Things to do at Cococay – Royal Caribbean Private Island Review
If your Royal Caribbean cruise includes a stop in Cococay Bahamas, get ready for a fun day relaxing on their private island. While there are lots of things to see, do, and eat on Cococay Royal Caribbean, not everything is free or included. Come read all about it!
Cococay Royal Caribbean
Our family loves stops at cruise line private islands. The beaches are stunning, food and ammenities like chairs and umbrellas are included, and the service is always top notch. CocoCay Royal Caribbean is reserved only for guests arriving from one of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Coco Cay Bahamas is the perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and relaxation alike. Whether you’re flying down the tallest waterslide in North America at Thrill Waterpark, lounging on the pristine beaches, or indulging in delicious Caribbean cuisine at one of the many dining spots, there’s something for everyone! Dare to try the iconic zip line that soars above the island, or take a dip in the stunning lagoon-style pool. For those wanting a serene experience, unwind in the adults-only oasis — Beach Club at CocoCay. But like on a Royal cruise ship, not everything is included.
Let me give you a tour to see what you can expect and some helpful tidbits along the way! Plus don’t miss our tips to plan a family cruise, must read icon of the seas review, and disney cruise line vs royal caribbean
cococay bahamas
From the momen the cruise ship pulls up to the port you will be eager to step off the boat and see the towering structures and inviting beaches at this island paradise. The pier to enter the island is colorful, playful and inviting!
It is helpful to note that many times there is more than one Royal Caribbean cruise in port, but don’t worry – the island is big enough for everyone. It won’t feel too crowded as their is lots of room to spread out.
where is cococay bahamas
CocoCay, also known as Little Stirrup Cay, is a beautiful private island located in the Bahamas, just a short distance from the bustling port of Nassau. It’s literally a slice of paradise, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life that make it a must-visit destination for travelers and cruise-goers alike.
royal caribbean private island
Owned by Royal Caribbean, CocoCay has transformed into an adventure-filled playground where guests can indulge in a variety of activities. Whether you’re looking to relax in a beachfront hammock, take part in exhilarating water sports, or explore the island’s lush landscapes, there’s something for everyone here!
One of the highlights of CocoCay is its incredible Thrill Waterpark, featuring the tallest waterslide in North America! It also boasts a massive wave pool and a lazy river – perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back day. For beach lovers, the island showcases pristine beaches like Chill Island and South Beach, where you can soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
coco cay bahamas Map
Once you get off the pier you will come to a handy map where you can get to know the island and where everything is.
Here is the map bigger so you can take a peak.
coco cay map
I basically view the choices and thus where you should head when you get off the ship, it in these categories:
- Go left for Thrill Waterpark – If you’re looking for an incredible day filled with fun and excitement, Thrill Waterpark is the place to be! For $59-139 per person you can plunge down the tallest waterslide in North America, float in the lazy river, and enjoy the waves in the wave pool
- Go straight for included water fun like Splashaway Bay, Captain Jill’s Galleon, and Oasis Pool which is the largest fresh water pool in the Caribbean.
- Head left to find the perfect spot at one of the free beaches
- Take a tram to one of the private beachs. Grab a Coco Beach Club day pass for access to our exclusive private beach, stylish clubhouse, stunning infinity pool, comfy beach chairs, and towels. Plus, enjoy complimentary dining at our Coco Beach Club restaurant. Cost varies based on date from $140-$300 per person.
perfect day at cococay bahamas
We opted to start our day at the beach so we headed left. I think that is a good idea before it gets crowded. Plus the loungers and umbrellas are free, but they fill up quickly. Within 30 minutes of the island being open the first couple rows of loungers on the free beaches will be claimed.
HINT: THis cute photo spot is located on your way towards the beach between Harbor Bay and Chill Island beach.
Harbor Beach at Coco Cay
I wouldn’t stop at Harbor Beach on the right as it is more a bay than beach – you won’t see the ocean.
Cococay Shopping
You will pass shops in colorfully painted buildings, the bathroom, and some hamocks that are free for the taking.
chill beach coco cay
Keep going down the path until you get to Chill Island beach on the left. Set up your stuff on a lounger as it is yours until you vacate it. We like to be in the first two rows so we can see our stuff when swimming or to watch the kids play in the sand while we sit and relax. Unlike Disney’s private island, there are no short chairs to take in the water.
We liked the view from this beach and the kids really liked being able to swim to the platforms in the water to sit and relax or jump off. We saw lots of fish in the water and even some hermit crabs in the rocks.
Remember to bring your towels with you off the boat!
If you keep exploring farther down the beach you will come to some fun beach games you can try.
things to do at cococay
You can find ping pong tables, basketball, and volleyball as free beach activities at royal caribbean private island coco cay!
royal caribbean cococay
Plus for those who are looking for privacy and a luxury day, you can rent a cabana like these fabulous ones with a waterslide! These are nearby the snack shack where you can grab funnel cakes, drinks, or burgers and the freshwater pool.
Oasis Lagoon Cococay
If you look to the right of the beach with the activiteis you are nearby the Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. So explore here next when you are ready for a change of scenery or your kids are bored.
For referencep point, if you were coming in to the island from the pier, this would be straight. In the middle of the island is also the kids waterpark plus food options.
There are loungers by the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, even some really fun ones that sit in the water, but you will need to head here first thing to snag one of these! we just jumped right in and enjoyed the non-salty water of this very, very large pool. It was relaxing and so much fun.
coco cay snack shack menu
At 10am the snack shack opens which is a good thing because afer all that swimming we were hungry! This snack shack is located by the freshwater pool by thte beach with the slide cabannas.
There are also free drink like lemonade, strawbery kiwi, etc to hydrate!
coco cay royal caribbean
We loved that the food is not the same as the other private islands we’d been on, but here you can get still get a burger and salad, but you can also get funnel cakes, mozzarella sticks, and chocoalte caramel brownies! Yum!
Don’t leave food unattended or the chickens and other native birds will steel it. You are also expected to clean up after yourself.
Cococay Waterpark
Now that you’ve refueled, it’s time to explore the complimentary water park for kids. Head towards the middle of the island (going towards the tall tower, but not going all the way there). I’m so glad Royal made this area free. It is a colorful, fun, water haven for kids. Parents can stay nearby and get cooled off with the spraying water or have a seat in one of the covered seats all around the area.
perfect day cococay
There are also several fun waterslides for kids to enjoy!
There are also complimentary life vests for children to wear on the island. They should stay on the island when you leave, you have access to the Royal cruise ship life vests on board.
cococay Food
There is lots of food on the island to enjoy, and lots of free options to satisfy your hunger without costing a cent.
- 3 “snack shacks” which have the chicken sandwiches, burgers, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake and salads (see above)
- Skippers Grill (buffet) with taco bars, salad bar, and basic bbq stuff like burgers\dogs\fries \bbq chicken and some sandwiches
- Chill Grill (buffet) with taco bars, salad bar, and basic bbq stuff like burgers\dogs\fries \bbq chicken and some sandwiches
Thrill Waterpark
- Devil’s Peak – Dare to conquer the tallest waterslide in North America! Plunge down this 135-foot drop and experience a heart-pounding rush as you spiral down at lightning speed!
- The Wave Pool – Dive into the giant wave pool where you can ride the waves or relax on the sandy shore. Perfect for families or anyone looking to soak up the sun!
- Adventure Pool – Test your skills on the thrilling obstacle course that features slides, climbing walls, and floating lily pads. Challenge your friends and see who can conquer the course first!
- Splash Summit – Get ready for a series of high-speed twisting water slides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Choose your slide and race down against your friends for the ultimate showdown!
- Kid’s Zone – Little ones will love the dedicated area just for them! With interactive features, gentle slides, and fun water games, it’s a perfect spot for the kiddos to splash around safely.
perfect day cococay bahamas
There are so many fun awys to spend a day at Coco Cay Bahamas! Plus your wi fi package from onboard the ship will work on the island as well, so you can post pictures to make your friends jealous of all the fun you are having!
Don’t forget to return your pool / beach towels once you get back on the ship to avoid paying a free. Remember on Royal Caribbean you need to check pool towel out with your room card and check them back in so they make a note that your have returned all the towels you checked out.