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Adventure Travel > Resorts, Spas & Retreats > Half Moon > Activities

HALF MOON Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica www.halfmoon.com
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An unparalleled range of activities for even the most discriminating traveler.

Guests at Half Moon can continue their healthy lifestyles or add something new, with state-of-the-art fitness center and full range of yoga, aerobic and pilates classes. Personal trainers are also available at the Center as well as for in-room, private classes.

Certified aerobic instructors will help you keep in shape. Classes are available throughout the week.

Dolphin Lagoon

An unforgettable experience, the natural Dolphin Lagoon lets you meet, swim and even kiss the dolphins. As unique as it is exclusive, Half Moon is the only resort in the Caribbean to offer this incredible experience, on-site.

The large ocean lagoon allows guests to come face-to-face with these fascinating mammals. Trained handlers provide a detailed orientation and education session, introducing participants to the world of the dolphins. Next is the truly exciting experience; guests don life jackets and enter the sea for an adventure with these dorsal friends. Guests are amazed at how close they can get with resident dolphins and how friendly, intelligent and charming they can be. Open since April 2003, the Half Moon Dolphin Lagoon is one of the most popular activities available, and reservations should be made prior to or upon arrival at Half Moon.

Beach Encounter
This program is specifically geared to young children, non swimmers and those keen to meet a dolphin. The program lasts for approximately 30 minutes. After an informative orientation explaining the lifestyle and behaviors of dolphins, participants stand waist high in water and interact with the dolphins. Activates include kissing, petting, touching, swim-bys and a display of echo-location. The dolphins will then perform multiple behaviors guaranteed to thrill and delight.

Deep Water Encounter
Life jackets are provided for this program. The next step... swim, out into the dolphins' lagoon for a more in-depth program. The program lasts for approximately 35 minutes. After an informative orientation explaining the lifestyle and behaviors of dolphins, participants swim into deep water and interact with the dolphins. Activates include kissing, petting, touching, dancing, hand (fin) shake, singing and display of anatomy and echo-location.

Children must be aged 8 years and over to participate.

Swim Encounter
Life jackets are provided for this program. Half Moon's most popular program. Meet the dolphins and experience their power. The program lasts for approximately 40 minutes. After an informative orientation explaining the lifestyle and behaviors of dolphins, participants swim into deep water and interact with the dolphins. Activates include kissing, petting, touching, dancing, hand (fin) shake, singing and a thrilling dorsal pull, foot push or belly ride.

Children must be aged 10 years and older to participate or be 4 feet (48 inches) or taller.

Private Swims
Life jackets are provided for this program. Minimum two persons/Maximum four persons. Designed for those who want more quality one-on-one time with the dolphins. Reserve your own private sessions. You do everything as in the Swim Encounter but with the personal attention of the dolphins and trainers.

Package includes two 5x7 photos.

Photographs/Souvenirs
Photographers will be recording your once in a lifetime experience. Photos, CDs, DVDs and other dolphin souvenirs are available for purchase from Half Moon's office location in the Royal Pavilion.

Trainer for a Day
A maximum of three persons per day. The Ultimate Dolphin Experience! Spend the whole day with trainers doing everything a dolphin trainer would do. You'll take part in the swim first, then see how the dolphin's food is prepared and medicated, of course you will be involved in this. You'll help clean the beautiful turquoise lagoon and beach then learn the dolphin behaviors. Take part in a Beach Encounter, petting and singing with the dolphins in the shallows. They'll show you the various records that must be kept and how trainers decide quantities of food and medication the dolphins require. At the end of the day, you'll be tested on what you’ve learned by actually doing the behaviors with the dolphins in your own private session.

Photographers will follow your progress throughout the day and as a memento of your wonderful day, you'll receive a certificate, trainer manual, trainer polo shirt, cap, whistle, photo album and photographs and a DVD of your day's experience.

Pools

Half Moon boasts 51 freshwater pools, most of which are assigned to private cottages, suites or villas. There are three main pools available to all guests – the Hibiscus Swim-Up Pool, Oleander Pool, and the Olympic-sized Lap Pool. Both the Hibiscus and Oleander pools are free-form, freshwater pools and the Lap Pool is the Olympic-size swimming pool. Guests are asked to observe all posted pool rules. Three Jacuzzis are located in the Hibiscus Pool area.

Watersports and Beach Activities

Snorkel, sail, dive, wind surf, water ski, kayak and cruise the Caribbean. The choice is yours at Half Moon. Aquatic experts, Captains Watersports, and Dive Center provide everything from equipment to certified instructors, as well as offering nearby dive sites that teem with a variety of fish, coral and caverns.

Equestrian Center

Explore the beauty and lush, tropical landscape of Half Moon – on horseback. Ride through Half Moon's Nature Reserve or along bridle paths that wind through the cool hills and valleys and enjoy this unique experience. Equestrians of all levels are welcome to enjoy a variety of activities, lessons and beach rides.

World-famous equestrienne, Trina De Lisser, manages Half Moon's Equestrian Centre. With 28 carefully selected and groomed mounts, experienced trail masters, a Polo Arena and Jumping Arena, Rocky Point Stables at Half Moon offers one of the finest equestrian experiences in the Caribbean.

Please plan on wearing long pants and walking shoes or sneakers. Riding helmets, available at the Equestrian Centre, are also recommended.

Pony Park and Pony Rides
Visit the Pony Park: Come, learn and interact with the ponies and their friends. Pony Rides are available for children under 6 years.

Jungle Jaunt
Never ridden before or not in a long time? This is the ride for you. Start with a lesson in the arena, then a short trek through the property. Riders must be over 6 years and under 230 lbs. Approximately 40 minutes.

Sand Shuttle
A short ride to the beautiful bay at Half Moon, along the beach glimpsing the dolphins, then swim together with your horse in the cool ocean. Riders must be over 8 years and under 230 lbs. and must wear swimsuits under their riding clothes. Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Private Lessons
Dressage, Jumping & Polo. Riders must be over 6 years and under 230 lbs. Approximately 30 minutes.

Riders MUST Wear
Riding - long pants/jeans, boots or walking shoes.
Beach Ride - long pants/jeans, athletic shoes, swimsuits under riding clothes. Helmets and life belts (Beach Ride) are recommended and available.

(Don't Forget Small Camera With Long Strap)

Shopping

With nearly 40 specialty shops and boutiques, guests will want to make time to explore and shop at Half Moon. An extraordinary selection of duty-free boutiques and array of one-of-a-kind shops can be found in The Shopping Arcade, near the Hotel Lobby and at the more extensive Half Moon Shopping Village, just a quick shuttle ride away.

Half Moon Shopping Arcade shops include:

Half Moon Logo Shop - Half Moon logoed gift items and souvenirs.
Resort Wear Gift Shop - Gift items, coffee, beach wear, souvenir items.
Traveller - Leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, sandals.
Pronto Mare - La Perla swimsuits, linen, constume jewelry, hats, men's clothing.
The Straw Shop - Wide variety of straw items, wood carvings, dolls, shells, sarong wraps.
Casual Corner - Bathing suits, dresses.
Cigar Shop - Selection of genuine Cuban and Jamaican cigars.
Happy Moments - Liquor, art and crafts, paintings, men's clothing.

Half Moon Shopping Village
The sky is the limit at the Half Moon Shopping Village located near the Royal Villas. Exquisite gems, jewelry and watches, clothing and alluring perfumes are all part of the duty-free shopping available. Complimentary shuttle service departs every 15 minutes from the hotel lobby.

The Half Moon Shopping Village shops and restaurants include:

Akbar Restaurant - Thai and Indian cuisine, open for lunch and dinner.
Bijoux - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Reggae Explosion - Film Show and Music from the Legendary Musician.
Casa de Xaymaca - Local Crafts and Souvenirs.
Casa d'Oro - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Cigar Shop - Exquisite Cigars.
Colors - Duty-free jewellery.
Commissary - Food, Sundries, Wine and Beer.
Copa Setic - Local Crafts and Souvenirs.
Envy - High-end ladies fashion.
Golden Nugget - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Jamaican Dreams - Sportswear, customized printing and embroidered T-Shirts.
Mezza Luna - La Perla and Moschino Collections.
MoBay Hope - Medical facility with full diagnostic services and pharmacy.
National Commercial Bank - Banking and financial services.
Norma Webster - Full-service Beauty Salon.
Nothing Too Common - T-shirts.
Post Office - Post Office.
Rivoli - Embroidered and hand-crafted linen items.
Rita Simpson's Resort Wear & Gift Shop - Paintings, clothing, picture frames.
The Royal Shop - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Royal Stocks - Traditional English Pub.
Side Walk - Crafts.
Sun Free Hut - Brand name sunglasses - Ray Ban, Gucci, etc.
Taj Mahal - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Tropicana - Duty-free Jewelry and Perfumes.
Union Dental Centre - Dental services.
Ventura Photo Studio - Photo Studio.

Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon™

Introducing the new Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon™ - themed after Jamaica’s fabled children’s character Anancy the Spider. Borrowing from the witty spider made famous in Jamaican folklore, the new children’s play area is modeled after a village concept with buildings ablaze with a mosaic of brightly colored hues guaranteed to enliven the senses of young visitors. Anancy and his friends form the central theme around which activities and learning programs planned for children aged three to 12.

Your children will have the time of their lives as they create puppet shows in Tacoomah Hut, enjoy cold refreshments in Patoo’s Lookout, get creative in Artsy Kraftsy or listen to captivating stories in Tacoomah hut.

At the Anancy Children’s Village, children will have the opportunity to learn more about Jamaica in a safe, fun and captivating environment.

The Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon includes shaded play areas, activity rooms, a wading pool, sand box, expansive outdoor play area with each activity supervised by a well-trained coordinator.

The Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon accepts only children that are fully potty trained aged 3-12. Families with children who are not potty trained can take advantage of Half Moon's nanny service and have nannies escort children to the Anancy Children’s Village.

There is also plenty for older children too including tennis clinics, volleyball, nature walks, golf, squash, horseback riding and water sports galore.