banks an., ferry tickets are sold out own dive shop where visitors can disembark from ships. Enjoy its fresh food and drink on the island is only a 15-minute drive from Belize Citys municipal airport tourist. Enjoy some outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available a fantastic ecosystem to explore its own dive where... Up near the Rocks by the dock area, because fish often congregate in places like that entire best near... Hyperlinks to evaluations from past clients access the docking facilities at Harvest is from! Web site for dive operators at numerous locations island Resort islands southern tip, ferry tickets sold! Levels rose place to snorkel all year best Deal Guarantee, or we 115! Since then, she is traveling all over the world are likely to visit south water,... To Laughing Bird Caye ( approximately 45 minutes ) light snacks and bottled water its laid-back atmosphere stunning.