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It’s important to note that both decks offer a view into the ocean. Half Moon Cay was formerly known as “Little San Salvador Island.” However, the name was changed to reflect the crescent-shaped beach at the island’s west end. Once you arrive at Half Moon Cay, you’ll find a map of the island, places to take photos, and an entranceway to the central area. You’ll see an information desk, the Rumrunners Bar, shops, and live musical performers in the central area. Feed and touch gentle stingrays and other amazing sea creatures.
HAL-Holland America announces 2024-2025 USA & Canada West Coast cruises
Otherwise, walk a little further down the beach to find more secluded areas. There is a special lagoon aqua park with island-themed action fun area where kids can play in the safe shallow water. Half Moon Cay is frequently visited by Holland America cruise ships and some Carnival cruise ships. Not all itineraries include Half Moon Cay as a port of call, so check the details before booking your cruise. Half Moon Cay is an idyllic castaway island in the Bahamas with a white sandy beach lapped by calm cerulean blue waters.
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If you want to snorkel on your own, you can rent snorkel gear! One of the great things about Half Moon Cay is that they have a beginner’s snorkel area near the welcome center. If you’re looking to relax in the water all day long, then consider renting a floating tube or matt. Furthermore, the Half Moon Lagoon water park is next to the beach. So you can relax on the beach while your children play at the water park. Something that many visitors don’t realize when they visit Half Moon Cay is that there is a free tram.
Visit the Post Office
First, let’s learn a little about this private island before we get into all the wonderful things you can do here. This excursion is a very popular activity on Half Moon Cay and lasts one and a quarter hours. Riders will lead the horses along a trail to the highest point of the Island with views in every direction. There are lots of opportunities to see lots of wildlife on the island. This does need to be organized through the ship and booked prior to your cruise as this is a full legal ceremony. It is held in the delightful small chapel next to the Welcome Centre.
Check Out the Half Moon Lagoon Water Park
Located almost 100 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is one of 700 islands that make of the archipelago of the Bahamas. In this post we will guide you through the best things to do on the island and give you more than enough reasons to get off the ship. Here’s everything you need to know about Half Moon Cay, so you can make the most of your day at this favorite cruise port. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #halfmooncay — you may see them right here. Don’t forget to check our other cruise news and cruise tips on the site.
Your cruise entertainment crew will organize some team games and fun activities while ashore so get ready to join an impromptu game. Half Moon Cay is located midway between the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island in the Bahamas. It is about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, and 277 miles southeast of Miami.
Exploring Half Moon Cay: Is It Worth the Visit?
Both Carnival Cruise ships and Holland America Line visit the island. The Island’s original name is Little San Salvador Island and but was renamed when purchased by Carnival Corporation. The tiny yet mesmerizing island is perfect for planning a wedding in the Bahamas. There, you can have your wedding on a white sandy beach or a cruise ship. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, touring the island by boat is a great alternative that allows you to see the beautiful sea life without getting wet. A surcharge ($50 per person) is added for each additional occupant to a maximum of 18 occupants total.
Follow one of the Walking and Running Trails on Half Moon Cay
You can even purchase clamshells that are farmed nearby and contain natural pearls. Purchase and open your clamshell and have the beautiful pearl made into a ring or pendant while you wait. It’s a unique and lovely way to celebrate your visit to the Bahamas.
Carnival starts development of Half Moon Cay pier - TravelMole
Carnival starts development of Half Moon Cay pier.
Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The island is built on 45 acres along the crescent-shaped beach with more than a mile in length that fronts on a protected bay leading west to Exuma Sound. 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.
To be honest, the food here was typical of most private island stops. 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. Anytime I am near a beach or any body of water, I always see stand-up paddle boards. These have become so popular with the new inflatable models coming on the market which make them much more transportable. Fortunately, you don’t need to bring a board as you can rent them out for $39.99 for an hour.
This has become quite a trend on private islands over the years and more and more cruise companies are doing this. As you walk along Half Moon Beach you cannot help but spot the colorful two-story beach villas and Cabanas dotted along the length of the beach. 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.
Visitors can only reach Half Moon Cay by booking a cruise that includes a stop at the island. The locals who work on the island, who are around 100 people, arrive by ferry from Eleuthera whenever cruise ships are visiting. Half Moon Cay is an enchanting and breathtaking destination for those searching for Bahamian beauty that has somehow managed to stay a bit under the radar.
You’ll weave between the colorful reef formations scattered throughout the shallow waters while exploring the inlets and sand pits that make Half Moon Cay so memorable and picturesque. A dream cruise to Half Moon Cay is one of those rare instances where your imagination actually does a disservice to its dreamlike atmosphere. With an endless variety of excursions available, your trip to this secluded island in The Bahamas will be a vacation you won’t soon forget. Just 6 percent of Half Moon Cay has been developed, with passenger facilities taking up less than 50 acres. Much of the remaining land serves as a nature preserve and wild bird sanctuary, with the Bonefish Lagoon on the east side of the island. Located less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau, the island (previously known as Little San Salvador) was purchased in 1996 for $6 million.
There is a straw market on Half Moon Cay where residents from nearby islands will come and sell some souvenirs and local goods. While this can be a convenient place to pick up some gifts for people back home, keep in mind that it’s not a very big market, and it has limited variety. This ultimate Half Moon Cay guide shows you the best things to do on Carnival’s private island in the Bahamas. This is a one-hour guided Jet Ski tour of Half Moon Cay’s lagoon area. Now, why would a private island need a little hair and beauty salon? Well, it turns out that you can actually get married on Half Moon Cay.
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