Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Me swimming at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas with our ship in the distance. The island was originally called Little San Salvador Island, but was renamed when Holland America bought it in 1997. It is now a private island owned by the company, and one of about 700 islands that make up the archpelago of the Bahamas. Located roughly between Eleuthera and Cat Island, it is usually a one-day stop (port of call) on most Holland America Caribbean cruises.

The island is about a hundred miles southeast of Nassau. Holland America has developed only 45 acres of the 2,400 acre island, with the goal of maintaining as much habitat as possible for wildlife. The island is also a significant nesting area for waterfowl.

Activities include swimming, sunning, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing, parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and nature walks also are available. A variety of water toys are available for rent, including Hobie catamarans, Sunfish sailboats, windsurfing sailboards and kayaks. There are also volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes and shuffleboard, a fitness trail with exercise stations, and nature trails for hiking.