View Full Version : Looking For Something To Do In Hmc
kwb
June 15th, 2006, 10:32 PM
;) :rolleyes: We will be in Half Moon Cay in July,looking for something to do.Are any of the excursion worth trying,is snorkleing from the beach worth the trouble.Please give me some suggestions on things to do.:)
refman
June 15th, 2006, 10:47 PM
not sure about excursions but try and get a cabana, makes the stay more enjoyable.
cruznon
June 15th, 2006, 11:30 PM
DH and DD swam with sting rays on HMC.
Truly HMC is one place where just relaxing, enjoying the beautiful sea, beach can make the spirit soar!
middle-aged mom
June 16th, 2006, 01:13 AM
KWB:
You say you are visiting Half Moon Cay in July, so I am assuming you will be travelling there onboard a Carnival ship. I don't know what excursions or prices Carnival may be offering for HMC, but I can direct you to the Holland America website, which has a description of activities and facilities on HMC. This is just to give you an idea of what you can find to do there. The site is here (http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/halfMoonCay.do). I hope you enjoy your day on Half Moon Cay!
kryos
June 16th, 2006, 02:39 AM
You say you are visiting Half Moon Cay in July, so I am assuming you will be travelling there onboard a Carnival ship.
Good point. I didn't think of that.
Wonder if the shore excursion operators on HMC are HAL-specific employees and if the same ones would even be available to other ships using the island? But, if the same excursions would be available to passengers on a Carnival ship, I say go parasailing! The view can't be beat!
Blue skies ...
--rita
BM64
June 16th, 2006, 07:25 AM
Snorkeling from the beach is not a hassle at all in HMC. If you walk down to the end of the beach near the water park, you can walk out on a pier and there are steps that lead to the water,you can sorkel from there. It's a good place for first time snorkelers and kids not a lot of swimming involved and some pretty good fish. Enjoy your day there, it is truely lovely!!
sea-n-me
June 16th, 2006, 07:28 AM
I highly recommend the horseback riding.
gizmo
June 16th, 2006, 07:39 AM
I don't know what Carnival will offer but this is from the Hal site and should be similiar.
http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/port.do?portCode=HA1&dest=C
HMC is a private island and basically a beach day for most. You will have to tender to the island.
Roz
June 16th, 2006, 09:25 AM
HAL offered a historic nature walk that I thought was interesting. A local guide explained the history of the island and the Bahamas in general, and pointed out local flora and fauna.
On my second visit, I just walked down the beach in the surf (it was too cold to swim), and then had a bite to eat.
I'm not a beach person, but to me it's one of the most relaxing, beautiful places I've been.
Roz
Sayyadina
June 16th, 2006, 09:30 AM
We did the 1-hr kayak trip and while we had a great time (we've paddled before) the guides weren't much help with those who didn't know what they were doing. If you are an experienced paddler of any sort (canoe, etc), it would be a nice trip. The water is unelievebly clear and it is away from most of the other people, very quiet.
doone
June 16th, 2006, 09:33 AM
I agree with Kyros here, parasailing, its awesome!!! Enjoy Half Moon Cay, its always been the highlight of my cruises.
lka1012
June 16th, 2006, 10:07 AM
If you don't want to strping the bucks for a cabana, then try for a clamshell. I just enjoy lazing on the beach, and watching the surf roll in. Competive napping is good also (as long as you have shade)
saltydog28
June 16th, 2006, 11:14 AM
HAL offered a historic nature walk that I thought was interesting. A local guide explained the history of the island and the Bahamas in general, and pointed out local flora and fauna.
On my second visit, I just walked down the beach in the surf (it was too cold to swim), and then had a bite to eat.
I'm not a beach person, but to me it's one of the most relaxing, beautiful places I've been.
Roz
Roz--What month were you there?
Pat.
Roz
June 16th, 2006, 12:17 PM
Pat,
Both times it was in December. There were a few daring souls who immersed themselves, but most people just enjoyed the beach or a shore excursion. A float mat is another possibility when it's cool.
Roz
RustaRoo
June 16th, 2006, 05:32 PM
If you're feeling very adventuresome try the AquaTrax (sea-doo) - quite a bit of fun!
saltydog28
June 16th, 2006, 05:40 PM
Thank-you Roz. We'll be there in Feb. I would imagine it's about the same temperature.
Thanks,
Pat.
serendipity1499
June 17th, 2006, 12:00 AM
I also vote for snorkling off the beach & renting a clamshell...Shade is needed in the Bahamas in July..Be sure to bring at least an SPF 30 sun block, because the sun is VERY HOT...Just walking the beach is so wonderful too..
Parasailing is fun but at HMC they don't allow anyone from your party to ride out on the parasailing boat just to observe...Because of that I have not parasailed at HMC but have done it in Mexico..Would do it again in a heartbeat if my DH could come out on the boat with me..
Have fun this island is absolutely beautiful!:)
RustaRoo
June 17th, 2006, 01:17 PM
Parasailing is fun but at HMC they don't allow anyone from your party to ride out on the parasailing boat just to observe...Because of that I have not parasailed at HMC
Oh, that's too bad - they used to. In 1998, I parasailed and my cousin came in the boat and videotaped my 'flight'. It was absolutely fantastic and I would highly recommend it.
NHBob
June 17th, 2006, 02:12 PM
;) :rolleyes: We will be in Half Moon Cay in July,looking for something to do.Are any of the excursion worth trying,is snorkleing from the beach worth the trouble.Please give me some suggestions on things to do.:)
If you have basic sailing skills, you can rent either a Sunfish or Hobie Cat on the beach, at an hourly rate that's not too outrageous.
cands
June 18th, 2006, 01:41 AM
If you have basic sailing skills, you can rent either a Sunfish or Hobie Cat on the beach, at an hourly rate that's not too outrageous.
I'll agree with that one. We took the Hobie Cat out for an hour last November . (hadn't sailed one since a teenager many, many years ago!). It was great fun, and very easy to do.
It was $50 for an hour - a little steep I think - but hey, what a fantastic place to sail.
kryos
June 18th, 2006, 01:52 AM
Parasailing is fun but at HMC they don't allow anyone from your party to ride out on the parasailing boat just to observe...Because of that I have not parasailed at HMC but have done it in Mexico..Would do it again in a heartbeat if my DH could come out on the boat with me..
No parasailing operator will allow observers taking up a spot on the boat ... unless there are empty spots available. Unfortunately, there are only a certain number of people allowed on the parasailing boat and naturally the operator wants to fill those slots with paying passengers.
I would imagine, though, that if there were not the full complement of people parasailing on that particular run, there could be an arrangement made to allow an observer at a reduced rate. But, I doubt the observer would ever be free.
Blue skies ...
--rita
CoastalCounseling
June 18th, 2006, 07:51 PM
My FAVORITE thing to do at HMC..... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!
kryos
June 19th, 2006, 06:21 PM
My FAVORITE thing to do at HMC..... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!
Perfect way to spend the day there!
I always make sure to allow for plenty of time just to float around in the water, maybe walk along the beach, and then visit that Bahamian chapel. I also like to sit in that pavilion there in the square ... enjoy a drink ... listen to the combo play ... and just savor the moment.
I love HMC.
Blue skies ...
--rita