Category: Half Moon Cay

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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Half Moon Cay The Bahamas

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Half Moon Cay?

Captain Morgan's Bar, Half Moon Cay
Captain Morgan's Bar, Half Moon Cay

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Half Moon Cay?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

 

 

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Half Moon Cay?

You can absolutely get away with NOT booking an excursion in Half Moon Cay.  It is a private island owned and developed by Carnival Cruise Lines. Let me tell you, it is heaven on Earth! The island is made up of white sand beaches surrounded by crystal blue water. It is absolutely stunning!

The island has several water toys available for rent including catamarans, sailboats, rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. 

Beach Villas Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

You can also rent a clamshell, cabana, or beach villa. All of these can be charged to your Sail & Sign card. I strongly suggest booking cabanas and beach villas in advance.

If you would rather not shell out money on the island, that’s totally okay! There are plenty of lounge chairs to be had, just make sure you catch an early tender if you are traveling with a large group. Since this is a private island, you can also hit up the buffet free of charge.

Check out our article, 5 Facts About Half Moon Cay to learn a little more.

Recommended Excursions in Half Moon Cay

While you definitely do not need an excursion, there are several that are available. To be honest, I’ve never booked an excursion in HMC simply because there are so many amenities. However, if you want to do something extra here, these excursions all look pretty rad.

Stingray Adventure

I love a good (humane) animal encounter. This excursion brings you up close and personal with friendly southern stingrays. You won’t believe how velvety smooth stingrays wings feel!

Tropical Kayak Adventure

Kayaking is one of my favorite activities. On this excursion, you’ll have about 1 hour to take the kayak out onto the lagoon. A naturalist will join you to point out all of the local flora and fauna.

Aqua Trax Watercraft Adventure

First off…an Aqua Trax is a jet ski. This tour takes you well beyond the shores of Half Moon Cay and straight out to a natural reef. You’ll get to see nearby islands and zoom through coves and inlets. It looks like an absolute blast!

Cabana Rental

Let me tell you, this is the way to go! One of the “excursions” that is available is renting out a cabana for private use. You’ll be the first tender ashore and have access to air conditioning (ummm…how perfect is this for summer???). There are also snacks, sodas, and water provided. The cabana is rented for a flat rate and is suitable for up to 4 guests.

Beach Villa Rental

There are also Beach Villas available for rent (see the top photo on this post). The villas are good for up to 8 people and include a hot tub, shower, and sun deck. It also comes with fresh fruit and vegetables, chips, dip, and salsa along with sodas and bottled water. Oh…and it comes with snorkel gear.

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Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Want more information on this port? Check out our Complete Guide to Half Moon Cay.

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Updated: 4/15/22

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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Half Moon Cay The Bahamas

The Complete Guide to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Beach Villas Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Guide to Half Moon Cay– Half Moon Cay (HMC) is also known as Little San Salvador Island. It is one of 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. This private island, owned by Carnival Cruise Line/Holland America, is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau. The beach is famous for having crystal clear turquoise water, a 2-mile long horseshoe-shaped white sandy beach, and a massive pirate ship bar.

We hope this Guide to Half Moon Cay will help you plan out your trip and get your excited for all of the adventures that are to come!

 

Half Moon Cay

Things to Know Before You Go…

HMC is a tender port.

This means that the water surrounding the island is too shallow for the ship to dock. In order to access the island, you’ll have to take a water taxi from ship to shore. Guests staying in suites, as well as Platinum and Diamond cruisers, those with an excursion, and those that have purchased the Faster to the Fun pass, will have priority on the tenders.

If you aren’t one of those with priority on the tenders it can take awhile to get back and forth between the island and the ship. There are only four tenders (on a good day) and it can take upwards of 30 minutes.

Once you’re on board the tender, it is a quick 10-minute ride to and from the ship.

Pro-Tip: Pack a Seaband JUST in case you get motion sickness on the tender.

Things you should take ashore with you…

Guide to Half Moon Cay: Food & Drink

There’s a free buffet.

You can enjoy a buffet for free at the Tropics Restaurant. Since this is a private island, you get to have a free buffet-style lunch, just like you would on the ship.

It is important to know that the “tropical buffet” often runs out of food. If you want to take advantage of the free lunch, get in line as soon as it opens at 11:30. The buffet will close at 1:30.

Entrees

  • Hamburger
  • Cheeseburger
  • Garden Burger
  • Hot Dogs
  • Jerked Chicken
  • Cous Cous with Roasted Zucchini
  • Titi Shrimp and Beans with Tapenade

Sides

  • German Potato Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Medley of Mixed Greens
  • Roasted Yellow Squash
  • Chips n’ Salsa
  • Roasted Broccoli Salad

Desserts

  • Banana Rum Cake
  • Linzer Torte
  • Cookies
  • Brownies

If you don’t mind paying for lunch (and the convenience of not having to stand in a long line), consider buying lunch at the Lobster Shack, located next to the “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” bar.

There is free water at the BBQ lunch, make sure you stay hydrated.

The drink package doesn’t work on the island.

You would think that since this is a private island owned by Carnival that you could use your drink package here…but you can’t.

If you want to sip on a run runner while looking out on the water, bring your Sail & Sign Card (for you Carnival cruisers) or you’re Stateroom Key Card (for the Holland America folks).

 

Captain Morgan’s Bar

There are 4 Bars on the Island

  • Captain Morgan’s Bar- The giant pirate ship themed bar is a popular spot with cruisers. Head up to the top for jaw-dropping views.
  • I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar- This is the largest bar on the island and probably the most photographed. It is located halfway between the Welcome Center and Tropics Restaurant (the free buffet).
  • Rum Runners Bar– This bar is located right next to the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center.
  • Lookout Bar-This is by far the least crowded bar. It overlooks Bonefish Lagoon. Head here if you want to avoid the annoying drunk guy from Captain Morgan’s Bar.

The Beach Chairs

There are hundreds of free beach chairs lined up on the beach. Most beachgoers are inclined to grab the beach chairs closest to the water. Sure, you’re close to the water…but this also puts you further away from the shade. Consider grabbing a chair on the last row. There are more trees the farther down the beach you go.

If you’re travelling with a large group, it may be difficult to find chairs together. Head down the beach and hopefully you’ll have better luck.

Even if you’re not traveling with a large group…you should consider the fact that although there are hundreds of chairs, there are also thousands of people on the ship. Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that you may not get a chair.

 

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Options Way Better Than Free Chairs!

There are other options, aside from the free chairs, that we feel are totally worth the cost! There are cabanas, beach villas, and private oases available. These will guarantee you a comfortable lounge chair, shade, and other perks.

 Cabana

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • Applicable for up to 4 guests.

Two-Story Beach Villa 

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • Five person hot tub
  • Applicable for up to 8 guests.

Private Oasis

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • eight person hot tub
  • Butler
  • Bartender
  • Personal Chef
  • Steward
  • Lifeguard
  • Unlimited food and alcoholic beverage
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Applicable for up to 12 guests.

 

Half Moon Cay

 

Guide to Half Moon Cay: Activities

  • The island has several water toys available for rent including catamarans, sailboats, sailboards, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. 
  • You can also rent a clamshell, cabana or beach villa. All of these can be charged to your Sail & Sign card. I strongly suggest booking cabanas and beach villas in advance. See the section above for all of the perks.
  • Take a hike! There is a mile-long trail on the island. The cruise line is working to develop more nature trails.
  • There is plenty to do on the island, even without booking an excursion. If you do choose to book an excursion, you’ll get priority boarding for the tenders.
  • Check out our favorite excursions.
  • Shop the Straw Market.

 

The Sites at Half Moon Cay

What’s Not to Miss?

  • Take your picture in front of the iconic “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” sign.
  • Grab a drink at the pirate ship. Make sure you head upstairs for remarkable views.
  • Walk along the horseshoe-shaped beach. The further you go, the fewer the people. Don’t worry about getting lost….it’s an island… you’ll be able to circle back.

 

Is Visiting Half Moon Cay Worth the Money?

If you plan appropriately, yes. I think nearly everyone who has been to the island would recommend it. You could get away without spending any money on the island and it could be a very, cheap, fun, relaxing beach day.

If you start adding on things like drinks, the drink package, excursions, clamshell shades, etc. things start to add up.

As long as you stay hydrated, remain patient while waiting for the tenders, and be diligent about applying sunscreen, we think you’ll have a blast.

Suggested Schedule

8:00-9:00 hop on an early morning tender
9:00-11:00 Excursion (totally optional)
11:00 – 12:15 Hydrate, make your way to Tropics Restaurant for the free buffet
12:15-12:45– While your food is digesting, take a walk around the island. There’s even a one-mile-long hiking trail!
12:45-2:00– Snorkel, swim, or play with some of the beach equipment
2:00-3:00– Dry off, check out the bars, or the Straw Market
3:00-4:00– Grab a tender back to the ship

We hope this Guide to Half Moon Cay will help you map out your trip. We can’t wait to hear about it!

FAQ About HMC

Is Half Moon Cay owned by Carnival?

Yes, Half Moon Cay is owned by the Carnival Corporation.  They also own Princess Cays, which is just 15 miles away.

Is food on Half Moon Cay free?

Yes, whether you’re sailing with Carnival or with Holland America, there is a free buffet available on the island.  See the section above for more information including food options.

Are drinks free at Half Moon Cay?

Unfortunately, the ship’s drink package doesn’t extend to the island…which is weird considering it’s owned by the cruiseline… 

Are there sharks at Half Moon Cay?

Well…sharks live in the ocean and you’re kind of hanging out in their domain, so yes, there are sharks at Half Moon Cay.  Lemon sharks are known to visit the area.  

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Post Updated: 4/12/23

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Cruise Travel Half Moon Cay The Bahamas

5 Facts about Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

It’s been a year and a half since we have visited one of our favorite islands, Half Moon Cay. Ever since the adoption of our three littles was finalized, we have been itching to take them on a cruise. With the cruises being currently suspended, all we can do is reminisce about our past trips and plan for future ones.

One of the first islands I’d like to take the kids to is Half Moon Cay, in The Bahamas. It’s such an easy, kid-friendly port, to help introduce them to foreign travel.

Today, I’m sharing 5 facts about one of our favorite places to visit, Half Moon Cay.


5 Facts about Half Moon Cay

1. Half Moon Cay is also known as Little San Salvador Island. It is one of 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. This private island is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau.

2. Holland America Line purchased the island in 1996 for just $6 million USD. Since then, they have developed about 50 acres of the 2,400-acre island. The company has plans for leaving the rest of the island natural and undeveloped.

3. HMC is one of Carnival’s tender ports. This means that the water surrounding the island is too shallow for the ship to dock. In order to access the island, you’ll have to take a water taxi from ship to shore. Guests staying in suites, as well as Platinum and Diamond cruisers and those that have purchased the Faster to the Fun pass, will have priority on the tenders.

4. The island has several water toys available for rent including catamarans, sailboats, sailboards, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. You can also rent a clamshell, cabana or beach villa. All of these can be charged to your Sail & Sign card. I strongly suggest booking cabanas and beach villas in advance.

5. Since this is a private island, you can enjoy a buffet for free just like you could on the ship! This is a huge perk! Otherwise, you’d either have to pay out of pocket or hop on a tender back to the ship to grab a bite to eat. You can use your Sail & Sign card to purchase alcoholic beverages, just like you would onboard.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have these items with you when you head into port.

Our Thoughts

I am so super pumped about visiting Half Moon Cay with our littles. Since it is a private island, and they speak English, it will be the perfect place to introduce them to foreign travel. Also, since The Bahamas are so close to our home state of Florida, we’ll be able to book a shorter cruise to see how they do as little cruisers.

Half Moon Cay offers lots of great water activities that kids and grownups alike will absolutely love!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

If you’re planning on hitting up The Bahamas, be sure to check out A Beginners Guide to Nassau and 7 Things for Cruisers to do within Walking Distance in Nassau.

Be sure to pin this information for your trip! Give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more great cruising and travel information. See you next time!

Updated 3/15/23

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