Half Moon Cay Excursions and Activities: A Naturalists Paradise
Being rated the “Best Private Island” four years in a row by a prestigious cruise magazine obviously says something about Half Moon Cay’s credentials. This 2,400-acre property lies between Cat Island and Eleuthera and is one of the many Caribbean islands that make up the Out Islands of Bahamas.
It proudly is an international bird sanctuary whose large proportion is kept pristine; only 2% of the island is developed. It is owned by Holland American Line, which uses it as private retreat for passengers on the line’s Caribbean itineraries. Holland America being a Carnival Corp subsidiary makes the island open to Carnival Cruise Line ships as well.
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Where Tropical Island Fantasy Becomes Reality
As one of the popular cruise destinations in the Bahamas, it provides you with an awesome opportunity to fulfil all your tropical island fantasies. When here, the sweet Bahamian breeze is all yours and so are the characteristic calypso beats of the island. A swim in the turquoise seas, a roll in the powdery white sand, as well as horse rides are just some of the best things to do in Half Moon Cay you can indulge in.
Naturalists and birders sure have a field day to look forward to. it has more than 2,350 acres in pristine condition awaiting exploration. The reserve is a bird sanctuary of international repute with very rich bird diversity.
The island has a stunning 2.5-kilometer-long moon-shaped beach that has beautiful restaurant facilities suited for everyone. The facility also has an island shop and a straw market. It is the perfect place to lay back and take a refreshing sip of the Bahamian fruity rum punch.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is an amazing and magnificent place for anyone looking for Bahamian beauty to explore. There are many things to do in Half Moon Cay, some of which might surprise you.
1. Take an Island Tour by Bike
Set out on a guided cycling trip that will take you from the sports rental facility via Half Moon Beach to the Bone Fish Lagoon. Guides take you to the island’s historical sites and will explain its history, from its early occupants to the current day. Along the walk, they’ll point out various plants and wildlife.
2. Get Close with Stingrays
Half Moon Cay offers a fantastic Stingray encounter named Stingray Cove. After some briefing, you will put on snorkeling equipment and observe the stingrays in their natural environment, as well as feel how silky they are. A net prevents other aquatic species from entering the enclosure.
3. Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is perhaps one of the first things to do in Half Moon Cay when you think of the sunny, warm beaches in the Bahamas. The waters at Half Moon Cay are ideal for a day of swimming and observing sea life, just as you’d imagine. You may rent snorkeling equipment at a cabin off the shore or carry your own.
4. Take a Jet Ski Ride
You may cruise around the saltwater lagoon in an Aqua Trax. Some areas of the lagoon are off-limits due to coral and rock formations. Remember to carry your driver’s license if you want to ride the Aqua Trax.
5. Eco Lagoon Cruise
If you don’t feel like kayaking across Bone Fish Lagoon, you may join a guided boat that will take you through Half Moon Cay’s history, ecology, and scenic wonders, dating back to the earliest adventurers. You may ride a glass-bottom boat to catch a glimpse of what’s under the lagoon’s surface.
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6. Ride a Horse Through the Land and Sea
Horseback riding is also among the most popular things to do in Half Moon Cay. The excursion is conducted by an expert and includes the greatest views on the island. You will ride the horse to the island’s highest point before returning to the stable. After switching saddles on the horse, you’ll have a relaxing ride in the cool Bahamian water.
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7. Chill in a Cabana
Cabanas are a terrific option if you want the luxury privacy of beach homes but on a smaller scale. Each cabana can easily hold up to four individuals and provides some peace and serenity on the lovely sands of Half Moon Cay, with a fridge, AC, private terrace, and misting shower.
8. Rent a Beach Villa
A two-story villa is a terrific place to spend your day on Half Moon Cay. The villa has a private hot tub, snorkeling equipment, a dining area, a fully functional bathroom, a ceiling fan, a snack table upstairs, and a fridge.
9. Combined Bike and Hike Excursion
A combined bike and hike trip allows you to see Half Moon Cay’s trails and wilderness in depth if you’d like to get off the beaten road.
The biking section of the tour will take you behind the island’s scenery to Pegasus Ranch, while the hiking portion will lead you to the nests of native white-capped pigeons, doves, and mockingbirds, as well as a beautiful view of Stingray Park and Bone Fish Lagoon.
10. Island Tram Tour
While the island is somewhat large, you are not required to walk everywhere. You may use the complimentary tram service if you wish to go farther out and discover other things to do in Half Moon Cay, such as the horseback trails or stingray swimming experience.
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Best Tips
Blue Green Bay provides a beautiful way of taking in all the glamour that is Little San Salvador. Most Bahamian beaches are concentrated here all offering dozens of things to do in Half Moon Cay. Kayak enthusiasts, snorkeling fanatics and naturalists all have their delights served out of Stingray Cove.
The island also boasts three water sports centers where you can rent surfboards, aqua bikes, beach floats and many other paraphernalia that will allow you fully enjoy the Bahamian waters.
Half Moon Cay has a good number of full-service bars; these and HAL’s Island Bar, Captain Morgan on the Rocks, are always a good way to unwind after indulging in the delights of the island.
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Half Moon Cay Weather
Located within the balmy Bahamas, the island is a beautiful destination at any time of year. To enjoy the best Half Moon Cay Weather, visitors should schedule a trip for August. The year’s sunniest days are during this month. With minimal rain and an average sea temperature of 84°F, summertime is a beautiful month to experience this sunny portion of the Bahamas. From the months of November to April, the temperatures vary from a warm 60°F during the nighttime, to highs in the mid-70s°F during the days. This time of the year is a popular time to visit the islands due to the agreeably balmy climate.
During the summer months of May to October, visitors can expect an average that ranges from 80°-90°F. While temperatures are at a comfortable level, visitors should keep in mind that the island does have some rainy months. Rain showers are most common from May to October when the island receives an average of seven inches a month. From November to April, it receives just two inches of rain monthly. The wind speeds at Half Moon Cay average less than 10 knots, although they can reach as high as 25 knots on occasion.
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Cruise to Half Moon Cay
People planning to bring along their little ones on these totally affordable Caribbean vacations should confidently do so as there are several amazing things to do in Half Moon Cay that will keep the young ones engaged as they learn and enjoy. All you need to do is to book a cruise with the itinerary that includes this private island.