Half Moon Cay Cruise Port Guide: Tips and Overview Update

Half Moon Key - which is also known as Little San Salvador Island - is a private island owned by Carnival Corporation that is located in the Bahamas. We previously visited the island in 2018 and returned aboard the Carnival Legend in April 2022. In this video, we’ll provide an updated overview - and some new tips - for your visit to Half Moon Key.
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[@lchurch1]

Just went for the first time a few weeks ago. Beautiful Island. Very similar experience to Princess Cays. If I had to compare, Half Moon Cay probably wins by a nose just due to the half moon aesthetic being slightly prettier, and the beach/water a little less rocky, but I wouldn't turn down a day at either place. One note to beware of on HMC is if you decide to rent a clam shell. There is very little to no enforcing of clam shells by the staff that is supposed to manage them. People are clearly taking them whether they've paid or not and the staff couldn't care less and doesn't have any sort of system to manage what's open/what's taken and whether people are supposed to be using them. Not a huge deal, but you will likely end up scratching your head and feeling like a bit of a sucker for having shelled out a decent chunk of change for your clamshell when it's pretty clear they're largely a free for all.

[@playbassken]

We just returned from our cruise where Half Moon Cay was our first stop and really enjoyed the beach there. The clamshell rental was worth the extra money and the buffet was pretty good, too. However, we didn't explore the island or go snorkeling. That would've been really nice, but we just wanted to relax on the beach and that worked out well for us. The weather was perfect.

[@J.Hunter81]

How much was the clamshell rental?

[@playbassken]

@@J.Hunter81 it was $39.99 if you booked it in advance, but found out it was the same price there on the island. Buying in advance just saves a little time, but the lines at the ticket booth weren't long. We enjoyed having it, though.

[@teniahawkinssimon7099]

Excellent video as always...I will be there in August 2024. I cannot wait!!!! 🍔⛱

[@dortheadawkins8190]

Same! August 31st 🙌🏽

[@jetted_out]

​@dortheadawkins8190 beautiful place. Get sun protection.. your gonna need it. Me and my girl dark skinned. The sun so hot we both peeled later home. It was so hot people jump right back on the boat lol

[@kathytazbir6619]

So far this is the best one I have seen and answered all my questions thank you

[@mikee3997]

This is very informative and nice to know things ahead of trip we are doing in January

[@TheJellyBeans]

Glad it was helpful and hope you enjoy your visit!

[@davidhoffman8122]

We tried for years to get to 1/2 Moon Cay, but the port was changed or the cruise cancelled for COVID. We have been there twice now and will be going twice in 2023. We LOVE how laid back it is and the buffet was great. We also did the bicycle ride excursion. We got to see quite a bit of the island. We also got some great pics when we snorkeled at the southern end. You did a wonderful job with this VLOG.

[@entertainersplus6942]

So helpful!!!! thank you!!! You were thorough!

[@sarahbutton9452]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!!

[@GB.Bronco]

Great job! My cruise was supposed to stop at Half Moon Key but they changed us to Nassau. My next trip will definitely have to include half moon key!

[@ldaveyla]

I love this video, thanks for sharing. I’ve been wanting to go there since I seen it in a musicians music video, he shot his video there.

[@jopiaspieder1184]

I love that buffet it's very delicious

[@rspigner8705]

Thank you for the great video! Cant wait to visit in May 2023!

[@TheJellyBeans]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Hope you enjoy your visit!

[@allans7281]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video nice relaxing format good music

[@Christine-qc5dk]

Thank you for a very informative video. I have purchased the clam shell for my trip in two weeks. I have heard not to go to the information Center but to go straight to a clam shell and someone will come unlock it. Are you aware of what the procedure is? I love watching your videos of the different ports before any of my cruises, thank you for taking the time to create them. Very much appreciated. ❤️😎

[@TheJellyBeans]

We're not sure of the exact procedure, but you will definitely come to the Information Center first, so it might be worth a quick stop to see if they can help with the procedure. We've never really seen the Information Center busy, so it should be a quick stop.

[@jecsicahoward2937]

Will add this on my Bucket List..for sure. Next cruise for sure. Love me some cruises. (Jecsica/katy)

[@imsowright90]

Really good info.

[@tammyrobertson258]

Thanks

[@princessivori]

Can't wait!

[@kippercat123]

How do people who get separated on the island or from the boat to and from the island communicate with one another ?

[@sarahtrevelline2288]

Great video, as usual! Have you folks been to Bimini? Looking for some info...

[@TheJellyBeans]

Thank you! Unfortunately, we haven't been to Bimini... yet. :)

[@zuleikareyes6314]

We just got back from Bimini and didn't like it much.

[@crmccle00]

Bimini was absolutely beautiful

[@ClabberHead]

I'm from Texas; Hamburgers and hot dogs are NOT Barbecue. We call that a weenie roast. Barbecue would be things like Brisket, Pulled Pork, Sausage, and Ribs!!!

[@brandonhaddix9093]

Thank you for your very informative comment Chris. I’ve never heard this point of view. Hope you’re having a good day friend

[@thelexinator]

This is an awesome point of view! Our traditional BBQ get together out east are always burgers and hot dogs so I'm def calling them weenie roasts from now on!😂

[@HollyPlake]

What does this comment have to do with this video? 🧐 Everyone has different definitions of BBQ.

[@blucolife]

It is a beautiful island, but only the buffet is free. Your drinking package won't be honored, the lockers aren't free, I had to buy a pair of water shoes for my horseback riding excursion (they took credit cards). My only regret is that I went to the island at 10am when my excursion was at 2:30pm. The beach is beautiful, and the water wasn't as cold as I would expect in November. The lounge chairs are free and plentiful, but the kids area with the splash thing gets crowded quickly. The water sports center was great, but don't do the water tricycle by yourself, it's too hard. lol

[@metelerix1610]

Not everything’s gonna be free on a remote island dude

[@blucolife]

​@@metelerix1610 I paid $ 306.51 for my Cheers Drink Package (5-day cruise), that's more than half the cost of the cruise ($500). The island isn't remote, it's well-supplied, so charging us for booze, on an island that Carnival corporation owns, is excessive. I did like the free BBQ lunch, if the line is long, come back in 30 minutes to an hour, and it won't be long anymore.

[@metelerix1610]

@@blucolife well it still is a remote island it’s just owned by corporations as much as you don’t want to admit it. If you didn’t drink you wouldn’t have had to pay. The cruise probably includes drinks anyway.

[@blucolife]

@@metelerix1610 With the exception of luxury liners, most cruise lines don't include drinks. You either pay for a drink package or pay for each drink individually. I bought the drink package because on my last cruise, I spent $250 in drinks, (mostly Diet Coke, some alcohol), so I didn't want that sticker shock at the end of my cruise. Luxury lines like Viking, Crystal, Virgin, etc, do include free drinks, although there's always some rare drinks you have to purchase, but not most. I don't mind the island being owned by a corporation, I believe in corporations, and they should believe in customer satisfaction. Too bad they don't always do.

[@ElevateWithVerne1110]

Great video but you have to take a smaller boat to the island 😮

[@garrettbrookedawson]

They said that and showed that😅

[@jetted_out]

Get you a cabana whoever go here. The sun aint no joke. Trust me lol

[@olivia.wilusz]

Can we go back and forth from the island to ship ? ... Like if we forget something on board ?

[@TheJellyBeans]

Yes, the tender boats run fairly regularly and you can go back and forth as much as you like.

[@Steph-pq9rr]

can you rent the jetski on the island as oppose to paying ahead of time on the boat?

[@TheJellyBeans]

Honestly, we're not sure. Every time we've visited Half Moon Cay, all the jetskis have been rented and they had a waitlist in place.

[@HollyPlake]

Going on my first Holland America cruise with my dad in December of 2024. I was wondering if you are allowed to bring water bottles off the ship to Half Moon Cay?

[@TheJellyBeans]

We've always been able to take our personal water bottles with us when we visit the island. We're not sure about disposable water bottles.

[@HollyPlake]

Thank you! I was curious. I know sometimes there are rules.

[@fitme42]

What form of payment do they accept at the bar and lobster hut???

[@TheJellyBeans]

You pay with your ship card at both.

[@Any-Okra]

Are there jellyfish ? Im so afraid of stepping on one lol

[@TheJellyBeans]

Although jellyfish do exist in the Caribbean, we've never seen them (or been stung) while at the beach and/or snorkeling during any of our visits to Half Moon Cay or any other location in the Caribbean.

[@marlenestonesifer2817]

Have never been, and probably wouldn't get off the ship, as we live in Florida and can go to a beach anytime. The island does look really nice though.

[@1Brianjohnson.]

Why go on a cruise then 🤦‍♂️

[@rosebakas278]

I live in FL, right next to the beach (NSB) and my beaches don’t look anything like this. #Paradise

[@user-wb9cl4ff4c]

For the waterfront bars, do they accept cash or card or both?

[@TheJellyBeans]

The bars on Half Moon Cay use your ship card for purchases.

[@lemont9061]

Which all months water will not be cold?

[@TheJellyBeans]

Honestly, it depends on your definition of cold. We've been able to swim every visit, including in December.

[@billybob-ro6qf]

it's the BAHAMAS! Stays fairly warm there year round!

[@joelfortniteplayer9162]

How long does it take for the tender to come, do you wait along time?

[@TheJellyBeans]

It depends on a lot of factors. If you're trying to take a tender during the busy times, you could wait 30 minutes or longer. The busiest times are the beginning of the day (for the tenders to the island) and the end of the day (for the tenders back to the ship). If you take a tender either direction in the middle of the day, there shouldn't be much, if any, wait.

[@lemont9061]

Are activites in cruise avalaible if we arrive early back from shore?

[@Mstes2241]

Besides the chicken, did you see any homeless dogs or cats?

[@TheJellyBeans]

We did not. Just saw the chickens.

[@drshabbirkhan538]

do you serve halal food please

[@TheJellyBeans]

You will need to contact the cruise line you are sailing to know if they will be serving halal food while in port.