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You will have to take tenders back and forth from your ship, but it’s a short 15 or 20-minute boat ride on some of the most pristine water you will ever see. Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador Island) is a crescent-shaped, cruise line private island owned by Carnival Cruise Line and used seasonally by Holland America Line. This one-and-a-half-hour tour starts off with a bike ride taking in the Island’s highlights. Then it’s a guided hike to Bone Fish Lagoon and Stingray Park. You’ll then head back to Pegasus Ranch for a quick refreshment break. You’ll actually get to ride the horses into the sea for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take The Island Tram Calypso Tour
These villas have a 5-person hot tub, A/C, a refrigerator, a dining area, a misting shower, and a private balcony on both levels. These villas are priced for up to 8 guests and start at $999 for the day. Unless you go on a separate snorkeling excursion, don’t expect to see too much marine life though. The large number of visitors that arrive each day on the island paradise tends to scare off the fish. For a less technical sail along the bay, there are “Aqua Cycle” waterbikes with huge floatation tires.
Half-Moon Cay Snorkel By Boat
Getting married as part of your luxury cruise to Half Moon Cay is a great way to have a memorable wedding ceremony without it costing an arm and a leg! When you step off the tender ship and walk towards the island’s welcome center, you will notice a beautiful white church built in Bahamian cultural style. Plans have been approved by the Bahamian government for a new port and pier to be built. This will allow future cruise ships to dock and passengers can walk ashore. Holland America Line and Carnival cruise ships visit Half Moon Cay. Although, it’s important to mention that not all cruise itineraries include Half Moon Cay as a port of call.
Tram Calypso Tour
I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back - Cruise Blog
I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:39:44 GMT [source]
Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventurous activities like snorkeling and horseback riding, Half Moon Cay provides a memorable getaway that is well worth the visit. The Bahamas is teeming with idyllic private islands, some of which are only accessible via cruise ship. The island was officially opened as a port of call in 1997 and has been welcoming cruisers ever since. Its new name comes from the name of the ship in Holland America’s former logo (Halve Maen, which was captained by none other than Henry Hudson). Coincidentally, the island boasts a beautiful half-moon-shaped beach, making the name extra apropos.
Touch their silky skin and learn what they like to eat and do. Both Holland America and Carnival offer a handful of tours and excursions on Half Moon Cay. Fan favorites include horseback riding on the beach, kayaking adventures, snorkeling excursions, glass-bottom boat tours, and stingray encounters. On land, cruise passengers can embark on a bike tour or nature walk (both guided and self-guided options are available). Alternatively, sign up for a guided tram tour of the island to stop at its most popular spots while basking in the beautiful views. Exact offerings vary depending on your itinerary, so be sure to check which will be offered during your sailing as you plan your trip.
Shopping In Half Moon Cay Bahamas
Two large bottles of water sit on the counter with a bucket of ice, plastic cups and straws. Floating mats, snorkel gear and an outdoor shower are all available for personal use. Two-story beach villas are also available for rent and include all of the above, plus a five-person hot tub. The starting price of $800 covers eight guests; for groups larger than eight, you’ll incur an extra per-person charge (though there is a maximum of 18 allowed per villa). ” says Kari Dillon, travel advisor and owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels. With miles of sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and all-around stunning scenery, this private island offers something for everyone.
Guide to Visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival's Private Island in the Bahamas - Travel + Leisure
Guide to Visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival's Private Island in the Bahamas.
Posted: Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Do people live on Half Moon Cay?
This free water park is equipped with sprinklers and water cannons, which is perfect for smaller kids. If you’re looking for a laid-back excursion, then check out the Island Tram Calypso Tour. On this guided tour, you will see the island highlights while seated in an open-air tram. The Island Bike Tour is great for nature enthusiasts to explore Half Moon Cay.
The Private Oasis is a 1,620 square foot private cabana that has a walkway that leads right into the pristine turquoise water. The hot tub, hammock, loungers, and full wet bar along with barbecue area all offer a perfect exclusive environment for up to 12 people. The cost is about $1,600 but most groups that have booked it have said that it’s worth the price tag.
It does not have deep water docking that requires the use of tenders for cruise passengers to embark and disembark. If you’re looking for the luxurious seclusion of the beach villas but on a more intimate scale, cabana rentals are a great choice. One of the most unique shore excursions at Half Moon Cay is horseback riding. Explore more of the island along a winding trail to the highest point for panoramic views. On the return trip you can ride the horses through the shallow waters in a thrilling beach ride. If you are a lover of watersports and whatever is listed so far doesn’t fit your bill why not sail on a Hobie cat, sunfish sailboat or a windsurfing sailboat?
Rentals are available for water sports; watercraft, kayaks and more. Keep in mind, however, that these excursions and activities vary by the cruise line you’re sailing, so it’s advised to check the cruise line’s website for more detailed information. Guests don snorkeling gear and wade into the water along with a guide to see these stingrays in the water. Private Oasis includes your bar, a dedicated chef to cook your lunch, a lifeguard, two bathrooms and showers, loungers, day beds, and a giant hot tub. Best of all, no one can bother you there as there is a gate to get on the dock.
Your umbrella has a carry bag and towel hooks, enhancing your Half Moon Cay experience. This rental lasts an hour, and you can choose between a single or a double Kayak. If you’re visiting Half Moon Cay, don’t forget to take a picture under the iconic sign. During this excursion, you will see the island’s chapel, the Exuma Channel, the famous Captain Morgan “On the Rocks” Bar, and the Pegasus Ranch, home to the swimming horses. One area is enclosed and air-conditioned, while the top deck is open-air so you can soak up the Caribbean sun.
Upgrade to the Private Oasis Cabana and you’ll get your own two-storey luxury beach shack complete with iPod docking station, grill, showers and misting station. Half Moon Cay is uninhabited so locals from the nearby island of Eleuthera ferry across to the island when there are cruise visitors. They teach you their ways, dance culture and also braid your hair to provide a more local look.
About 100 locals work on the island and arrive by ferry from Eleuthera when there are visiting cruise ships. Half Moon Cay is surrounded by shallow waters and reefs and there is no currently deep-water dock for the cruise ships. Passengers have to be ferried to and from the cay using tenders (ship’s lifeboats) which takes about 20 minutes. The Half Moon Cay Snorkel by boat is a great way to enjoy the crystal-clear Bahamian waters while exploring and observing the sea life in their natural habitat. On this excursion, you will have professional snorkeling guides to assist if needed. In a region renowned for tropical wonders, one island rises to the top—ours.
One of the best ways to spend the day on Half Moon Cay is to rent a two-story villa where you can rest with your friends and loved ones. After swapping saddles on the horse, you’ll enjoy a refreshing ride in the temperate Bahamian water. There are 15 standard cabanas, distinguished by color and number (green 13, for example), along the beach on Half Moon Cay. Note that cabanas share the same public beach as everyone else.
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