How to Spend a Perfect Day at CocoCay

What does your perfect beach day look like: relaxing on the beach or thrilling water adventures? Before you answer, what if we said you could have either—or even a mix of both? You heard us. It’s all possible at Perfect Day® at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean’s new private island in the Bahamas—filled with a ton of firsts for the region.

From the largest freshwater swimming pool in the Caribbean to the highest vantage point in the Bahamas, you can curate your beach day to be absolutely perfect—whether it’s thrill, chill or both—and make your experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay totally and uniquely yours.

“Whatever your perfect day is, this is it,” says Marianne Hessler, National Account Manager at Royal Caribbean International. “Whether it’s being on the chill side, thrill side or even a bit both. It can even be a luxury experience.”

The island is accessible from 10 Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries, and you can spend a full day here—in the future, you can even expect late-night and overnight stays. Many of the amenities are complimentary, though some require an admission charge. For now, take note of the offerings below—and make a checklist of what your Perfect Day at CocoCay will be:

Feel the thrill

From tides and slides to zip lines and balloon rides, Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone of all ages to get their adrenaline fix—some may even inspire you to take it to the next level.

Thrill Waterpark℠: Test your bravery in more ways than one. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Daredevil’s Tower: Go all in by starting at Daredevil’s Tower, which has seven slides, including Daredevil’s Peak—a 135-foot-tall water slide, the tallest in North America. (You’ll of course need to chaperone anyone under 18.) Then, go full speed on the totally vertical Screeching Serpent—or race a friend to the bottom of the Dueling Demons drop slides.

• Family Tower: Get a zero-gravity rush with up to four people on The Slingshot water slide, or bring out your competitive spirit on the four-lane Splash Speedway racer slides.

• Adventure Pool: The Adventure Pool offers an interactive obstacle course on water comprised of lily pads and even a rock-climbing wall—when you reach the top, you can swing from a rope into the pool for a big splash.

• The Wave Pool: Round it all out at the Wave Pool, the biggest in the Caribbean—suited for all ages. Bonus: Certified lifeguards are at all pool areas, and you receive complimentary life jackets, too.

Up, Up and Away: Offering the highest vantage point in the Bahamas, this 10-minute hot-air balloon ride takes you up and up—450 feet in the air for a view like no other.

Zip Line Takeoff: At 1,600 feet long, this zip line is one of the largest in the Caribbean—giving you panoramic views while you soar over the island.

Splashaway Bay℠: This complimentary water park is perfect for your adventurous little ones, with fountains, pools, five water slides (they must be at least 42 inches tall to ride) and two massive drench buckets. Oh, there are water cannons, too.

Captain Jill’s Galleon℠: It’s a kid-friendly ship loaded with slides, water cannons, rope features and a splash pad. Need we say more?

Looking to fuel your hunger and thirst during an exciting day of thrills? Look no further than Captain Jack’s and Skipper’s Grill. Situated beside Captain Jill’s Galleon, Captain Jack’s is a full-service bar with live music and water views—serving wings and fries with a variety of signature sauces. Or visit Skipper’s Grill, near Splashaway Bay, for complimentary barbecue, fresh salads, tacos and more. Plus: Unlike those on some private cruise islands, the restaurants at CocoCay have their own kitchens, so food is prepared on the island.

Keep it chill

The entire left side of the island is made for relaxing, so keeping it chill is easy—and accessible. Wheelchairs designed to work in the sand are available, and most beaches have a sloped entrance to make enjoying the water even easier.

South Beach: Along the side of the private island is South Beach, where you can explore along the shore or go paddleboarding and kayaking. A tram is also available every 15 minutes to take you from Thrill Waterpark to South Beach. There’s a bonus, too: The Sports Courts & Restaurants, including the South Beach Bar, are set to open December 2019.

Coco Beach Club℠ (coming soon): Say hello to the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas, only at the exclusive Coco Beach Club. When they open in December, you’ll find the perfect way to elevate any beach day with up to eight of your closest friends and family and perfect views. There’s even an oceanfront infinity pool with slides and a private restaurant with Mediterranean fare.

Perfect Day at CocoCay pro tip: Cabanas for up to six guests are already available across the island in different areas. And if you reserve one in Thrill Waterpark, you’ll get passes to the waterpark, too.

Oasis Lagoon℠: A family-friendly sloping entry, a swim-up bar, underwater music, coves and islands for lounging … These are just a few of the perks at the largest freshwater swimming pool in the Caribbean. Here’s another bonus: The bottom of the pool is padded for added comfort.

Chill Island℠: This island comes with the necessities to chill—soft white sand, hammocks, lounge chairs, umbrellas and even a tropical hut where you can swim up and grab a cocktail. “Chill Island is capped to ensure there are no lines,” says Hessler. “It seemed so empty that I felt like I had my own beach to enjoy.”

Harbor Beach: Surrounding Harbor Lagoon, this is where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the waterfall and fountain on this sandy beach.

If all that chilling leaves you hungry, check out the Snack Shack between Oasis Lagoon and Chill Island for complimentary burgers, hot dogs and salads. Chill Grill is also close by with beachside barbecue, fresh salads and more—all complimentary, too.