Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, is a private island paradise owned by Carnival Corporation and used exclusively by their cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. This secluded island, also known as Little San Salvador, is a crescent-shaped oasis of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is an untouched natural wonder, with only a small portion of the island developed for guests, making it the ultimate destination for a relaxing beach day.
⛵ Port Introduction
Since Half Moon Cay is a private island, there is no large, permanent cruise pier for ships to dock. Your ship will anchor offshore in the beautiful lagoon, and you will be taken to shore on a tender boat. The tender ride is a short and scenic journey that gives you a stunning view of the island as you approach. The tender will drop you off at a small dock, and from there, you are just a few steps from the beach and all the island's amenities.
⚓ Terminal Information
The tender landing is a small, open-air dock. There is no large terminal building. The area is designed to quickly and efficiently move passengers from the tenders to the island's main plaza.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
While there is no large terminal, the island is well-equipped for a day of fun. You'll find a Welcome Center near the tender landing, which has restrooms and a small tourist information point. The island's main offerings are all open-air, including several bars, a large buffet-style restaurant, and a straw market with local vendors. You can get free beach chairs, but you can also rent umbrellas and clamshell sunshades. The island also has a post office where you can mail postcards.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English. You will have no problem at all navigating or communicating.
💰 Money
The currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD) at a 1-to-1 ratio. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted everywhere, and there is no need to exchange money. Purchases on the island can be charged directly to your shipboard account, so you can leave your wallet in your cabin if you wish. Most purchases on the island will be from bars or for excursions.
🚗 Transportation
Half Moon Cay is a very small, undeveloped island, so there is no public transportation or taxi service.
· Walking: The best way to get around Half Moon Cay is to walk. The developed area is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
· Tram: A free tram runs continuously between the tender pier and the Tropics Restaurant, which is located on the other side of the main beach area.
· Bicycles: You can rent bicycles for a self-guided tour of the island.
♿ Accessibility
Half Moon Cay has an accessibility rating of 1 out of 10. The tender process is a major barrier for people with limited mobility, as you have to get on and off a moving boat. The island itself is largely sand, which is extremely difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. While the main walking paths are paved, much of the island's beauty lies on the beach.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get from the tender pier to the main beach area is to walk. It's a very short and easy stroll. If you need to go further, you can take the complimentary tram that runs between the pier and the main restaurant.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in the main plaza, near the Tropics Restaurant, and in the cabanas for rent. They are generally clean and well-maintained.
💊 Drugstore
Half Moon Cay is a private island and does not have a public drugstore. There is a first aid station on the island that can help with minor injuries and provide basic medical supplies.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Dine on the Free Island BBQ: Instead of returning to the ship for lunch, stay on the island and enjoy the complimentary barbecue. The buffet-style lunch includes classic beach fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs, as well as fresh salads and fruit. It’s an easy and delicious way to get a taste of the island's laid-back atmosphere.
2. Explore the Bonefish Lagoon: For a unique experience that goes beyond the main beach, take a kayak or eco-lagoon tour to explore the Bonefish Lagoon. This protected area is a serene sanctuary with calm waters and a natural habitat for a variety of marine life, including stingrays and sharks. It's a peaceful and authentic way to get a feel for the island's natural beauty.
3. Visit the Local Straw Market: For a taste of Bahamian culture, visit the small straw market on the island. Local vendors from the Bahamas come to the island to sell handcrafted goods, including woven baskets, wood carvings, and jewelry. It's a great place to buy a unique souvenir and support the local artisans.
