The Bahamas and Key West · Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Half Moon Cay, kept on a card.
A whole island set aside for cruise guests, with a long white beach, horses in the shallows and more than 95 percent of the land left wild. It is one of the easiest days of the week to photograph.
Where the photos are in Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Beach
The main event: white sand and turquoise water that visitors often call one of the prettiest beaches in the Bahamas. Walk a few minutes past the busiest part near the landing for open sand.
The sign photo
A well-known sign on the island, reading I wish I could stay here forever, is a favorite photo stop for visitors.
Horses in the water
Guests can ride and swim with horses along the beach, one of the more unusual pictures you will take in the Caribbean. It is an excursion you book ahead.
Stingray Cove
A shallow cove for snorkeling with stingrays. Bring a waterproof case for your phone.
The nature trails
More than 95 percent of the island is undeveloped, with walking trails you can do on your own. The paths give you green backdrops away from the beach crowds.
The cabanas
Beachfront cabanas and villas can be reserved for the day. A cabana gives your group a shaded spot with a clear view of the water.
How the light works
Half Moon Cay's sand is bright white, which fools phone cameras into making faces dark. Tap your face on the screen before you shoot, or turn the group so the sun is behind them and let the water do the work. The best light is on the first tender in the morning, when the beach is emptier.
Before you go ashore
Half Moon Cay is a private island stop, so there is no town to wander. Ships have tendered guests ashore in a short boat ride, and a pier has been under construction, so check your ship's daily plan for how you will get ashore. Bring sunscreen: the sun is strong, and there is little shade away from the cabanas and the palm trees.
Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.
Questions people ask
- Do I need to book an excursion to get good photos here?
- No. The beach itself is the best photo spot, and the trails are free. Horseback rides and stingray snorkeling are extras you book ahead.
- How do I get to the island from my ship?
- Ships have used a short tender ride from the ship to the island, and a pier has been under construction, so your ship's daily plan will say how it works on your day.
- Is RelaxAway the same place as Half Moon Cay?
- Yes. The island is marketed as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and it is the same island that many itineraries simply list as Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.
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