Best Things To Do At Perfect Day At Coco Cay
If you’re planning your first trip to CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas owned by Royal Caribbean International, then you’re in for a treat!
There are so many exciting things to do on this beautiful tropical paradise that it can be hard to know where to start.
From thrilling water sports activities like parasailing and snorkeling to relaxing beach days with plenty of sunshine and Pina Coladas – there is something for everyone at CocoCay.
Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, an unforgettable day awaits you when visiting CocoCay.
So let’s explore some of the fantastic experiences that await cruisers who visit this incredible destination!
What is CocoCay?
CocoCay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean. It is located in the Bahamas and provides a secluded, relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy during your vacation.
Here, you will enjoy the powdery white sand, and crystal clear blue water the Bahamas are known for.
This is truly a day on your cruise that you can customize to be whatever you want. From pure relaxation and pampering to ziplining and hot air balloon rides, the choice is yours.
Things to do at CocoCay for Free
While some things on CocoCay are an optional fee, there are plenty of things to do for free. Let’s start by looking at the free options at CocoCay.
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay is an Aqua Park on CocoCay. It has sprinklers, geysers, drench buckets, water cannons, and 5 water slides for you to enjoy for free.
This is a great way to cool off and have some fun in the sun.
Splashaway Bay is good for kids of all ages and is located near eating areas with plenty of seating for parents.
There is free admission here, and it’s great for younger children who wouldn’t be tall enough for the bigger water park.
Captain Jill’s Galleon
For younger kids, Captain Jill’s Galleon is going to be a hit! This is the first thing you will see when you walk off the boat and onto CocoCay.
The ship is a water splash pad with rope ladders, squirt guns, and slides. It’s sure to keep your little ones entertained for hours.
Chill Island
Chill Island is a great place to be if you want to hang out for the day and enjoy the water. Here, you can relax in lounge chairs, snorkel, swim or float.
There is food nearby at Chill Grill (no charge for food) and you can enjoy yummy tropical drinks brought to you by the roaming waiters.
If you have purchased the drink package, drinks on the island are complimentary, too! This is a perk that other cruise lines do not offer. Carnival does not allow you to use the drink package on their private island, Half Moon Cay.
At Chill Island, you can rent a floating mat, snorkel gear, or even jet skis. You can also bring your own floats and snorkel gear if you want to.
These are my absolute favorite floats to take on cruises, they are easy to inflate and take up no room in your bag.
Breezy Bay
Breezy Bay is another beach area located at Chill Island. This area is great for spreading out and catching some sun. You can also play games here on the beach, or if you want to relax, you can rent a day bed.
Oasis Lagoon
Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. There is something for everyone in this area.
One end of the pool is a beach entry making it simple for kids to splash around and play.
On the other end, you’ll find a swim-up bar and dance music for adults.
You can also rent (for a fee) a private cabana in this area.
South Beach
If you want a less crowded beach go to south beach. South Beach is the farthest beach from the ship and since some people don’t go down that far, it’s less populated.
At South Beach, you can play beach volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and go paddle boarding.
You won’t be right next to the buffets, but there is a snack shack located here. You can also walk out to the floating Tiki Bar for a refreshing drink.
Things to do at CocoCay for an additional cost
If you have a bit of extra money in your vacation budget, there are lots of paid options on CocoCay too!
These options can sell out early, especially the cabanas, so if you are interested in these amenities, be sure and reserve them as early as possible.
Thrill Water Park
The Thrill Water Park has 13 waterslides, a water obstacle course, and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean.
If you want to get your heart racing and spend a super fun day on CocoCay, Thrill Water Park is where you want to be!
The cost varies based on the time of year, so be sure and check with your travel advisor for information on your specific sailing.
If your kids are under 14, a paying adult will need to pay the admission fee as well to accompany them. Kids under 4 are free.
- Daredevil’s Peak has 7 water slides that increase in height leading up to Daredevils Peak, which is the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet tall! There are also 2 dueling demons that drop the floor beneath you for a breathtaking fall. You can race your friends on the racing slides here too.
- Splash Summit This is the spot for group fun where you can ride with groups of up to 4. Enjoy the Twister, the Sling Shot, and a 4-lane racing slide.
- Wave Pool Catch a wave in the largest wave pool in the Caribbean.
- Adventure Pool is a fun family pool that contains an obstacle course with lily pads, ropes, and a rock climbing wall.
Up, Up, and Away Helium Balloon Ride
This Helium Balloon rises to 450 feet but remains secured safely to the ground below. From that vantage point, you can see the entire island and look out over the beautiful water that surrounds you.
Up, Up, and Away Helium Balloon takes you to the highest vantage point in all of the Bahamas. This is a great photo opportunity and an absolute must-do on CocoCay.
CocoCay Zipline
If you haven’t ever been ziplining, you are missing out! It’s so much fun. I was super scared the first time, but ended up loving it! Definitely give this one a try if you are trying to have the Perfect Day at CocoCay!
The zipline is 1600 total feet long and crisscrosses the island. Keep in mind, you will need to be over 48 inches tall to try the zipline.
Coco Beach Club
This private area is the most private and luxurious area on CocoCay. It does cost extra, but if you are wanting to be pampered with upgraded amenities, this is the place for you.
You can relax in the huge infinity pool that even has loungers in the water. Or lay back in one of the day beds.
There is a private dining area here too that serves yummy Mediterranean food.
Rent a Floating Cabana at CocoCay
For the ultimate day at CocoCay, consider renting one of the floating overwater cabanas. Each cabana has a shower to rinse off the salt water, a slide that goes to the water, and an overwater hammock.
You’ll also have an attendant to take care of your needs during your day. They will bring you food and drinks, be sure to bring a bit of cash to tip them at the end of the day.
These over-water cabanas are perfect for cruise ship passengers looking to truly experience the best of Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Additional Shore Excursions available at CocoCay Bahamas
There are additional excursions that you can participate in at CocoCay. You won’t be able to book these through a 3rd party (my favorite way to book excursions), because this is a private island, all excursions will be through Royal Caribbean.
I honestly think there is plenty to do without booking an excursion, but there are some fun experiences here that you may not have access to elsewhere. The excursions are short, and you can still hang out on CocoCay and do an excursion.
The excursions offered on CocoCay are:
- Stingray Excursion– this is a short boat ride to see and feed stingrays. Southern Stingrays are gentle, friendly and so soft! I love them so much, I haven’t done this excursion, but we did hang out with the Stingrays at Stingray City in Grand Cayman.
- Snorkeling– Includes gear rental and instructions, and the gear is yours to use throughout the day. You can take your time seeing coral reefs and tropical fish.
- Parasailing- Parasailing is a fun activity on CocoCay. You will fly in about 400 feet up for about 5 minutes. Kids under 15 need to go with an adult. All flights are tandem. You will be in the boat during other guests’ flights, so expect this to last about one hour. Taking a Bonine prior to your excursion is a good idea if you are prone to motion sickness, this was a lifesaver for me when I parasailed in Cozumel.
- Scuba Diving– You can dive with your own gear or book a scuba diving trip with borrowed equipment.
- Glass Bottom Boat– Spend about 90 minutes on this relaxing boat ride, observing the tropical marine life through a glass bottom boat.
- Jet Ski– you can rent jet skis for one hour as a driver or passenger.
- Swimming with pigs- You’ll take a boat to another island for this excursion. The total time is 1.5 hours. You can also do this at other Bahamian Islands, Rose Island is another excellent option for swimming with pigs.
Weather at CocoCay
Hurricane season is from June through November, which is not to say you can’t visit Coco Cay during this time, but it does put you at a heightened risk of missing the port due to inclement weather.
I always recommend travel insurance, but it’s especially important during hurricane season. I use and recommend Travel Insurance Master for your travel insurance, you can get a free quote, and the cost is less than you probably think.
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That being said, the weather is always warm in the Bahamas, so expect warm, sunny weather!
Water Temperature at CocoCay
Because the temperature is always warm, and because the crystal clear waters surrounding CocoCay are mostly shallow, the water temperature stays warm too!
79°F is the average temperature of the water at CocoCay Bahamas.
In the winter expect the water to be about 75 degrees, spring will be around 77 with 83 in the summer and a nice 82 for the fall.
What to bring to Coco Cay
➡️ Sunglasses
➡️ Hat
➡️ Rash guard or long-sleeve cover-up
➡️ Book to read while relaxing
➡️ Water Float (not necessary, but fun)
➡️ Water shoes
➡️ Ship Card
➡️ Cash for straw market and tips
➡️ Beach bag ( I love this one, you can lock it to your chair)
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Getting around on Coco Cay
Everything is easy to get to on CocoCay. You can walk anywhere you need to go, or you can take the tram for free as well.
Eating on CocoCay
You’ll have a few choices for eating while on CocoCay for the day. You can also choose to walk back to the ship and eat onboard if you need a little break from all the excitement. (Spending time on the ship while in port is a great time to try out some of the popular attractions onboard without lines).
Captain Jack
This lunch spot is not free, so you will need your shipping card to pay for food here. You can order wings with specialty sauces, fries, hot dogs, and more here.
Skipper’s Grill
This complimentary lunchtime spot serves up burgers, tacos, salads, sandwiches, fruit, and desserts like soft serve ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.
You’ll find plenty of picnic tables for seating and pretty views of the water.
Snack Shack
The Snack Shack on Coco Cay is the perfect spot for a quick bite while enjoying all the activities that the island has to offer.
Located near Oasis Lagoon and South Beach, as well as inside Thrill Waterpark, Snack Shack offers all your favorite beachside snacks.
Whether it’s a hotdog, hamburger, or mozzarella sticks, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. And don’t forget a cold beverage to cool off after a long day in the sun!
Bars
As long as you are of drinking age, there are plenty of bars on CocoCay, including a swim-up bar and the floating Tiki Bar. You can use your Royal Caribbean Beverage Package here, too!
A Few Tips Before Your Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen.
- You can grab a towel from the ship or, when you arrive on the island exchange it for dry towels throughout the day. Be sure to return them, though, or they will charge your sea pass card.
- Life jackets are available for free all over the island.
- There is a Bahamian welcome parade as the first guests arrive on the island.
- There is a free tram if you can’t or do not want to walk.
- You can bundle some experiences together for a lower price than purchasing separately, for example, the Thrill Water Park and Zipline.
- There are lockers located throughout CocoCay and you can use them for free
- There are plenty of restrooms
- Like most islands in the Bahamas, you can shop for souvenirs at a straw market located on CocoCay.
- Be sure to bring your GoPro for snorkeling!
Cococay FAQs
What should we do at CocoCay?
Anything you want! That’s the great thing about CocoCay. There truly is something for everyone! If you want to relax in a luxurious setting and eat filet mignon and lobster, book the Beach Club. If you want a free day, chill at Chill Island and eat at the buffet. You can do as much or as little as you want at CocoCay.
Is Perfect Day at CocoCay worth it?
Yes! Perfect Day at CocoCay is a great addition to your Caribbean Cruise itinerary! The water and beaches are beautiful, and you can customize the day to your liking.
Are drinks free at CocoCay?
If you have purchased the drink package, you can use it on CocoCay as well.
Can I visit CocoCay without taking a cruise?
No! You’ll need to book a cruise on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line with Perfect Day at CocoCay to visit the island.
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Final Thoughts: CocoCay Bahamas Things to Do
CocoCay is the perfect destination for a Caribbean Cruise. With activities ranging from relaxing beach days to adventurous water parks, there’s something for everyone at this private island paradise.
From complimentary buffets and restaurants to bars and souvenir shops, you won’t be disappointed with all that CocoCay has to offer.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in tropical bliss, book your Royal Caribbean cruise today – I’m here to help make it happen!
Remember, I can book your cruise for you and handle EVERY little detail at NO additional charge! Check out more information about Travel Planning Services here.
