Kayaking
Kayaking is typically easy on Half Moon unless the wind is just crazy. The sea kayaks are singles or doubles and the guides will instruct you before you get in, so no need to be experienced. (Pro tip: travel as a single woman, and if you feel lazy, just pair up in a double kayak with a guide :)) Kayak trips can be short like one to a shipwreck that is within site of the island, or longer. We have made trips to a neighboring island, Long Caye, with a picnic lunch. Another time, we tied up our kayaks and snorkeled from them. While the thought of launching yourself from the deep water onto a kayak sounds daunting, let me warn you about the propel power of snorkeling fins. I launched myself so hard I dove right over the boat! Oh, PSA… the double kayaks are also called “Divorce Boats”! A couple married 40 years was on my first Half Moon trip. When they were choosing a double kayak and heard this info, the woman said, “Well, 40 years…that’s a long time! Maybe that’s enough….”
Sail Kayaking
In sail kayaking, you put a mast on a double kayak. The person in the back holds the line and uses the sail and the rudder pedals to steer and propel the boat. The person in the front mostly is responsible for offering encouragement! I’ve had mixed experiences with sail kayaking. Three times were great, but the other was really difficult with the erratic wind to keep the kayak on course. If in doubt, see the Pro Tip in the previous section. Problem solved 🙂
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
I love to start my mornings on Half Moon by taking out a paddleboard when the water is calm. You can see the bottom as clearly as if you were looking through a glass of water. Paddling up to and around the dock is typically easy. At times, paddle boarding will be the organized activity and once my friend and I paddled around the entire island. I recommend that only if you are a strong paddler. If the winds are high, be careful, as you can’t always predict how strong it will be on different sides of the island. Be looking for an upcoming post about being “Rescued at Sea!”
Fishing
I haven’t been fishing since I was 7 years old. On my first trip I decided to try it but thought it might make me sad to be the one to catch the fish. As I dropped my line in the water, I could see the fish nibbling at my bait, deliberately avoiding the hook. I then took my place on the food chain, and ended up catching a large Margate Grunt. The fishing on Half Moon is hand line fishing. You literally hold fishing line in your hands and drop the hook into the water. You have a sinker that is most likely a bolt or a spark plug. When you feel the tug on your line, you give it a jerk to set the hook, then pull it in. And in my case, hand it to the guide to remove the hook. Trust me, no one wants me handling sharp objects on an unsteady vessel. I tell you, these fish are smart and will steal your bait, or get your hook and swim back into the coral, leaving you stuck.
On the way back to the island, you troll for barracuda using a large hook and a big line off the back of the boat. I actually brought one in on my last trip and landed it with the help of the guide!
Conch Hunting
In Belize, it’s either lobster season or conch season. During conch season, you can snorkel outside of the protected marine park surrounding the island, and dive to pick up conch. You can only take conch with a shell over 7 inches and many of the shells you pick up have already been harvested. Fresh conch is delicious in ceviche, soup, or fritters–all of which the chef will likely make for you.
Snorkeling
On Half Moon, you snorkel both from a boat and from the shore. Along with the thousands of fish, you can also see turtles, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, rays, and lobster. I’ve written brief descriptions of of the different snorkel sites–check it out here!
Hammock Surfing
If I’ve exhausted you, never fear. There are hammocks outside the tents and around the island. You can always opt to spend your time relaxing and watching the birds overhead.
