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Surrounded by clear warm waters, the cruise line private island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Close to shore there are not much fish due all the visitors but you can join a boat trip to go snorkeling and diving in these clear warm waters. A cruise to Half Moon Cay is the highlight of the voyage for many and offers the perfect beach day to cruise passengers. With a variety of cruise shore excursions to choose from this is a private island with something for everyone. Holland America (HAL) bought the island in December 1996 for USD 6 million. Subsequently, the island property was developed with some 50 acres (200,000 m2, or about 2% of the island) of infrastructure and facilities.
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What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Half Moon Cay Cruise Port
With sandy beaches, lush forests, rugged hills and historical landmarks, a bike tour can envelop you in all of Half Moon Cay’s charm and natural diversity. A snorkeling excursion is the best way to enjoy the coral-filled waters teeming with colorful and vivid sea life while following the expert guidance of a professional snorkeler. The expansive palette of colors and life will make your imagination race. Our first port on the Eastern Caribbean Carnival Cruise was Half Moon Cay. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, this private island is one of 700 islands in the Bahamas.
Cruises to Half Moon Cay
It might seem like a lot of money, but it averages out to about $75 per person and offers a much more relaxed and convenient time at Half Moon Beach. This can be a great excursion-free visit, and you don’t have to worry about any pushy vendors trying to sell you souvenirs while you relax. There are, however, plenty of Carnival or Holland America staff nearby to help with any issues you may have. If you need some beach time on your cruise, this is definitely the place to enjoy it.
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As a result, I have seen how it has developed into the wonderful private island destination that it now is. No matter your preferences, shore excursions are always available for both land and sea lovers at Half Moon Cay. The island is technically uninhabited, as it was developed as a luxury beach resort and utilized as a private port of call for Holland America and Carnival cruisers. Set out on a guided bicycle tour, which takes participants from the sports rental center along Half Moon Beach to Bone Fish Lagoon. The Bahamas, home to 47 different types of birds, is another excellent place to do birdwatching. The good news is there’s a map of the island; scope it out and decide where you’d like to go birdwatching.
There are also nature trails throughout the island, which are easily accessible. Captain Morgan’s Bar, better known as “the pirate ship,” is a must-visit when spending a day on the island. Because there are multiple horseback riding sessions throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring the island before or after your ride. The water at Half Moon Cay is perfect for enjoying an afternoon of swimming around and spotting various sea life. When people think of warm, sunny islands in the Bahamas, snorkeling is one of the first activities that would probably pop into their minds.
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Because only a small percentage of the private island has been developed there is still plenty of wildlife to enjoy in its natural habitat. Are you so excited to be on a cruise vacation that you just have to get some energy out? You can enjoy activities like basketball, beach volleyball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Just check out the necessary gear from the Sports Center located near the Bahamian Church. For many of our fellow cruisers, this was the highlight of their trip to Half Moon Cay.
Go For a Walk on the Beach
If you want to float around in the water, bring your own beach floatie! This is the perfect free way to relax in the beautiful Half Moon Cay waters. These trails lead to the Island’s shore excursion starting points like Bonefish Lagoon, Stingray Cove, and Pegasus Ranch. Furthermore, the cay has trails for spotting wildlife and a fitness trail that features exercise stations.
Cabana Rentals
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Here’s what you need to know about visiting Half Moon Cay, according to travel experts. Currently, cruise ships to Half Moon Cay anchor at sea (in the bay) and transport/ferry their passengers ashore via ship's tender boats. In early-August 2019, HAL Properties Ltd (subsidiary of Carnival Corporation) announced plans to add a docking pier at Half Moon Cay to allow passengers direct disembarkation ashore. With the new pier project (budgeted ~USD 80 million) cruisers will access the island easier and quicker (allowing more ashore time) and also stormy weather will not be an issue anymore.
STINGRAY COVE
The only time I saw any empty was when we were heading back to the tender. The first time we visited the Island I was caught out by the lack of shade. If you are looking for a quieter beach area, walk as far as you can down the beach past the Cabanas. There are other small areas on the other side of the island if you are willing to travel further afield. Please however remember that much of the Island is a protected nature reserve.
With pristine beaches and countless activities, this island is a place of beauty, adventure, tranquility and thrills that will make your cruise to The Bahamas memorable. The following are the 10 best activities you can do during your trip to Half Moon Cay. Last but not least, couples can even choose to get married on Half Moon Cay. The oceanfront scenery and on-site chapel serve as the perfect setting for nuptials. Both cruise lines offer wedding packages and can provide further information and assistance to help plan your special day.
This tour lasts around 45 minutes, and it’s a great way to see the island’s highlights. The Glass-Bottom Boat shore excursion is a great way to explore Half Moon Cay’s undersea world while staying dry. Overall, this excursion is an incredible experience if you’re adventurous and enjoy jet skiing.
On our recent trip to Half Moon Cay, my father and I booked the Jetski Adventure. We had tons of fun navigating the inner saltwater lagoon, and we even had the chance to go into the open ocean. Half Moon Car is located roughly 100 miles (160 KM) southeast of Nassau. The island is midway between Cat Island and the islands of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
Think of the Island Tram Calypso Tour as your opportunity to peek behind the wizard’s curtain and experience the island in the most thorough way possible. You’re guaranteed to have a new appreciation for everything that goes into making Half Moon Cay so special. The final leg of your ride wades through the clear waters of the bay, providing you a perspective of Half Moon Cay that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Afterwards, you’ll put on snorkel equipment and, with the assistance of your guide, wade through the habitat where you can reach out and touch these amazing creatures’ sleek, silky wings. Carnival and Holland America offer a variety of itineraries from several North American ports that include stops at Half Moon Cay. Sadly, you can’t use Carnival’s “Cheer Package” to pay for your drinks.
Even if you have never ridden a horse before you can try this activity on Half Moon Cay. The horseback experience will tour some of the island and take you to the highest point. From there you can see 360 degree views of the island as well as some of the other Bahamian islands. As we mentioned, over 95% of Half Moon Cay has not been developed so there are some great nature trails to enjoy the wildlife. Even floating mats and snorkel gear are provided for you while you have this villa to your group all day. You can rent a clam shell so you have some shade at the beach, but you will want to book that in advance to make sure they aren’t all taken.
This excursion is great for those nature-loving and adventurous travelers. However, getting everyone onboard and off the tenders can add 10 to 15 minutes to the whole process. Hike to Half Moon Cay’s ridge for island views and chances to see flora and fauna.
Additionally, the straw market is cash only; however, the prices for t-shirts and other knick knacks tend to be less than the gift shops. T-shirts in the gift stores tend to be around $42+, whereas those at the straw market are typically around $15 to $20. You can charge items from the actual stores to your Sail & Sign account to be settled at the end of the cruise. A convenience store is also located near the Welcome Center where you can purchase snacks, sunscreen and other beach essentials.
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