Private island · Bahamas · Bahamas
Half Moon Cay: private island guide
Half Moon Cay, now branded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, is a private island in the Bahamas used by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. Its main attraction is a long, crescent-shaped white-sand beach with calm turquoise water. Guests enjoy a complimentary barbecue, swimming and lounging, with paid extras such as horseback riding in the sea, stingray encounters and private cabanas.
- Beach days
- Horseback riding
- Couples
- Families
Photo: Emerald Photos (greenjinjo), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Bahamas
- Region
- Bahamas
- Type of stop
- Private island
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- Purchases are charged to your shipboard account; no cash needed.
- Best time to visit
- March–May
- Average highs
- 76–86°F through the year
About Half Moon Cay
Officially Little San Salvador Island, Half Moon Cay is a quiet, low-lying cay southeast of Nassau, acquired by Holland America in the 1990s and now operated within the Carnival Corporation family. Most of the island remains undeveloped, with mangroves, salt ponds and a protected wild-bird habitat, and visitor facilities cluster along the 2-mile (3 km) beach that gives it its name.
This is a classic, relaxed private-island beach day, widely considered one of the prettiest beaches in the cruise world. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants calm water and few distractions. Travelers wanting big waterparks or lots of activities may find it quiet, and there’s no local town to explore.
Where cruise ships dock in Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay was long a tender stop, with ships anchoring offshore and guests ferried in. Carnival has been building a pier so ships can dock instead, which reduces delays and weather cancellations; your ship’s daily planner will confirm whether your call docks or tenders. Once ashore, you can walk the beach or use the shuttle trams. Free: the beach, loungers, swimming and a barbecue lunch with water and lemonade. Extra cost: cabanas and villas, horseback riding, stingray encounters, water sports, guided tours and alcoholic drinks unless covered by a package.
Best things to do in Half Moon Cay on a cruise
- 1
The half-moon beach
beach
A long, sweeping crescent of soft white sand with calm, shallow, turquoise water, perfect for swimming and floating. Loungers are free and plentiful, and there’s room to spread out if you walk away from the main landing area. It’s the reason most people love this island.
- 2
Horseback ride and swim
adventure
Ride horses along trails and the beach, then into the sea for a swim with your horse. It’s one of the island’s signature experiences, with age and weight limits. Spaces are limited, so reserve early in the cruise.
- 3
Stingray encounter
wildlife
Wade into a shallow lagoon to meet and feed southern stingrays with guides. It’s a gentle, family-friendly activity in water shallow enough for children, and a good choice for first-timers nervous about marine life.
- 4
Cabanas and villas
beach
Private beach cabanas and larger villas offer shade, loungers and personal service, and some packages bundle extras such as snorkel gear or drinks. They’re popular for groups and special occasions and sell out early on busy sailings.
- 5
Snorkeling and kayaking
nature
Rent snorkel gear, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm water. Guided snorkel trips visit nearby reefs, and glass-bottom boat tours suit those who prefer to stay dry.
- 6
Bird watching and nature trails
nature
Much of the island is a protected habitat for seabirds and other wildlife. Short nature trails behind the beach offer chances to spot herons, frigatebirds and other species away from the crowds.
Half Moon Cay weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 7625 | 7625 | 7725 | 7826 | 8027 | 8328 | 8530 | 8630 | 8530 | 8429 | 8127 | 7826 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7424 | 7424 | 7424 | 7625 | 7926 | 8228 | 8329 | 8429 | 8429 | 8228 | 7926 | 7725 |
| Rain in (mm) | 1.538 | 0.821 | 1.127 | 1.334 | 3.896 | 5.1129 | 2.460 | 2.564 | 3.077 | 3.588 | 2.255 | 1.539 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Half Moon Cay
A complimentary barbecue lunch with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, fruit and desserts is served near the beach. Water and lemonade are included; cocktails, beer and soft drinks are extra unless covered by your package. Beach bars serve tropical cocktails such as rum punch and Bahama Mamas. Some paid dining options, such as fresh seafood, may be available depending on your sailing.
Tips for your port day
- Reserve horseback riding, stingray encounters and cabanas early; they sell out on busy sailings.
- If your call uses tenders, go ashore early and return before the last rush.
- Walk away from the main landing area to find quieter stretches of beach.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; natural shade is limited.
- Strong winds can still disrupt a call here, so have a backup plan for a sea day just in case.
Cruise lines that visit Half Moon Cay
Often on the same itinerary
Half Moon Cay cruise FAQs
Which cruise lines visit Half Moon Cay?
Mainly Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line, both part of Carnival Corporation. The island is reserved for guests of the lines that use it.
What is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
It’s the newer brand name for Half Moon Cay, the same private island in the Bahamas, used on Carnival and Holland America itineraries.
Is Half Moon Cay a tender port?
For most of its history, yes. Carnival has been adding a pier so ships can tie up alongside, so look at your ship’s daily planner to see whether your visit docks or uses tenders.
What is free at Half Moon Cay?
The beach, loungers, swimming and the barbecue lunch with water and lemonade. Horseback riding, stingray encounters, cabanas, water sports and most drinks cost extra.
Is Half Moon Cay worth it?
Yes, if you love beaches. Its long crescent of white sand and calm water is one of the most beautiful in the cruise world, though it’s quieter than activity-packed private islands.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.