CocoCay: Where Royal Caribbean Built Paradise and Handed Me the Keys
Region: Bahamas (Berry Islands) | Type: Royal Caribbean Private Island | Tender: No (direct dock) | Size: 120+ acres
Located 55 miles northwest of Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay (originally Little Stirrup Cay) is Royal Caribbean's crown jewel following a $250 million transformation completed in 2019. The island welcomed 2.5 million visitors in 2023, with projections reaching 3.5 million by 2025. Celebrity Cruises ships (Royal Caribbean's sister line) also visit on select sailings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best time of year to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay? A: Peak cruise season offers the most reliable weather and best conditions for sightseeing. Check the weather guide above for specific month recommendations based on your planned activities.
Q: Does Perfect Day at CocoCay have a hurricane or storm season? A: Weather patterns vary by region and season. Check the weather hazards section above for specific storm season concerns and timing. Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and will adjust itineraries if needed for passenger safety. Travel insurance is recommended for cruises during peak storm season months.
Q: What should I pack for Perfect Day at CocoCay's weather? A: Essentials include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for variable conditions. Check the packing tips section in our weather guide for destination-specific recommendations.
Q: Will rain ruin my port day? A: Brief showers are common in many destinations but rarely last long enough to significantly impact your day. Have a backup plan for indoor attractions, and remember that many activities continue in light rain. Check the weather forecast before your visit.
CocoCay in Pictures
Swipe through scenes from Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Perfect Day at CocoCay — Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
I've lost count of how many times I've visited Perfect Day at CocoCay now — six? seven? — but I remember the first time with crystal clarity. It was 2019, just months after Royal Caribbean's $250 million transformation was complete, and I was sailing on Mariner of the Seas out of Miami. The moment we rounded the island and I saw those impossibly turquoise waters and the towering waterslides of Thrill Waterpark rising against the sky, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. I'd been to plenty of private islands before, but nothing prepared me for this.
The ship docked directly at the pier — no tenders, no waiting, just walk off and you're there. That alone sets CocoCay apart from most Caribbean ports. Within minutes I had my toes in the sand at Chill Island, a complimentary Coco Loco in hand (the frozen drinks here are dangerously good), staring at water so clear I could see fish swimming twenty feet out. The beaches are immaculate — raked daily, with free loungers and umbrellas scattered across multiple zones so you never feel crowded even on two-ship days.
The pristine beaches of CocoCay Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
But let me tell you about Thrill Waterpark, because it's the headline attraction for good reason. I'm not normally a waterpark person, but when you're standing at the top of Daredevil's Peak — 135 feet up (that's roughly 27 average adults stacked head-to-toe, or about 675 hamburgers tall, or 1.5 Statues of Liberty minus the pedestal), the tallest waterslide in North America — looking out over the entire island with your heart pounding, you realize Royal Caribbean wasn't messing around with this investment. The drop slide is pure adrenaline, but my personal favorite is the Dueling Demons mat racers where you and three friends can compete side by side. The wave pool is massive and legitimate (none of that gentle ripple nonsense), and kids under a certain age have entire aqua playgrounds to themselves. We spent four hours in Thrill Waterpark on my last visit and still didn't do everything.
The Moment That Stays With Me: It was late afternoon on my third visit, floating in Oasis Lagoon with my wife, swim-up bar cocktails in hand, watching the sun start to paint the sky orange behind our ship docked at the pier. A steel drum band was playing somewhere in the distance. The scent of tropical flowers drifted on the breeze. Neither of us said anything for the longest time — we didn't need to. My eyes filled with unexpected tears of gratitude — not sad tears, but the kind that come when you realize you're exactly where you're supposed to be, with exactly the person you're supposed to be with. My heart swelled with appreciation for this simple moment of shared peace. That's when I understood what Royal Caribbean was really selling here: not just a private island, but the closest thing to perfection a single day can hold. The water was exactly body temperature. The drink was exactly sweet enough. The music was exactly far enough away to be ambient. I've chased that feeling on every visit since.
Oasis Lagoon deserves its own paragraph because it's genuinely incredible — the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, they claim, and I believe it. It's massive. There's a swim-up bar, floating loungers, a DJ playing poolside, and multiple depth zones so families can share the space safely. I've spent entire port days just here without touching the beach, and that says something. The Coco Beach Club infinity pool is even more luxurious if you book that experience — overwater cabanas, dedicated servers, upscale lunch included — but Oasis Lagoon is free and fantastic.
The food situation has improved dramatically since the early days. Skipper's Grill serves legitimately good BBQ (the ribs disappear fast at lunch — go early), and Chill Grill covers burgers, hot dogs, and all the sides you'd expect. It's all complimentary. Snack Shack has pizza and chicken tenders for picky eaters. If you upgrade to Coco Beach Club, the dining there is a significant step up — think resort-quality with table service. I've done both, and honestly, the free BBQ with a beach view is pretty hard to beat for value.
Colorful shops at the Arrival Plaza Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
The newer additions have only made things better. Hideaway Beach opened as an adults-only area with its own pool, quieter vibe, and dedicated bar — perfect if you're cruising without kids and want guaranteed peace. Up, Up and Away, the helium balloon that takes you 450 feet above the island (roughly 90 shuffleboard courts stacked vertically, or about 2,700 frozen margaritas tall if you could somehow stack them, or 1.5 football fields stood on end), offers the most incredible photos and a completely unique perspective on the whole operation. The zip line across the island is solid fun (1,600 feet — that's about 16,000 chicken tenders laid end-to-end, or 320 cruise ship deck chairs in a row, or the length of 5.3 football fields), though not as insane as the one at Labadee.
What I appreciate most about CocoCay is that it respects your time. There are no aggressive vendors, no hassle, no stress about getting back to the ship on time. Everything is within a 15-minute walk (about the time it takes to eat three slices of pizza at a leisurely pace, or roughly the duration of one sitcom episode minus commercials) or a quick free tram ride. The paths are wide and flat and stroller-friendly. The signage is excellent. The app map actually works. You can be as active or as lazy as you want, and either choice feels like the right one. I've done full-on waterpark days and I've done "plant myself in a hammock and don't move for six hours" days, and both were perfect.
The one thing I'd change? More shaded spots on the main beaches. On very sunny days, the prime shaded loungers get claimed early. But that's what cabana rentals are for, and even the basic cabanas (much cheaper than Coco Beach Club) give you a guaranteed comfortable base. Or just head to South Beach or Chill Island early — plenty of palm trees.
CocoCay has earned its reputation. The aggregate reviews from thousands of cruisers across Cruise Critic, Reddit, and post-cruise surveys consistently put it at 4.8–5.0 stars, and I understand why. It's the private island experience perfected — Royal Caribbean threw an extraordinary amount of money and thought at this place, and it shows in every detail. From the moment you walk off the ship to the moment you reluctantly walk back on, everything just works.
Looking back, CocoCay has taught me that sometimes the manufactured experience can still deliver genuine emotion. This is a place designed down to the last detail, yet that sunset moment in the lagoon was as real as any I've had in authentically remote places. Perhaps that's the lesson — that joy isn't less valid because someone planned for it. Royal Caribbean built a stage, but the performance is yours.
From Little Stirrup Cay to Perfect Day: The Island's Journey
How an uninhabited Bahamian cay became the world's most visited private island.
Welcome to Perfect Day at CocoCay Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Long before cruise ships found these waters, the Lucayan people — the indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas — knew these islands. Little Stirrup Cay, as it was originally named, sits in the Berry Islands chain about 55 miles northwest of Nassau. For centuries it remained largely untouched, a pristine slice of Caribbean paradise waiting for its moment.
That moment came in the 1970s when Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island as one of the first private cruise destinations in the industry. The concept was revolutionary at the time — give passengers a guaranteed beach day without the unpredictability of public ports. Royal Caribbean inherited Little Stirrup Cay in 1988 when they acquired Admiral Cruises, and for the next two decades it operated as a modest, low-key beach stop. Guests tendered ashore, enjoyed the natural beaches, grabbed some BBQ, and called it a day. It was pleasant enough, but unremarkable.
Everything changed in 2009 when Royal Caribbean made its first major investment: a deep-water pier that eliminated the need for tender boats entirely. Ships could dock directly at the island for the first time. That upgrade proved to be just the opening act. Between 2016 and 2019, Royal Caribbean committed $250 million to transform Little Stirrup Cay into something the cruise industry had never seen before — a true destination-grade private island that could rival any Caribbean resort.
The "Perfect Day at CocoCay" transformation was staggering in scope. Royal Caribbean built Daredevil's Peak and the entire Thrill Waterpark complex, constructing North America's tallest waterslides on an island where the highest point had previously been a palm tree. They created Oasis Lagoon — the largest freshwater pool in the entire Caribbean — complete with swim-up bars and the region's first floating cabanas. The beaches were redesigned with thousands of new loungers, umbrellas, and dedicated zones for different experiences. New dining venues, bars, the Up, Up and Away helium balloon, zip lines, and entire entertainment districts rose from the sand.
The island opened under its new identity in May 2019, and the response was immediate. CocoCay went from a pleasant beach stop to the most talked-about destination in cruising. By 2023, the island was welcoming 2.5 million visitors annually — more than many Caribbean nations see in total tourism. Royal Caribbean projects that number will reach 3.5 million by 2025, making it one of the most-visited islands in the Bahamas despite being entirely private.
Hideaway Beach, the adults-only expansion that opened in January 2024, proves Royal Caribbean isn't done investing. Neither are the guests — CocoCay consistently ranks as cruisers' favorite port of call, often scoring higher than traditional destinations like Grand Cayman or St. Thomas. What started as Norwegian's modest beach experiment in the 1970s has become the gold standard for what a private island can be.
A Note from History: If you're snorkeling off Chill Island and see old timber and iron scattered on the seabed, you've found the remains of the Susan Drew, a merchant vessel that wrecked here in 1848. It's a quiet reminder that these waters have stories stretching back long before the first cruise ship ever dropped anchor. The Lucayan people fished these shallows centuries ago. Pirates likely sheltered here. And now, millions of us get to write our own small chapter in the island's story — usually involving waterslides and frozen drinks, which honestly feels like exactly the right way to honor a place this beautiful.
What's New in 2024–2025
Royal Caribbean keeps investing in the island experience.
Hideaway Beach (Opened January 2024)
The biggest recent addition is Hideaway Beach, the ultimate adults-only (18+) escape on CocoCay's southeast coast. This isn't just a quiet beach — it's a full experience with:
Five bars including a swim-up bar at the Hideaway Pool
Two complimentary dining venues (included with day pass)
Live band and DJ entertainment throughout the day
Temperature-controlled infinity pool with stunning views
Ample comfortable seating with proper shading
Access is limited to around 2,000 guests per day, so book early through Cruise Planner. Day passes typically run $35–45 per person — well worth it for couples or groups seeking a more refined, party-free atmosphere.
Thrill Waterpark Expansion (2023–2024)
The waterpark continues to grow with new attractions at Splash Summit Tower:
Family Flume: New multi-person slide accommodating 2–4 riders together
Tailspin: Added in 2023, a spinning descent experience
Sling Shot, Splash Speedway, Twister: Additional thrill options at the tower
Celebrity Cruises Access
Celebrity Cruises (Royal Caribbean's sister line) now visits CocoCay on select sailings. Ships like Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Equinox include CocoCay calls on certain Caribbean itineraries. Same island, different ship experience.
2025 Ship Schedule Notes
Most Royal Caribbean ships sailing Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries include CocoCay stops. In 2025, the ships that won't visit are Brilliance of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas (these sail different regions).
Getting Around CocoCay
One of the easiest ports you'll ever navigate. Your ship docks directly at the private pier — walk off the gangway and you're on the island within minutes. Everything is connected by wide, flat paved paths and free trams that run constantly throughout the day.
From pier to Thrill Waterpark: 5–10 minute walk approximately 6 football fields, 24 blue whales end-to-end, or 528 emperor penguins stacked skyward
From pier to Oasis Lagoon: 7–8 minute walk roughly 6 football fields, 24 blue whales in a row, or 528 emperor penguins forming an improbable tower
From pier to Chill Island beaches: 10–12 minute walk approximately 10 football fields, 35 blue whales end-to-end, or 770 emperor penguins balancing precariously
From pier to Hideaway Beach (farthest point): 15 minutes on foot roughly 13 football fields, 49 blue whales in a parade, or 1,066 emperor penguins forming a questionable Jenga game or 5 by tram
Signage is excellent throughout, and the free Royal Caribbean app map makes orientation effortless. Tram stops are clearly marked and air-conditioned.
Printable Map Coming Soon: We're building downloadable port maps you can save to your phone or print before leaving the ship. See the Aruba pilot for what's coming.
Island Areas: Your Complete Guide
Every zone has its own personality — here's what to expect.
Beaches (All Included)
Chill Island: The classic CocoCay beach experience. Pristine sand, calm turquoise water, plenty of loungers and umbrellas. The Wacky Seagull bar keeps drinks flowing. Best for: Traditional beach day relaxation.
South Beach: More of a party vibe with music, activities, and a floating bar you swim out to. Coconut Willie's bar anchors the shoreline. Best for: Social atmosphere, younger crowds, active beach day.
Harbor Beach: A calm inlet with gentler water — ideal for weak swimmers or families with young children learning to swim. Best for: Families with small kids, nervous swimmers.
Breezy Bay: Convenient beach option closer to the pier with easy access to facilities. Best for: Quick beach time, mobility considerations.
Cove Beach: The most remote beach on the island, tucked away from the main action. Fewer crowds, more seclusion. Best for: Escape artists, couples seeking quiet.
Pools & Water Features
Oasis Lagoon (Included): The Caribbean's largest freshwater pool with swim-up bar, floating loungers, multiple depth zones, and poolside DJ. More of a pool party vibe than the beaches. Fills up first — arrive before 10am for prime spots.
Captain Jill's Galleon (Included): Pirate ship-themed water playground ideal for younger kids. Slides, water cannons, and splash features.
Splashaway Bay (Included): Massive kids' aqua park with fountains, slides, and interactive water features. Ideal for children under 8.
Thrill Waterpark (Paid): North America's tallest waterslides including the 135-foot Daredevil's Peak drop slide, Dueling Demons mat racers, wave pool, and more. Height requirements: 42–48 inches depending on slide.
Premium Experiences (Paid)
Hideaway Beach: Adults-only (18+) exclusive area with temperature-controlled infinity pool, DJ, dedicated bars, and a quieter upscale vibe. ideal for couples or groups without kids.
Coco Beach Club: The ultimate CocoCay experience — overwater cabanas, infinity pool, premium beach, and upscale restaurant serving dishes like filet mignon and lobster. All-day access with lunch included.
What's Included vs. What Costs Extra
Budget planning made easy.
Included With Your Cruise (No Extra Cost)
All beach access (Chill Island, South Beach, Harbor Beach, Breezy Bay, Cove Beach)
Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool
Captain Jill's Galleon and Splashaway Bay kids' areas
Beach loungers and umbrellas
Towels (exchange stations throughout island)
Tram transportation
Buffet lunch at Skipper's Grill (BBQ) and Chill Grill (burgers/hot dogs)
Prices vary by sailing date and demand. Pre-booking through Cruise Planner is typically cheaper than onboard pricing — and popular items sell out before departure.
Hideaway Beach: ~$35–45/person
Thrill Waterpark: ~$50–65/person
Coco Beach Club: ~$90–120/person
Zipline: ~$35–45/person
Up, Up and Away Balloon: ~$40–50/person
Beach Beds: ~$200–250 each
Cabanas: ~$500–800 each (varies by location)
Snorkel Gear Rental: ~$30–40
Jet Ski Rental: ~$100–150
Pro tip: Your ship's drink package works on the island at all bars.
Timing Your Perfect Day
Strategic timing makes a real difference.
Disembark before 10am to secure shaded lounger spots. Oasis Lagoon fills up first, followed by Chill Island's prime locations.
Hit the waterslides early (before 10:30am) or late (after 2pm) — the mid-morning to lunch rush creates the longest lines.
Lunch at Skipper's Grill: Go early (11:30am) for best BBQ selection. The ribs disappear fast.
South Beach floating bar: Best visited mid-afternoon when the water's warmest and the party atmosphere peaks.
Up, Up and Away balloon: Morning offers clearest visibility for photos; late afternoon has golden hour lighting.
Return to ship: Most guests head back 30–60 minutes before all-aboard. If you time it right, you'll have the beaches nearly to yourself that final hour.
Ships typically dock for 8–10 hours, giving you a full day to explore. The island opens as soon as the ship clears customs — usually by 8–9am.
Water temperature: The Bahamas are swimmable year-round. Expect mid-70s°F in winter months and mid-80s°F in summer — perfect beach weather either way.
Family Guide
Everything parents need to know.
Best for toddlers/preschoolers: Splashaway Bay (gentle water features), Captain Jill's Galleon (shallow splash areas), Harbor Beach (calm, protected water).
Best for kids 6–12: Thrill Waterpark (check height requirements), Oasis Lagoon (multiple depth zones), South Beach activities.
Thrill Waterpark height requirements: 42–48 inches minimum depending on the slide. Daredevil's Peak requires 48 inches.
Stroller-friendly: Yes — all paths are paved, wide, and flat. Trams accommodate strollers.
Kid-friendly food: Snack Shack has pizza, chicken tenders, and hot dogs. Chill Grill does burgers. Kids eat free.
Lifeguards: Stationed at all pools, water features, and beaches.
Shade strategy: Arrive early for natural palm shade, or book a cabana for guaranteed cover and a home base.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Pack smart for island day.
Bring
SeaPass card (required for entry and all purchases)
Swimsuit and cover-up
Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply often — Caribbean sun is intense)
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Hat and sunglasses
Flip-flops or water shoes
Closed-toe shoes if doing the zipline
Small waterproof bag for valuables
Leave on the Ship
Passport (not needed — this is a private island)
Large amounts of cash (everything goes on SeaPass)
Valuables you'd worry about
Towels (free towel stations throughout island)
Depth Soundings Ashore
Practical tips before you step off the ship.
On busy days with two or three ships in port, the island buzzes with fantastic energy — embrace it as an opportunity to people-watch, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and feel the collective joy of thousands of happy cruisers while still finding plenty of quiet corners (head to South Beach or Chill Island early for prime shaded spots). Booking cabanas or waterpark tickets in advance through the Cruise Planner simply guarantees you the best seats in this tropical playground.
CocoCay Island Map
Interactive map showing Thrill Waterpark, Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and attractions on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Click any marker for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tender at CocoCay?
No — ships dock directly at the private pier. You simply walk off the gangway onto the island with no tender boats required.
Is Thrill Waterpark included in my cruise fare?
Thrill Waterpark requires a separate day pass purchase through the Cruise Planner. Beaches, loungers, umbrellas, Oasis Lagoon pool, and basic food are all complimentary.
What ships visit CocoCay?
Most Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships visit regularly, along with Freedom-class and many others sailing from Florida ports. It's one of Royal Caribbean's most frequently visited destinations.
Is the food really free?
Yes — Skipper's Grill (BBQ), Chill Grill (burgers/hot dogs), and Snack Shack (pizza/chicken tenders) are all complimentary. Coco Beach Club has upgraded dining for those who book that experience.
Does my drink package work on the island?
Yes — your ship's drink package is fully valid at all bars on CocoCay, including the swim-up bars at Oasis Lagoon and South Beach's floating bar.
What are the height requirements for Thrill Waterpark?
Most slides require 42–48 inches minimum height. Daredevil's Peak (the tallest slide) requires 48 inches. Check specific requirements at the park entrance.
Should I book excursions in advance?
Yes — popular add-ons like Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, and cabanas often sell out before the cruise departs. Pre-booking through Cruise Planner also typically costs less than onboard pricing.
Is there an adults-only area?
Yes — Hideaway Beach is exclusively for guests 18 and older. It features a temperature-controlled infinity pool, dedicated bars, DJ, and a quieter atmosphere. Access requires a day pass purchase.
Do I need to bring towels?
No — free towel exchange stations are located throughout the island. Leave your cabin towels on the ship.
When is the best time to get a shaded lounger?
Disembark before 10am. Oasis Lagoon's shaded spots fill up first, followed by prime beach locations at Chill Island. Alternatively, book a cabana for guaranteed shade all day.
Can Celebrity Cruises passengers visit CocoCay?
Yes — Celebrity is Royal Caribbean's sister line, and select ships (Celebrity Reflection, Beyond, Apex, Equinox) now include CocoCay stops on certain Caribbean itineraries. Same island, same amenities.
What's the best time of year to visit?
CocoCay is excellent year-round. Water temperatures range from mid-70s°F in winter to mid-80s°F in summer. Winter months (December–April) tend to have slightly fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs June–November, but storms directly affecting cruise schedules are rare.
What's new at CocoCay in 2024–2025?
Hideaway Beach opened in January 2024 as an adults-only premium experience with five bars, two dining venues, and a swim-up pool bar. Thrill Waterpark added the Family Flume and Tailspin slides. Royal Caribbean continues expanding the island's capacity and amenities.
