Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas operated by Holland America Line. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a crescent-shaped beach with white sand and shallow, clear water. The island covers about 2,400 acres, though the developed area is concentrated around the beach and a central pavilion. The setup is straightforward: free beach chairs and umbrellas, a buffet lunch, and a bar. Paid extras include horseback riding along the shore, kayaking, a water park, and cabana rentals. The lagoon on the island's interior draws birdwatchers. There's not much else to it, and that's the point. If you want a quiet spot, walk to either end of the beach where the crowds thin out. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it comfortable for wading and swimming without much current.