Half Moon Cay
Walkability: 10/10Bahamas
Hours in Port
~6 hours
Walk to Town
N/A — private island with beach area at the tender landing
Currency
USD (USD accepted)
WiFi
None
Cell Coverage
None
Time Zone
EST/EDT
Overview
Half Moon Cay (officially Little San Salvador Island) is Carnival Corporation's private island in the Bahamas. It features a stunning 2-mile white sand beach, consistently rated among the best private cruise islands. Used by Carnival and Holland America ships. Tender required.
The walkability score is a planning hint for navigating the port on foot from the terminal. Safety information should be confirmed against official travel advisories (e.g. travel.state.gov) before your trip.
All-aboard math
All-aboard in Half Moon Cayis typically 30–60 minutes before your ship departs — confirm the exact time on the day’s ship newsletter. This is a tender port, so add ~20 minutes for the tender queue on a full ship and head back earlier than you think.
Top Excursions
Horseback Riding on Beach
Stingray Adventure
Private Cabana Rental
Hotels Near Half Moon Cay
Flying in the night before? Find hotels near the cruise terminal in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.
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Free Things To Do
Beach
Two miles of white sand beach with free lounge chairs. The main reason to visit.
Nature Trail
Short hiking trail through the island's interior with birdwatching opportunities.
Restaurants Near Terminal
Getting Around
Walk along the beach. Tram service connects the tender landing to the far end of the beach. This is a small, self-contained beach destination.
Emergency Information
Police
Ship security
Hospital
Ship's medical center — no hospital on island
Medical Evacuation Coverage
Helicopter evacuations from ports like Half Moon Cay can cost $50,000+. Medjet covers medical transport to your home hospital — not just the nearest facility.
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What will a cruise to Half Moon Cay really cost?
Use our True Cost Calculator to uncover every hidden fee — gratuities, drink packages, excursions at Half Moon Cay, and more.
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