Cruise Port Essentials, Exploring CoCo Cay

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Advisor - Debbie Whelchel
Curated By

Debbie Whelchel

  • Cruises

  • Tropical Vacations

  • Beaches

  • Relaxation

Cruise Port Essentials, Exploring CoCo Cay
Curator’s statement

CoCo Cay has anything and everything that you would need to have a perfect beach day. Is your perfect day at an adult-only pool, family fun at a waterpark, beach volleyball with new friends, quietly getting sun and reading a book or top-of-the-line service with luxurious surroundings? Coco Cay is all of this and more. My perfect day was a quiet day on a lounger near the beach and frequent visits to the floating bar.

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Where to stay

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Are you looking for a perfect day? CoCo Cay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean in the Bahamas, that is ready to deliver your perfect day! It’s only accessible by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines and can only service two ships maximum, per day. It’s a beautiful island with white sandy beaches, and beautiful ocean views, that offers exciting adventures or a day of total relaxation. No matter what your idea of a perfect day looks like, it’s waiting for you at CoCo Bay.

Best time to visit/weather:

Temperature wise, it’s perfect beach weather year-round as it averages around the mid-80's to low 90’s. Mid-April to mid –November has a slight advantage because the humidity is lower and there is less chance of rain. The peak time to visit is holidays and summer, so if you like less crowds, September through January is for you.

Transportation:

The island offers a complimentary tram service that stops at all the popular locations. It runs approximately every 15 minutes, with many of the locations are an easy walk from the pier. The island is wheelchair / walker friendly and there are paved paths and ramps located at most of the locations.

Island cuisine:

The island has a variety of restaurants to choose from that will appeal to adults and kids.

Complimentary dining:

Skipper’s Grill - This is the closest dining option to the pier. It’s located on the harbor and has beautiful waterfront views. Here you can order burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, tropical fruit and enticing desserts.

Chill Grill: This is the largest restaurant on the island, and it’s located near Chill Island. It’s a laid-back atmosphere serving their famous cheesesteak sandwiches and other sandwiches, burgers, tacos, delicious side items, salads, fresh fruit and you can’t forget the desserts. It has a full-service bar with alcoholic beverages, which can be purchased for an additional charge, or will count towards your cruise drink package, if purchased.

Snack Shack: There are three Snack Shacks on the island — one at Thrill Waterpark, one near Oasis Lagoon and one on the South Beach. The Snack Shacks serve crispy chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, side items, salads and desserts including everyone's favorite – funnel cakes.

Slice of Paradise: Located near Thrill Water Park and Chill Island in Hideaway Beach, Slice of Paradise is the perfect place for a quick bite. They offer delicious pizza and beef or chicken empanadas.

The Hideaway Hut: Located in the adults-only Hideaway Beach area, you can get burgers, shrimp, salads and desserts after lounging by the pool or visiting the swim up bar. It’s great for a quick bite.

Premium dining:

Captain Jack’s: If you love live music, waterfront views, great food and drinks, this is the place for you. The menu is a la carte so it’s not part of your cruise fare, but you'll love the menu and atmosphere. They have chicken wings, fries and hanging rope swing seats.

CoCo Beach Club: This sophisticated beachside restaurant is exclusive to Beach Club guests. It is included in the Beach Clubs entrance fee. The menu includes elevated Mediterranean dishes, surf & turf, Bahamian lobster and more. You can start your meal with one of their delicious appetizers and end it with delectable desserts, while taking in stunning views.

CoCo Cay has various bars and drink options. Water, flavored waters, lemonades and juices are complimentary for everyone. If you purchased a specially drink package for your cruise, the soft drinks, cocktails, beer and specialty drinks are included here. They are a la carte if you do not have a package. Coco Beach Club & Hideaway Beach – If you’re in these exclusive areas, you can order drinks individually without a package.

Swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon: Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, complete with an incredible swim-up bar. You’ll find in-water tables, talented bartenders, music and a fun party atmosphere.

Floating Bar: If you love a truly tropical bar, you can’t miss this one! It was my favorite place on the island. Look for the floating hut, which is a short walk from the shore. It’s the ultimate tropical paradise experience. Enjoy a Pina Colada, beer, or a specialty drink and enjoy the view.

The Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr.: These two bars are located on opposite ends of Chill Island. They are an easy way grab a cocktail, beer or specialty drink to go.

Hideaway Beach Bar – An adults-only spot with a swim-up bar, live DJ’s and your favorite beers and cocktails.

Rocks: Located in the Hideaway Beach area, this adult-only bar serves delicious craft cocktails and features live music with beautiful views.

Shopping:

CoCo Cay has a few shopping areas with souvenirs, local crafts and island-themed merchandise.

Straw Market: A group of small shops that sell handmade crafts, straw baskets, tote bags and jewelry made by local Bahamin's. Be advised that the prices may be higher here and many of the shops only accept cash.

CoCo Logo Shop: This is your all things CoCo Cay store. They have everything from t-shirts to hats and accessories. You can pay with your SeaPass card here.

Beach essentials: If you forget any beach essentials, many of the kiosks have you covered. Sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, etc. are readily available to purchase. Bring some cash, just in case.

Coco Cay is divided into five main areas:

Chill Island and Oasis Lagoon: The perfect place to have a relaxing day. Beach loungers and umbrellas are complimentary on this beautiful white sand beach with crystal-clear blue water. If you want a little luxury on your stay, you can upgrade and purchase a private cabana. They come with attendant service, premium towels and snorkeling equipment. Another premium choice is a Breezy Bay Daybed which accommodates up to four guests. The area also has snorkeling gear available to rent at the Snorkel Shack, paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as jet ski tours (these are extra charge items). The area also features a huge freshwater pool and casual dining.

South Beach: If you’re the kind of person who likes to stay active, South Beach is the place for you. The beach is family-friendly, hosting volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, paddle boarding and ping-pong. There is easy access to a Snack Shack and my favorite place on the entire island, the Floating Bar. You can also upgrade your day and rent a daybed or cabana.

Thrill Waterpark: The waterpark is a premium attraction with an entry fee. It has 14 waterslides, including North America’s tallest waterslide, Daredevil’s Peak. It is home to the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and an Adventure Pool. There are free lockers and lounge chairs available. Private Cabanas are also available here to rent which include park admission, VIP service and shaded seating. Complimentary dining is available at the Snack Shack.

Hideaway Beach: An adult-only area premium area with an entry fee. Your time here includes a private beach with in-water hammocks, an infinity pool, rope swings and loungers. It features a swim up bar, live DJ’s, delicious cocktails, a craft drink bar and several dining options. You can upgrade to a private Hideaway Cabana near the pool that comes with VIP service, or a Hideout Cabana that includes a private infinity plunge pool, in water loungers and premium amenities.

Coco Beach Club: Coco Beach Club is an exclusive retreat designed for guests who want the most luxurious, perfect beach day. It is a premium area with an admission fee. It features a magnificent oceanfront infinity pool, a spectacular private beach with premium loungers and umbrellas, VIP treatment, premium bar service, an upscale restaurant and the ability to book spa services. There are also beachside Cabanas with VIP service or daybeds to rent. And the most exciting part of the area is the overwater cabanas that you can rent. They are the only overwater cabanas available in the Bahamas. They include a private slide into the ocean, overwater hammocks, showers and dedicated attendants.

A few fun excursions that are prepaid through Royal Caribbean

The Coco Cay Zipline Adventure: Zipline over Thrill Waterpark, the lagoon and other parts of the island.

Up, Up and Away: A helium balloon ride that has spectacular views.

Scuba diving: For certified divers only. Visit coral formations, see colorful fish and turtles.

Need to know

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, CoCo Cay offers a mix of free and premium experiences to make your visit unforgettable. You might say a personalized perfect day!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.

Advisor - Debbie Whelchel

Travel Advisor

Debbie Whelchel

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