12 THINGS TO DO AT HALF MOON CAY, BAHAMAS

Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is a small private island (about 4 square miles) in the Bahamas owned by Holland America Line—the island is primarily used as one of the Caribbean cruise stops for Holland America and Carnival (other Caribbean islands cruise stops from Florida, United States are Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and Cozumel in Mexico). Nobody lives on the Island, it is a resort that caters to cruisers, the locals who work here come by ferry when cruise ships are scheduled to arrive.

Half Moon Cay is shaped like a half-moon and has won best private island numerous times. For things to do, see excursions below offered by Carnival and Holland America cruise lines. But, for those wanting to explore the island on their own, ask for a Half Moon Cay map from the information booth when you disembark the ship or from the cruise ship staff. 

HALF MOON CAY BEACH

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The most sought-after thing to do at Half Moon Cay is swimming at the white sand Half Moon Cay Beach. There are beach chairs and umbrellas all over the beach stretch, which you can use for free. For those wanting more privacy and seclusion, you can rent a cabana or a villa (these might not be from your typical hotel or resort, but they are equally good, and they don’t come cheap).

SEE CAPTAIN MORGAN’S PIRATE SHIP

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When you arrive at Half Moon Cay Beach, Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship stands tall and graceful, right on the beach. The pirate ship can also be seen from the cruise ship as it pulls up into Half Moon Cay Port. Inside Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship, there is a bar that is open to the public. You can proceed to the top deck to take in a nice view of the sea and the beach.

HANG OUT AT WELCOMING CENTER FOR SHOPPING, FOOD & DRINKS

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When you disembark the cruise ship at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port, on your way to the beautiful Half Moon Cay Beach—where everyone flock to—you will pass through the welcoming center, a colorful square where you can eat, relax, and do your shopping in the Straw Market and Gift Shop. Here, you will also find the Shores Excursions Sale Office and Information Booth.

ENJOY FREE ISLAND LUNCH

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Food in the Bahamas is undeniably perfect—great spiced food and tropical drinks bring a wonderful culinary experience. When you disembark the cruise ship and head to Half Moon Cay, everyone is served a free meal for lunch at Tropics Restaurant, usually barbecue—jerk chicken, hotdogs, fried rice, cakes, and etcetera. 

If you want food outside lunch hours, you can buy food and drinks at bars on the island such as the Lobster Shack, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, and the bar inside Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship.

HALF MOON CAY EXCURSIONS / GUIDED ACTIVITIES

At Half Moon Cay, excursions are the best way to see the island and experience many things faster, usually, cruise line passengers have one day to explore before boarding their cruise ship for embarkation. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line have excursions offered and passengers can book in advance while on the ship or buy tickets at the Shore Excursions Office when they disembark. Below are the main popular tours offered and with good reviews. 

TOUR BY TRAM HALF MOON CAY ISLAND

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The Island Tram Calypso Tour is a one-hour island tour by tram. The tour begins from the Welcome Center, passing through the island’s chapel, Captain Morgan’s Ship, Pegasus Ranch (to see swimming horses), the lagoon, as well as the island’s farm. They will also stop at the chapel, a little Bahamian church where people can get married. This is the perfect way of seeing interesting places on the island of Half Moon Cay.

KAYAKING IN THE LAGOON

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Kayaking is done in the lagoon and this is the best way to explore the lagoon and learn about the mangroves and the many birds living on the island of Half Moon Cay. The lagoon is a whopping 700 acres and has many natural plants and colorful water. Many water activities take place here.

HORSEBACK RIDING

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Half Moon Cay—like most other famous beaches in the Bahamas with turquoise water—has horseback riding in the sea. This is considered one of the must-try activities on the island. Before the horse rides, participants take a tram ride and are taken to the highest point on the island for breathtaking views.

HIKING

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For those interested in bird watching and exploring the island further, hiking is best. There is a Nature Walk Tour available. These nature walks are pleasant and relaxing in Half Moon Cay’s trails. The views of the ocean and the lagoon are spectacular. Birds and crawlers are also pleasant encounters. The guided walks are informative—stories of piracy and slavery in the Bahamas are told. 

SNORKELING

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Snorkeling is one activity that should not be missed when visiting the Caribbean. The tour boat takes participants to a location in the Caribbean Sea perfect for snorkeling—crystal clear waters and colorful fish present a perfect experience. Snorkel gear is provided. Other water activities at Half Moon Cay are paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, a children’s water park, and more.

PLAY VOLLEYBALL

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Half Moon Cay has volleyball courts on the sand very close to the beach. The court is open to cruise passengers. You may ask the cruise staff for court rules and how to get balls. There is also a basketball court.

GLASS BOAT CRUISE

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There is a lagoon cruise boat that has a glass bottom—passengers enjoy views of coral reefs and all sorts of fish species and turtles swimming in the ocean. The cruise is educational as well, people learn about the history of Bahamas and Half Moon Cay.

SEE AND INTERACT WITH STINGRAYS

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One popular thing to do at Half Moon Cay is watching stingrays swim and possibly touch them while swimming or snorkeling. There are guided tours and the action happens at Stingray Cove. Here participants watch stingrays feed, move, and show different behaviors. Snorkeling gear is provided.