Review of a Perfect Day at CocoCay with Royal Caribbean ...

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CocoCay is the private island owned by Royal Caribbean. It is an included stop on many of their Caribbean cruises, especially those departing from Florida. If you are planning to visit the Perfect Day at CocoCay you should definitely have a game plan first.

The island includes a waterpark, multiple beach areas, a hot air balloon ride, places to chill and relax, multiple restaurants, shopping and so much more. This guide will provide everything you need to know to maximize your Perfect Day at CocoCay and tips to avoid some of the first timers mistakes that we made.

Where is CocoCay?

CocoCay is located in the Bahamas directly between Nassau and Freeport. Completely reimagined in 2019 the island now includes even more things to do for the thrill seekers and chill seekers. The weather is amazing on the island almost all year long, ranging from 74 in the winter to 88 in the summer. The ocean breeze and multitude of water activities keeps you cool even in the scorching summer sun.

Things to do on CocoCay

Thrill Waterpark

Waterslides

If you are a daredevil like Payton you will definitely want to check out Thrill Waterpark. Home to 13 waterslides, (including Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America), the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and an obstacle course at Adventure Pool. If you are craving thrills this is where you want to start your day. And by start your day I mean early. Thrill Waterpark is an excursion that you book and pay an additional fee for unlimited access. If you book Thrill Waterpark you will want to go here first as soon as you are able to leave the ship.

As you walk the pier from the ship to the island keep right. There you will find the entrance to Thrill Waterpark. You will scan you sign and sail card for entrance if you have paid admission. You can re-enter as many times as you wish throughout the day as your pass provides unlimited access.

Funny story, Daredevils peak is the reason we booked this cruise. Payton is fascinated with the biggest, tallest, fastest of everything and wanted to add this to her list. Naturally we went to the slides first and we are so glad we did. She climbed straight to the top and enjoyed all of the slides in the Daredevil’s Tower within our first hour. By lunchtime it was an hour wait for each of the slides.

Wave Pool and Adventure Pool

The largest wave pool in the Caribbean is located in Thrill Waterpark just past Daredevil’s Tower. There are plenty of chairs in front of the wave pool for parents and others looking to relax. Just a reminder, upon arrival there were lots of chairs but after lunch there were none available. The adventure pool, located just behind the chairs, includes a rock climbing wall and obstacle course. The remaining slides not included in Daredevil’s Tower are located just beyond the adventure pool.

Snacks, refreshments, restrooms and lockers are located inside Thrill Waterpark and are included at no additional cost. Zip-lines are also available at an additional cost at Thrill Waterpark. We have ziplined in many other locations (including the world’s fastest and longest), so we didn’t add that adventure to our Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Chill Island

If you are looking for laid back island vibes instead of adventure you will definitely want to make your way to Chill Island. When crossing the pier from the ship, keep left and cross the bridge. Chill Island is the most tranquil area of the private island. The place to go for serene white-sand beaches, calm clear waters, and plenty of space to rest and disconnect. Surrounded by reefs it is the best place for snorkeling on the island. Beach chairs are complimentary but make sure to come early.

If you are looking to upgrade your experience there are private cabanas for rent on the beach. Each cabana accommodates up to 8 guests and comes with attendant service. Reserving one is a great option for families that want an added level of comfort.

South Beach

If you are looking to stay active when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay then South Beach is the place for you. This new area of the island is all about fast-paced family-friendly experiences like volleyball, beachside basketball, paddle boarding and even ping pong. This lively area is perfect for active families. There are complimentary chairs available and cabanas to rent for an additional fee.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club is an exclusive private retreat where every moment is elevated. My one regret during our visit is that we didn’t choose this option. I can assure you that we will next time. Overlooking the ocean, the infinity pool at Coco Beach Club offers an oasis and amazing views of paradise with poolside attendants are on hand. Offering the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas with overwater hammocks Coco Beach Club offers the ultimate in everything including complimentary dining from the Clubhouse.

Oasis Lagoon

Oasis lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean complete with a swim up bar and three swim-up islands. There are lounge chairs all around the pool and many in-water loungers along the perimeter of the lagoon. However, unless you arrive early you are unlikely to find one. After a long day of adventure we decided we would chill here before returning to the ship. We quickly found out that was not an option. Every chair was taken and the pool was packed with people of all ages.

Up, Up and Away

If you want to see the island from a completely different point of view then check out Up Up Away located just behind Coco Beach Club. This helium balloon soars 450 feet above land and sea providing the highest vantage point in the Bahamas. We were told that the views from above are breathtaking.

Unfortunately the balloon cannot fly in windy conditions so we were not able to go up during our visit.

Food at CocoCay

Before we talk about food I want to mention what not to do. Do not leave the boat without eating breakfast. We left the boat early and went straight to the waterpark to beat the crowd knowing there was food on the island when we got hungry. What we didn’t know was that none of the food options open until 11am. We were starving by then and went to the first place open.

Captain Jack’s

Captain Jack’s is one of the first places to eat when you come onto the island or as you exit the waterpark as we did starving. It is located on the harbor providing beautiful views of the water. What we didn’t know until later is that this is one of the few places to eat that is not complimentary. The menu is also very limited as in they only offer wings and fries. We were very disappointed in our lunch. Especially when we discovered the other options that were complimentary and had much better options.

Skipper’s Grill

Skipper’s Grill is located on the harbor just past Captain Jack’s. This buffet style restaurant seemed to have some of everything. You can imagine our disappointment after leaving Captain Jack’s thinking if we had only known. There was fresh fruit, salads, tacos, burgers, fries, ice cream machines, cookies and so much more. It was like the buffets on board. I would highly recommend skipping Captain Jack’s, saving your money, and enjoying lunch at Skipper’s Grill.

Chill Grill

Chill Grill is located on Chill Island and is another complimentary dining option. You can enjoy a full menu of Caribbean style bites from tacos to BBQ right off the grill. With plenty of shade and picnic tables Chill Grill keeps the laid back vibes going on day long. A self-serve beer station is available for an additional cost.

Snack Shack

There are 3 snack shacks located on Perfect Day at CocoCay. They are located near the wave pool at Thrill Waterpark, at South Beach and between Oasis Lagoon and Breezy Bay at Chill Island. These shacks provide complimentary burgers, hot dogs, salads and more. There are complimentary juice stands as well and beer at an additional cost.

Tips to Remember

• Don’t leave the ship without breakfast because nowhere on the island serves food before 11am.
• Your sign and sail card works on the island just as it does on the boat for purchases so no need for cash.
• Lockers are available free of charge.
• If you are going down the most popular waterslides, go early before the lines are long.
• There is no need to take a beach towel from the ship. There are towel exchange stations on the island. You will need your ship card to get a towel but as long as you return it there is no charge.
• The island is large but the tram service is complimentary. It runs every 15 minutes between Thrill Waterpark, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, Up, Up and Away, Oasis Lagoon and Chill Island.
• Between the harbor bridge and Chill Island is a straw market where you can grab a beach hat or bag that you might have forgotten or a souvenir to take home.
• Plan ahead and know which area you would like to spend the majority of your day. Go there first and reserve your chairs. If you wait until later in the day there will not be any left available.

Review of a Perfect Day at CocoCay

We literally planned this cruise last minute because we saw a commercial one night about the tallest waterslide in North America and wanted to try it out. The waterslides were definitely Payton’s favorite part but I honestly wish we had been more prepared for all that the private island had to offer. By sharing all that we have here I hope that you can truly plan your Perfect Day at CocoCay. I know that when we return next time we will be much better prepared!

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