Table Of Content
There’s also a playground nearby that is fully equipped for climbing and scrambling. You might want to buy or bring your own small beach toys such as a sand bucket and spade for children to make sand castles on the beach. There are plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks dotted around the island for relaxing, napping and absorbing the gorgeous views. However, in 2019, Carnival Corporation signed an agreement with the Bahamas government to construct a new port at Half Moon Cay, at an estimated total cost of $90 million.
Other Cruise-Owned Islands
The island boasts a dreamy, 2.5-mile-long crescent-shaped beach (the source of the name Half Moon Cay). But, those looking for some solitude needn't look far -- There's plenty of this heavenly beach to go around. Located just steps from the ocean, it gives families a saltwater-free option while still allowing them to enjoy taking in the famous turquoise water views. Carnival's "Bottomless Bubbles" package also will not work on the island. There is also Lookout Bar, a more tranquil spot, on the opposite side of the island from the beach. For those who want to relax on the beach, and perhaps splurge a little, there are additional options.
Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes - The Points Guy
Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Bahamas
This is where you will find useful information on how to get around the island. Although the Island is relatively small, there is a lot to do. It can be very tempting to just lay on the amazing beach and chill. Only to get back on the ship and find out that something you always wanted to do, was available on another part of the island. All activities and attractions on Half Moon Cay are within walking distance. Also owned by Carnival Corporation are the Bahamian island resorts Princess Cays (on Eleuthera Island) and Celebration Key (on Grand Bahama Island/near Freeport's cruise port Lucaya).
Do people live on Half Moon Cay?
It has a lot of natural beauty with 2,400 acres of mostly trees and bushes, along with a 2-mile-long beach. Many cruisers are familiar with Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. About 100 miles southeast is a quiet uninhabited island, Little San Salvador, home to Carnival’s Half Moon Cay.
Once on the island you will see an entrance saying “Welcome to the Pirates Cove”, and the pirate theme is very evident on this 2,400 acre island. There are some must-try activities on this island and some things you can skip.
Rent Waterbikes
A stingray adventure is a thrilling opportunity to meet these fascinating ocean dwellers in their own backyard. After a quick tram ride to Stingray Cove, you’ll go through a short orientation to learn about the life of a stingray. Also, unbeknownst to many, the island has a small post office where guests can mail postcards to friends and family back home — a fun and low-cost activity for everyone in your group. You can also treat your loved ones to something from the on-site souvenir shop or straw market. Animal lovers may have the opportunity to snap a selfie with Ted, the island’s absolutely adorable resident donkey.
Half Moon Salon provides hair salon services manicures and pedicures. I believe these do need to be booked onboard the ship before you dock at the cruise port. When you are on the beach you will also see bar staff walking up and down taking orders.
Things to Do at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas [2024 Guide]
It's a largely undeveloped island that provides guests with a stunning crescent-shaped beach to swim in, as well as a variety of activities to fill the day. The Lobster Shack has a mouthwatering menu of grilled spiny lobster with rice, Caribbean coconut beans and salsa (pineapple or sofrito), so why not treat yourself? Prepared by chefs from the ship, it’s a great chance to enjoy a magnificent lobster feast for around $20. They can enjoy being sprayed with water from the pirate ship’s cannons or play on the shark, dolphin, whale and octopus-shaped water toys provided.
The adventure could be canceled, for example, if the water is too rough or if there are thunderstorms in the area. One of the best ways to enjoy the ocean is to catch sight of some stingrays while kayaking. There is an area popular among tourists where you can take many photos with the sign “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” as your backdrop.
The line initially invested $16 million to spruce up Half Moon Cay, with island-wide upgrades in 2017 to mark its 20th anniversary. Nearly 100 employees who reside on nearby islands handle day-to-day operations. You should factor this into your plans, as you simply cannot walk off whenever you'd like. If you want to spend all day on the beach, you will want to ensure that you wake up a little bit early to grab a tender ticket for one of the first few groups.
Sailing around in a Hobie Cat on a beautiful sunny day can be the highlight of your day. These small catamarans can be rented from the water sports shack near one of the bars. Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park is located right on the main beach and has a couple water slides and a pirate ship that shoots water from its canons. There is also a fountain of water providing a cool mist as it sprays into the air. These are 2-story cabins, brightly colored and perfectly fitted for a reprieve for your day at the beach.
Personally, I enjoy jet skiing out in the ocean because you can hit the waves and catch some air. In Bone Fish Lagoon the water is very calm so it’s a smooth ride. There is also a bike and hike tour if you’re interested in both. You can kick things up a notch with a bike tour of this crescent-shaped island as well. This will allow you to see a little more of the island than the previous tour. If you get off the ship early you will find plenty of loungers available, but the area of the beach closest to the tenders will fill up fast as the day rolls on.
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. The cost for this starts at $49.95 per person and the excursion lasts about one and a quarter hours. This may seem expensive, but seems lower than similar offerings from other cruise lines.
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. Half Moon Cay is worth visiting for its pristine beauty and idyllic atmosphere. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush tropical surroundings, the island offers a paradise-like experience.
The Eco Hike & Bike tour is a great way to explore the island’s highlights, including Pegasus Rance and the island’s plant nursery. As the tour continues, you can ride your horse in the water. This is a unique experience as the horses swim along the shoreline.
No comments:
Post a Comment