Half Moon Cay Question

[palmlover]

I was wondering if anyone might be able to help with my question. For the stop in Half Moon Cay, are there areas of shade available near the beach, like trees, etc? I have seen pictures that show covered cabana-like chairs, but are these first come first serve or are they rentals? Thanks for your help!

[Caribbean Buckeye]

You have two options here, although both will cost you some coin. They have full-scale cabanas which you can rent in HMC which are right on the beach but they're pretty costly. I think they are around $200 but I'm not certain of the exact cost.

 

A cheaper alternative are the little pup-tents they rent for $15. They're called clam shells since that's what they resemble when set up. There's a little shack right on the beach where you can rent these. They provide adequate shade for two people. A word of caution though: They run out of these eventually so you'll want to catch an early tender over to the island if you want one. The same goes for snorkel equipment and rafts/floats. You don't have to be on the first tender over but if you sleep until noon and then head over, you're going to be left out to bake.

 

Enjoy your time on this island. Like me, you'll be recalling your time on this island for years. I can't wait to go back b/c it was one of the most beautiful, unspoiled places I've ever visited. Be sure to book some kind of excursion so you can see the backside of the island. That's where the unspoiled beauty comes in.

[bruce-r]

You have two options here, although both will cost you some coin. (first) They have full-scale cabanas which you can rent in HMC which are right on the beach but they're pretty costly. I think they are around $200 but I'm not certain of the exact cost.

Here is some information about the Cabanas. There are only about 11-12 of them. If you are sailing on HAL, you can reserve them ahead of time online, and you need to do this almost as soon as they are available to you as they sell out. The only difference between the individual cabanas is location.

 

Yellow Cabana

 

Price $219

The Private Cabana Package rate is applicable for up to 4 guests. Only one guest need purchase the reservation for up to 4 guests.

Description: Enjoy the ultimate in luxury during your stay on Half Moon Cay with the use of your own private cabana. Board the first tender ashore, or have priority tender use, to maximize your time by being the first guests to arrive. For your comfort, you will find your cabana outfitted with a refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and chairs inside, and deck chairs and a misting shower on the private terrace.

You will be provided with fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa to snack on as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water to quench your thirst. Beach towels, floating mats, and snorkel gear are also included for your use throughout the day.

 

Notes: The Private Cabana Package rate is applicable for up to 4 guests. Parties larger than 4 must book a "Private Cabana Package - Extra Person Surcharge" tour for each additional guest.

 

If you are on Carnival, I think you will need to wait until you are on the ship before you can make your reservation. Again, if you want one, you should reserve it as soon as possible.

[palmlover]

I have been doing some research on the Carnival website, but it looks like the clamshell cabanas are rented by the hour? Is that right?? That seems odd to me, it seems like they would rent that by the day?

[dexter]

We just arrived back from our cruise to Half Moon Cay. We rented a clamshell for the day from $15. It is worth the money if the sun is shining down like it was last week. You could literally fry out in that sun without some shade. It does get kinda' hot inside the clamshell however just from the sun beating down on it, but a couple of Miami Vices will fix that.

[palmlover]

Thank you all so much for your help! We are definitely going to rent one of the clamshells to keep out of the sun for so long! I have olive skin but now that I am in my mid 20's, skin cancer and wrinkle prevention mean a lot more to me than it did 5 years ago!! (Funny how that happens.....) Anyway, thanks so much to everyone who posted a reply. Happy cruising to you all. :)

[spcl4cs_gal]

I agree that it can get hot under one of those clamshells but if you put something under the back edge of them the air seems to flow through easier. Have a great time at HMC!