In search of some Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay ideas? You’ve come to the precise place. There are some must-try actions on this island and a few issues you may skip.
Right here’s every little thing you want to learn about Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay, so you may profit from your day at this favourite cruise port.
Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador Island) is a crescent-shaped, cruise line non-public island owned by Carnival Cruise Line and used seasonally by Holland America Line.
Carnival cruise ships make over 200 stops a yr at this picturesque non-public resort, and it’s one of the crucial standard stops for cruises within the Bahamas.
A cruise to Half Moon Cay is the spotlight of the voyage for a lot of and presents the right seaside day to cruise passengers. With quite a lot of cruise shore excursions to select from this can be a non-public island with one thing for everybody.
This port of name has gained the title of “Finest Personal Island” 20 years in a row by the Porthole cruise journal Readers’ Alternative Awards. And for good purpose. A go to to Half Moon Cay is a go to to paradise.
Modifications Upcoming to Half Moon Cay
Carnival Company lately introduced plans to construct a pier and a separate part on Half Moon Cay only for Carnival cruise ships.
The island was renamed Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay in help of the large growth coming to the island.
The pier will have the ability to accommodate the biggest Carnival cruise ships and it’s anticipated to open in 2026.
Holland America Line ships will proceed to make use of the present tender system and port.
RELATED: See the 5 Finest Cruise Personal Islands as voted by our readers.
What Is There to Do at Half Moon Cay?
On this put up we’ll information you thru the very best issues to do on the island and offer you greater than sufficient causes to get off the ship.
Swimming, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, sunbathing, and horseback driving are just some of the excursions you may get pleasure from on Half Moon Cay. Our full record is under.
There’s a straw market on Half Moon Cay the place residents from close by islands will come and promote some souvenirs and native items. Whereas this generally is a handy place to select up some items for folks again residence, understand that it’s not a really large market, and it has restricted selection.
However if you wish to do some buying, that is the place on the island to do it.
The place’s the dock? Nicely, there isn’t one proper now. You’ll have to take tenders backwards and forwards out of your ship, however it’s a brief 15 or 20-minute boat journey on among the most pristine water you’ll ever see. Simply have a look at it as a free tour.
As soon as on the island you will notice an entrance saying “Welcome to the Pirates Cove”, and the pirate theme could be very evident on this 2,400 acre island.
Some Data About Half Moon Cay
First, let’s be taught a little bit about this non-public island earlier than we get into all of the fantastic issues you are able to do right here.
Situated nearly 100 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is considered one of 700 islands that make of the archipelago of the Bahamas.
The island is over 6 sq. miles in dimension, however solely about 2% has been developed with a purpose to keep as a lot wildlife and pure fauna as attainable. Many cruisers don’t notice that there’s extra to Little San Salvador than simply the heavenly seashores.
Is Meals Included at Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Whether or not you might be crusing with Carnival or Holland America there’s a free buffet on the eating pavilion that provides quite a lot of meals, together with Caribbean barbecue, sizzling canine, hamburgers, and extra. We’ll discuss this extra under.
Final Record of Issues to Do in Half Moon Cay
Take a look at among the excursions and free actions I like to recommend when cruising to this unique patch of land.
1. Go to Half Moon Seaside
Some have referred to as this seaside the closest factor to an untouched Bahamas that you’ll find. Not solely is it clear, stunning, and accommodating, however there are handy locations close by to get a refreshment or use the services.
The sand is okay and smooth, and Half Moon Seaside is the very first thing you will notice as your tender approaches the island. There are often loads of loungers to select from, however the additional down the seaside you stroll the much less crowded it will likely be.
This generally is a nice excursion-free go to, and also you don’t have to fret about any pushy distributors attempting to promote you souvenirs whilst you calm down. There are, nevertheless, loads of Carnival or Holland America employees close by to assist with any points you will have. In the event you want some seaside time in your cruise, that is positively the place to get pleasure from it.
In the event you get off the ship early you will see loads of loungers accessible, however the space of the seaside closest to the tenders will refill quick because the day rolls on.
You possibly can lease a clam shell so you’ve some shade on the seaside, however it would be best to ebook that prematurely to ensure they aren’t all taken. There are a couple of bushes that provide shade additional down the seaside, however additionally they require that you’re additional away from the water.
Half Moon Seaside is about 2 miles lengthy however there are about 10 miles of seaside across the island.
2. Take pleasure in Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship
The long-lasting Captain Morgan pirate ship can simply be seen out of your ship earlier than you ever get to the Carnival non-public island. Go forward and test it out. There are 3 ranges to the ship. The underside 2 ranges are a part of the bar and the highest deck permits for excellent photo-ops of the ship and the pristine blue water.
No journey to Half Moon Cay is full with out boarding the Captain Morgan and bellowing out a couple of of your finest pirate-impersonating expressions.
Word: There are 3 different bars on the island as properly, together with the principle bar close to the Welcome Middle and the “I Want I Might Keep Right here Perpetually” bar which additionally makes for an excellent photo-op.
3. Go All-in on a Personal Seaside Villa
A few of the coolest cabanas within the Bahamas may be discovered on this non-public island. However if you need the last word in beach-front luxurious you may improve to the Seaside Villa.
These are 2-story cabins, brightly coloured and completely fitted for a reprieve to your day on the seaside. These villas have a 5-person sizzling tub, A/C, a fridge, a eating space, a misting bathe, and a personal balcony on each ranges.
Contemporary fruit, veggies, chips, and snacks will probably be offered for you in addition to smooth drinks and bottled water.
Even floating mats and snorkel gear are offered for you whilst you have this villa to your group all day.
All of this and it’s solely steps from the water.
The price is $599 and is nice for as much as 8 folks with a surcharge for any additional visitors. It’d seem to be some huge cash, however it averages out to about $75 per particular person and presents a way more relaxed and handy time at Half Moon Seaside.
You may also get a typical cabana for rental beginning at $359 that has area for as much as 4 folks.
4. Splurge on the Personal Oasis
Lots of people don’t even learn about this selection. The Personal Oasis is a 1,620 sq. foot non-public cabana that has a walkway that leads proper into the pristine turquoise water. The recent tub, hammock, loungers, and full moist bar together with barbecue space all supply an ideal unique setting for as much as 12 folks. The price is about $1,600 however most teams which have booked it have mentioned that it’s well worth the price ticket.
Carnival’s web site explains what comes with the Personal Oasis:
“Your bundle contains the companies of a butler, private chef, bartender, cabana Steward, and lifeguard together with the next:
Complete recent fruits, chips & salsa. Beverage Bundle with choose Imported and Home Beers; Wines by the Glass; Tropical Cocktails together with Bahama Mamas, Rum Punch, and Margarita, Frozen Classics together with Pina Coladas, Banana Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris; in addition to Virgin Pina Coladas, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris and Virgin Banana Coladas.”
5. Take a Nature Stroll
As we talked about, over 95% of Half Moon Cay has not been developed so there are some nice nature trails to benefit from the wildlife.
You are able to do this by yourself or take a $19 tour with a tour information that can stroll you thru 1.5 miles of the path. The information will level out the tropical palm and sea grape bushes, curly-tailed lizards, and Bananaquit birds of Half Moon Cay.
Mountain climbing across the island is a good low-key train for simply getting some cardio in whereas having fun with the sights. The dune paths are clearly marked, and you will see some informative indicators subsequent to the flowers alongside the way in which.
6. Do the Island Bike Tour
You possibly can kick issues up a notch with a motorbike tour of this crescent-shaped island as properly. It will permit you to see a little bit extra of the island than the earlier tour.
The bike tour will take you by the welcome middle, the Bahamian church, Half Moon Seaside, the secure of the swimming horses, and a 700-acre lagoon. You’ll even learn the way the they desalinate the ocean water and generate electrical energy on the island.
There may be additionally a motorbike and hike tour in the event you’re fascinated about each.
7. Get Up Shut with the Stingrays
Some folks don’t notice that Half Moon Cay has an excellent Stingray encounter as properly referred to as Stingray Cove. It’s only a quick tram journey away or you may stroll in the event you’d like.
After a briefing you may placed on some snorkel gear and see the stingrays of their habitat and even really feel how silky-smooth they’re. A web retains different marine life from stepping into the enclosure.
8. Go Swimming with Horses
Even when you have by no means ridden a horse earlier than you may do that exercise on Half Moon Cay. The horseback expertise will tour among the island and take you to the best level. From there you may see 360 diploma views of the island in addition to among the different Bahamian islands.
After that the guides will allow you to get one thing to drink whereas they put together the horses with a particular “saddle” for his or her swim. It’s a particularly designed pad and cord halter. That is positively a bucket-list merchandise.
There are about 20 horses which are stored at Pegasus Ranch. Even in the event you don’t ebook a horseback driving tour you may observe the trail to see the horses and see some stunning flowers alongside the way in which.
9. Kayak the Lagoon
For nature-lovers the kayaking on Half Moon Cay is epic. There may be not a ton of train concerned although, as you’ll solely kayak half a mile or so at most.
Bone Fish Lagoon takes up an enormous 1,400 acres of habitat that’s protected. You possibly can see some unique seabirds and admire the water’s readability as your information will level out all the opposite wild life round you.
There’s a cease alongside the way in which to see starfish, jellyfish, sea cucumber, and conch. The guides are enjoyable and make it enjoyable for the entire household so it’s household exercise to attempt on the island.
Word: You may also take a glass-bottom boat rides at Bone Fish Lagoon if you need a extra leisurely exercise.
10. Snorkel by Boat
The water round Half Moon Cay is stunningly clear, so snorkeling permits for wonderful visibility in seeing the coral and marine life.
You possibly can go snorkeling with your individual snorkel gear and take a look at the principle seaside space, however there isn’t actually a lot to see there, apart from crystal clear turquoise water that’s.
A ship journey can take you to a website off the coast of the non-public island so you may see an abundance of marine life within the Caribbean waters. You may even see a stingray within the wild
11. Play Some Video games
Are you so excited to be on a cruise trip that you just simply should get some power out? Why not play some seaside video games on Half Moon Cay? You possibly can get pleasure from actions like basketball, seaside volleyball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. All it’s a must to do is take a look at the required gear from the Sports activities Middle situated close to the Bahamian Church.
12. Let the Children Hit the Playground and Aqua Park
Perhaps it’s the youngsters that have to vent some power. Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park is situated proper on the principle seaside and has a pair water slides and a pirate ship that shoots water from its canons. There may be additionally a fountain of water offering a cool mist because it sprays into the air. The aqua park is free to make use of.
Half Moon Cay additionally has a playground with out the water, and as soon as once more there are pirate ships concerned which act as play areas. There are a number of slides, swings, teeter totters, and a extra restful picnic space for the adults to get pleasure from a reprieve.
13. Take the Aqua Trax/Jet Ski Journey
Jet skis are referred to as Aqua Trax on the island and cruisers can lease them to discover the wonderful saltwater lagoon. Some elements of the lagoon are off-limits, and it’s essential to have a driver’s license to get pleasure from this water journey.
Personally, I get pleasure from jet snowboarding out within the ocean as a result of you may hit the waves and catch some air. In Bone Fish Lagoon the water could be very calm so it’s a {smooth} journey.
14. Eat on the Lobster Shack
Sure, you may eat free burgers and BBQ on the Island Barbecue for lunch. However the eating pavilion is often solely open from 11:30am to 1:30pm. So, in the event you’re a little bit hungry exterior of these occasions otherwise you simply have a hankerin’ for some scrumptious crustaceans, the Lobster Shack is the place to be.
One factor to notice is that these lobsters aren’t New England lobsters, however they’re native and recent. That freshness is clear after the primary chunk. The price is $20.
Word: A few of the different meals gadgets supplied on the free buffet additionally embrace hotdogs, ribs, Caribbean jerk, chili fried rice, banana rum cake, titi shrimp and extra.
15. Hire a Hobie Cat (a small catamaran)
There have been combined studies as as to if or not these are nonetheless accessible at Half Moon Cay, so tell us what you discover once you get to the island.
Crusing round in a Hobie Cat on a phenomenal sunny day may be the spotlight of your day. These small catamarans may be rented from the water sports activities shack close to one of many bars.
The price is about $50 an hour final time we checked.
16. Go Birding on Half Moon Cay
As a result of solely a small proportion of the non-public island has been developed there’s nonetheless loads of wildlife to get pleasure from in its pure habitat.
As a part of the sale settlement of Half Moon Cay Holland America Line agreed to keep up the island as a nature protect and a wild chicken sanctuary. Moreover discovering nesting seabirds within the wild, birders may also uncover nearly 50 totally different species of birds.
A few of the kinds of birds to be discovered on the island embrace burrowing owls, white-crowned pigeons, Roseate, Sooty, Bridled, Brown Noddies, shearwaters, Bahamian pintails, ospreys, Bahamian, Nice blue heron, snowy egrets, merlin, pintail, morning, ringed neck and tobacco doves.
Guests on Half Moon Cay are inspired to doc studies of chicken sightings to social media and web sites like ebird.com to assist keep efforts to guard this habitat.
Take a look at this aerial view of Half Moon Cay shot in 4k
What Concerning the CHEERS Drink Bundle Whereas on Half Moon Cay?
Whereas there are various locations to get a beverage to drink on the island, you won’t be able to make the most of Carnival’s drink bundle. You’ll have to return to the ship for that.
So sure, even with the drink bundle you’ll have to pay out of pocket for each beverage.
What About massages on Half Moon Cay?
I’ve heard some folks ask about getting a therapeutic massage on the island so I needed to handle this as properly. It is a non-public island, so it’s operated by the cruise line and any therapeutic massage appointments will usually undergo the cruise line.
Usually you may ebook your therapeutic massage by the spa entrance desk and see if there are any openings. The therapeutic massage hut is correct by the water. Simply be sure you examine together with your cruise line to see if this service remains to be supplied.
5 Tricks to Make Your Half Moon Cay Cruise Even Higher
- Take the free tram to get across the island simpler.
- Don’t skip the seaside. This place is understood for its unimaginable sandy seashores so whether or not you lease a cabana or go for a swim, soak in Half Moon Seaside. Stroll additional down the seaside to keep away from any crowded areas.
- Do every little thing early. This implies get on the primary tender, be the primary to the lunch pavilion, and in the event you’re going to lease a clam shell, cabana or villa do that properly prematurely of your cruise.
- Maintain lathering on the sunscreen. You possibly can go from being in paradise to being in ache in a rush in the event you don’t defend your self from the Bahamian sunshine.
- Benefit from all of the nice photograph ops. The favored selfie with the ship within the turquoise water simply within the distance is at all times one to get folks jealous again residence.
- Hire a clamshell and simply benefit from the sounds of the waves with out burning to a crisp.
What Type of Climate Can I Anticipate at Half Moon Cay?
So what’s the climate like? The Western Atlantic Ocean supplies year-round temperatures on the island which are nearly excellent.
In the course of the hottest months of the yr in June by September the temperature will high out round 88 levels Fahrenheit. The lows in December by February will probably be round 64 levels.
August and September would be the rainiest months of the yr with about 17 days of not less than a little bit rainfall every day.
You possibly can see the present forecast for Half Moon Cay right here.
Map of Half Moon Cay
FAQ on Half Moon Cay
Does Half Moon Cay have a pool?
Sadly, Half Moon Cay doesn’t have a pool. Nonetheless, the island does have top-of-the-line seashores in The Bahamas with the softest sand discovered on any cruise line non-public island.
How massive is Half Moon Cay?
The island is 2,400 acres in dimension, though cruisers are solely capable of entry a portion of it.
Who lives on Half Moon Cay?
Half Moon Cay is a personal island owned by Holland America Line, though sister firm Carnival Cruise Line additionally makes use of the port. No everlasting residents reside on the island, however some island staff keep on the island for months at a time.
Does Half Moon Cay have outlets?
Sure, there are some outlets run by locals.
Does Half Moon Cay have WiFi?
No, Half Moon Cay doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Is Half Moon Cay synthetic?
No, Half Moon Cay is a pure island within the Bahamas.
How far is Half Moon Cay from Nassau, Bahamas?
Half Moon Cay is situated roughly 70 miles (112 km) south of Nassau within the Bahamas.
Does Half Moon Cay have a water park?
No, the non-public island doesn’t have a water park.
Is Half Moon Cay all inclusive?
No, Half Moon Cay isn’t all-inclusive. The island is owned and operated by the Holland America Line and serves as a day cease for cruise ships. Whereas there is no such thing as a cost for meals on the buffet, drinks value additional with the exception to fundamental drinks like water, lemonade and so on.
Is Half Moon Cay wheelchair accessible?
The island isn’t completely wheelchair accessible. The island has a pure terrain and isn’t designed for wheelchairs, though guests have entry to particular wheelchairs made for sandy circumstances.
Does Half Moon Cay have a pier?
No, right now, there is no such thing as a pier at Half Moon Cay. Cruise ships require tenders to ferry passengers backwards and forwards.
Whenever you go to Half Moon Cay we hope you’ve a unbelievable day on the island. You will notice why that “I want I might keep right here ceaselessly” signal is so standard.
Word: This text was up to date in January 2025.