Top 10 Reasons to Love Half Moon Cay

Which calls to you first: the Half Moon Cay cabanas, or the Half Moon Cay horseback riding?

Stop daydreaming, start planning: the private-island lifestyle is not as hard to achieve as you might think. In fact, it couldn’t be easier. Private island Half Moon Cay is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Bahamas, and a stop here will make others seriously envious of your va-cay-tion. 

While many visitors love it for the chance to stop, kick back and relax, there are also plenty of options for both active visitors like half moon cay snorkeling, or those looking for relaxing things to do on the island.

Check out the many reasons you’ll love it!

1. It’s one of the most Instagrammable Places on the Planet

Just try typing #halfmooncay into the search bar on Instagram and you’ll be rewarded with pages of crystal-clear and turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Scroll, scroll and the beauty just keeps on going. No matter what you choose to do during your time in port, make sure you bring your camera or phone.

2. It’s an All-Seasons Paradise

It’s hard to go wrong with Bahamas weather. Half Moon Cay has buckets of sunshine and warm temperatures year-round. There could be some brief rain showers in the summer months, but sail here in winter and you’ll be building snowmen out of sand and slathering on your sunscreen.

3. Sand in Your Toes is the Best Medicine

Simply looking at photos of tropical islands can have a calming effect, so imagine actually being there. Half Moon Cay, like the 700 or so islands in The Bahamas, has acres of golden and white sand beaches and there’s nothing quite like feeling the sand in your toes as you gaze out towards the horizon.

4. Laidback Lunches and Al Fresco Cocktails

While getting dressed up for a fancy dinner onboard can be fun, not having to worry about your best threads, nice shoes and makeup can be way more liberating. At Half Moon Cay, you can come as you are, and enjoy a casual buffet lunch in a rustic, tropical setting. The island is also home to a number of bars and a performance space where you can catch live music.

5. It’s Not All About the Sand

Half Moon Cay has plenty of sand to stroll or stretch out on, but cruisers also love that the island has some variety in its geography. Fans of rocky beaches and coastlines will find a number of areas just like this serene spot on Half Moon Cay. There is also a protected lagoon inland from the beach, for equally chill times in the water. Don’t forget to bring water shoes to protect your feet if you plan on exploring rocky inlets.

6. When it Comes to Water Sports, You can Choose Your Own Pace

However you like your water sports, you can rent the equipment for it during your visit to Half Moon Cay. You’ll have plenty of options like: kayaks, water bikes, paddle boats, Sunfish sail boats, Hobie cats, and the nice ‘n’ easy does it beach water floats like these. Snorkel gear, sunshades and lockers are also available for rent.

7. It’s Great for Groups

Whether you’re traveling with your kids, multiple generations of your family, or with a fun-loving group of friends, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Half Moon Cay, because there is so much to do and enough variety to please everyone. Even if you split up to try different activities, you should still have time to spend together, and hopefully grab an awesome photo like this one to post on Facebook and frame when you get home.

8. Or Just You & A Special Someone

The beauty of a private-island port like Half Moon Cay is the amount of space it offers, even when you factor in a ship-load of people who’ve come ashore for the day. So, while the island is great for group activities, it’s also possible to find your own patch of sand or shade to enjoy with your significant other, special family member or BFF.

9. It Makes Working Out That Much Easier

Let’s face it: no gym in the world looks like this. The postcard-worthy views of Half Moon Cay will help you get inspired to jog on the sand (a great challenge for your thighs and glutes!), stretch it out on a yoga mat, or sign up for an energizing shore excursion such as kayaking, biking, horseback riding, snorkeling or windsurfing to get your blood pumping. We can’t think of a better way to work off all those calories accumulated at cruise dinners and buffets!

10. You Can Make it an Even More Exclusive Experience

How do you make your day on a private island feel even more private and exclusive? By renting a cabana or beach villa. These air-conditioned retreats offer private facilities, shade, and snacks and water to keep you hydrated. If you really want to feel like a high-roller, consider renting Half Moon Cay’s Private Oasis, a super-sized cabana with an 8-person hot tub, barbecue area, wet bar and outdoor showers. It even comes with butler, chef, bartender, steward and lifeguard service. Now, that’s a VIP day in paradise.