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• Half Moon Cay Travel Guide
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Overview: The resort is a private paradise, reserved for passengers who are tendered ashore to the pier from Holland America Line's cruise ships, and those who have paid for the pleasure will not be disappointed. Half Moon Cay (pronounced 'Key') is an island about 100 miles (161km) south of Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, and has been sensitively developed to preserve its natural assets and ecosystem, while ensuring it provides a fantastic day ashore for cruise passengers. The main attraction is the two-mile (3km) crescent of surreally beautiful beach, dotted with palm trees, adjacent to which are wonderful bird-watching opportunities in a well-preserved waterfowl nesting habitat. All the facilities at this pristine resort are connected by pathways, but those who prefer can catch a tram which runs continuously from the Welcome Center to the Food Pavilion. Visitors wanting to cure their 'sea legs' can take some delightful walks along marked trails with descriptive signs pointing out the local trees, plants and birds.

Shopping: The 'West Indies Village' shopping centre in the resort provides a huge range of products to enable visitors to stock up on souvenirs and gifts, from Bahamian straw goods to cruise line items. There is also a selection of casual wear for those who came unprepared.

 

Restaurants: The Food Pavilion is a relaxed buffet-style diner serving a barbeque meal, which can be enjoyed under covered dining shelters. Usually there is a steel band in attendance. There is also an ice-cream shop to help keep cool in the heat. Bars proliferate along the beach and pier, serving up a variety of drinks and cocktails.

 

Nightlife: Being a cruise ship port of call, passengers only come ashore for the day and return to their berths at night, so Half Moon Cay does not cater for nightlife.

 

Activities: Watersports are the order of the day at Half Moon Cay, and beach-goers are spoilt for choice. Those who prefer need do little more than relax on a sunbed on the beach and take the occasional dip in the brilliant blue sea. There are separate designated areas for swimming and snorkelling. The Watersports Center is the place to go for more active pursuits, and catamarans, paddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, aqua cycles, view boards, scuba gear, jet-skis and fishing gear can be hired; those just wanting to be lazy can pick up a float mat. There is a charge for hire of the equipment. On the beach itself there are games of volleyball or basketball, horseshoes or shuffleboard, which can be followed by a relaxing massage on the sands. A variety of activities like treasure hunts are organised for children and there are banana boat rides and beach parties to appeal to teenagers. Excursions offered include horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, glass-bottomed boat trips and kayak adventures.

 

Negatives: Half Moon Cay is a purpose-built resort catering mainly for day visitors from cruise ships, and does not allow for visitors to explore the islands of the Bahamas beyond the confines of the resort.