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In this article, I’ll give you a list of the 25 amazing things to do in Half Moon Cay on your cruise vacation. Half Moon Cay is located approximately 70 miles (112 km) south of Nassau in the Bahamas. The island was known as Little San Salvador when Holland America Line purchased it for $6 million dollars. Holland America (Owned by parent company Carnival Corporation) then proceeded to invest $15 million into developing and enhancing the island. There have been mixed reports as to whether or not these are still available at Half Moon Cay, so let us know what you find when you get to the island.
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If you feel so inclined, you can take a stellar group photo here with your friends and/or family to commemorate your trip together. No need to plan -- just put on your swimsuit, grab a lounge chair and let the day go where it will. You could kick back on the patio of the "I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever" bar with a cold beer or daiquiri. If you're feeling a little restless, try renting a water bike for an hour. The option to simply take a dip in that sublime Caribbean water is always available, too. Based on our visit to the Carnival private island, here are six great ways to spend your day in Half Moon Cay.
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Next to the Lobster Shack is the Wish I Could Stay Here Forever bar, marked by its Instagram-worthy sign. The island boasts three additional bars, including The Bell Bar and Rum Runners. There’s also beachside drinks service so you can enjoy a beer or cocktail without stepping foot off the sand. How do you make your day on a private island feel even more private and exclusive?
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These small catamarans can be rented from the water sports shack near one of the bars. One of the best features about the private island is the powder-soft white sand stretching around the 2.5-mile-long Half Moon Beach. It is nicer than some other private islands such as Princess Cays which has coarser sand and some rocky areas. Plans have been approved by the Bahamian government for a new port and pier to be built.
Ride a Glass-Bottomed Boat on the Eco Lagoon Tour
Sometimes a leisurely bike ride is the best way to take your time and explore the finer details that often get overlooked. With the assistance of a guide, an island bike tour of Half Moon Cay takes you to locations of historical significance like the Bone Fish Lagoon, where 700 acres of breathtaking nature await you. First, do not forget to bring towels from the ship ashore with you. Second, remember that the earlier you get off the ship, the better chance you’ll have at scoring a seat in a prime beach location. Otherwise, walk a little further down the beach to find more secluded areas. Sailing around in a Hobie Cat on a beautiful sunny day can be the highlight of your day.
Half Moon Cay cabanas are colorful wooden outposts peppered along the island's shoreline, and while they all offer special amenities, offerings vary based on cabana type. If you're not sure which enclave is the best fit for you during your time ashore, read Cruise Critic's guide to Half Moon Cay cabanas. Traveling to Half Moon Cay includes just as many thrills on land as it does in the crystal clear waters. A horseback riding excursion is a fantastic way to enjoy the full scope of everything this private island has to offer.
Having said that, we’ve never been there when two Carnival ships have docked. So it might get busier with so many cruise passengers being on the island all at once. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Pack a few sand toys and floaties, and you'll be here all day (or until nap time).
Shopping In Half Moon Cay Bahamas
The island is over 6 square miles in size, but only about 2% has been developed in order to maintain as much wildlife and natural fauna as possible. Many cruisers don’t realize that there is more to Little San Salvador than just the heavenly beaches. Carnival cruise ships make over 200 stops a year at this picturesque private resort, and it’s one of the most popular stops for cruises in the Bahamas. These snorkeling expeditions include use of a snorkel, mask and fins. A boat will take you further offshore where you can visit the coral reef which is bursting with colorful marinelife, fish and anemones.
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You can sign up for any of these tours and activities ahead of time to ensure you get a place. The cay has nature trails for spotting visiting sea birds and there’s a fitness trail with exercise stations along the way. Near the church there’s a sports center where you can rent snorkels, floats and sports equipment or sign up for some team beach sports. The cay was originally bought by Norwegian Cruise Line and sold in 1996 for $6 million to Holland America Line (HAL) which is part of the Carnival Group. HAL developed around 50 acres as an exclusive private luxury resort for its cruise passengers and manages the remaining 2,400 acres as a natural habitat for wildlife. Winter months tend to be drier with temperatures in the high 70s for both the air and sea.
It’s limited to the usual hot dogs, burgers, salad, coleslaw and fruit. Local favorites like Jerk Chicken were available, and my wife loved the banana rum cake. If like me, you like to explore, you will find lots of walking trails throughout the island and it’s a great way of seeing what the island has to offer. Most of these trails are sandy paths, so take appropriate footwear. Anytime I am near a beach or any body of water, I always see stand-up paddle boards.
This is mainly due to the extensive beach with its super-soft white sand and diverse activities such as horse riding. Simply looking at photos of tropical islands can have a calming effect, so imagine actually being there. Just try typing #halfmooncay into the search bar on Instagram and you’ll be rewarded with pages of crystal-clear and turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.
It's hard pick a top cabana when you're choosing between similar offerings on a small stretch of gorgeous shoreline. However, it might be worth nothing that the higher the number or letter, the farther the cabana is away from the hustle and bustle of the island restaurant and many of the kids' activities. The water sports center is located across from Villa D and Cabana 8. The Captain Morgan "On the Rocks" ship (bar) is next to Cabana 5.
Half Moon Cay also has a playground without the water, and once again there are pirate ships involved which act as play areas. There are several slides, swings, teeter totters, and a more restful picnic area for the adults to enjoy a reprieve. The bike tour will take you by the welcome center, the Bahamian church, Half Moon Beach, the stable of the swimming horses, and a 700-acre lagoon.
The island is also home to a number of bars and a performance space where you can catch live music. This is a glass-bottomed boat trip along the Half Moon Cay lagoon area. A professional guide will point out the many varied marine life. They will also give you some details on the history and culture of the Island.
A marina was dredged and a pier constructed for the tenders and the developed areas were raised by 14 foot to be above the flood plain. Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship has three levels featuring a bar with great views. There are free chairs and loungers on the beach but do take note, the main beach area lacks adequate shade. Umbrellas are not complimentary and cost $35 as of January 2024. The major attraction on the island is its beautiful beach, which isn't surprising since the Bahamas has some of the best beaches in the world.
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