Half Moon Cay Cruise Port Guide

Half Moon Cay (officially renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2024) is Holland America Line's private Bahamian destination, also used by certain Carnival Cruise Line itineraries. The island sits in the southeast Bahamas, about 100 miles southeast of Nassau, in the Exuma chain.

Originally known as Little San Salvador Island, it was purchased by Holland America in 1996 and developed as a private cruise destination while leaving about 95% of its 2,400 acres undeveloped for wildlife and habitat preservation.

Only 50 acres are actively used. The result is one of the most consistently top-rated private cruise destinations in the Caribbean, regularly winning "best private island" in industry awards. This is exclusively a port of call.

No embarkation. Key point for 2026: Half Moon Cay has historically been tender-only. Passengers transfer from the ship to the beach via tender boats. A new pier on the north side is scheduled to open for dock service beginning summer 2026, which will allow Carnival's larger Excel-class ships to berth directly.

During 2026 the operation is transitional, so some cruises may still tender and others may use the new pier. The island's appeal is simplicity: crescent-shaped white sand beach about 2 miles long, calm clear water, snorkeling reefs offshore, and a relaxed barefoot atmosphere.

Getting around Half Moon Cay is simple. Depending on 2026 scheduling, your ship will either tender you to the beach area (a 10 to 20 minute tender ride) or dock at the new pier (then a short walk or tram ride to the beach).

From the main beach area, a tram service loops between the key zones: Lookout Beach (main beach with cabanas and BBQ area), the equestrian stables, the chapel, Bonefish Lagoon (for stand-up paddle and kayaking), and the meeting points.

Trams are free. Walking between zones is also easy since nothing is more than about 15 minutes apart on foot. Paved paths connect the main areas. The biggest logistical consideration is the lunch BBQ, which runs in shifts during cruise hours at the main beach pavilion.

Arrive early (11am or before) for faster service. You cannot leave Half Moon Cay to explore other parts of Little San Salvador or the wider Bahamas. The island is a closed Holland America destination.

Cellular service is spotty depending on your carrier's Bahamas plan. Ship Wi-Fi does not extend to the island. You don't need to plan any transportation. Walking shoes, swimsuit, and a day bag cover everything.

Half Moon Cay operates seasonally, November through April, aligned with Holland America's Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. The island is closed during summer and fall (May through October) due to hurricane risk.

Within the cruise season, the best months are December through March, when temperatures range 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with low humidity, calm seas, and reliable beach weather. Water temperatures stay 74 to 78°F (23 to 26°C) year-round.

Mild by Caribbean standards but comfortable for swimming. Cool fronts from North America occasionally bring breezy days with slight chop on the water, but rarely anything that disrupts beach access. Late April is slightly warmer (80 to 85°F) and usually excellent, but the cruise season winds down by early May.

Holland America's itinerary structure means most ships visit Half Moon Cay as part of 7 to 14 night Caribbean cruises, with multiple visits per ship each season. If your cruise skips Half Moon Cay due to weather (rough seas can prevent tendering, though the new pier will reduce this risk), the replacement is typically Nassau, Freeport, or another Bahamian stop.

For the best combination of weather, calm seas, and beach conditions, January through March is the sweet spot.

Lookout Beach is the main draw. Two miles of crescent-shaped powder-white sand with calm, clear water. Loungers and umbrellas are complimentary, snack shacks serve included food, and the water has gentle entry for swimming.

This is the default Half Moon Cay experience and it's an excellent beach day. The BBQ Lunch Pavilion serves complimentary burgers, ribs, chicken, salads, and desserts during cruise hours. Open bars at beach locations are available with drink packages (premium without).

Bonefish Lagoon, a protected interior body of water, is good for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boats (equipment rentals $20 to $40). Sea Turtle viewing is possible from the beach at certain times of year (no guarantees).

The island's Horse Stables offer beach rides (premium, $100 to $200 per person). The Chapel, a small open-air beach chapel, is popular for photos and occasionally used for weddings. The Stingray Adventure area has supervised shallow-water stingray encounters ($60 to $100).

Snorkel rentals at the beach are $20 to $35 and give access to offshore reefs. For cabana rentals (shaded private cabanas for 4 to 6 guests with butler service, fridge, hammocks), pricing runs $300 to $700 per day depending on the cabana level.

Book through the Holland America app in advance. The Hideaway Beach Club area (adults-only in 2026 plans) is the quieter premium beach experience. Given Half Moon Cay's limited time window (6 to 8 hours typically), most passengers settle into one area and stay put rather than moving around.

Half Moon Cay is structured around Holland America's property, so "excursion" here means on-property activities. Horseback riding on the beach is the signature paid experience at $100 to $200 per person for 60 to 90 minutes.

Stingray Adventure at $60 to $100 is popular with families. Glass-bottom boat tours run $50 to $90 and give you the offshore reef views without snorkeling. Cabana rentals (day rentals with butler service, fridge, and private shade) run $300 to $700 for 4 to 6 guests.

Snorkel tours run $40 to $80 for equipment plus a brief guided introduction to the reef. Jet ski rentals run $100 to $200 for 30 minutes. For families, the Family Beach area has children's activities and shallower water.

For the most memorable paid experience, horseback riding on the beach is a signature Half Moon Cay activity that's hard to replicate elsewhere. For relaxation, a cabana rental is worth the cost for groups.

If budget is tight, the free beach and BBQ lunch are already excellent.

In 2026, Half Moon Cay is transitioning from tender-only to dock-and-tender operations. Confirm your ship's arrival method with Holland America. Tender boats take 10 to 20 minutes each way and can be disrupted by rough seas.

The new pier will reduce this risk. The currency is the US dollar and the Bahamian dollar (pegged 1:1). Most transactions are charged to your ship account rather than paid in cash. English is the primary language.

Dress for the beach and bring a cover-up for walking between zones. Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged. The beach has limited shade outside of rented umbrellas and cabanas, so bring a hat and plan your seating.

Drinking water is provided at BBQ pavilions. The biggest mistake passengers make at Half Moon Cay is overbooking paid experiences. The free beach, BBQ lunch, and included drinks (with packages) already make for an excellent day.

Save the spend for specific things (horseback riding, cabana rental) that meaningfully upgrade the experience. Also: bring your ship towels. None are provided on the island. The biggest operational risk is missing your tender back to the ship.

Half Moon Cay is a remote location with no alternative transport. Be back at the tender dock at least 60 minutes before the last tender.