They weren’t lying, it’s hard to not get a perfect day at CocoCay
CocoCay might be the most classic cruise private island out there, and one of the first ones that come to mind when you think about getting a nice tan in the Bahamas. It’s a classic, sure, but I still don’t know if I should call it just Cococay or Perfect Day at Cococay. Eh, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this is certainly one of the best private islands out there, packed with things to do that range from multiple beaches to giant swimming pools, a huge waterpark, excellent dining destinations and much more.
CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most famous destinations, and there’s a good chance you’ll stop there if you’re traveling with them to the Caribbean or the Bahamas. Virtually every Royal Caribbean ship visits CocoCay at some point, including the massive Icon of the Seas. The island is approximately one mile long and one-third of a mile wide, making it a fantastic destination for both adults and children.
What we like about Perfect Day at CocoCay
One of the best things about this private island is that there are always cool things to do and see everywhere. You just need to exit the ship and start exploring, and the farthest beach is just about 15 minutes away. That’s great news, considering that some private islands, like Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, require you to board a tram to finally get to the action.
Here at Cococay, you just need to walk around and explore everything by yourself. Everything is close to the Arrival Plaza, as shown below:
- Thrill Waterpark: 3 minutes
- Harbor Beach: 5 minutes
- Oasis Lagoon: 8 minutes
- Chill Island: the closest beach to the Arrival Plaza, about 5-10 minutes away.
- Breezy Bay at Chill Island: 10 minutes
- South Beach: 10 minutes
So, what can you do at CocoCay? They have six different beaches, with each one having a different type of passenger in mind; a thrill waterpark that is similar to Wet N’ Wild and has the biggest waterslide in North America; a long Zip Line; multiple Splash Zones; shops; the oasis lagoon, which is a huge pool filled with swim-up bars; a balloon ride; sports games; competitions; two complimentary restaurants; excursions that include snorkeling, kayaking and way more than that. Now let me catch my breath, please.
Phew! That’s a lot. Royal Caribbean has invested more than 250 million dollars in CocoCay in recent years, and it shows. Some of the activities you can find there are optional and you need to pay for it, like the Thrill Waterpark, the Zip Line and the Balloon ride, but there are also plenty of fun things to do for free.
The complimentary restaurants are also great at CocoCay. Both Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill offer comfort food, and guests online tend to agree that they serve the best food among all the private islands, even better than what’s offered at Disney’s Castaway Cay. There are also multiple Snack Shack outposts scattered around the island, so there is a good chance that a hot dog and a hamburger will be waiting for you nearby.
CocoCay has multiple areas that are optional and require you to pay extra to enter. The Thrill Waterpark, for example, includes multiple slides and the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean, but it costs about $170 per guest. There is also an area called the Coco Beach Club, with prices that vary depending on the time of year. Paying this fee gives you access to a new beach and also an exclusive restaurant that serves top-tier dishes like prime steak and lobster.
Yeah, you won’t get bored at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Even if you don’t want to spend a dime, you can just relax at the beach, enjoy the pools and eat excellent food… and then later on visit the fitness center of course. On the next day. Or month. Or year. It’s all up to you.
What we don’t like about Perfect Day at CocoCay
CocoCay is awesome if you don’t want to spend a dime, as we said before. You have access to cool beaches and restaurants, and you can just take a stroll around, swim, and have fun with your kids, especially in the splash zones. Still, the “worst” part about CocoCay is not even the large number of optional activities that incur an additional charge, but that these options can be really expensive.
Prices vary by season, but entrance to the Thrill Waterpark can be as expensive as $180 per guest. That’s more than what you’d pay for a full day at Disney World, for example. A Balloon Ride can also cost between $40 and $99, and specific excursions can be quite expensive as well. The Zip Line is a 45-minute adventure that includes some nice views as you soar above the beaches, but it costs about $100 per guest. So, if you want to try everything that CocoCay has to offer, you will need to spend a lot.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think these are all fun activities. The Thrill Waterpark is great and probably the best private island waterpark ever made, and the Balloon Ride is definitely something unique that can get you some amazing pictures. I just think that some of these activities should be priced a little lower.
The Coco Beach Club is also a paid “activity” that ranges from $90 to $200. If you can get it for around $100, this option is well worth it since you get access to a quiet, beautiful beach and the best restaurant on the island.
So, do we recommend CocoCay? Oh yeah! Even if you don’t have a perfect day there, a good day at CocoCay is still highly recommended. You can enjoy the beaches, the pool, the restaurants, and the atmosphere. If you want to try one of the special activities, I’d recommend the Coco Beach Club for those who love beaches and good food, and the Thrill Waterpark for those with kids. Or maybe scuba diving? Or the Zip Line? Perhaps jet skiing? Or the Balloon Ride?
Well, you’re sure to find something you love at this Bahamian paradise.
Perfect Day at CocoCay FAQ
Is Perfect Day at CocoCay free?
Yes! Access to the island is complimentary to Royal Caribbean passengers, and you can take advantage of all the free restaurants, most of the beaches, the pools, and the splash zones. However, there are some optional areas that require an extra fee, such as the Thrill Waterpark, the Balloon Ride, and a few others.
Is the Thrill Waterpark free at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
No, you need to pay to have access to the Thrill Waterpark. Prices vary and range from $100 to $190 per guest ages 4 and older. It is, however, free for guests under 4 years old.
Can you spend the night at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
No, you can’t spend the night at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Do my Royal Caribbean Drink Packages work for Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Yes, your drink packages work at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
