Searching for some Half Moon Cay suggestions? You’ve come to the fitting place. There are some must-try actions on this island and a few issues you possibly can skip.
Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador Island) is a crescent-shaped personal island owned by Carnival Cruise Line and used seasonally by Holland America Line.
Carnival cruise ships make over 200 stops a yr at this picturesque personal resort, and it’s probably the most well-liked stops for cruises within the Bahamas.
In truth, for a lot of cruisers the cease at Half Moon Cay is the spotlight of their cruise. With a wide range of cruise shore excursions to select from it is a personal island with one thing for everybody.
RELATED: See the 5 Finest Cruise Personal Islands as voted by our readers.
What’s There to Do in Half Moon Cay?
On this put up we’ll information you thru the greatest issues to do on the island and offer you greater than sufficient causes to get off the ship.
Swimming, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, sunbathing, and horseback driving are only a few of the excursions you possibly can take pleasure in on Half Moon Cay. Our full checklist is under.
There’s a straw market on Half Moon Cay the place residents from close by islands will come and promote some souvenirs and native items. Whereas this could be a handy place to choose up some presents for folks again house, remember the fact that it’s not a really huge market, and it has restricted selection.
However if you wish to do some procuring that is the place on the island to do it.
The place’s the dock? Effectively, there isn’t one proper now. You’ll have to take tenders forwards and backwards out of your ship, nevertheless it’s a brief 15 or 20-minute boat journey on a few of the most pristine water you’ll ever see. Simply take a look at it as a free tour.
As soon as on the island you will note an entrance saying “Welcome to the Pirates Cove”, and the pirate theme could be very evident.
Some Info About Half Moon Cay
First, let’s study a little bit about this personal island earlier than we get into all of the fantastic issues you are able to do right here.
Positioned nearly 100 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is considered one of 700 islands that make of the archipelago of the Bahamas.
The island is over 6 sq. miles in dimension, however solely about 2% has been developed with a purpose to keep as a lot wildlife and pure fauna as doable. Many cruisers don’t notice that there’s extra to Little San Salvador than simply the heavenly seashores.
Is Meals Included at Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Whether or not you’re crusing with Carnival or Holland America there’s a free buffet on the eating pavilion that gives a wide range of meals, together with Caribbean barbecue. Extra on this under.
Final Record of Issues to Do in Half Moon Cay
Take a look at a few of the excursions and free actions I like to recommend when cruising to this unique patch of land.
1. Go to Half Moon Seaside
Some have referred to as this seashore the closest factor to an untouched Bahamas that you could find. Not solely is it clear, lovely, and accommodating, however there are handy locations close by to get a refreshment or use the services.
The sand is ok and mushy, and Half Moon Seaside is the very first thing you will note as your tender approaches the island. There are often loads of loungers to select from, however the additional down the seashore you stroll the much less crowded it will likely be.
This could be a nice excursion-free go to, and also you don’t have to fret about any pushy distributors making an attempt to promote you souvenirs when you loosen up. There are, nevertheless, loads of Carnival or Holland America employees close by to assist with any points you might have. When you want some seashore time in your cruise, that is positively the place to take pleasure in it.
When you get off the ship early you will see that loads of loungers obtainable, however the space of the seashore closest to the tenders will refill quick because the day rolls on.
You may lease a clam shell so you’ve gotten some shade on the seashore, however it would be best to ebook that prematurely to ensure they aren’t all taken. There are just a few bushes that provide shade additional down the seashore, however additionally they require that you’re additional away from the water.
Half Moon Seaside is about 2 miles lengthy however there are about 10 miles of seashore across the island.
2. Get pleasure from Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship
The enduring Captain Morgan pirate ship can simply be seen out of your ship earlier than you ever get to the island. Go forward and test it out. There are 3 ranges to the ship. The underside 2 ranges are a part of the bar and the highest deck permits for excellent photo-ops of the ship and the pristine blue water.
No journey to Half Moon Cay is full with out boarding the Captain Morgan and bellowing out just a few of your greatest pirate-impersonating expressions.
Observe: There are 3 different bars on the island as effectively, together with the primary bar close to the Welcome Heart and the “I Want I May Keep Right here Endlessly” bar which additionally makes for an amazing photo-op.
3. Go All-in on a Personal Seaside Villa
A few of the coolest cabanas within the Bahamas could be discovered on this personal island. However if you need the final word in beach-front luxurious you possibly can improve to the Seaside Villa.
These are 2-story cabins, brightly coloured and completely fitted for a reprieve in your day on the seashore. These villas have a 5-person scorching tub, A/C, a fridge, a eating space, a misting bathe, and a personal balcony on each ranges.
Contemporary fruit, veggies, chips, and snacks shall be supplied for you in addition to mushy drinks and bottled water.
Even floating mats and snorkel gear are supplied for you when you have this villa to your group all day.
All of this and it’s solely steps from the water.
The associated fee is $599 and is sweet for as much as 8 folks with a surcharge for any additional company. It would seem to be some huge cash, nevertheless it averages out to about $75 per particular person and provides a way more relaxed and handy time at Half Moon Seaside.
It’s also possible to get a typical cabana for rental beginning at $359 that has area for as much as 4 folks.
4. Splurge on the Personal Oasis
Lots of people don’t even learn about this selection. The Personal Oasis is a 1,620 sq. foot personal cabana that has a walkway that leads proper into the pristine turquoise water. The recent tub, hammock, loungers, and full moist bar together with barbecue space all supply an ideal unique setting for as much as 12 folks. The associated fee is about $1,600 however most teams which have booked it have mentioned that it’s definitely worth the price ticket.
Carnival’s web site explains what comes with the Personal Oasis:
“Your bundle consists of the providers of a butler, private chef, bartender, cabana Steward, and lifeguard together with the next:
Complete recent fruits, chips & salsa. Beverage Bundle with choose Imported and Home Beers; Wines by the Glass; Tropical Cocktails together with Bahama Mamas, Rum Punch, and Margarita, Frozen Classics together with Pina Coladas, Banana Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris; in addition to Virgin Pina Coladas, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris and Virgin Banana Coladas.”
5. Take a Nature Stroll
As we talked about, over 95% of Half Moon Cay has not been developed so there are some nice nature trails to benefit from the wildlife.
You are able to do this by yourself or take a $19 tour with a tour information that may stroll you thru 1.5 miles of the path. The information will level out the tropical palm and sea grape bushes, curly-tailed lizards, and Bananaquit birds of Half Moon Cay.
Mountain climbing across the island is a good low-key train for simply getting some cardio in whereas having fun with the sights. The dune paths are clearly marked, and you will see that some informative indicators subsequent to the flora alongside the way in which.
6. Do the Island Bike Tour
You may kick issues up a notch with a motorcycle tour of this crescent-shaped island as effectively. It will help you see a little bit extra of the island than the earlier tour.
The bike tour will take you by the welcome middle, the Bahamian church, Half Moon Seaside, the secure of the swimming horses, and a 700-acre lagoon. You’ll even learn the way the they desalinate the ocean water and generate electrical energy on the island.
There’s additionally a motorcycle and hike tour should you’re excited about each.
7. Get Up Shut with the Stingrays
Some folks don’t notice that Half Moon Cay has an amazing Stingray encounter as effectively referred to as Stingray Cove. It’s only a brief tram journey away or you possibly can stroll should you’d like.
After a briefing you possibly can placed on some snorkel gear and see the stingrays of their habitat and even really feel how silky-smooth they’re. A internet retains different marine life from stepping into the enclosure.
8. Go Swimming with Horses
Even in case you have by no means ridden a horse earlier than you possibly can do this exercise on Half Moon Cay. The horseback expertise will tour a few of the island and take you to the very best level. From there you possibly can see 360 diploma views of the island in addition to a few of the different Bahamian islands.
After that the guides will allow you to get one thing to drink whereas they put together the horses with a particular “saddle” for his or her swim. It’s a particularly designed pad and twine halter. That is positively a bucket-list merchandise.
There are about 20 horses which are stored at Pegasus Ranch. Even should you don’t ebook a horseback driving tour you possibly can comply with the trail to see the horses and see some lovely flowers alongside the way in which.
9. Kayak the Lagoon
For nature-lovers the kayaking on Half Moon Cay is epic. There’s not a ton of train concerned although, as you’ll solely kayak half a mile or so at most.
Bone Fish Lagoon takes up a large 1,400 acres of habitat that’s protected. You may see some unique seabirds and recognize the water’s readability as your information will level out all the opposite wild life round you.
There’s a cease alongside the way in which to see starfish, jellyfish, sea cucumber, and conch. The guides are enjoyable and make it enjoyable for the entire household so it’s a great household exercise to attempt on the island.
Observe: It’s also possible to take a glass-bottom boat tour of Bone Fish Lagoon if you need a extra leisurely exercise.
10. Snorkel by Boat
The water round Half Moon Cay is stunningly clear, so snorkeling permits for wonderful visibility in seeing the coral and marine life.
You may deliver your individual snorkel gear and take a look at the primary seashore space, however there isn’t actually a lot to see there, apart from crystal clear turquoise water that’s.
A ship journey can take you to a website off the coast of the personal island so you possibly can see an abundance of marine life within the Caribbean waters. You would possibly even see a stingray within the wild
11. Play Some Video games
Are you so excited to be on a cruise trip that you simply simply must get some power out? Why not play some seashore video games on Half Moon Cay? You may take pleasure in actions like basketball, seashore volleyball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Simply take a look at the mandatory gear from the Sports activities Heart positioned close to the Bahamian Church.
12. Let the Youngsters Hit the Playground and Aqua Park
Possibly it’s the youngsters that must vent some power. Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park is positioned proper on the primary seashore and has a pair water slides and a pirate ship that shoots water from its canons. There’s additionally a fountain of water offering a cool mist because it sprays into the air. The aqua park is free to make use of.
Half Moon Cay additionally has a playground with out the water, and as soon as once more there are pirate ships concerned which act as play areas. There are a number of slides, swings, teeter totters, and a extra restful picnic space for the adults to take pleasure in a reprieve.
13. Take the Aqua Trax/Jet Ski Journey
Jet skis are referred to as Aqua Trax on the island and cruisers can lease them to discover the wonderful saltwater lagoon. Some components of the lagoon are off-limits, and you could have a driver’s license to take pleasure in this water journey.
Personally, I take pleasure in jet snowboarding out within the ocean as a result of you possibly can hit the waves and catch some air. In Bone Fish Lagoon the water could be very calm so it’s a {smooth} journey.
14. Eat on the Lobster Shack
Sure, you possibly can eat free burgers and BBQ on the Island Barbecue for lunch. However the eating pavilion is usually solely open from 11:30am to 1:30pm. So, should you’re a little bit hungry exterior of these occasions otherwise you simply have a hankerin’ for some scrumptious crustaceans, the Lobster Shack is the place to be.
One factor to notice is that these lobsters will not be New England lobsters, however they’re native and recent. That freshness is apparent after the primary chunk. The associated fee is $20.
Observe: A few of the different meals objects supplied on the free buffet additionally embrace hotdogs, ribs, Caribbean jerk, chili fried rice, banana rum cake, titi shrimp and extra.
15. Lease a Hobie Cat (a small catamaran)
There have been blended stories as as to whether or not these are nonetheless obtainable at Half Moon Cay, so tell us what you discover while you get to the island.
Crusing round in a Hobie Cat on a ravishing sunny day could be the spotlight of your day. These small catamarans could be rented from the water sports activities shack close to one of many bars.
The associated fee is about $50 an hour final time we checked.
16. Go Birding on Half Moon Cay
As a result of solely a small proportion of the personal island has been developed there may be nonetheless loads of wildlife to take pleasure in in its pure habitat.
As a part of the sale settlement of Half Moon Cay Holland America Line agreed to take care of the island as a nature protect and a wild chook sanctuary. In addition to discovering nesting seabirds within the wild, birders may also uncover nearly 50 totally different species of birds.
A few of the kinds of birds to be discovered on the island embrace burrowing owls, white-crowned pigeons, Roseate, Sooty, Bridled, Brown Noddies, shearwaters, Bahamian pintails, ospreys, Bahamian, Nice blue heron, snowy egrets, merlin, pintail, morning, ringed neck and tobacco doves.
Guests on Half Moon Cay are inspired to doc stories of chook sightings to social media and web sites like ebird.com to assist keep efforts to guard this habitat.
Take a look at this aerial view of Half Moon Cay shot in 4k
What In regards to the CHEERS Drink Bundle Whereas on Half Moon Cay?
Whereas there are various locations to get a beverage to drink on the island, you will be unable to make the most of Carnival’s drink bundle. You’ll have to return to the ship for that.
So sure, even with the drink bundle you’ll have to pay out of pocket for each beverage.
What About massages on Half Moon Cay?
I’ve heard some folks ask about getting a therapeutic massage on the island so I wished to handle this as effectively. It is a personal island, so it’s operated by the cruise line and any therapeutic massage appointments will usually undergo the cruise line.
Usually you possibly can ebook your therapeutic massage by the spa entrance desk and see if there are any openings. The therapeutic massage hut is true by the water. Simply be sure you examine along with your cruise line to see if this service continues to be supplied.
5 Tricks to Make Your Half Moon Cay Go to Even Higher
- Take the free tram to get across the island simpler.
- Don’t skip the seashore. This place is understood for its unbelievable sandy seashores so whether or not you lease a cabana or go for a swim, soak in Half Moon Seaside. Stroll additional down the seashore to keep away from any crowded areas.
- Do the whole lot early. This implies get on the primary tender, be the primary to the lunch pavilion, and should you’re going to lease a clam shell, cabana or villa do that effectively prematurely of your cruise.
- Preserve lathering on the sunscreen. You may go from being in paradise to being in ache in a rush should you don’t shield your self from the Bahamian sunshine.
- Benefit from all of the nice picture ops. The favored selfie with the ship within the turquoise water simply within the distance is at all times a great one to get folks jealous again house.
See extra common cruise suggestions right here.
Historical past of Half Moon Cay
The island was often called Little San Salvador when Holland America Line bought it for $6 million {dollars}. Holland America (Owned by dad or mum firm Carnival Company) then proceeded to take a position $15 million into creating and enhancing the island.
The official inhabitants of Half Moon Cay is zero, though a few of the cruise line’s workers shall be stationed there all through totally different occasions of the yr.
What Form of Climate Can I Anticipate at Half Moon Cay?
The Caribbean Sea gives year-round temperatures on the island which are very laborious nearly good.
Through the hottest months of the yr in June by September the temperature will high out round 88 levels Fahrenheit. The lows in December by February shall be round 64 levels.
August and September would be the rainiest months of the yr with about 17 days of no less than a little bit rainfall every day.
See the present forecast for Half Moon Cay right here.
Map of Half Moon Cay
What Half Moon Cay Excursions do you take pleasure in while you go to this personal island?
What have you ever accomplished on Half Moon Cay? Tell us within the feedback under so our readers can profit out of your cruise knowledge.
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