Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay: Full Guide

Discover everything you need to know about the Perfect Day at CocoCay as part of your luxury cruise to the Bahamas. From beautiful beaches and exciting water slides to delicious dining options, this private island paradise has something for every cruiser. 

The amazing port of call at CocoCay Bahamas combines a private island experience with beautiful sandy coves, theme park rides, water slides, island cuisine, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as floating high above the island on a helium balloon ride. 

We’ve got the low-down on everything you need to know about CocoCay before you visit, so let’s get started!

Where is CocoCay Bahamas?

Part of the Berry Islands in the center of the Bahamas archipelago, CocoCay was previously known as Little Stirrup Cay. It is less than a mile wide and about 200 yards long, covering a total of 125 acres.

It is located about 55 miles northwest of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, 140 miles east of Miami/Fort Lauderdale, and 240 miles from Port Canaveral.

For an island overview, check out CocoCay map for Perfect Day at the CocoCay attractions.

Visitors can’t just pop over in a private boat and enjoy the amenities. CocoCay is leased by Royal Caribbean International for use exclusively by its visiting cruise ships. The island has no cars and no hotels, so it is best not to get left behind when your cruise ship departs!

What Exactly is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Imagine your perfect day. The sun is shining on the stunning turquoise waters, and you’re looking forward to spending time doing your favorite activities with family and friends. That’s exactly what the cruise line had in mind when they created their private island experience for cruisers.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is the chance to enjoy unforgettable experiences in a safe private island environment as part of a Bahamas cruise.

This private island has been an exclusive beach escape for Royal Caribbean cruisers since the 1980s, but the newly updated amenities and facilities put Perfect Day at CocoCay in a league of its own. Even sister line Celebrity Cruises is allowing its passengers to enjoy the island, too.

Fortunately, the dock can accommodate two ships at a time. The island is designed to provide ample amenities for up to 6,000 cruisers a day. It has plenty of space and more than enough lounge chairs for everyone to feel they are in their own peaceful island hideaway.

 Visitors can choose what they want to do at CocoCay. Watersports, thrilling rides and one-of-a-kind experiences can all be experienced along with several huge beach areas for just chilling out and enjoying the sand and sea. You can even get married at one of the island wedding sites during your Perfect Day at CocoCay!

Record-Breaking Experiences at CocoCay

Here are some of the highlights for lucky cruisers planning the Perfect Day at CocoCay:

• Three beautiful white sandy beaches
• Hideaway Beach – CocoCay’s first adults-only area
• Daredevil’s Peak™ at 135 feet high it’s the tallest waterslide in North America
• Oasis Lagoon – the largest freshwater pool in the whole of the Bahamas
• The biggest wave pool in the Caribbean
• New Coco Beach Club with private over-water cabanas
• A 1600-foot-long zip line
• Up, Up and Away  – the highest viewpoint in the Bahamas from your helium balloon ride rising 450 feet above CocoCay
• 13 Waterslides – the most anywhere in the Caribbean
• Underwater soundtrack at Oasis Lagoon

Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas for a Fee

While some activities are included in the cruise price, others attract an additional fee. Check out the full list of Perfect Day CocoCay Bahamas activities below, starting with those that have an additional cost.

Thrill Waterpark

Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark is a mega watersports paradise with 13 waterslides, the Caribbeans’s largest Wave Pool, Adventure Pool, and Snack Shack, serving complimentary food and snacks. Guests under 42 inches in height are required to wear a swim vest to use the Adventure Pool and Wave Pool.

Sit back and relax in the sun or head to the record-breaking pools and slides for an unforgettable day. You’ll find stomach-churning drops, zig-zag bends and scary water rides to suit all levels and ages.

Offering unforgettable experiences such as the tallest waterslide in North America, the Thrill Waterpark admission fee includes beach chairs and unlimited use of the wet and wild experiences. Private cabanas can be rented and prices vary by season and location. Those around the beach and pool areas include Waterpark admission and slides for up to 6 guests.

You can pay an add-on fee for the Zip Line and Helium Balloon ride or buy upgraded packages to include the Thrill Waterpark and Zip Line. Pre-book your Waterpark admission onboard and then swipe your SeaPass card to enter. A wristband system allows you to re-enter as often as you like.

Adventure Pool

Part of the Thrill Waterpark, you can bounce, climb and swing you way around the Adventure Pool, mastering a series of obstacles and challenges as you go. Test your balancing skills by navigating across a path of floating lily pads. The Adventure Pool is included in Thrill Waterpark admission.

Wave Pool

Still, within the Thrill Waterpark, the incredible Wave Pool is the biggest in the Caribbean. When the countdown clock hits zero, the simulated waves create turbulent surf to buffet and thrill swimmers of all ages. The fee is included in Thrill Waterpark admission.

Zip Line

Find yourself soaring high above the harbor on a thrilling ride speeding you over the Waterpark and Harbor Beach. The Zip Line is 1,600 feet in length, with three segments lasting around 20 seconds each.

Riders must wear closed-toe shoes or training shoes to participate. Only riders weighing between 50 and 300 pounds are permitted to try this fabulous ride. There’s an additional fee to experience this adrenalin-pumping ride. 

Up, Up and Away Helium Balloon

This amazing experience allows cruisers to get a bird’s eye view of the island, its attractions, and the beautiful blue ocean and golden sandy beaches surrounding it. It gently rises 450 feet in the air and carries 30 passengers at a time.

No pre-reservation is available as this sky ride only runs when wind conditions are favorable. Just buy your ticket when you arrive on the island for your Perfect Day at CocoCay, and don’t forget to take your camera. The views of the island and beyond are just amazing!

Daredevil’s Peak Waterslide

With a height platform of 135 feet, Daredevil’s Peak is the highest waterslide in North America. In fact, it is 10 feet taller than Universal’s Volcano Bay in Orlando and 15 feet taller than Disney World’s Blizzard Beach.

This is definitely one for the adrenalin junkie’s bucket list as you climb 200 steps to the launch pad and then descend to a watery landing. It’s the ultimate white-knuckle ride with an amazing rush designed for the most daredevil riders. The ride is included in Waterpark admission. 

Restrictions: Riders must be 48 inches minimum in height and a maximum weight of 300 pounds.

Splash Summit

Within the Thrill Waterpark, Splash Summit offers six thrilling waterslides with a variety of descents. Watch riders enjoying these awesome water flumes before heading off to try them for yourself. These phenomenal water slides include The Twister, The Slingshot and four Splash Speedway Racers.

The Twister

Try the Twister, a winding tube slide navigated on a two-person raft. The Twister Waterslide launches from a 60-foot high platform which twists and turns as it descends.

• Restrictions: 48 inches minimum height or 40 inches wearing a swim vest
• Maximum weight 300 pounds per person or 550 pounds total raft weight

The Slingshot Waterslide

Dropping from a 60-foot-high platform, The Slingshot delivers the experience of zero gravity as you catapult down.

• Restrictions: 48 inches minimum height or 40 inches wearing a swim vest
• Maximum weight 300 pounds per person or 550 pounds total raft weight

Splash Speedway Racers

Challenge family and friends to a competitive descent on the four-lane Splash Speedway Racers. Launch yourself from the 40-foot-high platform for the fastest descent!

• Restrictions: 42 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 300 pounds

Other Waterslides Included in the Thrill Waterpark

Dueling Demons Waterslides

Descend from 75 feet in the air on the Dueling Demons. These twin drop slides start by releasing riders through a trap door. The next thing you know, you’re hurtling down an almost vertical flume to a big splash at the bottom.

• Restrictions: 48 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 300 pounds

Screeching Serpent Waterslide

The 50-foot high Screeching Serpent Waterslide will certainly live up to its name!

• Restrictions: 48 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 300 pounds

Green Mamba Waterslide

Another 50-foot-high slide, the Green Mamba is one to work up to.

• Restrictions: 48 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 300 pounds

Manta Raycers Waterslides

For juniors and the more intrepid, Manta Raycers start from a 25-foot high platform.

• Restrictions: 40 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 300 pounds

Exclusive Zones and Beaches

New Hideaway Beach

Opened in January 2024, Hideaway Beach is the ultimate adults-only beach on the southeast coast of CocoCay. This cool area is well worth paying for. Relax to music orchestrated by DJs, party in the beautiful Hideaway Pool, or sip cocktails at the swim-up bar. 

When hunger strikes, head to Slice of Paradise for a slice or two of your favorite pizza or sample tasty snacks and bites at Hideaway Hut. On the Rocks is the shady upscale bar and unofficial lookout area right on the shore.

Also within this area is The Hideout, another select area that offers an extra special island experience. Ten poolside cabanas pamper guests with a fridge, floating beach mats, and butler service. Alternatively, relax on the in-water loungers and poolside chairs.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club is on the far side of CocoCay from the Arrivals Plaza. A dedicated tram carries visitors and their beach gear directly to this sandy Chill Zone haven. The area was a new addition to the island that opened in 2021.

There’s an admission fee to access the exclusive Coco Beach Club and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach, clubhouse restaurant, bar and infinity pool. Beach chairs and umbrellas are included in the Day Pass, along with complimentary dining at the upscale Coco Beach Club Restaurant.

For the ultimate private area, over-water cabanas can be rented for up to 8 guests to share. Reached along private boardwalks, they include an over-water hammock, shower and small waterslide right into the sea. 

Cabanas include a blissful L-shaped sofa for an afternoon nap, minibar, dining table, lounge chairs, towels, power outlets, USB ports, storage locker, drinks cooler (unlimited bottled water) and dedicated Cabana Butler Concierge. You might be tempted to stay and let the ship depart without you!

Free Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas

Like many things on a luxury cruise, your cruise price includes some complimentary experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay, while other optional activities attract an additional fee.

If you don’t want to pay Waterpark admission fees, simply relax on complimentary beach chairs on the white sand, swim in the warm Bahamian waters right off the beach and enjoy the following free activities:

Splashaway Bay

Located just outside Thrill Waterpark, Splashaway Bay is a complimentary play area for children with five waterslides, two drench buckets and many more ways to stay cool. Pools, fountains and water cannons provide endless fun for kids.

• Restrictions: 42 inches minimum height
• Maximum weight 200 pounds

Captain Jill’s Galleon

Right by the Arrivals Plaza, this free fun play area includes a realistic life-size galleon with a few modifications, including a tunnel slide and scramble net. There are fun water cannons onboard and on an island pool for returning fire back to the ship.

Oasis Lagoon

Welcome to the largest freshwater pool in the whole of the Bahamas. Oasis Lagoon is located in the center of CocoCay and there’s room for everyone in this record-breaking pool, which covers 33,175 square feet.

To get some idea of just how large that is, you could drop a 737 airplane in there and still have room to play. It holds 800,000 gallons of freshwater and took eight days to fill!

The lagoon is designed with a series of intimate coves and a shallow entry area for youngsters to safely paddle and play. The pool has an official capacity of 1,750 people, but even with thousands of cruisers on the island, there are so many different zones it’s unlikely to ever feel overcrowded.

The pool is surrounded by beach chairs and shady palm trees, making it perfect for families. Swim between the islands, float around and watch children having fun. One of the surprises awaiting swimmers is the underwater music when you put your head under the surface. How cool is that!

Relax and stay cool in the pristine waters, or head to the swim-up bar for some cool refreshments, including the Coco Loco island specialty. There are 23 seats around the swim-up bar or you can enjoy your fruity cocktail at one of the swim-up islands.

• Free admission
• Complimentary beach chairs
• Complimentary snacks, burgers and hot dogs at the Snack Shack
• Of course, you can rent a cabana for the ultimate relaxation complete with attendant service.

Chill Island

Accessed along a green path, Chill Island is another complimentary beach area to enjoy on your Perfect Day at CocoCay. It has its own watersports marina, optional private cabanas and day bed rentals and is intended to be a quiet area for savoring the crystal clear waters and powder-soft sand.

Rent snorkel and diving equipment from the Snorkel Shack, or bring your own equipment and view the underwater world in crystal clear water. If you prefer, book a Wave Jet Tour and go wave-running over the calm surface of this ocean paradise. It’s the perfect choice for family fun on a budget.

Just steps from the water’s edge, the Chill Grill serves complimentary barbecued chicken and Caribbean-style food with a spicy tang. After lunch, snooze the afternoon away in your own private cabana, daybed or clamshell chair (all rentals) complete with service from a personal attendant.

• Free admission
• Complimentary beach chairs
• Optional Beach Lounger rentals for two (fee)
• Floating beach mat (fee)
• Watersports rentals available

South Beach

Right next to Coco Beach Club, South Beach is a gorgeous area for families and cruisers to relax and chill on the beach. It has a traditional beach sports zone, including volleyball courts and basketball.

Fabulous beach activities include sea kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm waters. For a more laid-back experience in the sun, there are private bungalows, daybeds, and teepees (cone-shaped tents) available for rent.

• Free admission
• Complimentary beach chairs
• Sports courts
• Watersports (some are free)

Straw Market

No Perfect Day in the Bahamas would be complete without a visit to a Straw Market to pick up some Bahamian clothing and souvenirs. Of course, CocoCay has a Straw Market of its own. Items can be charged to your SeaPass, but vendors are always happy to accept cash (US$).

Amenities Available at Perfect Day at CocoCay 

Towels, freshwater showers, restrooms and beach access wheelchairs are all included as part of a Perfect Day at CocoCay. There is a nominal fee for security lockers.

Perfect Day at CocoCay includes lifeguards at every pool and beach, but parents should keep a watchful eye on children. A free tram service transports guests around the island. It runs every 15 minutes and stops at:

• Arrivals Plaza near Thrill Waterpark
• Chill Island
• Oasis Lagoon
• South Beach
• Coco Beach Club, which also has a dedicated tram at peak times
• Hideaway Beach

Food and Drink at CocoCay Cay

How to Pay for Perfect Day CocoCay Dining and Beverages

Some food and snacks are available free of charge during your day at CocoCay, while other restaurants make a charge. 

Drinks are charged the same as if you were onboard. If you have purchased a drinks package as part of your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can use it for free drinks at most bars on the island. Make sure you take your SeaPass card ashore with you.

The nautically-themed Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and Snack Shacks dotted around CocoCay island all offer complimentary food and snacks, including burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more.

Worth Reading: Are Royal Caribbean Cruises All Inclusive?

The Grille at Coco Beach Club is included in your Beach Club admission and serves Mediterranean cuisine with ocean views.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and more exclusive, head to Captain Jack’s and enjoy the à la carte menu at additional cost. Their signature mango-habanero wings are a great choice, or how about some freshly cooked steak fries? Grab a drink at the Rowboat Bar or perch on a rope swing and enjoy live music and waterfront views.

Which Cruise Ships Call at CocoCay?

If you want to enjoy a day on this slice of paradise, there are several Royal Caribbean cruise ships that visit CocoCay as a regular port of call. Check out the dates and itineraries of the following ships:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas 
• Mariner of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• From September 2024 onwards, they are joined by…
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas

The sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, also has ships visiting CocoCay, including Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond. In early 2025, they will be joined by Celebrity Equinox. With so many of the Royal Caribbean fleet visiting this popular island, you’ll probably be able to include it while sailing on your favorite Royal Caribbean cruise ship. 

Tips for Enjoying a Perfect Day at CocoCay

• You’ll find almost everything you need when you step ashore at CocoCay. Don’t forget to take your SeaPass card to pay for drinks, optional upgrades and experiences.
•  Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and swimwear are essentials. You might also want to take books/magazines, your cell phone and snorkel gear, if you have it.
• There is internet connectivity for those who purchase the onboard internet package.
• Bring your beach towels from your cabin. You must also take them back to hand in at the end of your cruise. While ashore, you can swap wet towels for dry ones.
• You can pay with cash (US dollars) or SeaPass when you shop at the local Straw Market.
• Download the map on the Royal Caribbean app for getting around CocoCay.
• And don’t forget to get off early to secure the best lounge chairs. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas for everyone, but the best locations are quickly taken. You will also find the shortest lines early and late in the day.

CocoCay Bahamas Weather

CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for the cruise line’s beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate.

Temperatures at Perfect Day at CocoCay range from average highs of 74°F in January and February to 88°F in July and August. Cool sea breezes keep temperatures pleasant and overnight lows rarely drop below 70°F. Water temperatures are equally balmy, ranging from 73-82°F depending on the season.

Rainfall at CocoCay Bahamas is rare in winter, with just 2-3 inches falling per month from November through April (the main cruising season in the Caribbean/Bahamas). Rainfall is heavier in the summer months.

Expect 6-7 inches per month from May through July, falling as short but heavy afternoon showers. Rainfall is slightly higher in August and September, particularly if a tropical storm affects the area.

Read Also: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors

Hurricanes rarely affect the Bahamas and are unlikely to spoil your Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas. The official hurricane season runs from June through November. In the unlikely event that your Perfect Day may be affected, there is plenty of time for cruise ships to adjust their itinerary accordingly.

Conclusion

Everyone’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas is different. You can choose exactly what you want to do and plan your visit to suit your budget and requirements. Admission to CocoCay and many of the beach attractions and amenities is free with your cruise, as are snacks and drinks at various Snack Shacks around the island.

However, if you want to enjoy some of the more unique experiences and thrilling rides, you can charge it to your Stateroom Sea Pass. Have a wonderful day!