If you take a Caribbean cruise with Holland America or Carnival Cruise Lines, a popular port-of-call is Half Moon Cay. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent many days off on this pristine island and love sharing tips. So read on and discover Half Moon Cay (pronounced “key”) highlights for a dreamy getaway.
For 20 years in a row, Half Moon Cay was entitled “Best Private Island” by the Porthole cruise magazine. Owned by Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines, it’s one of the 700 islands in the archipelago of the Bahamas. Aka, Little San Salvador Island, the crescent-shaped getaway is 6 square miles in size. It’s surrounded by 9 miles of white sandy beaches along vibrant, turquoise waters. Overall, the island feels like a remote paradise, yet the amenities are never far away.
Getting There and Amenities
A short tender boat ride takes visitors to the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center. Here, you can get oriented for excursions or rentals for water activities. Also, nearby are bars and the venue for the free barbeque and buffet for lunchtime. Unfortunately, the iconic Captain Morgan Pirate Ship Bar was recently damaged by a storm and taken down.
Half Moon Cay Highlights
Half Moon Beach
One of the first things you see by tender to the island is the inviting Half Moon Beach, stretching 2 miles long. Here, visitors can enjoy an excursion-free day. There are many loungers and hammocks available for some R & R. Also, limited cabana and villa rentals are available, but sell out quickly.
Nearby are small trees for shade or clam shells for rental. The beach becomes quieter the further away you get from the welcome center.
Rent Gear for Water Activities
Getting out in the water is the ultimate way to enjoy this escape. Rentals are available for snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis and rafts. Also, near the welcome center are stores with gear and souvenirs.
Excursions
It’s best to schedule your cruise ship excursions beforehand because activities fill up. Popular tours include horseback-riding on the beach, nature walks, parasailing and snorkeling excursions.
Nature Walks
Holland America has preserved the island as a nature reserve and wild bird sanctuary. Nature walks are a great way to explore the island on a guided tour or independently. If you get too hot, you can always cool off in the water that is never far away.
Bonefish Lagoon
The Island has a protected wetland habitat with bonefish, sea turtles and sharks. You can explore on a guided hike or kayaking excursion. Also, a clear bottom boat shows the living reefs, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, conch, sea urchins and other marine life
Free Tram Ride
Near the welcome center visitors can catch a free tram ride. It takes you to the other side of the island, for those with restricted mobility issues.
Stingray Cove
Visitors can take a tram or walk to the Stingray Cove and see up close the resident southern stingrays. Here, you can put on snorkel gear and swim with these creatures in a netted off area.
Meet the Resident Donkeys
We grabbed a tram to the stables with the horses and resident donkeys. The donkey was especially friendly and used to visitors.
Enjoy Half Moon Cay!
This slice of heaven truly feels like a remote paradise. However, the amenities are never far away. Also, keep in mind for more privacy, simply wander away from the welcome center. If your travels take you to Half Moon Cay, leave comments or suggestions below.
Read Next!
Grand Turk Cruise Port Top 10 Attractions
Colorful Willemstad, Curacao Attractions & Top Things to Do
.
