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Half Moon Cay is an exclusive port of call for all HAL and CCL-Carnival Cruise Line ships operating in the Caribbean. This one is strictly for the adventurous because you’ll be lifted several feet from the surface and get spectacular views around you. If you plan to take your camera to snap photos, ensure it is secured in a waterproof pouch or a strap around your neck. At Stingray Cove, visitors will learn about the behaviors, habitats, feeding, and breeding of the southern stingrays that call Half Moon Cay home. If you know how to operate a sailboat, you can definitely rent a little Hobie Catamaran Sail Boat.
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Experience Horseback Riding
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At Half Moon Cay, you can visit the volleyball and basketball courts to play sports under the sun! The volleyball and basketball court is near the welcome center, with balls for all guests. On this excursion, you may see stingrays, angel fish, snapper, sharks, and other marine life.
Cruises to Half Moon Cay
Standard four-person cabana rentals come equipped with a ceiling fan, electric fan and air-conditioning unit to keep you cool. A table with four padded chairs and two padded loungers sit on the private deck. An assortment of snacks like chips and dip and fresh fruit are offered, and a mini-fridge holds a variety of drinks. Cruisers who book a cabana rental on Half Moon Cay are asked to fill out a form before their stay to ensure their preference of sodas and drinks (about six at a time) are stocked.
Kayak the Lagoon
Your guide will take you through winding trails until you reach the island’s highest point, giving you a world-class view of one of the most beautiful places on earth. While a visit to Half Moon Cay is one for the books, there are a few things to note to make the most of your time. There is no Wi-Fi on the island, so Formby recommends bringing another form of communication (like walkie-talkies) to use if you separate from your group.
Shopping In Half Moon Cay Bahamas
Guests seeking something different may be interested in the Lobster Shack, not to be confused with the New England-style Seafood Shack onboard ships, it has a different menu. 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. Being one of the most northerly islands in the Caribbean, Half Moon Cay is not super hot all year long but rather has some mild fluctuations. To make the most of your day, here’s what you need to know when visiting Half Moon Cay.
The official population of Half Moon Cay is zero, although some of the cruise line’s employees will be stationed there throughout different times of the year. So yes, even with the drink package you will have to pay out of pocket for every beverage. Some people don’t realize that Half Moon Cay has a great Stingray encounter as well called Stingray Cove. It’s just a short tram ride away or you can walk if you’d like. Hiking around the island is a great low-key exercise for just getting some cardio in while enjoying the sights. The dune paths are clearly marked, and you will find some informative signs next to the plant life along the way.
On this tour, you will bike on an oceanfront path while learning the island’s history from a tour guide. If you’re looking for a unique and personal experience with stingrays, then you will really enjoy this excursion. You will love the guided kayak adventure through Bone Fish Lagoon if you’re a nature enthusiast. On this excursion, you will board a two-person kayak and adventure across 1,400 square acres of mangrove forest.
Carnival Corporation invested USD 15 million in the development project. Daily operations are handled by around 100 employees (residents from the nearby islands). This private island doesn't have deepwater dock, so ships are required to anchor and transport their passengers to the shore via tender boats. The Oasis Cabana has a 100-foot walkway with misting stations and privacy gate upon entry. It includes butler service, along with a dedicated chef, cabana steward, bartender and lifeguard.
Take the Aqua Trax/Jet Ski Adventure
Get a professional massage by a professional therapist in an air-conditioned cabana. The team of beauticians aboard Holland America Line offer professional massage services while on the island. The island had no infrastructure so construction involved installing electric generators, reverse osmosis water plants for freshwater, sewer treatment, and incinerators. 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.
However, note that the best time to photograph is in the afternoon because of the sun’s position. Horseback riding is another popular activity on Half Moon Cay, led by a professional. You and your horse will travel to the island’s highest point before returning to the barn. Clamshells are awnings that can be rented to shade lounge chairs on the beach.
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. One thing to note is that these lobsters are not New England lobsters, but they are local and fresh. After that the guides will let you get something to drink while they prepare the horses with a special “saddle” for their swim.
This is mainly due to the extensive beach with its super-soft white sand and diverse activities such as horse riding. Half Moon Cay has a lot to offer, whether you’re going on excursions, exploring the nature trails, or relaxing on the beach. The great thing about Half Moon Cay is that there is a great mix of activities that appeal to everyone. We spent a few hours at the beach on our recent trip to Half Moon Cay, which was lovely.
We’re not the only ones enamored with our slice of paradise—Half Moon Cay is the highest-rated Bahamas private island. It has won Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Best Private Island award consecutively for 20 years. We’ve spent a quarter of a century perfecting the experience. When you feel the sugar-white sand on your toes or kayak its crystal lagoon, you’ll understand why cruise travelers love Half Moon Cay, a highlight of our Bahamas cruises.
The cabana includes misting stations, showers, and even iPod docking stations. These are available for hire if you want to add a little bit of luxury to your day and have the perfect beach day. If you want to find the best food on the island, head to the Lobster Shack. This does cost you around an extra $20, but the locally caught lobster is delicious. You can hire snorkels and floats as well as other sports equipment at the Welcome Center or Dive Shack.
Note, however, that you need a valid driver’s license and must be 16 years or older. On Holland America, the line offers a drink package for around $20 per day available on the island. Specific cabana/villa location requests are only accommodated once onboard at the shore excursions desk and not online or beforehand.
There are nature trails all over the island either on hard pavement or sandy trails. These paths lead to some of the island’s shore excursion start points such as Stingray Cove, Bonefish Lagoon and the Pegasus Ranch where they keep the horses. Half Moon Cay has a contrasting mix of green vegetation, white sand and blue sea. Out of the 2400 acres of natural beauty, only 2% ( about 50 acres) has been developed, leaving at least 2350 acres of indigenous flora and fauna to explore.
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