Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is a private island in the Bahamas owned by Holland America Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc. It is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
Half Moon Cay is a tender port but currently Carnival Corporation signed an agreement with the Bahamas to build a pier, construction had started before 2019 but was paused in 2020. There has been a strong focus to finish Celebration Key Carnivals newest private island. Let’s hope they resume construction soon on the dock. For now be prepared to use the tender to get off the ship.
Beautiful Beaches: The island boasts stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. The beach chairs are free to use. If you need some shade you may want to rent a clam shell or cabana. The water is calm and not too deep; they have safety ropes to be sure you don’t go too far out.
Activities: There are numerous activities available for visitors, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and horseback riding along the beach and into the sea. The island also offers nature walks and hiking trails for those who want to explore its natural beauty. There is a basketball court, soccer goals, and play sets all to use for free.
Facilities: There are dining facilities, bars, restrooms, and rental cabanas. There is an island cook out that is included with lot of picnic tables and shade. The island also has a chapel, which is a popular spot for weddings.
I will warn there are not a lot of places to fill up a water bottle, if you pick a spot near the picnic area there are a few water stations.
The further down the beach you walk, the more open space you will have. I love to take a walk down the beach just to get the view of just how many people are really on our ship!
Wildlife: The island is home to various wildlife species, including birds, stingrays, and other marine life. Visitors can interact with some of these animals through organized tours and excursions. There are a few paved pathways that lead around the main part of the island that you can walk down on your own. Keep in mind it is generally very hot so be sure to bring some water with you.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Holland America Line has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of Half Moon Cay. These include waste management programs, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism practices. The company continues to improve the island and add more to it each year.
Exclusive Experiences: As a private island, access to Half Moon Cay is typically limited to passengers of Holland America Line and other Carnival Corporation cruise ships. This exclusivity ensures a less crowded and more personalized experience for visitors. Currently only one ship will be docked at the island per day.
Half Moon Cay is a popular destination for cruise passengers looking for a relaxing and scenic tropical getaway. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and modern amenities makes it a highlight of many Caribbean cruise itineraries. We have had the privilege of stopping here a couple of times now and it is a beautiful way to take a beach day and relax. We like to get off early spend a several hours at the beach and head back and enjoy a mostly empty ship for a few hours before everyone makes it back aboard.
