Today we are docked at Half Moon Cay. It has been voted the best private island by readers of Porthole Magazine. It’s our first visit here, so we’ll let you what we think, but what can be bad about a gorgeous private island? There are 1,700-acres– only two percent of which is developed – featuring a huge interior lagoon and two-mile crescent of perfect, rimmed by blue.
Bird lovers take note: Half Moon Cay has been designated a Wild Bird Reserve by the Bahamian National Trust. Sooty and roseate terns, shearwaters and Bahamian pintails all fly through here. And nesting in the sea grape trees, the feisty bananaquit or yellow bird, immortalized in the song of the same name.
Saddle up: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience as you ride a specially trained quarter horse along the winding, equestrian-only trail to the island’s highest point for breathtaking view’s – then through the surf as your horse splashes in the sea.
Swim with Stingrays: Graceful, gentle winged angels of the deep. Stingrays are curious creatures that will follow you anywhere for a special piece of squid. Holland America Line visits several places where you can see or touch stingrays in the Caribbean, including Stingray Cove on Half Moon Cay.
On the Water:
- Private Oasis Cabana for rent, a luxurious 1,620-square-feet retreat perched over the beach with hot tub, water slide and all manner of entertainment accoutrements, from wet bar to barbecue; for receptions and parties up to 25 guest.
- 15 smaller air-conditioned beach cabanas with showers, sun decks, water misters and butler services; ideal for parties of four.
- Water Sports Centers with kayaks, Hobie® Cats, aqua-cycles, floating foam mats and sailboats for rent.
- Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park for the children.
- Beachside massage, the ultimate indulgence
We didn’t get around to renting a private cabin on time, so you will probably find us at the Captain Morgan® on the Rocks Island Bar, a 101-foot-long, twin-decked, three-masted schooner “washed up” on Half Moon Cay’s white sand beach. Seating a total 326 guests, the bar decor features nautical artifacts and historic references to Captain Morgan’s exploits in these waters more than 350 years ago.
Located near the island’s Food Pavilion, Captain Morgan on the Rocks features outdoor seating on two awning-covered, themed decks. The open upper deck offers sweeping vistas of the beach, turquoise ocean and the island interior and lagoon. “Cannons” release gentle mists of water to keep guests cool in the Bahamian sun. The lower deck features rum casks for seats, palm leaf-styled ceiling fans and images “burnt” into the crafted wood telling the story of the legendary Captain Morgan – who plundered a unique spiced rum along with gold and silver in 1668 and then lost everything when his ship went aground on rocks.
If you want the private cabana for the day, we suggest booking as soon as you place a deposit on your cruise. It’s always refundable should you cancel your cruise and the cabanas always sell out so now point in waiting until your board the ship. Better go find our seat at the bar!
