Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas · Caribbean
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Half Moon Cay — tenders ferry passengers to the port.
Plan my port daysNot a DIY port in the usual sense: the beach, aqua park, BBQ lunch and nature trail are free and easy to enjoy on your own, while horseback riding, the stingray encounter and snorkeling are bookable cruise-line activities.
Holland America's private island: one stunning crescent beach, included activities, and cruise-line excursions, reached by tender.
At a glance
Port summary
Half Moon Cay is a private-island port day, not a town: you tender ashore to a single crescent beach where the beach, aqua park, BBQ lunch and nature trail are included, and horseback rides, the stingray encounter and snorkeling are bookable through the cruise line. A new Carnival pier opened June 2026 on the island's north side; Holland America ships still tender on the south side.
Cruise dock
🚢 Half Moon Cay Tender Landing — Welcome Center
Holland America guests tender from the anchored ship to the beach landing beside the Welcome Center on the island's south/west side. Coordinates are island-level (the facility is not separately mapped). A new Carnival pier (RelaxAway) opened June 2026 on the north side for Carnival-brand ships.
📍 Latitude: 24.574124, Longitude: -75.952102
See dock on port map →Getting to Half Moon Cay
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
The ship's tender boat is the only way ashore for Holland America guests; it runs continuously through the port day and is included.
📍 Tender boarding from your ship's tender platform.
The developed area is compact and flat; you can walk the crescent beach and reach most facilities easily.
📍 Step off the tender onto the beach landing.
A complimentary tram runs to the far cabanas, Stingray Cove and the eastern end of the beach for those who prefer not to walk.
📍 Tram stops near the Welcome Center and along the beach.
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Everything ashore is charged to your onboard cruise account with your cruise card; you do not need cash. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.
Things to do
Half Moon Cay Beach
Short stop🏖️ Beach
Two miles of white sand and calm turquoise water, the heart of the island day.
🕐 All day; arrive early for the best loungers
Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park
Short stop🎯 Activity
Floating water slides, a pirate ship and splash zones for kids and families.
🕐 Midday, when kids need cooling off
Horseback Riding at Pegasus Ranch
🎯 Activity
Ride a horse along the sand and wade into the surf on a guided beach ride.
🕐 Morning sessions, before peak heat
Stingray Cove
🎯 Activity
Wade with gentle stingrays and learn about them in a guided lagoon encounter.
🕐 Booked time slots through the day
Reef Snorkeling
🎯 Activity
Snorkel a colourful offshore reef with gear and a guide on a boat trip.
🕐 Morning, for the calmest water
Tropics BBQ Pavilion
Short stop🍽️ Restaurant
Included beachside barbecue with burgers, ribs and Caribbean jerk chicken.
🕐 Lunch service, roughly 11:30am-1:30pm
Nature Trail to Pegasus Ranch
Short stop🌿 Nature
Self-guided trail past native plants, birds and the horse ranch.
🕐 Cooler morning hours
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Half Moon Cay?
- Half Moon Cay is a tender port: your ship anchors offshore and passengers transfer to shore by small boat.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Half Moon Cay?
- Walking into Half Moon Cay from the cruise port isn't practical. Plan to use a shuttle, taxi, or public transport.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Half Moon Cay centre?
- Typical options include Ferry, On foot, Tram. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Half Moon Cay?
- Plan for at least 2 hours ashore to see Half Moon Cay independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Half Moon Cay and are cards accepted?
- Half Moon Cay uses the US dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Half Moon Cay cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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