A Guide to Making the Most of a Day at Half Moon Cay
If you’re looking for paradise in the Caribbean, you will love Half Moon Cay. Not only is it our own piece of paradise – it’s the highest-rated private island in the Bahamas. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of a day at Half Moon Cay on your Caribbean cruise vacation:
Half Moon Cay Highlights
1. Trot along the shore on a horseback ride.
Have you ever dreamt of horseback riding through crystal blue waters? Turn that dream into a reality in our private-island paradise. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the highest points on the island. Splash through the water as your new friend trots along the turf before gliding through the beautiful blue water.
2. Enjoy a close encounter with stingrays.
Take a short tram ride to Stingray Cove where you’ll learn about the behaviors and habitat of these beautiful and gentle creatures. Then grab snorkel gear and enter the wading area where you can feel the stingrays’ silky wings and give them treats.
3. Explore a lagoon on a kayak adventure.
Take a guided kayak adventure through Bone Fish Lagoon. Home to many species of flora, from red mangroves to the ornamental silver buttonwood tree, our lagoon includes more than 1,400 acres of protected habitat. Enjoy the sights of lemon sharks, stingrays, sea urchins and sea stars along the way.
4. Eat, drink and be merry.
Looking to boost your energy while you’re basking in the sun? Satisfy your hunger with tasty treats. Try the succulent grilled lobster from the Lobster Shack or indulge in beachside barbecue at the Tropics Restaurant. Ready to quench your thirst? Swing by the On the Rocks Bar for a refreshing Caribbean cocktail.
5. Kick back and relax with a massage in an oceanside cabana.
Enjoy ocean views from your cooled cabana while your worries (and knots) melt away with a massage in paradise.
6. Go for a stroll along the shore.
Explore two miles of blissful beach and build a castle in sand that doesn’t get much softer than this. You can also join an island guide for a 1.5-mile nature walk through this tropical paradise.
7. Cool off in refreshing blue waters and admire marine life along the way.
Rent snorkel gear from the Welcome Center and explore the ocean floor along Half Moon Cay. You can also enjoy a guided tour in a glass-bottom boat to view magical marine life and corals.
8. Discover the birds of the Caribbean.
Most of Half Moon Cay is a sanctuary for flocks of a feather that stay together. Look for Bahama mockingbirds, gray catbirds and Bahama yellowthroat as they fly and chatter.
9. Shop for souvenirs.
Stop by the Straw Market for a Caribbean keepsake to remember your day at Half Moon Cay. From t-shirts to handcrafted wood carvings, there are plenty of treasures to uncover.
10. Snap a selfie at our Half Moon Cay sign.
Capture your joy on Half Moon Cay with a photo in front of our “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” sign near the On the Rocks Bar. Don’t forget to tag us on social using #HollandAmerica.
Half Moon Cay Essentials
Bring essential items with you to make the most of your day:
- Beach Gear: Sunscreen, swimsuits, flipflops, sunglasses and hats.
- Casual Clothes/Sneakers: If you’re hiking or doing a lot of walking, dress comfortably.
- Beach Bag: Store key items, such as travel documents, medications, camera and phone chargers, in a dry beach bag.
Learn more about the many activities you can enjoy at Half Moon Cay during a Caribbean cruise.
