What to bring to Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is a great beach day, but there are some things you should bring to maximize your time and to get the most out of your day ashore. These are the top things you need to bring to Half Moon Cay.

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Sign and sail card plus a government issued ID

The ship will tell you this a few times, but you have to have your sign & sail card in order to get on and off a Carnival Cruise ship. This is the most basic requirement. If you try to walk off the ship with literally nothing else, you need this!

The rest of the items you might want are in no particular order – it just depends on what you think might be most helpful for you!

Towel

There are no beach towels to rent at Half Moon Cay. Make sure you bring your own from the ship. And make sure you return it. If you lose them, those things cost $26!

Insulated water bottle

It is often hot and sunny at the beach in the Caribbean (I know, shocker right!), so I highly recommend taking a water bottle, cup or something insulated to keep your water cool.

I swear by this insulated water bottle because it is a water bottle instead of a cup, but has a large enough mouth to put ice in easily.

Hat & Sunglasses

Don’t be the person who has to buy a hat ashore at Half Moon Cay. It is very bright and sunny. Bring a hat and sunglasses.

Sunscreen

I am personally very pale. I ALWAYS get sunburned at Half Moon Cay. No matter how many times I re-apply, there is still always a spot I missed or a sunburn got on the tender coming home. But some good sunscreen does help.

I’m a big fan of the Neutrogena Beach Defense sunscreen personally!

Snorkel or Beach toys

There are usually some fish to see, but it’s not a great snorkel area. If you have kids, beach toys is probably a must. I know it’s a lot to bring, but remember you can take the trolley if you don’t want to walk the whole way.

Trying to figure out which snorkel to get? Check out this post on the Best Snorkel To Bring On A Cruise!

Float

They rent floats (floating mats?) on Half Moon Cay, but you can also bring your own if you have a small inflatable float or seat.

Comfortable walking shoes

It can be a long walk to and from the beach so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. I’m not saying you need to bring out the tennis shoes, just don’t wear your flimsy pool flip flops. How long exactly of a walk really depends on how far down the beach you go, but just from the trolley to the water can feel like off-roading!

I recommend water shoes or tevas as a versatile option of what to wear.

Potentially a change of clothes

We don’t always bring a change of clothes, but sometimes it’s nice to put on something dry before making the trek back to the tender and to the ship.

Wet / Dry Bag

A dry bag is super helpful in holding snorkels, beach toys, floats or wet swimsuits if you decide to change!

You really don’t need a lot to make Half Moon Cay a fun beach day. It’s an easy day and it’s not really that long. Mostly just make sure you bring water and something to keep the sun damage low!