SHORE EXCURSIONS

Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. 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. 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.

Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs, and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. After returning to the pier, as you step off the boat, you can pick up your complimentary rum punch.

Specifically designed for those that have a compulsive desire for excitement and adventure, the Flighthouse Adrenaline Package combines both exhilarating activities to feed your need for speed: the Lagoon Run Adventure Zip consisting of 3 zips crisscrossing the Harvest Cay Lagoon and traversing of the suspension bridge; and the Superman Beach Zipline Run, zipping 1,300 feet at 40 mph, side by side in a face down “superman” position across the Main Beach and Caribbean Sea! Note the beach run can also be done in the regular seat harness that is used for the Lagoon Run Zip for those who prefer to sit.

The Flighthouse tower is adrenaline junkie central. Currently the tallest building in all of Belize it has been specially designed to maximize the stunning views of the island, mainland and surrounding seas to allow you the opportunity to spring into thin air for the thrills of your life.

The flight crew will provide you with equipment and safety briefings covering all the “flight missions”. Once outfitted and briefed, you’ll be transported to your designated flight deck by the Flighthouse elevator and launched into the wild blue wonder!

Don’t think, just trust and launch yourself from the Flighthouse platform. Feel the adrenaline surge, the wind gust as you soar 100 feet above the Manatee Lagoon. Search the horizon and take in panoramic views of the Mayan Mountains on the mainland or the turquoise waters of the outer reefs.

The experience concludes with the side by side “Superman Beach Run” racing face down for 1300 feet in a superman position at 40 mph! allowing you a bird’s eye view of island guests below.

No experience necessary as our experience staff will provide all the information necessary to complete your mission.

Zip through Placencia Lagoon on a wave runner leaving a rooster tail in your wake and the mainland in your rear view mirror. After watching a short orientation video that will help maximize the experience, you will hop aboard a wave runner and tear off across the lagoon. The ride will be exhilarating from start to finish. To ensure that you see all the sights, a guide will lead the way with the wave runners following more or less caravan-style. The numerous mangrove-rimmed islands that you will spot scattered about are well-protected, as their ecologically important trees filter impurities from the water and stabilize the shoreline. The lagoon’s water is typically smooth enough so you can easily carve your way across the surface without encountering any wakes other than your own.

Whether you are a zipline novice or aficionado, satisfy your need for speed and adventure when you fly and experience the adrenaline-filled ziplines. You’ll be met at the keeper’s house, located at the base of the Flighthouse by the flight crew who will provide you with a safety orientation, assist with your equipment selection and fitting and a technical flight briefing covering the upcoming flight mission. Once outfitted and briefed, you’ll be transported up to your designated flight deck via the Flighthouse elevator where your adventure begins. Here, perched over 100 feet in the air you will experience the wind gusts as you soar 100 feet above the Manatee Lagoon. Consists of three zips crisscrossing Harvest Caye. Each zip is long enough for you feel the rush and enjoy the sensation.

To enhance the thrill and excitement we have added an elevated suspension net bridge. Allowing you a bird’s eye view of guests below or to search the horizon and take in panoramic views of the Mayan Mountains on the mainland or the turquoise waters of the outer reefs.

If soaring like Superman across the main beach of the island sounds like your idea of fun, then this is the activity for you. You’ll be met at the keeper’s house, located at the base of the Flighthouse by the flight crew who will provide you with a safety orientation, assist with your equipment selection and fitting and a technical flight briefing covering the upcoming flight mission. Once outfitted and briefed, you’ll be transported up to your designated flight deck via the Flighthouse elevator where your adventure begins. This 1,300 ft “Double Beach Superman Run” delivers a major adrenaline experience as you fly racing face down in a “Superman” position at 40 mph! Note the beach run can also be done in the regular seat harness that is used for the Lagoon Run Zip.

No Experience Required. The flight crew will provide you with equipment and safety briefings. This is a tour the whole family will remember for years to come.

Depart from Malacate Pier on your air-conditioned bus for the scenic one hour bus ride to the unique and picturesque Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens. Here you will have the opportunity to learn how some of the common spices that we utilize on a daily basis are grown and processed. See how vanilla, nutmeg, maze cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper are cultivated, as you travel through the farm on your Spice Farm Tram. After your farm tour, relax in the comfortable guest center where you will be offered a complementary fresh fruit juice and have the opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks and some of the various spices that are grown and processed here at the farm and locally produced handicraft.

It's now time to head back to your ship docked at Harvest Caye, it's been an interesting, fun and educational adventure.

Zip through Placencia Lagoon on a wave runner leaving a rooster tail in your wake and the mainland in your rear view mirror. After watching a short orientation video that will help maximize the experience, you will hop aboard a two-person wave runner and tear off across the lagoon. You can drive the personal watercraft or be the passenger. It’s up to you. Either way, the ride will be exhilarating from start to finish. To ensure that you see all the sights, a guide will lead the way with the wave runners following more or less caravan-style. The numerous mangrove-rimmed islands that you will spot scattered about are well-protected, as their ecologically important trees filter impurities from the water and stabilize the shoreline. The lagoon’s water is typically smooth enough so you can easily carve your way across the surface without encountering any wakes other than your own.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tear across the typically smooth waters of Placencia Lagoon in a two-person wave runner.
• Drive the wave runner or be the passenger, if you prefer.
• Enjoy an exhilarating ride and gorgeous natural scenery in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Depart from the Malacate Pier on your air-conditioned bus for a scenic 60 min. ride. You will first pass through the village of Mango Creek which began as a sawmill settlement in the 1940s and still has unpaved streets, then it's onto Belize's hinterlands, where you will observe the panoramic vista of the ancient Mayan Mountains. You will also pass several quaint Ke'kchi Mayan villages as well as pine and hardwood forest reserves on the way to the Akte'il Ha Cacoa Farm. You will learn how the Ke'kchi handcraft chocolate the traditional way from the pod to the bar. You will have a tour>

You will have a tour of the organic chocolate farm and go through the chocolate-making process. You will have the opportunity to observe the hand grinding of the cacao beans.

Come join us for an educational tour of an authentic Mayan Cultural experience and watch a renowned Mayan Shaman conjure medicine from jungle plants. Board your air-conditioned bus for an approximate 45 minute ride to an authentic Mayan village, located at the entrance to the famous Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve. This quaint Mayan village is home to a very gifted Mayan Shaman, Aurora Garcia Saqui. Artist, herbalist and traditional healer, she is a direct descendant of the world renowned Mayan Healer, Don Elijio Panti. Don Elijio bequeathed to Aurora much of his knowledge while she served as his apprentice for many years.

Begin your traditional medicine journey, with a guided walk along a canopied jungle path used by the Maya to gather their medicinal plants and herbs. Along this tropical rainforest path, you will encounter many of the same plants Aurora uses in the traditional herbal remedies that she utilizes in her healing clinic. As you slowly walk along the trail, your knowledgeable Mayan guide will point out and explain many of these unique medicinal plants and trees.

You will have a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the making of a Mayan herbal remedy by Aurora, she will explain the herb and its medicinal properties as she prepares and grinds it with a hand mill. You will also see a "smudge house", various bark and leaves used in curing many different illnesses, traditional dance costume and much more. You will also have an opportunity to sample the renowned Mayan Cocoa drink.

Authentic colorful handmade Mayan craft items will be available for sale.

This unique tour affords you a glimpse into the secret life of the Mayan. You will return home with a greater appreciation for where many medicinal cures originated.

View a portion of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef from the comfort of your glass bottom boat.

Depart directly from the Harvest Caye Marina aboard our modern and extremely comfortable glass bottom boat for the short scenic ride to a beautiful portion of the Barrier Reef System. 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. Possible sightings of stingrays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home.

Board your awaiting air-conditioned bus at Malacate Landing after a short tender ride from Harvest Caye. Within a couple of minutes of departing from Malacate Landing, you are entering the twin villages of Mango Creek and Independence. Your entertaining bus guide will point out the sights of Mango Creek and Independence and give you a detailed history of how the villages got their start. You will pass churches and schools, then a ride down to "Water Side", the local water taxi landing on Mango Creek. Then it's back through the village of Mango Creek and the other side of the street......Independence. All the while your guide will be showing you points of interest and describing Belizean village life, then and now.

Your bus will now head to the commercial port of Big Creek, only two miles away, Big Creek Port is the only natural deep-water port in all of Belize. Here is where all the bananas are loaded onto ships and transported to Europe, crude oil is stored and shipped from this port as well and also bulk sugar has just begun to be exported from the Big Creek port.

After a short drive, you will arrive at your next stop which is a local Village Pioneer Home. Here you will have a chance to see how one of the first settlers of Mango Creek lived and raised a family, as you take a step back in time. Cool refreshments await. You can visit the “South of the Border” snack bar to quench your thirst and get a tasty snack (not included) as well as pick up a souvenir or 2 from the Gift Shop. Before you know it, it's time to reboard your bus and head back to the pier at Malacate and the tender back to Harvest Caye. It's been a fun and educational tour of rural Belizean village life.

Go deep-sea fishing in the beautiful, crystal-clear waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with highly prized, fun-to-catch fish such as groupers, snappers and jacks.

After departing from the pier in a skiff designed for fishing, you will cruise into the turquoise waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with fish. Just settle in and enjoy, as the 32-foot boat races to a spot where the fish have been biting lately.

Once the boat anchors, a crew member will outfit you with all the necessary tackle and bait that the fish should find irresistible. The crew will also offer tips on how best to cast and retrieve the lure or live bait to maximize the experience.

Jacks thrive here among the reefs and if you catch one be prepared for a fierce fight. They typically weigh up to five pounds, but can be much larger. Easy to identify by their steep heads and deeply forked tails, jacks are often caught here.

If you catch a striped fish that grunts like a pig when you pull it out of the water, it will be a grunt. They make that characteristic sound by grinding the teeth deep in their throats. Grunts tend to school in the many reefs and sea beds off Harvest Caye.

Many types of groupers are found in deeper waters near rocks, drop-offs and ledges. Although groupers are slow swimmers, they can be powerful, especially the massive ones.