Explore Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas
Fulfill your tropical island fantasy on Carnival cruises to Half Moon Cay, the Bahamas. Sway in the sweet Bahamian breezes to the rhythms of calypso and find romance on this private island paradise. Cruises to Half Moon Cay deliver you to an idyllic sun-drenched island hideaway where you can play in the turquoise seas, ride horseback on powdery white sand, and encounter silky stingrays.
- Sail, swim or snorkel the shallow blue-green Atlantic.
- Ride horseback along the sea’s edge on Half Moon Cay cruises.
- Feel the velvety touch of a stingray’s wings in Stingray Cove.
- Sip a fruity rum punch in a Bahamian open-air bar.
- Let the kids loose in the pirate ship at the Water Park.
Local Attractions
Be an island castaway for a day when your Half Moon Cay cruise anchors in Little San Salvador Island’s blue-green bay. This tiny tropical isle has one of the Bahamas’ prettiest beaches and dozens of island activities. Settle in under a coconut palm, dig your toes in the powdery sand, or simply play to your heart’s delight.
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Snorkel, kayak or take a glass-bottom-boat ride at Stingray Cove.
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Take a beach horseback ride and enjoy views from the island’s highest point.
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Spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun on Half Moon Cay Beach.
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Play with kids of all ages in the Aqua Park.
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Sip flavorful umbrella drinks at Rumrunner’s beach bar.
Fun Facts
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Half Moon Cay is one of the Out Islands of the Bahamas, located between Eleuthera and Cat Island.
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Half Moon Cay, Bahamas was named “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine for the last four years.
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The entire 2,400 acres of Little San Salvador Island is an international bird sanctuary and nature preserve. Only two percent of the island has been developed—and the other 98 percent will remain pristine wilderness.
Within Walking Distance
Tenders ferry passengers on Carnival® cruises to Half Moon Cay directly to the sheltered landing marina. Passengers are greeted at the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center, where the full-service facilities include a Bahamian straw market and the Cold Spot ice-cream shop. Escape the crowds by finding your own slice of secluded sand or head out for island adventures.
You can lounge beneath a “clamshell” sunshade, or enjoy one of the island’s 15 private cabanas—complete with air-conditioning, misting shower, and a fridge stocked with soft drinks and fresh fruit—for luxurious privacy. Water-sports enthusiasts can rent snorkel gear, kayaks, and Hobie cats, take a ride in the sky on a parasail, or slice across the glassy seas on a windsurfer sailboard. A raffish pirate ship anchors the Aqua Park, packed with water toys for the youngster in everyone.
Beyond The Port Area
Half Moon Cay offers any number of island adventures—all within strolling distance of the marina or just a tram ride away. With your Carnival® cruise to Half Moon Cay, you can arrange an offshore snorkel by boat or a deep-sea fishing expedition. A popular shore excursion is a horseback ride on land and sea—topped off with a bareback swim in the sparkling bay. Diehard romantics can even wed or renew their vows in the island’s beguiling little wooden chapel. A popular shore excursion is a horseback ride on land and sea—topped off with a bareback swim in the sparkling bay. Diehard romantics can even wed or renew their vows in the island’s beguiling little wooden chapel.
Beaches and Water Activities in Half Moon Cay
Prepare for a perfect day at the beach on Half Moon Cay, the Bahamas, just 100 miles southeast of Nassau. The island’s main beach, Half Moon Cay Beach is a seductive two-mile crescent of white sand where you can rent beach chairs, covered “clamshell” sunshades for two, or private air-conditioned cabanas—and swim to your heart’s content.
On the island’s eastern flank, the 700-acre lagoon at Stingray Cove has kayaks to rent and glass-bottom-boat rides for exploring the lagoon without getting wet. For big thrills, strap on a snorkel mask for the guided stingray snorkel among the cove’s resident southern stingrays. You’ll get to feed these docile creatures and touch their velvety wings as they glide by.
Dining in Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay has plenty of places to sate your appetite and satisfy your thirst. Enjoy the Bahamian buffet at Tropics Restaurant to the accompaniment of steel band music. You’ll share the sentiment as you hoist a cold one at the thatched-roof I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar. The island’s newest drinking hole, Captain Morgan on the Rocks, serves drinks in the belly of a pirate ship.
Travel Tips
Maximize your fun with with these Half Moon Cay travel tips:
- English is the official language of the Bahamas.
- Half Moon Cay enjoys a warm, semi-tropical climate, with average year-round temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. Pack for sunny, steamy days and balmy, breezy evenings.
- Carnival® cruises to Half Moon Cay set anchor in the deep water off shore. Passengers are transferred by tenders to the cay’s marina and welcome center.
- The best way to get around the island is on foot. A 25-passenger tram runs continuously between the Welcome Center and Tropics Restaurant. Bikes are also available for eco-tours.
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