THE NIÑA, PINTA AND SANTA MARIA had been at sea for over two months the October night the curlews and plovers landed on deck to rest from their migration. Frightened by the sailors the next morning, they took off to the southwest to rejoin their flock, and the captain changed course to follow them, assuming they were heading for nearby land. Four days later, thanks to those tired little birds, the fleet landed in the Bahamas and discovered the New World, changing the course of history.
As Columbus wrote about the Bahamas, "The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendour." You'll also discover a paradise of bird life and natural wonders when you visit Holland America's private Bahamian island, Half Moon Cay.
The birds of paradise.
The Bahamian National Trust has designated part of Half Moon Cay a wild bird preserve, and when you visit the island you'll be amazed both at its beauty and at the bird life. The island is nine and a half miles in circumference with nine miles of beach (including an exquisite two-mile crescent-shaped beach), an exterior lagoon and an interior lagoon. All but 55 of the island's 2,400 acres are still untouched and unspoiled, leaving plenty of habitat for land and sea birds.
The island is a nesting area for waterfowl including 10,000 sooty terns, noddy terns, 200 pairs of roseate terns, shearwaters and Bahamian pintails. Resident land birds include ospreys, burrowing owls, white-crowned pigeons, Bahama mockingbirds, thick-billed vireos, bananaquits and black-faced grassquits. Even if you're not an avid birder, you'll be captivated by the aerial antics and varied songs of this avian orchestra.
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Where birds of a feather flock together.
Good birding areas on the island include the interior lagoon, the ruins and old sisal fields near West Bay, and the two saline ponds near the north shore. White-tailed tropicbirds nest along the southeast shore.
The area around the lagoon is a common site for several species of waterfowl and wading birds, including egrets, herons, ruddy ducks and Caribbean coots. Take the WaveRunner tour along the island's picturesque shoreline and you're likely to see many of these, as you will if you go flats fishing or on a kayak adventure in Bone Fish Lagoon.
Horseback ride or hike the island's nature trails through the lush broadleaf forest and you're likely to hear the lyrical song of Bahamas mockingbirds and glimpse yellow nectar-loving bananaquits. (You may also see "banana birds" hanging around the island's food pavilion, attempting to live up to their alias, "sugar thief.")
In the hills west of the lagoon, white-crowned pigeons are common. And the rocky southern coast, east of the inlet to the lagoon, is home to burrowing sea birds such as the white-tailed tropicbird, petrel and shearwater, as well as the occasional osprey or belted kingfisher. Other birds common to the area include the thick-billed vireo, stripe-headed tanager, black-faced grassquit and greater Antillean bullfinch.
Some of these birds, like the shearwaters and sooty and brown noddy terns, spend the vast majority of their lives at sea, coming in to land only during the breeding season. Others migrate through, and some make their home here year-round, like the bananaquit.
Above and beyond.
Next time you're snorkeling on Half Moon Cay, take a moment to look up. You may be lucky enough to see a West Indian or North American osprey hovering like a helicopter above the waters, preparing to dive. And if you're parasailing above the island, look alongside you as well as down below - you might discover that you're just one of a number of colorful visitors enjoying the sights, sounds and pleasures of Half Moon Cay.
Half Moon Cay is yours to enjoy on a variety of cruises.
Half Moon Cay was acquired by Holland America Line in 1996. Here guests can experience both natural wonders and enjoy the extensive activities and facilities offered in the 45-acre resort portion of 2,400-acre Little San Salvador Island. Half Moon Cay has received the "Best Private Island" Readers' Choice Award from Porthole Cruise Magazine for four years in a row.
Half Moon Cay is featured on most Holland America Caribbean itineraries and on Panama Canal cruises sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.
Language and Currency English is spoken and both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted, but most things can be charged to your shipboard account.
What is Half Moon Cay like?
Seventeen miles from the nearest neighbor, about 100 miles south of Nassau, in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the cruise lines’ private islands. Nine miles of beach stretch along the vibrant blue waters in a crescent shape. Coconut palms dot the landscape. This is truly a nature preserve as Holland America takes great strides to maintain the ecosystem of this pristine island. In fact, only 45 acres of the 2,500 acre island have been developed. All parts of the island are accessible by a tram and hard-surfaced walkways connect each area.
What is the weather like?
Located in the southern portion of the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay enjoys a tropical climate. Average daytime temperatures range in the 80’s, but an occasional cold front can cause temperatures to dip in the winter.
Where does the ship dock?
Half Moon Cay is a tender port. The ship’s tenders will deliver you to the pier.
Where is the shopping?
There is only one shop, but it offers a wide range of products. Bahamian straw goods, standard souvenirs, and Holland America logo items can all be purchased.
What is there to do?
Half Moon Cay is situated in a protective bay making conditions ideal for swimming in the calm waters. Holland America has one of the most comprehensive water sports programs of the private islands. You can rent a Hobie Catamaran, Sunfish Sailboat, View Boards, Windsurfer Sailboards, kayaks, aqua cycles and float mats. There is even a separate area designated for these activities. There are volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes and shuffleboard, a fitness trail with exercise stations and nature trails for hiking. On Half Moon Cay you can snorkel, SCUBA dive, jet-ski or even do some bone fishing. Of course, you can always just kick back and relax or have a beachside massage
What are my choices for dining and drinking?
On Half Moon Cay there is a buffet pavilion serving a barbeque luncheon, covered dining areas, an ice cream shop, and a bar serving a variety of frozen drinks and cocktails.
According to the CCL website, here are the average monthly Low and High temperatures for Half Moon Cay. Something to think about if you're snowbound today.
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Half Moon Cay
THE NIÑA, PINTA AND SANTA MARIA had been at sea for over two months the October night the curlews and plovers landed on deck to rest from their migration. Frightened by the sailors the next morning, they took off to the southwest to rejoin their flock, and the captain changed course to follow them, assuming they were heading for nearby land. Four days later, thanks to those tired little birds, the fleet landed in the Bahamas and discovered the New World, changing the course of history.
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Fantastic information! Thanks so much!
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