Half Moon Bay is a kilometre-long arc of sand on the south-east coast, protected as a national park and backed by nothing but low scrub, sea grape and the ruins of a hotel that Hurricane Luis closed in 1995. There are no loungers, no jet skis, one small bar at the northern end and, most days, more space than people.
The bay works because of its shape. The reef across the mouth takes the force out of the Atlantic at the northern end, where the water is calm enough for children; the southern end catches the swell and picks up a shore break that bodyboarders drive across the island for. Between the two, the sand is coarse, pale and faintly pink where the coral has broken down.
Top things to do at Half Moon Bay
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Swim at the north end
The northern corner is sheltered by the reef and is the calm, family-friendly half of the bay. Snorkelling over the reef edge is worthwhile when the sea is flat.
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Take the waves at the south end
The southern end faces open Atlantic. There is a shore break, sometimes a current, and no lifeguard — good for confident swimmers and bodyboarders, not for small children.
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Walk the headland path
A rough path climbs the rocks at the southern end to a view back along the entire crescent. It takes ten minutes and is the photograph you came for.
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Bring a picnic
Facilities are deliberately minimal. There is a small beach bar, but bring water, shade and lunch and you can happily spend a whole day here.
How to get to Half Moon Bay
- By car: about 45 minutes from St John’s via All Saints and Freetown, or 25 minutes from the Long Bay / Willikies resorts. The final stretch is a paved road with a car park at the end.
- By tour or taxi: several island tours include Half Moon Bay; a taxi from the north-west resorts is a long ride, so most visitors self-drive or book a private tour.
Insider tips
- No shade and no shop. A beach umbrella and more water than you think you need are the difference between two hours and a whole day.
- The Atlantic side can have rip currents when the swell is up. If in doubt, stay at the northern end.
- Combine it with Devil’s Bridge and Betty’s Hope — all three sit within twenty minutes of one another on the east side.
Best tours & tickets for Half Moon Bay
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Half Moon Bay and the coast around it:
