Shore Excursion Options on Half Moon Cay
There are many options for shore excursions on Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. All shore excursions must be book or purchased through Carnival Cruise Lines or Holland America Line since it is their private island. Excursions in Half Moon Cay can either be formally structured activities or simple day-long or hourly rentals of equipment.
Half Moon Cay Beach Rentals:
Kayak Rental - 1 Person
Kayak Rental - 2 Persons
Single Water Bike
Double Water Bike
Water Paddle Boat
Sunfish Sail Boat
Hobie Catamaran Sail Boat
Beach/Water Float
Snorkel Gear Rental
Clam Shell Sunshade Rental
Locker Rental
Excursions
Put on your snorkeling gear and bring your sense of adventure.
On this excursion you will:
Travel by boat to a site off the coast of Half Moon Cay. Get an up-close view into the crystal clear waters of the sparkling Caribbean.
Snorkel from the boat in waters teeming with gloriously colored fish, anemones and coral.
Have professional snorkeling guides assist you as needed.
Spend time observing the creatures of the deep and their characteristics.
Spot a friendly stingray if you're lucky.
Don’t forget to use reef safe sunscreen to protect the natural environment from damage by harmful chemical exposure. If you are unsure of where to get reef safe sunscreen we have linked to some here (reef safe sunscreen).
Note: All snorkel gear is provided. Sunscreen, a towel and a hat are recommended.
Horseback Riding by Land & Sea
Saddle up for the horseback riding experience of a lifetime!
On this wonderful excursion you will:
Make a short tram ride to your orientation where you will then mount up and set out with your guides along winding trails and up to the highest point on the island.
Enjoy a great photo opportunity and panoramic view of Half Moon Cay and the surrounding Bahamian islands.
Continue along the bay en route back to the corral where you will enjoy a refreshment while your horse is "dressed" for swimming in specially designed pad and rope halter (no saddle).
Then ride your horse into the ocean for a memorable swim!
Afterwards, re-board your tram for the ride back to the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center.
Note: Minimum age is 10 years old and maximum weight is 250 lbs.
Wear your swimsuit and don't forget your towel, sunscreen and camera. Remember to bring closed-toe shoes, sandals are not permitted. Riding time is approximately 35 minutes.
Stingray Adventure
Enjoy an educational encounter with the southern stingrays that make their home at Half Moon Cay.
On this exciting excursion you will:
Take a short tram ride to Stingray Cove for your short orientation where you will learn about the stingrays' behaviors, habitat, feeding, breeding and other fascinating features.
After your briefing, put on your snorkel equipment and enter the wading area with your guide.
Have the incredible experience of touching the rays' silky wings and be able to feed these amazing creatures.
Learn that a safety net ensures that no other marine life enters the stingrays' enclosure.
After the conclusion of your swim/snorkel experience, take a tram ride back to the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center.
Don’t forget to use reef safe sunscreen to protect the natural environment from damage by harmful chemical exposure. If you are unsure of where to get reef safe sunscreen we have linked to some here (reef safe sunscreen).
Note: Minimum age is 6 years old and guests must know how to swim.
Mask, snorkel, safety vest and aqua shoes are provided. Changing areas and restroom facilities are also available.
Glass Bottom Boat
Explore the undersea world without getting wet, as you cruise out to sea aboard a state of the art glass bottom boat.
On this excursion you will:
Cruise the crystal clear waters off the shores of your own private island paradise.
Marvel at the unique coral formations and colorful tropical fish in this unspoiled environment.
Island Adventure, Sightseeing & Snorkel Tour
Experience a beautiful and relaxing 20 minute boat ride down the shoreline of Half Moon Cay to the Eastern point of the island.
Arrive at Treasure Chest Island, an uninhabited island with a Cove embraced with gorgeous limestone rock formation and cave which support an eco-sanctuary for numerous species of birds.
Don’t forget to use reef safe sunscreen to protect the natural environment from damage by harmful chemical exposure. If you are unsure of where to get reef safe sunscreen we have linked to some here (reef safe sunscreen).
The crystal blue waters of the cove are home large varieties of fish and marine life. Your guide will give you a wonderful snorkeling tour of the surrounding reefs, including, a visit to Elkhorn Reef, a must see a spectacular display of coral structure.
Tropical Kayak Adventure
Join our island naturalist on a relaxing but invigorating kayak adventure on Bone Fish Lagoon.
On this excursion you will:
Kayak part of the lagoon that comprises over 1400 square acres of protected habitat.
See the numerous species of flora ranging from red mangroves to the ornamental silver buttonwood tree.
Watch for seabirds while your naturalist guide fills you in on the history of the island’s earliest and only inhabitants.
Note: Minimum age to participate is 6 years. Excursion meets at the water sports center. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended.
Eco Lagoon Tour
Discover the history and culture of the Bahamas on an ecological adventure through Half Moon Cay.
On this excursion you will:
Board the glass bottom boat from the pier and be transported through the lagoon in the presence of a knowledgeable local guide.
Have key sights pointed out and some of the Bahamian history and culture explained.
Visit the nursery at the far end of the lagoon to see a variety of stingrays, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, bonefish, conch, sea urchins, and assorted marine life.
Keep your eyes peeled for some of the different varieties of exotic birds.
Exit the lagoon into the ocean to view some of the living reefs through the glass bottom.
Stop at a re-constructed Arawak Indian fishing village.
Historic Nature Walk
Join our island naturalist for an informative and leisurely 1½-mile walk through this scenic, tropical paradise.
On this amazing excursion you will:
View tropical palms, sea grape trees, curly tailed lizards, and banaquit birds.
Journey through Bahamian history including the islands’ first visitors, piracy, slavery and present day tourism.
Note: Excursion departs from the water sports center. Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
