Making the most of Half Moon Cay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore.
A new pier is being built at this moment (2024), so in the future tendering is not needed anymore.
Half Moon Cay is designed to provide a secluded and luxurious beach day experience for cruise passengers, making it a highlight for many on their Caribbean itineraries. It is a private island, owned wholly by Holland America Line.
Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas (also known as Half Moon Cay), is one of about 700 islands that make up the archipelago of the Bahamas. It is located roughly between Eleuthera and Cat Island. It is a private island, owned wholly by Holland America Line. It is usually a one day stop (Cruise Port) on most Holland America Caribbean cruises.
Little San Salvador Island is about a hundred miles southeast of Nassau. Holland America purchased the island in 1997, and has developed only 45 acres of the 2,400-acre (9.7 km²) island, with the goal of maintaining as much habitat as possible for wildlife. The island is also a significant nesting area for waterfowl.
Activities include swimming, sunning, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing, parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and nature walks also are available. A variety of water toys are available for rent, including Hobie catamarans, Sunfish sailboats, windsurfing sail boards and kayaks. There are also volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes and shuffleboard, a fitness trail with exercise stations, and nature trails for hiking.
Money
The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$) The Bahamian dollar is on a par with the US dollar, and both currencies are accepted throughout the country.
Staying connected
English spoken
Opening Hours and
While Bahamian stores are permitted to open on Sunday, almost none does, making Sunday a very quiet day, at least for commerce. Otherwise, shopping is best in the morning when the crowds are few and the temperature mild.