Half Moon Cay Cruise Port, A Guide to Carnival’s Private Island

Half Moon Cay is an idyllic private island that is a popular stop when cruising with Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. It was named the best private island by Porthole Cruise Magazine for 20 years in a row. Previously known as Little San Salvador Island, Half Moon Cay is a 2400-acre paradise that is part of the Bahamas archipelago. It is an unspoiled haven with white sand beaches that combine the charm of the Bahamas with the exclusivity of a private retreat. The majority of the island is a nature preserve for birds and other wildlife. Half Moon Cay Cruise Port makes up the rest of the island. It is the perfect escape for cruise passengers seeking relaxation, adventure, and an ideal getaway. Keep reading to learn about the many incredible things to do when visiting the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port.

About Half Moon Cay Cruise Port

The Half Moon Cay Cruise Port is different from other popular Carnival Cruise Ports, such as Amber Cove and Grand Turk. Both Amber Cove and Grand Turk have many amenities for their visitors, including a swimming pool and restaurants. Half Moon Cay is much larger. It is a private island owned by Carnival Corporation. Thus, it is only accessible by its cruise passengers as a port of call.

This secluded destination provides a tranquil atmosphere, free from the crowds that often accompany popular tourist spots. While you will be visiting the island with your fellow cruise passengers, the beach is over two miles (3.2+ km) long, and there is enough room for everyone to spread out.  

Arriving at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port

As your cruise ship approaches the island, you will be greeted with stunning views of the powdery white sand on its beach and the vibrant turquoise waters that surround the island. Your cruise ship will anchor about a quarter mile away from the island. Half Moon Cay does not have a deep water dock, thus, taking a tender is required to reach the island. 

Taking a Tender to the Island

If you are a new cruiser, you might be wondering what a tender is. Some cruise ports, like Catalina Island and Cabo San Lucas, do not have a dock or pier for cruise ships. Half Moon Cay is surrounded by shallow waters. Thus, the cruise ship stops about a quarter mile from the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port. Passengers are taken to the port by shuttle boats known as tender boats.

Each cruise line and cruise ships have a tender process in place for its passengers. We sailed to Half Moon Cay on the Carnival Magic. The process on the Carnival Magic included picking up a ticket the night before our stop on the island. Each ticket had a group number. Passengers were called by group number to board the shuttle to the island. The process was fairly quick, and we were on the island about 30 minutes after our number was called. It takes about 10 or so minutes to reach the island once the tender boat leaves the cruise ship.

Other cruise ships have a sticker process where passengers are given a sticker with a number. The rest of the process is similar in that the group number is called. Your cruise ship will let you know well in advance what the process is for disembarking at Half Moon Cay. 

Construction of a Dock at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port

We visited Half Moon Cay in June of 2024. We were happy to see that Carnival Corporation was in the process of building a dock on the island. The agreement to build the dock was entered into in 2019. However, the pandemic delayed the construction. The construction was far from the main passenger areas, so the construction did not affect current visitors. Having a dock at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port will make the process of getting off the ship and getting to the island much quicker and easier. Especially if you forget something in your cabin.  

The Fort San Salvador Welcome Center at Half Moon Cay

When you arrive on Half Moon Cay, you will enter the island through the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center. There are a couple of great opportunities for photographs as you enter the welcome center. There is also a map of the island at the entrance. You can take a picture of the map for reference. If you don’t, it’s not a problem, as there will be various maps around the island to guide you.

Shops at the Welcome Center

There are a few shops where you can purchase souvenirs at the Welcome Center. Since the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port is owned by Carnival, you will find shops that are sponsored by Carnival. You will need to use your Sail and Sign card for purchases at Carnival sponsored shops.

The Straw Market is also found in this area. The Straw Market is where you can purchase Bahamian souvenirs and products that are sold by locals who go to the island. During our visit, only cash was accepted at the Straw Market so it is a good idea to be prepared with a bit of cash when you arrive on Half Moon Cay. 

Rumrunners Bar

Rumrunners Bar is located in the Welcome Center area and is the first bar you will see when you arrive on Half Moon Cay. It is a great place to get a drink to start off the day. You will need to use your Sail and Sign card to purchase drinks. Also, if you purchased the Cheers! Drink Package you will not be able to use it in port as it does not transfer to the island.

Ride the Tram at Half Moon Cay

There is a tram available to get you to various parts of the island. The main tram line which is printed on the maps located around the island, goes from the Welcome Center to the Food Pavilion. However, as we were walking and exploring the island, we saw various trams and excursion buses in other parts of the island. Riding the tram is one of the best things to do on Half Moon Cay, as it is an easy way to get around the island, especially on a hot day. The drivers were conscientious and asked us if we needed a ride as it was a hot day in the Caribbean. Don’t be afraid to flag down a tram or bus if you need a lift. 

The Beach at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port

Half Moon Cay has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach. The beach is long and is a soft white sand beach. The turquoise water is just as beautiful. Spending time on the beach is one of the best things to do on Half Moon Cay. It is a great beach for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. Or for simply enjoying a perfect beach day. The beach is a short walk from the Welcome Center. If you are one of the first people to arrive on the island, there will be an ample amount of space and the beach will not be crowded. As more people arrive, the beach will get more crowded. This is generally because people go to the closest part of the beach from the Welcome Center.

The beach on Half Moon is over two miles long, and there is a lot of space. If you want a less crowded experience, you should walk further down the beach. The further you go, the less crowded the beach. There are free loungers available in most areas of the beach. 

The beach is lined with various types of trees, including palm trees. You will find some shade closer to the tree line. Finding shade is ideal as the sun on Half Moon Cay can be very strong and unforgiving when it comes to sunburns.

Clamshell, Cabana, and Villa Rentals on Half Moon Cay

It can get hot in the Caribbean. Luckily, there are a variety of beach rentals available to make your stay even more comfortable on Half Moon Cay. There are many clamshells available for rent on the beach. The clamshells come with two chairs and do sell out quickly. If you are interested in renting a clamshell, you should book one prior to arriving at Half Moon Cay. The clamshell rental is $49.00.

There are several different types of cabanas and villas to rent, each with different perks. The cabanas range from smaller-style open-air cabanas to two-story villas. The cabanas and villas include snacks, water, soda, and snorkeling gear. There is also a private oasis that includes a hot tub, lunch, drinks, and personal butler and bartender.

The cost for renting a cabana starts at $499.00. Cabana rentals are for four people with an extra-person charge for each additional guest up to a maximum of six guests. Two-story villa rentals start at $799.00. The rental is for eight people with an extra-person charge for each additional guest up to a maximum of 18 guests. Private Oasis rentals start at $1,849.00. The rental is for 12 guests with an extra-person charge for each additional guest up to a maximum of 24 guests. These prices are current as of August 2024.

Water Sports Centers on Half Moon Cay

There are three water sports centers on Half Moon Cay. You can rent various types of equipment at the centers, including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, Hobie cats (small catamarans), and snorkeling equipment. There are also umbrellas available to rent. The first water sports center is located near the Welcome Center by the beach. The second is located further down the beach. The third water sports center is located at BoneFish Lagoon which is on the opposite side of the beach swimming area and where the wave runner and stingray excursion is held.   

The Bahamian Church at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port

There is a Bahamian church that you can visit on Half Moon Cay. You can stop by and visit the church or plan a vow renewal at the church. Half Moon Cay is a beautiful island and this would be a beautiful place to have a vow renewal ceremony. 

Bars on Half Moon Cay

What would a private island retreat be without a bar? Luckily there are several bars on the island where you can purchase refreshing drinks. Unfortunately, if you have purchased the Cheers Drink Package, the package does not transfer to the island, and you will have to purchase your drinks. You can purchase both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bars.

Rumrunners Bar

Rumrunners Bar is located in the Welcome Center area. It is the first bar you will come to when you get off the shuttle boat on the island. 

“I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” Bar

The “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” Bar is the second bar you will come to on Half Moon Cay. It is located near the beach and the Massage Cabana. This is where you will find the often photographed, very popular, and very Instagrammable “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” sign. Stop by and get a picture of your own of this popular sign. 

The Bell Bar

The Bell Bar is the third bar you will come to on Half Moon Cay. It is located close to the Food Pavilion BBQ area. The Bell Bar is in a great location if you want to purchase drinks to have with your lunch. The bell Bar is open from 10:45 am to 2:00 pm.

Captain Morgan On the Rocks Island Bar

Captain Morgan’s On the Rocks Island Bar is one of the popular bars on the island. Partly because of its design. The bar is a pirate ship and is right off the beach near many of the private cabanas and not too far from the Food Pavilion. Captain Morgan On the Rocks Island Bar is open until 3:00 pm.

Satellite Beach Bars and Drink Cars

The beach at Half Moon Cay Cruise Port is over two miles long. Depending on the part of the beach where you decide to spend your time, you could find that you are far from one of the bars. Luckily, there are Satellite beach bars spread throughout the beach area where you can purchase drinks, including water and frozen drinks. You will also see several drink cars making their way up and down the beach. You can purchase a variety of drinks from the cars, including water and frozen drinks.

Food on Half Moon Cay

There are a couple of places where you can get a bite to eat on the island. The main options are the BBQ lunch at the Food Pavilion and the Lobster Shack. 

BBQ Food Pavilion

One of the best things about making a port stop at Half Moon Cay is that a BBQ lunch is included with your cruise fare. Carnival staff prepares a BBQ lunch for guests on the island. You don’t have to worry about purchasing lunch or having to go back to the ship to have lunch. The BBQ lunch is available from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and is a buffet-style lunch. The menu consists of Caribbean Jerk Chicken, BBQ ribs, hamburgers, and hot dogs. The sides include salads, mac and cheese, rice, potato salad, and coleslaw. Desserts include fresh fruit, cookies, and cakes. The menu items can and do change. 

A tip as you prepare to get in line for lunch. We discovered that there were two lines at each serving station. One line was for the hamburger and hot dog option, and the second line was for the BBQ ribs and Jerk chicken. There are signs that help guide you to the line where you can get your preferred entree option. Another important tip is to bring your own water with you on the island, especially if it is hot. While there are several drink stations in the Food Pavilion, the line for drinks can get long. There is also the risk of running out of drinks as all the food and drinks are taken off the ship prior to passengers disembarking. Since drinks are limited, it is best to bring water with you. 

Lobster Shack 

The Lobster Shack is a food option if you do not want to have the BBQ lunch and prefer to have seafood. Carnival offers fresh catch of the day, steamed lobster by the pound, and steamed snow crab by the pound. They also have peel-and-eat shrimp and fresh oysters. 

If you arrive at Half Moon Cay via Holland America the menu differs a little. A few of the menu options for Holland America passengers include conch and seafood chowder, lobster with Caribbean rice, and a lobster roll. The food at the Lobster Shack is an additional cost. 

Free Activities on Half Moon Cay

Carnival offers several shore excursions on Half Moon Cay, But if you are looking for a relaxing stay and don’t want to bother paying for any shore excursions, there are many free things to do and enjoy on Half Moon Cay. 

Half Moon Cay Lagoon Aqua Park for Kids

The Half Moon Cay Lagoon Aqua Park is perfect for kids. The Aqua Park is a small water park located in front of the beach area near the Welcome Center. The water park has a splash pad with shallow water, small water slides, and climbable sea creatures for kids. There is also a water cannon and water drops so kids can have fun getting wet. The Aqua Park for kids is a great way to start the day especially if your kids are a little nervous about entering the ocean.

Half Moon Cay Playground

Kids can enjoy spending time at the Half Moon Cay playground. The playground has a pirate ship and tree houses with slides and swings, and a shaded cabana for parents to watch their kids play. The playground has very little shade, so it is important to have sunscreen and water on hand. 

Beginner Snorkel Area

The beginner snorkel area is located right off the beach, close to the Welcome Center. If you packed your own snorkel equipment this is one of the best free things to do on Half Moon Cay. This area is relatively calm, has a small reef offshore, and is a great place for snorkeling.

Half Moon Cay Beach

The best free thing to do on Half Moon Cay is enjoy the beautiful beach. Free loungers are available for use and are located throughout the beach, even in the farther areas of the beach. The further you go up the beach, the more tranquil and quiet the beach becomes, as there are fewer people further away from the Welcome Center. You can rent umbrellas if you need an umbrella for your lounger.

Relax on a Hammock

If you decide to take a walk and explore Half Moon Cay, you will come across hammocks tied across palm trees. The hammocks are free to use and a great way to relax after going for a walk.  

The Sports Center on Half Moon Cay

If you are interested in a game of volleyball, beach soccer, or basketball, you will find courts available at the sports center. The volleyball court is a sand court which is perfect since you’re on an island. The beach soccer court is the same court as the volleyball court. The basketball court is a full court. If you do decide to play any of the available sports, you should have plenty of water on hand as it can get very hot on the island.

Take a Nature Walk Throughout the Island

There are several nature trails throughout Half Moon Cay where you can take a nature walk and explore the island. There is very little incline and the paths are a mix of sand and paved paths. The paths start near the Welcome Center and weave through the island. There are signs directing you to various areas on the island. This is a great way to get your steps in. If you do take a nature walk, make sure you have sufficient water, as it can get hot on the island, and there is limited shade on the trail.  

Birdwatching

Half Moon Cay is a preserve and a wild bird sanctuary. The island is a great place to go bird-watching. There are over 50 species of birds living on the island that avid bird watchers can find, such as burrowing owls, Bahamian pintails, and tobacco doves, to name a few. 

Paid Shore Excursions on Half Moon Cay

There are several excursions available on Half Moon Cay. Since this is a private island, all excursions are sponsored by the cruise line. There is no option to plan a separate excursion on your own. This is a disadvantage when it comes to the cost of excursions because there is no option to find lower-cost excursions than what is offered. However, many of the excursions are a lot of fun and worth going on. And you can still find several lower-cost excursions. Many of the excursions are short, making it possible to enjoy more than one excursion while in Half Moon Cay. These are a sample of the excursions available and not a complete list of all excursions. 

Stingray Adventure

The stingray adventure is a popular excursion. The stingray adventure is a guided tour that takes place at a cove in the lagoon, where the water is relatively shallow. You do need to know how to swim in order to go on this excursion. Snorkel gear and lockers are included with this excursion.  

Combo Eco Bike and Hike Tour

On the combo eco bike and hike tour, you start off exploring the island via eco bike. You ride to Pegasus Ranch, where the swimming horses are kept. Afterward, you explore the island on a hike. You will hike up the ridge for a nice view of BoneFish Lagoon. Water and soda are included in this excursion.

Horseback Riding by Land and Sea

The Horseback Riding by Land and Sea excursion is probably the most popular excursion on the island. You begin by riding around the island on horseback. You explore the beach and work your way back to Pegasus Ranch. After your land ride, you will take a break at the ranch and then ride your horse as it swims in the ocean close to the shoreline. Water and lockers are included in this excursion. Closed-toe shoes are required for the land part of the excursion.

Tropical Kayak Adventure

The Tropical Kayak Adventure is a guided kayak tour through BoneFish Lagoon. The lagoon is part of the protected habitat. You will kayak the lagoon, explore the mangroves, and see the wildlife in the area. There is a stop where you will be able to see local marine life, such as starfish, sea cucumbers, and conch. 

I love kayaking, and I really enjoyed the Tropical Kayak Adventure, especially since the guide was very knowledgeable about the area.

Eco Lagoon Tour

I’m always up for a glass-bottom boat tour. The Eco Lagoon is exactly that. A tour on a glass-bottom boat where you can view the local marine life through a glass bottom on a boat. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and costs about $45.00 per adult. While I normally would jump on this type of excursion, I thought the price was a bit high for this excursion, especially when I have been on similar excursions in ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island for $20.00 to $25.00 a person.  

Island Tram Calypso Tour

The Island Tram Calypso tour is a great tour to take as an introduction to the island. On this tour you will ride an open-air tram and explore the island. The Calypso tour goes beyond the public transportation tram and takes you to areas such as Canon Point, the Pegasus Ranch, Stingray Cove, and the island farm. This is a great way to explore the island and get an idea of where you might want to explore further on your own. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions to help you plan your day at Half Moon Cay.

Is Food Free on Half Moon Cay?

The BBQ Lunch served on Half Moon Cay is included in your cruise fare. There is an additional cost if you decide to grab a bite at the Lobster Shack, as food at the Lobster Shack is not included in your cruise fare.

Is Everything Included on Half Moon Cay?

No, not everything is included during your stay at Half Moon Cay. You can easily enjoy your day without spending any additional money. You can spend the day on the beach, explore the island on your own, swim, and snorkel if you have packed your own gear. The BBQ lunch, including lemonade, water, and iced tea, is also included. 

While there are many free things to do at Half Moon Cay, there are also paid excursions, beach rentals, the Lobster Shack, and bars which are an additional cost. 

Does the Cheers! Drink Package Work on Half Moon Cay?

Unfortunately, the Cheers Drink Package does not transfer to the island. If you want a cocktail or soda, you will need to pay for your drinks while on the island. 

Does the Bottomless Bubbles Package Work on Half Moon Cay?

Unfortunately, the Bottomless Bubbles Package Package does not transfer to the island. If you want a soda, you will need to pay for it while on the island.

Can you Visit Half Moon Cay Without a Cruise?

Unfortunately, you cannot visit the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port unless you are on a cruise. 

What Other Cruise Lines Visit Half Moon Cay?

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Carnival Corporation. Thus, it is only used by cruise lines under the Carnival umbrella. Currently, Carnival cruise ships and Holland America Line cruise ships stop at Half Moon Cay.

Do I Need Cash at Half Moon Cay?

This is a good question that is often asked due to the confusion of how to pay for things while on Half Moon Cay. There is only one place at the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port where you will need to use cash to make purchases. This place is the Straw Market. The Market is where local Bahamian people sell locally made items to guests on the island. They do not work for Carnival Corporation. They arrive on the island via their own boats to sell their items at the Straw Market.

What Currency is Used at the Straw Market?

The currency used on Half Moon Cay is the US Dollar. Vendors at the Straw Market accept US Dollars as payment for items purchased.

Using your Sail and Sign cards is required at all other shops, bars, and the Lobster Shack at the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port.  

Is Half Moon Cay Worth Visiting?

If you are deciding on whether to select a cruise that includes Half Moon Cay, I would definitely encourage you to consider a cruise that stops at the Half Moon Cay Cruise Port. This is especially true if you are looking for a perfect beach day. Half Moon Cay has many incredible things to do. You can go horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even rent a Hobie catamaran. You can also enjoy the beautiful beach, go swimming, do some shopping, and have a restful, stress-free day. It is an incredible island to visit. Half Moon Cay is definitely worth visiting!

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