Exclusive Paradise
Six Private Island Ports
By Sofia Lust
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay
Holland America Line
Half Moon Cay is Holland America Line’ s love letter to quiet adventure. Set in the Bahamas and officially named Little San Salvador, only 50 of its 2,400 acres are developed— the rest remains wild, a bird sanctuary where flamingos and herons glide across turquoise shallows.
Guests arrive at the Welcome Center and Straw Market, where the island’ s tone is set— relaxed, natural and organized. Then comes the choice: explore or rest. Nature lovers drift through the 700-acre Bonefish Lagoon on an Eco Lagoon Cruise or paddle through mangroves on a Kayak Adventure. The Glass-Bottom Boat Tour gives you the opportunity to see coral and stingrays without getting in the water, while a horseback ride finishes in the waves.
You can rent paddleboards, snorkel in calm coves or meet gentle stingrays at Stingray Cove. Families enjoy Half Moon Cay Waterworks, the splash park near the main beach.
Holland America chefs grill at the Tropics Restaurant pavilions and Lobster Shack, where lobster tails and rolls pair well with Bahamian beer. Drinks flow from five bars with names that sound like invitations: On the Rocks, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever and Last Stop Bar.
Privacy gets its own palette. Fifteen Cabanas, five two-story Beach Villas and one Oasis Cabana stretch along the sand, stocked with cold drinks, fruit, snorkel gear and private attendants. The villas even have hot tubs overlooking the bay. They’ re not complimentary, but for guests looking to turn a beach day into something more private and indulgent, they’ re worth it.
Beyond the shore, limestone trails lead to scenic views and a small Bahamian chapel for beach weddings. Half Moon Cay has been named Best Private Island by Porthole Cruise Magazine for over 18 years. HAL calls it Refreshingly Free, and they’ re right.
44 · NAUTICUS 2026