Port information & tips for Half Moon Cay (Private Island, Little San Salvador Island)
Port Info
Half Moon Cay is the exclusive island paradise of the Bahamas and is considered one of the best-rated private islands in the Caribbean. The uninhabited island of Little San Salvador impresses with its miles of powdery white sand beach and crystal-clear, turquoise water, offering a complete idyll. Visitors enjoy first-class highlights such as swimming with rays in Stingray Cove, kayak excursions in Bonefish Lagoon, or the iconic horseback riding on the beach. Since the island is a tender port, ships anchor off the coast and bring guests by boat to the tender pier at the Welcome Center. From this central point, all attractions and beaches are easily accessible on foot or quickly reachable thanks to the island vehicles provided.
Half Moon Cay is an exclusive private island in the Bahamas and is visited exclusively as a port of call within the framework of a cruise. As the island has no public airport or ferry connection, arrival is convenient and perfectly organized via the major departure ports in Florida such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region typically takes place via the international airports of Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), which are served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. From these hubs, you can reach the respective embarkation ports quickly by taxi or the cruise lines' shuttle buses, thanks to short transfer times of approximately 15 to 45 minutes.
Transfer & Tender
After the cruise ship arrives off Half Moon Cay, the transfer to shore is carried out using the ship's own tender boats directly to the island's private pier. This crossing takes only a few minutes and simultaneously offers a wonderful panoramic view of the turquoise bay and the fine sandy beach of Little San Salvador Island.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the flight duration, a hotel stay in Florida is recommended before the start of the cruise to begin the holiday in a relaxed manner. Many hotels in Port Everglades or Miami offer special packages that already include the transfer to the terminal, thus enabling a smooth onward journey to the private island.
Half Moon Cay is an exclusive private island in the Bahamas and is visited exclusively as a port of call within the framework of a cruise. As the island has no public airport or ferry connection, arrival is convenient and perfectly organized via the major departure ports in Florida such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region typically takes place via the international airports of Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), which are served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. From these hubs, you can reach the respective embarkation ports quickly by taxi or the cruise lines' shuttle buses, thanks to short transfer times of approximately 15 to 45 minutes.
Transfer & Tender
After the cruise ship arrives off Half Moon Cay, the transfer to shore is carried out using the ship's own tender boats directly to the island's private pier. This crossing takes only a few minutes and simultaneously offers a wonderful panoramic view of the turquoise bay and the fine sandy beach of Little San Salvador Island.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the flight duration, a hotel stay in Florida is recommended before the start of the cruise to begin the holiday in a relaxed manner. Many hotels in Port Everglades or Miami offer special packages that already include the transfer to the terminal, thus enabling a smooth onward journey to the private island.
Access to the exclusive private island is convenient via ship transfer and, thanks to the compact design, allows for easy orientation immediately upon arrival.
Tender Service
The ship's own tender boats take you on a short journey from the anchorage directly to the harbor basin of Fort San Salvador. These regular connections ensure a direct and fluid transition to the island paradise.
Island Shuttle
A free tractor shuttle operates throughout the day on the paved road behind the beach. This service connects the Welcome Center with the dining area as well as the more distant beach sections and offers a comfortable way to travel under the palm trees.
On Foot
Most facilities, such as the information desk, the bars, and the main beach, are located directly at the arrival area. You can reach the central squares and the first sun loungers within two to five minutes on foot via well-maintained paths.
To make the most of your day on this award-winning private island, we recommend a combination of relaxation on the main beach and one of the exclusive nature activities in the island's interior.
Crescent Beach
The mile-long, crescent-shaped beach impresses with the finest white sand and turquoise waters and, thanks to its location right by the arrival area, is the ideal spot for a carefree day of swimming. You will also find cozy cabanas and beach bars here, which are perfect for a refreshment in between.
Bonefish Lagoon
This protected biotope in the heart of the island can be ideally explored on a kayak tour or a glass-bottom boat ride, while providing fascinating insights into the maritime wildlife. Thanks to the shallow waters, this area is also a safe destination for encounters with gentle stingrays in their natural habitat.
Pegasus Ranch
The ranch, located in the island's interior, is the starting point for guided horseback rides through the untouched vegetation and offers a unique experience thanks to the spectacular ride directly through the ocean surf. This excursion combines the scenic beauty of the island with a pinch of adventure and is perfect for unforgettable vacation photos.
Crescent Beach & “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” Bar
The brilliant white Crescent Beach with the iconic “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” Bar is located right at the arrival area of the private island and offers a dreamlike backdrop of the finest powdery sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. This location is perfectly suited for cruise guests, as it combines first-class infrastructure with numerous complimentary loungers, shade-providing palms, and an included barbecue lunch in the immediate vicinity. Thanks to the expansive bay, you will also find wonderful peace and quiet in the back area of the island, while the bar on the beach provides ideal refreshments and fantastic photo opportunities. It is best to take one of the first tender boats in the early morning to secure your favorite spot in the front row, and plan your return to the tender pier about sixty minutes before the last departure to end the day in a relaxed manner.
The return journey on the private island of Half Moon Cay is excellently organized and takes you safely from the white sandy beach back to the central pier at the Welcome Center.
Island Tram
A free shuttle service operates throughout the day at short intervals between the buffet area and the information center, allowing you to cover the distance comfortably and without effort. Thanks to the open design of the tram cars, you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the lagoon and the turquoise water during the short ride.
On Foot
The paved paths lead directly along the shore and are very easy to find thanks to clear signage and the island staff on hand. A relaxed walk from the iconic pirate ship or the beach cabanas to the tender pier takes only a few minutes and offers many photo opportunities for the perfect conclusion to your shore excursion.
Tender Boats
The return trip to the cruise ship is made via large tender boats that depart directly from Fort San Salvador and bring you quickly back on board. Plan a small buffer for the transfer, including a short check-in at the pier, so you can reach the last crossing in a relaxed manner and enjoy the view of the island one last time.
