I don’t even know where to begin to describe the wonderfulness that is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
As you get off the ship and walk down the pier you can take in the thrill rides of Devil’s Tower to the right and Chill Island to the left.
Helpful Hint #1: Don’t forget to bring a towel from the ship! You can pick these up in the pool area and trade them in at locations around the island for a dry towel.
Relax at Chill Island
There are four beach areas on Chill Island. The first three that you come to will have the bluest, clearest water. These beaches attract the largest number of guests.
Helpful Hint #2: If you continue to the fourth beach, which is on the backside of the island from the ship, you will encounter a much quieter area to relax.
The bottom is covered in seaweed so you do not get that bright blue look of the Caribbean ocean, but the sea is much calmer on this side of the island. There’s also a swim up bar in the ocean at this beach. I say swim up, but if you don’t mind stepping on the seaweed you don’t actually ever get much deeper than waist or chest deep (and I am 5‘3“ tall).
On Chill Island you can rent a cabana, a bed or use any of the many chairs that are situated across the beaches. Umbrellas abound so you will have no trouble finding shade or baking in the sun, whichever is your preference. Snorkel equipment and float mats are also available. There’s a huge freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon, on the chill side. Here you will find chairs that sit in the water and a swim up bar. It’s interesting to note that the only truly crowded place on the island was at the swim up bar. You may want to get your drink elsewhere. There were bathrooms very evenly spaced around the island so you never have to walk far.
Helpful Hint #3: If you are in need of first aid while on the island, no worries because they have a first aid station.
There is no shortage of bars on the island, so you don’t have to go far for your tropical treats.
Helpful Hint #4: If you have purchased the unlimited drink package for the ship it does work on the island.
You will find free food on the island except for Captain Jack’s, where you will need to pay for your eats and treats. You can also enjoy live music here in the afternoon.
There’s a convenient tram service that has multiple stops around the island. Definitely use this form of transportation if you have mobility issues, are tired or just wish to have a complete tour of the island. I took the tram for a full circle around the island so that I could see everything it had to offer. Be aware that they have wheelchairs designed for the sand all over the island. They also have a different tram that takes you to and from the ship if you are tired or have mobility issues.
Perfect Day at CocoCay boasts more than 100 lifeguards. Safety first! For your convenience there are lockers situated throughout the island.
Explore the Adventures of Thrill Waterpark
While the chill side is free, except for snorkeling and float rentals, you will need to pay to experience the thrill side of the park. Offerings include a full day pass that will allow you to take on all of the adventures including the 135 foot plunge down the tallest waterslide in North America or one of the other seven slides on Devil’s Tower. You may choose to fly high above the ground on the zipline or hot air balloon, take a jet ski tour or rent a kayak. These are just a few of the things you can experience at CocoCay.
The island was large enough to accommodate two Royal Caribbean ships at one time without feeling overly crowded. Eight hours hardly seems like enough time on this tropical paradise. I slowly made my way back to the ship having relaxed and taken in every bit of this beautiful tropical paradise.
If you would like to experience this for yourself, please contact me and I would be happy to help you find an itinerary that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
