Perfect Day at CocoCay

Where ships dock

Walk about 6 min down the pier to Arrivals Plaza, or ride the free Pier Tram.

• Royal Caribbean cruise pier, CocoCay6 min walk

Best time to go

Royal Caribbean lists sailings here from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral on 2- to 7-night trips, with dates running into early 2028. Some short sailings stop at the island twice.

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. There are no overnight stays on the island.

How far from the pier

One way. Short call OK means 20 minutes or less.

• Thrill Waterpark (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk3 min
• Harbor Beach (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk5 min
• Arrivals Plaza (from the ship)Walk6 min
• Hideaway Beach (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk7 min
• Oasis Lagoon (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk8 min
• South Beach (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk10 min
• Coco Beach Club (from Arrivals Plaza)Walk10 min

Ship tour or go independent?

CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island, so every paid activity here is sold by the cruise line through My Royal Cruise or on the island, and there is no independent tour scene to book. The good news is how much is free: entry, the beaches, Oasis Lagoon, Splashaway Bay, chairs, umbrellas and five food spots. Buy upgrades only if they fit your day, and save your own-tour plans for ports like Nassau, Freeport or Key West, where booking independently gives you more choice.

• Prices for passes, cabanas and rides change by season. Royal Caribbean says booking early in My Royal Cruise gets the best price.
• Hideaway Beach is capped at 1,800 guests a day, so book the adults-only pass early if you want it.
• Kids under 14 need a ticketed guest 14 or older with them in Thrill Waterpark.
• The zip line needs closed-toe shoes that wrap around the heel, like sneakers or enclosed water shoes.
• For a refund on a Hideaway Beach pass or cabana you won't use, let the island know at least 24 hours ahead.
• The balloon ride is refunded if wind or weather stops it, so have a backup plan for the afternoon.

Getting around

• WalkEverything is close. From Arrivals Plaza, the main areas are about 3–10 minutes on foot, and signs along the paths list walk times.
• TramFreeA free Pier Tram loops up and down the pier. The free Island Tram runs all day from Arrivals Plaza, near Thrill Waterpark, to South Beach, Oasis Lagoon and Breezy Bay at Chill Island. Hideaway Beach has its own tram.
• TramAccessible trams run on a regular rotation, including between the pier and Arrivals Plaza. Ask Guest Services at the pier if you need one.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

You pay for extras with your SeaPass card, which goes on your onboard account. The island market, which sells Bahamian crafts, takes SeaPass charges until 2:30 p.m. and US dollar cash all day, so bring some cash.

Phones

There is Wi-Fi on the island, and a VOOM internet package from the ship works ashore. Beverage packages bought onboard or in My Royal Cruise also work on the island.

Must-sees

• Oasis LagoonWalkableA huge free freshwater pool with swim-up islands and a swim-up bar, about 8 minutes from Arrivals Plaza. It has a pool lift.
• Thrill WaterparkWalkableA paid park with 14 waterslides, including the 135-foot Daredevil's Peak, plus a wave pool. Kids under 4 get in free, and under-14s need a ticketed guest 14 or older with them.
• Hideaway BeachWalkableAn adults-only (18+) beach club with a pool, bar and DJ, west of the pier. Entry needs a day pass, and it is capped at 1,800 guests a day.
• Coco Beach ClubWalkableA paid beach club with an infinity pool and a restaurant included with admission, plus overwater and beach cabanas to rent. Kids under 3 get in free; drinks are extra unless you have a package.
• Chill Island and South BeachWalkableFree beaches a short tram ride from Arrivals Plaza, with Chill Grill and snorkel rentals nearby.
• Up, Up & Away balloonWalkableA paid helium balloon ride that rises up to 450 feet over the island. Riders need to be at least 48 inches tall.

Free & cheap near the pier

• Island entry, chairs and umbrellasFreeThere is no admission fee, and beach chairs and umbrellas are free.
• Oasis LagoonFreeA huge freshwater pool with swim-up islands and a swim-up bar (drinks cost extra unless you have a package).
• Harbor Beach, South Beach and Chill IslandFreeThe main beaches are included. Harbor Beach is about 5 minutes on foot from Arrivals Plaza.
• Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's GalleonFreeKids' splash areas with buckets, fountains, water cannons and small slides.
• Five included food spotsFreeSkipper's Grill, the Snack Shack locations and Chill Grill serve BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, tacos and salads at no charge.
• Island Library at Breezy BayFreeBorrow a book for the beach.

Eat like a local

• Skipper's GrillIncluded BBQ, salads, tacos and ice cream with views over the harbor.
• Snack ShackIncluded burgers, hot dogs and salads at three spots around the island.
• Chill GrillIncluded beachside BBQ, salads and tacos at Chill Island.
• Captain Jack'sAn à la carte spot near Arrivals Plaza with live music, so food here costs extra.
• Special dietsGluten-free and vegetarian choices are at every island venue. Kosher meals are not made on the island but can be arranged onboard.

Rainy-day backups

• Weather refundsIf the balloon can't fly because of wind or weather, the booking is refunded. Excursions canceled by the ship's shore excursion team are refunded to your onboard account.
• Island marketBrowse Bahamian crafts. It takes SeaPass charges until 2:30 p.m. and cash all day.
• Wi-Fi and a bookUse your VOOM package on the island or borrow from the free Island Library at Breezy Bay while you wait out a shower.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution, because of crime (as of July 28, 2026)

• The State Department says most crime in The Bahamas happens in Nassau and Freeport.
• StarGuard lifeguards watch every pool and slide and set beach spots, but keep a close eye on kids in the water.
• Wear strong sun protection and reapply often, and pack bug spray; mosquitoes can be around depending on the season.
• Bring any medicine you need. The island's medical facilities may not stock it.
• Hurricane season normally runs June 1 to November 30.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Ships dock at the island's pier, so there is no tender. It is about a 6-minute walk to Arrivals Plaza, and accessible trams run on that route; ask Guest Services at the pier for one.

• Free beach wheelchairs are available around the island, first come, first served. Ask any crew member.
• Oasis Lagoon and the Coco Beach Club infinity pool have pool lifts.
• Coco Beach Club has ramps to the dining area, a lowered bar counter and an accessible restroom with a shower.
• The Thrill Waterpark Wave Pool is wheelchair accessible, but the slide towers and the zip line tower have stairs.
• Royal Caribbean notes that some experiences are not fully accessible, so check specific activities before you go.