CocoCay Bahamas Things to Do & One Day Itinerary
CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island was my favorite port on my recent Royal Caribbean western Caribbean cruise. We visited this port on January 1st, and it was the best way to ring in the New Year.
I spent the day lounging at the beach, sipping on Coco Locos, and exploring the island.
This guide to CocoCay Bahamas things to do in one day includes an overview of the island, the top things to do, and tips for visiting. Keep reading to learn how to plan your perfect day at CocoCay.
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What is CocoCay Bahamas?
CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. Royal has owned the island since they acquired Admiral Cruises in 1988. Also known as Little Stirrup Cay, CocoCay is an exclusive beach destination that is a frequent stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries.
The island underwent a $250 million dollar renovation in 2019 to add a giant waterpark, multiple beach areas, and other great amenities.
CocoCay includes multiple areas that tailor to different types of cruises of all ages. Keep reading to learn the top CocoCay Bahamas things to do and how to spend your day on the island.
Where is Royal Caribbeans Private Island CocoCay?
CocoCay is a small island in the Bahamas, with Grand Bahama to the north and Nassau to the south. Since this island is near Miami, it is a very popular destination for shorter itineraries from Florida.
What’s Included on CocoCay?
The same things that are included on the cruise ship are included on CocoCay. Like on the ship, there are both complimentary and signature food options on the island.
If you have a drink package on the ship, it is also valid on the island.
Some of the things that cost extra are alcohol (without the drink package), cabanas, and excursions. The excursions include the waterpark, jet ski’s, swimming pigs, and other activities beyond relaxing at the pool or beach.
Different Areas of CocoCay
As mentioned above, there are six main areas of CocoCay. Some are free and some have an additional charge. The cost of the paid areas is constantly changing, but I provided an estimate below.
The island, while large enough for multiple cruise ships to visit, is small enough to be walkable. You can easily walk between the furthest areas in 20 minutes. There is also an island tram that connects the different areas.
The below descriptions share what the 6 areas of CocoCay are, which are the best to visit, and what to do at each.
Chill Island
Price: Free
Chill Island is the most popular beach area on CocoCay. It’s close to the cruise ships, has many beach chairs, and is close to the restaurant. Chill Island is also the starting point for most of the water activities on CocoCay.
From Chill Island, you can access jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. Based on this, it’s the best beach to visit if you plan to do water activities. If this is you, be sure to book ahead because they will sell out.
If you are planning a relaxing beach day, I recommend visiting one of the other beaches on this list because Chill Island can get overcrowded.
Harbor Beach
Price: Free
Harbor Beach is the second beach area in CocoCay on this list. Harbor beach is the smallest of the beaches on this list.
Instead of being directly ocean front, Harbor beach is on a protected harbor within the island. Since it’s protected from the open ocean, Harbor beach has the smallest waves and is best for swimming with kids.
Unless the calmer water is a priority for you, I recommend visiting either of the other beaches on this list for better views and more space.
South Beach
Price: Free
The third and final beach on this list is South Beach. South beach is my favorite one on the island. Since it is opposite the cruise terminal, South Beach is the most secluded and private beach. In addition to being less crowded, South Beach has a swim up bar which makes it an easy favorite.
If your goal for your day in CocoCay is to relax on the beach, this is hands down your best option. South beach has many lounge chairs, a restaurant, two bars, and a small sports area.
Oasis Lagoon
Price: Free
The Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. The pool is a unique shape with small lagoon seating areas. Surrounding the pool are hundreds of lounge chairs, with a few usually open.
In the middle of the Oasis pool is a giant swim up bar. This bar reminds me of a pool in Cabo or some other spring break destination. The music was bumping, drinks flowing, and everyone is having a great time.
On the other end of the pool is a calmer area that is great for families that may not be interested in the “spring break” party.
Coco Beach Club
Price: Approximately $150 per person
Coco Beach Club is the exclusive, paid, area of the island. Coco beach club includes a restaurant, pool, and beach access. There are also overwater cabanas available for an extra charge.
Personally, I don’t think that Coco Beach Club is worth the extra money. If you prefer high end amenities, smaller crowds, and a more bougie atmosphere, it may be worth the money to you.
Thrill Waterpark
Price: Approximately $100 per person
The Thrill Waterpark is exactly what it sounds like- a giant waterpark in the middle of CocoCay. Thrill waterpark is available at an added charge around $100 per person. It includes a lazy river, wave pool, and many waterslides.
This area is great for kids and the whole family. If you want a more active day at CocoCay, I strongly recommend the waterpark.
CocoCay Bahamas Excursions
Like any other cruise port, there are optional excursions at CocoCay for an additional surcharge. Since CocoCay is owned by Royal, all excursions must be booked direct, and are not available through third parties.
The excursions offered in CocoCay are always changing, but here are some of the most popular:
Jet Ski – Rent a 1-2 person jet ski for an hour to explore around the island
Snorkeling – Snorkel off the shore of the island to explore the reefs. Note – if possible, save your snorkeling for a nearby port such as Cozumel or Roatan where the snorkeling is better quality.
Swimming Pigs – You can visit the famous Bahamas swimming pigs on this excursion. (Yes, the swimming pigs from Fyre fest.) It’s one of the only excursions that actually takes you off island of CocoCay.
Up Up and Away Balloon – This giant hot air balloon soars 450 feet in the air, providing amazing views of the island.
How to Spend One Day in CocoCay
The above section describes the different areas of CocoCay. If you still aren’t sure how to plan your perfect day at CocoCay, below I recommend for different types of travelers.
If you plan to do any of the paid activities or visit a paid area, be sure to book ahead of time for the best rates and to ensure you get a spot.
For the luxury traveler…
If you are a luxury traveler, the best area is coco beach club. This is the most exclusive area on the island that is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. If you really want to ball out, book an overwater villa for the day for around $2000. The villas include a couch area, waterslide, and food service.
For the adventurer…
If you are seeking some adventure, I recommend you get out on the water on a kayak or jet ski. A kayak is perfect if you want a bit of exercise. A jet ski is great if you want a bit of adrenaline.
For the beach bum…
If you want to spend a lazy day at the beach, spend the day at South beach and the floating bar.
For the thrill seeker…
If you want a busy day and a bit of a thrill, the waterpark is for you! Alternate between the waterslides and lazy river for a great, busy day at CocoCay.
Average Weather in CocoCay Bahamas
The average weather in Cococay, Bahamas is pleasant year-round. During the wintertime (November-February), temperatures range from the low to high 70’s.
During the summertime (June-August), temperatures range from the high 70’s to low 90’s.
The remainder of the seasons generally bring temperatures that are between these two ranges. The humidity levels tend to remain high throughout the year, so it can feel hotter than you might expect.
Hurricane season in the Bahamas typically lasts from June to November. The peak months tend to be September and October when tropical storms can become especially intense.
Be aware when planning a trip during hurricane season, because your cruise could be repositioned or cancelled due to weather.
FAQ – What to do at Coco Cay
Yes, Coco Cay does have a lazy river in the Thrill Waterpark. However, you must purchase a day pass to the waterpark to get access to Coco Cay’s lazy river.
The best beach on CocoCay is South Beach. It’s a hidden gem and often less crowded than other beaches on the island. It’s also home to the only floating bar on the island, has a dedicated snack shack, and has a sports area.
No, the wave pool at Coco Cay is not free. It’s located within the Thrill Waterpark, which requires a paid day pass for entry. However, the wave pool is the largest in the Caribbean and the waterpark is a great thing to do in Coco Cay.
Summary of CocoCay Bahamas Things to Do and See
Before I visited CocoCay, I had low expectations. I expected it to be overcrowded and tacky. Boy was I wrong! CocoCay ended up being my favorite port of my entire western Caribbean cruise.
CocoCay has an area and activity for all interests and all ages. Since (almost) everything is included in your cruise fare, a day at CocoCay is stress free.
If you are still unsure of the best CocoCay Bahamas things to do after reading this guide, I recommend you simply walk the island and spend time wherever looks interesting to you. You cannot go wrong with whatever you decide to do on the Island.
For tips for a Royal Caribbean cruise, check out my overview of my 7-night western Caribbean cruise.
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