Little San Salvador Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Holland America Line
Photo provided by Holland America Line
Photo provided by Holland America Line
Photo provided by Holland America Line
Little San Salvador Island
A corner of this protected habitat for migratory birds has been developed into a top-rated private island destination for passengers of the Holland America Line.

Half Moon Cay, locally known as Little San Salvador Island, is the perfect place to get your land legs back while on a cruise. You’ll still have access to similar comforts as on your cruise ship, but you’re free to roam and can even stay the night in a private villa or cabin.

The cay was purchased by the Holland America Line in 1996. The new name of Half Moon Cay refers to both the island’s crescent-shaped white sand beach and the name of the ship that is featured on the logo of the Holland America Line. The company soon added the Landing and Welcome Center, a Bahamian Village, the Tropics Restaurant, an Aqua Park and a small wedding chapel.

Start with an ice cream at the Welcome Center, then visit the information booth to see what’s on. Linger a while to buy some souvenirs or beachwear at the Bahamian market.

Follow the marked paths out to the beach. There are watersports centers to rent beach equipment from. Go snorkeling, sailing or kayaking and get a massage on the beach afterwards.

When it’s time for lunch, take a tram to the Tropics Restaurant to enjoy a buffet-style barbecue feast under an open shelter. Or, at the Lobster Shack, indulge in a seafood lunch served with local coconut beans and pineapple salsa.

Guided tours are great options for an active afternoon. Go horseback or bike riding, sign up for a stingray adventure or enjoy an informative Eco-tour in a glass-bottom boat. The kids will love the pirate-themed Half Moon Lagoon waterpark.

If you choose to stay on the island itself, you can soak in a private hot tub in one of the exclusive Beach Villas. The Private Oasis, with 15 cabanas, is for larger groups.

Around sunset, visit one of the island’s bars. One is a huge venue by the beach, one is part of the Welcome Center and the other is a little bar by the lagoon, next to Stingray Cove.

Little San Salvador Island is less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Nassau in the Bahamas. The cruise liners drop all passengers off in smaller tenders and the main facilities on the island are wheelchair accessible.

Cookie House
Cookie House
2.5 out of 5
Arthurs Town, Arthur's Town, Cat Island
The price is ₩167,886 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
₩167,886
₩184,675 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Stay at this guesthouse in Arthur's Town. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), dry cleaning or laundry services, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Camperdown ...
Cookie House
Orange Creek Inn
Orange Creek Inn
2.5 out of 5
Queens Highway, Orange Creek, Cat Island
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Orange Creek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blue Hole and Port Royal Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"my stay was a very comfortable one and I plan to return ."

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Orange Creek Inn
Pigeon Cay Beach Club
Pigeon Cay Beach Club
3 out of 5
Rokers, Pigeon Cay, Cat Island
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Pigeon Cay. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge).
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
Once is not enough
"It was simply amazing. A rustic, no-key turn key suite which was more than comfortable and clean. If you do not like dogs, this may not be the resort for you as the owners keep them. Beautiful beach. The only drawback was the toilet area which was too small for my husband so I would not suggest it ..."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2018

Pigeon Cay Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Orange Creek Inn
Orange Creek Inn
2.5 out of 5
Queens Highway, Orange Creek, Cat Island
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Orange Creek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Blue Hole and Port Royal Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"my stay was a very comfortable one and I plan to return ."

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Orange Creek Inn
Pigeon Cay Beach Club
Pigeon Cay Beach Club
3 out of 5
Rokers, Pigeon Cay, Cat Island
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Pigeon Cay. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge).
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
Once is not enough
"It was simply amazing. A rustic, no-key turn key suite which was more than comfortable and clean. If you do not like dogs, this may not be the resort for you as the owners keep them. Beautiful beach. The only drawback was the toilet area which was too small for my husband so I would not suggest it ..."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2018

Pigeon Cay Beach Club
Palm Hill House 4 Bedroom Home
Palm Hill House 4 Bedroom Home
2 out of 5
Cotton Bay, Greencastle, South Eleuthera
Stay at this vacation home in Greencastle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cotton Bay Club Golf Course and Cotton ...
Palm Hill House 4 Bedroom Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.