I have heard that a shuttle will run you from Harvest Caye over to Placencia, and it looks like we can pick up a snorkel trip there. You need to take the Ferry over to Placencia Village from Harvest Caye. It is common to combine a snorkel tour of Hol Chan with a stop at Shark Ray Alley. You must travel ten miles out to the Southern Barrier Reef in order to reach the first dive site, which takes 30-40 minutes. But what about snorkeling? LauraS Tour operators from Placencia are not allowed access to the island so you will have to take the ferry over. There wss enough time to get back to the cruise? While you may not be able to snorkel to the bottom, you can see where the cliff suddenly drops off into the deep ocean. Because it straddles the coast of Belize, this worlds second-largest barrier reef offers unrivaled snorkeling opportunities with coral and tropical fish to explore. Hi! If you decide to take a boat trip, you can go to the nearby Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos. Guests can still purchase water packages in advance. 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. Your question spurred me to do more research as were going in February. They do not realize that some people are not exposed to the water, and when they are in it, things can get rough. If youre interested in finding some of the best Belize snorkeling, then you need to book your stay at Caye Caulker. Visitors can lounge on the white sand beaches, take a dip in the azure waters, explore the on-island jungle, or visit the stingray and shark encounter. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. There is something for everyone and you are sure to have a great time. If you prefer to explore areas that are still welcoming to tourists but arent filled with them, then you should visit Ambergris Caye. Harvest Caye is a beautiful 75-acre private island located off the coast of Placencia, Belize. We take the public bus to the beach and snorkeling from shore is excellent. A giant marine sinkhole known as the Great Blue Hole can be found in the waters off the coast of Belize. But one of the most popular activities on the island is snorkeling. Sure, you can snorkel right off the beach. Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, located in southern Belize. We are doing Roatan as well- arranged already with a resort and dive shop in West End. I'm going upcoming February and want to snorkel or dive. Boat ride to Laughing Bird Caye (approximately 45 minutes) Snorkel gear and instruction. 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. There is a lot to discover both for beginners and advanced underwater explorers here, but due to the shorelines characteristic, beach snorkeling in Belize is limited. Short answer: No. 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. 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. 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. They had been very helpful with our snorkeling and pointed out many fish and coral. Youll find some of the favorites when you snorkel in this area: sea turtles, stingrays, groupers, reef sharks are regular visitors on the reef. Its essentially an artificial private island that offers plenty of activities, shopping, and has nice beaches you can enjoy. This can be divided into two sections: 250-300 pounds and 300-400 pounds. The excursion will take you to different areas of the reef, where you will be able to see a variety of different fish and coral. For those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available. Its architecture, alone, heralds the Old Caribbean style. If you want to explore the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, then you should consider snorkeling in Tobacco Caye. Has anyone done this yet, and if so, do you have any advice to make sure it goes smoothly? It's a man made island (yes, they dug and loaded in sand and dirt and added to a small piece of land). From its crystal clear waters to its abundant wildlife, there is much to be seen and experienced when snorkeling in Capri. The crew knew exactly where to take us to snorkel with sharks and we had been able to see several small and enormous sharks. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, Latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting, No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees - the price you see is what you pay, Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you, Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise, Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call, Never get left behind. It also has a top-tier infrastructure, making traveling to it easy. Concerns, hazards and facts. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. This website uses cookies. With its sandy shores and crystal clear waters, the Spanish island is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If you ride the wave runner, the rooster tail will wake you up in Placencia Lagoon. Copyright 2023 Blue Turtle Snorkeling | Designed & Marketed by: What drinks are free on Norwegian Cruise Lines? snorkel with stingrays, fish, and eels in addition to a variety of sea creatures. Anyone who is a snorkeler is going to be VERY disappointed. Placencia can be reached via ferry, which takes about 15-20 minutes to reach it. If a Norwegian organised tour is late, the ship will wait for you, Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators. Its known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. Ill post any information on my return. Looking for the best beach vacation destinations? However, the water is shallow so it is not very clear like Costa Maya or Cozumel, especially if the wind is kicking up waves. The have a world class reef not far from here. Aside from having some of the best fishing in the world, Belize is also a fantastic place to enjoy fishing all year. It also provides a variety of restaurants to sample, as well as a plethora of island activities to enjoy. It's an underwater cliff the place the Caribbean Sea's open water area begins and the reef right here drops 2500 toes. Return boat ride (approximately 45 minutes) Light snacks and bottled water. Also called The Aquarium, this location is home to several species of fish. Find the one for your ship name and date of departure. Thanks for all the responses so far. Day 4 At Sea . I was hoping there would be an easy snorkeling excursion to do while in Harvest Caye. before you begin. Yes I too am looking for a spot in placeina. However, I've also seen some negative things posted about Belize City. The name of this site comes from a stela depicting one of its rulers in a large headdress on a stela. It was created 15.000 years ago when the existing limestone cave collapsed as sea levels rose. It does not take responsibility for, nor guarantees, the performance of, any excursion provider, regardless of who they are. Luckily, we know some superior local guides whove spent years snorkeling the entire best spots near Harvest Caye. Discover some of the best snorkeling spots in the area as you explore Placencia. Stirrup Cayon the other hand has really nice snorkelling right in the enclosed bay. 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). Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world's largest living barrier reef. That said, snorkeling in open water is not a trivial undertaking and one should be reasonably confident and have some experience before assuming it's easy. The island is only 5 acres long and only 30 inhabitants occupy it. Once in Placencia, we will meet you at the ferry dock and start the day. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! Harvest Caye Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Excursion - Harvest Caye Excursions Free Back to Ship Guarantee & Free Last Minute Cancellations! Snorkeling in Harvest Caye requires some preparation before taking a plunge into its waters. Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years experience. Vote. I am not a fan of Harvest Cay, mostly just a beach day, and the beach isn't that nice. It is located on the Caribbean side of the island, and its crystal clear waters are an ideal spot for snorkeling. Its known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Apologies if this is a widely discussed topic. But what about snorkeling in Gran Canaria? We recommend purchasing a ticket onboard the ship. Placencia Village on the mainland is accessible by ferry from Harvest Caye. Should you wish to decide spending a few days in this dreamy environment, there is even a hotel here, Itza Resort. Have you been there? This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Visit us on a tour of an authentic Mayan Cultural experience and see a renowned Mayan shaman magic medicine from jungle plants. I tried several areas, including up near the rocks by the dock area, because fish often congregate in places like that. For the convenience of the guest, NCL provides shore excursions solely through the provision of shore excursion arrangements. Please refresh the page and sign in if necessary. These mangroves provide shelter and food for a variety of marine life, making them a great place to snorkel and see a variety of fish, crabs, and other creatures. There are many different types of snorkeling, but one of the most popular is snorkeling harvest caye. 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. Some of probably the most beautiful beachfront villas within the Caribbean are found on Harvest Caye. Snorkeling is one of the many activities available at Harvest Caye, and there are several snorkeling spots around the island. With the commons crimes against tourism being theft. With its white sand beaches, lush rainforest and crystal-clear waters, it is no wonder Harvest Caye has become a popular tourist destination. Our favorite snorkel spot is a 2-mile paddle away from the Aquarium, which we consider to be one of our favorite spots. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Forum Assistance - Welcome to Cruise Critic, Announcement: Upgrade Your Horizon ~ Sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The zipline course starts from the top of the majestic lighthouse and runs crisscross Harvest Caye. You will come home with a greater appreciation of where medicinal cures have their origins. Because it is located in such a peaceful setting, the 2 acre (0.8 ha) caye at Ranguana Caye feels like your own private paradise. By running this 1,300-foot-long Double Beach Superman Run, you can take a big hit and experience the extreme excitement. The answer to the question: Is There Snorkeling at Harvest Caye? The purpose of snorkeling harvest caye is to collect corals and other marine life for use in aquariums and research. 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. After lunch we went barely farther out to snorkel with the sharks. Practically nothing to be seen. Start Times: 11:00 AM Duration: 4 hours $257 Per Person Add to Itinerary But Im very picky and want superior options. 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. Read moreWe loved a fantastic trip with these guys. Sanctuary Cap Cana is a luxurious resort located in the Dominican Republic. This fascinating characteristic of Glovers Reef is called The Wall. This island destination is home to sharks, rays, turtles, sting rays, coral, and a variety of other creatures. 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