Half Moon Cay is the definition of an easy, relaxing cruise stop — turquoise water, soft sand, and zero stress. As a private island, everything is designed to maximize your time ashore while keeping the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Here’s exactly what to expect, how to navigate the island, and how to make the most of your day.
Arrival at Half Moon Cay: What to Expect
The ship typically arrives at Half Moon Cay around 9:00 AM. Since the cruise does not dock directly at the island, all passengers are transported by tender boats.
- Disembarkation zone cards are distributed by crew members starting around 8:00 AM
- Listen for announcements calling your zone number
- Tender rides take approximately 10 minutes once loaded
👉 Insider Tip: If you want more beach time and fewer crowds, arrive early to receive an earlier zone card.
What to Bring to Half Moon Cay
Pack light, but smart. These essentials will cover everything you need for the day:
Day Bag Essentials
- Cruise room card
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Water bottle
- Water shoes
- Beach towel
- Hand sanitizer
Navigating the Island
Once you step onto the island, navigation is simple and intuitive.
The welcome area includes:
- Guest services booth
- A bar
- Souvenir shops
From there, a clearly marked path leads you straight to the beach, with signs directing you to food, excursions, and amenities.
The Beach Experience
Half Moon Cay’s crescent-shaped beach is wide, clean, and designed to comfortably accommodate all cruise guests.
- Plenty of beach chairs are available
- Shade is limited unless you rent a cabana
- Palm trees farther down the beach provide natural shade with chairs underneath
The water is clear, warm, and calm, making it ideal for swimming, floating, and relaxing in the shallows.
Captain Morgan’s Ship: The Social Hub
One of the most popular spots on the island is Captain Morgan’s ship.
Why it’s worth stopping:
- Shaded, with fans in the interior
- Bar with refreshing tropical drinks
- Excellent photo opportunities
- Music and games
This area tends to be the most lively section of the beach and is a great place to cool off during the hottest part of the day. Crew members walk the shoreline taking drink orders and delivering them directly to your chair, while the onboard photographer captures candid moments throughout the area.
Exploring & Excursions
Half Moon Cay is small enough that you can walk the entire main beach in under 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Popular excursions include:
Horseback Riding
The most popular excursion on the island. Riders travel along scenic trails and directly into the ocean, creating a unique and memorable experience. This excursion consistently receives excellent reviews and sells out quickly, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Stingray Encounters
A guided, shallow-water experience where guests can interact with stingrays while learning about their behavior and habitat. Great for families and first-time wildlife encounters.
Jet Skiing & Water Sports
For those looking to add a little adrenaline to their beach day, jet skiing offers fast-paced fun with incredible views of the shoreline.
Boat Snorkeling
A short boat ride takes guests to nearby snorkeling spots with clear visibility and marine life. Equipment is provided, making it an easy option even for beginners.
Bike Rides & Nature Hikes
For a quieter experience, guided bike rides and hikes explore the island’s protected nature preserve, offering a different perspective beyond the beach.
Lunch on the Island (Included)
Lunch is included at no additional cost and is a convenient break from the sun.
The menu typically includes:
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Jerk chicken
- Beans and rice
- Fresh fruit
- Desserts
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the beverage stations on the island to stay hydrated as you explore.
Insider Tips & Fun Facts About Half Moon Cay
- Half Moon Cay is a private island used exclusively by cruise guests, primarily for Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line, which is why everything feels organized and well-maintained.
- Large portions of the island are protected nature preserve, helping keep the beaches pristine and limiting overdevelopment.
- The beach is frequently ranked among the best cruise ship beaches in the Caribbean, thanks to its soft sand, shallow entry, and calm water.
- Tender boats help manage crowds naturally. Since guests arrive in waves rather than all at once, the beach rarely feels overwhelming.
- Shade is limited unless you plan ahead. If shade is important to you, reserve a cabana or umbrella early.
- Captain Morgan’s ship is the best place to cool off midday, offering shade, air conditioning, drinks, and entertainment.
- You can comfortably explore the entire beach on foot, making Half Moon Cay one of the easiest cruise stops to navigate.
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