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 daysHolland 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
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.
Build your perfect day in Half Moon Cay
Tell us your cruise line, ship and departure date and we'll give you a complete set of full port information and playbooks of how to spend your day.
Inside the Caribbean collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your Half Moon Cay cruise day.
Typical weather
Emergency & contacts
Excursions compared
3 comparedHorseback Riding by Land and Sea at Pegasus Ranch
≈ 1.5 h · sold by 2 cruise lines
Cruise line
€125$140
Do it yourself
€10$11
Save ≈ €115Save ≈ $129 (92% off)
There is no independent operator on Half Moon Cay — the Pegasus Ranch horses are a cruise-line concession, so the ride itself genuinely cannot be done cheaper or independently. The honest DIY alternative is to skip the paid ride and enjoy the same turquoise shallows the horses wade into for free: from the new north-side pier walk off or take the complimentary tram to the two-mile main beach and swim where the horses go. Bring water and reef-safe sunscreen; the island BBQ lunch and beach loungers are already included in your fare.
See the DIY plan →
Stingray Adventure and reef snorkel at Stingray Cove
≈ 1.5 h · sold by 2 cruise lines
Cruise line
€50$56
Do it yourself
€28$31
Save ≈ €22Save ≈ $25 (44% off)
The fenced Stingray Cove is concession-only, but the island's main beach has a marked beginner snorkel spot near the Welcome Center where you'll often see rays, blue tangs and clownfish over the reef for free. Rent a mask-and-fins set on the beach (~€18) or bring your own, then snorkel straight off the sand — no boat or booking needed. From the pier, walk or take the tram to the Welcome Center beach; lifeguards are on duty in the swim zone.
See the DIY plan →
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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