Perfect Day at CoCoCay| Royal Caribbean's Private Island

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island oasis in the Bahamas. Up to two ships can dock at the island via pier, and it’s staffed by 350 employees who reside full time on the island. This is a stop on most, but not all Caribbean itineraries. It’s one of my absolute favorite private islands, and I think it will be yours too!

Let’s take a look at all there is to see and do for families on Perfect Day at CoCoCay.

Perfect Day at CoCoCay

CoCoCay is truly a gem, this island oasis underwent a $200 million dollar transformation in 2019– and it was worth the wait. When I visited the island in 2021– I instantly fell in love. I wish they offered more back to back days at the Island, I would hop on that cruise in a minute!

Arriving at CoCoCay

Once the ship is ready, you will hear an announcement from the Cruise Director that you can disembark the ship. If you are doing an excursion, you may be given a specific time to meet on the pier. Otherwise, you can exit the ship whenever you are ready, just head down to the gangway.

Before you head off the ship make sure you have your sunscreen, key cards, cash (for tips or the market) and beach towels. Pick up your towels with your key card from the towel kiosk on the pool deck. Wet towels can be exchanged on the island. Be sure to bring your used towels back to the ship when you are done for the day.

Tip: As the first guests get off the ship, they are greeted by a full Bahamian parade and welcome! This is really fun–and you can watch from the ship.

A complimentary tram runs from the pier to the island entrance. Or you can choose to walk, as it’s only 3 minutes.

Family Fun Included in Your Day at CocoCay

While some activities are an extra fee on CoCoCay, most of the island is completely free for all guests. The island is very walkable and once you get your bearings you can get from place to place within 3-5 minutes. If you don’t want to walk, there is an island tram that stops at all the major attractions.

As soon as you enter the arrivals plaza you are greeted by Captain Jill’s Galleon, a pirate ship splash zone with water cannons and small slides. This is great for the little ones! But don’t stop there– you have an entire island to explore.

All throughout CoCoCay you will find complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, I would figure out where you want to make a “home base” for the day. If your family doesn’t want to sit on the beach all day, Oasis Lagoon or Splashaway Bay are great places to hang your towels. If the beach is more your speed, head to Chill Island.

Tip: If you want a more permanent place for the day, I highly recommend renting a cabana. They offer privacy, and a few extra perks depending on which cabana you book. Be sure to book early as these do sell out and are in high demand–especially for families. Don’t forget cash, so you can tip your cabana attendant at the end of the day.

Splashaway Bay

This is a great place for little ones to play on water structures, go down waterslides and get dunked by the huge bucket. It is also close to Oasis Lagoon.

Oasis Lagoon

Oasis Lagoon is the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with three different alcoves. Here you will find a zero-entry pool, a swim-up bar, and a more relaxing area. This is a great place for the whole family. If you are traveling with teens they will love the DJ and party vibe by the swim up bar, and you probably won’t see them all day! Looking to relax while the kids swim–the quiet side of the lagoon has chairs that sit in the water on the edge.

Tip: Lifejackets are located throughout the entire island for kids and are complementary.

Chill Island and South Beach

Here you will find beachfront access with complimentary chairs and umbrellas. This is a beautiful beach and perfect for families who want the ultimate beach day in the Caribbean. When I visited in November, the water was still 70 degrees!

If the kids need a break from the water they can enjoy the sports court area with basketball and volleyball courts as well as other fun games on Breezy Bay.

You can rent rafts and snorkel gear once you arrive on the island- and this is the best place to do it!

Not Included In Your Day on CoCoCay

These activities are available to families for an extra charge. These do sell out in advance so be sure to book early in your cruise planner.

Thrill Waterpark

While this is an extra fee- this is such a fun spot on the island! Home to the tallest waterslide in North America, it’s worth it! Kids under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult, while kids under 4 are free. There are ample chairs and umbrellas here as well for your use.

Splash Summit: 6 water slides for the not so thrill seekers in your family.

Daredevil’s Tower: Here you will find 7 different slides – including the 135 foot Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.

The Largest Wave Pool in the Caribbean

Adventure Pool: This crazy pool has an obstacle course, a rock wall, and rope swings.

Up, Up And Away

Soar up to 450 feet above land and sea, then let the wonder wash over you as you take in the entire island from above. Guests aged three and under can ride for free with an adult admission.

Zipline

Brave the 1,600-foot long zip line course, where you’ll criss-cross the island and soar high above the harbor. You can bundle zipline admission with Thrill Waterpark.

CoCo Beach Club

If you are looking for the ultimate experience on CoCoCay– book your tickets for the Beach Club! Admission includes access to an exclusive beach, a beachfront infinity edge pool with in-water loungers, a clubhouse, beach chairs and umbrellas, and complimentary dining at the Coco Beach Club restaurant, where you can dine on filet mignon and lobster.

Where To Eat on CoCoCay

There is no shortage of great dining on CoCoCay and the best part is – it’s included in your day!

Snack Shack– with 3 locations on the island here you can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and appetizers including Mozzarella Sticks. They even serve funnel cakes!

Skippers Grill – located next to Splashaway Bay you can enjoy burgers, tacos, salads and a variety of grilled items.

Chill Grill– this is the island’s largest dining venue and offers a beach day barbecue. This is also where the FREE ice cream can be found!

Tip: Your drink package works on Perfect Day at CoCoCay ! So enjoy a CoCo Loco, the island’s signature drink while you enjoy your meal.

Shopping on CoCoCay

There is a straw market on the island where you can buy souvenirs. You can also get hair braids here, so if you aren’t going to another island and want braids this is the spot. They do take cards, but prefer cash.

Royal Caribbean also has two shops on the island where you can purchase CoCoCay tees and merchandise. You can use your Sea Pass Card for purchases.

How To Spend Your Perfect Day at CoCoCay

There is no wrong way to spend a Perfect Day at CoCo Cay, it’s truly one of the best private islands. Just remember there is no way to do everything on the island in one visit, so prioritize what you want to do and what works best for your family vacation.

Not all ships stop on Perfect Day at CocoCay. So, if this is a priority for your family, make sure you choose the correct itinerary when booking your cruise.

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