Half Moon Cay is an island in the Bahamas that is is one of those magical islands you heart and mind dreams of. A place to escape, a place to explore and most importantly a place to be worry free. While researching things to do in Half Moon Cay, I found numerous pictures that only made me want to go even more.
The pictures were everything I ever dreamed of in the way of beautiful beaches. Spending time near palm trees, crystal blue water and amazing white sand was what I really wanted, but I discovered much more.
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Arrival to the island
Owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, the only way to arrive to the island is via cruise ship. Once the ship arrived to the island, we had to take a boat from the cruise ship to the island. weather was very cloudy with some sprinkles of rain. We thought the day was not going to go as planned.
Our first excursion of the day led us to swimming with the sting rays. Once you arrive on the island there are signs of where to go to get to your excursion. You can also wait for a tour guide to take you. We walked about a mile to get to our destination and began getting ready to see the sting rays.
Swimming with rays
Swimming with the sting rays was one of the neatest things I have ever done on a cruise. Getting in the water was the hardest part because it was freezing and rather deep for a short person like me.
We were able to freely swim around with the sting rays and then feed them. All in all, in was a great tour, with great guides. If you ever go to Half Moon Cay, I highly suggest swimming with the sting rays.
After we were done with this excursion, we walked back to prepare for our next excursion. We were going to go on a boat ride that would allow us to snorkel at sea. When we arrived back at the main part of the island, they informed us it was canceled due to the clouds and the weather.
Around the island
After we received word of this, we walked around the island. We explored what we could and waited for our last final excursion of the day, an island tour.
On the island you can access the beach, sit in a chair on the beach, walk around the main island area and even go in some shops. There are a few people that live and work on island.
Many people take transportation to get to the island to work there, as they live in other areas of the Bahamas. The others will come on the days they know they have cruise ships coming to the island.
We walked around the shops and the island before going to relax on the beach. By this time the clouds went away and it was all sunshine and happy moments.
The water was very warm, even in December. The water was so blue we could see most of our legs when in the water. The beach was well kept and did not have any trash or debris on the sand.
For lunch, they had a buffet style meal prepared for all of the people on the island. They had a variety of food to choose from such as various meats, salads and etc. They also offered lemonade or water to drink and had a dessert bar.
Island tour
The final excursion of the day was to take an island tour. We had already walked some of the island but I was excited to take a tour of the rest.
We met in the main part of the island and got into an open vehicle with the tour guide and other cruisers. They took us to some places that we had not been but also places that we had been. We stopped for a short break near the horse stables on the island. We were able to walk around for a few minutes and take pictures.
I was in true amazement of this island and honestly did not want to leave. I was very relaxed and felt very fulfilled for my first time leaving the United States.
Half Moon Cay is a very small island but it left a big impression on me and my soul. This island comes highly recommended for me not only because of what it has to offer but for the vibe and great company.
The beach is stunning and well kept. The whole island is well kept and a great place to discover without feeling overwhelmed. The beauty, vibe, cleanliness, smallness and variety of what is offered on the island are what make me truly want to go back time and time again.
I left this place feeling relaxed, stress free and care free. This place will always hold a special place in my heart, I hope others will see the true beauty in this island just as I do.
What things to do in Half Moon Cay would you recommend? Have you visited before?
