Overview of Coco Cay, Bahamas

Coco Cay (pronounced key), once known as Little Stirrup Cay, is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. A small island, only about 2 miles long, Coco Cay offers white sand beaches, clear water, and plenty of activities from which to choose. It has recently been updated, and a day on the beach might be a welcome break from shipboard activities. Note that the wind may cause havoc during winter cruises, and the tenders may not be able to ferry the passengers to the island due to high waves.

Great video on what to do in Coco Cay. Stay tuned till the end for an 'insider tip'!

What language is spoken at this port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language of the Bahamas, with a strong accent, generally easily understandable to tourists.

What is the national currency in Coco Cay, Bahamas?

Bahamian dollars are the official currency of the Bahamas.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes, US dollars are accepted everywhere along with travelers checks and major credit cards. However, in most cases you will be able to pay with your SeaPass, that same card you use to pay for everything on-board.

Where can I get or exchange money?

There are no banks or ATMS on Coco Cay, but in most cases you won't need cash, as you can purchase most everything with your SeaPass, which is the same card you use to make all onboard purchases.

• Banks closest to Port: There are no banks on Coco Cay.
• ATMs closest to Port: There are no ATMs on Coco Cay, so the closest ATM to the port would be on the ship in the Casino.

How do I get around Coco Cay from the Cruise Port?

Walking

There is a 3-mile nature trail on the island –bring comfortable shoes and insect repellant if you plan to do any hiking.

Other Transportation

There are no mini buses, taxis, rental cars or scooters on Coco Cay. However, there are some shuttles/trams that run to and from destination within the compound.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Coco Cay is run by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, therefore there are no Internet Cafes or locations from which you can make an international call at a reduced rate. You are pretty much stuck with the ship to shore and your cell phone rates.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

The best bet for calls, while on Coco Cay is your cell phone or your stateroom.

Where are the Internet cafes?

There are no Internet cafes on Coco Cay

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Coco Cay? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

You will not run out of things to do on Coco Cay. You can play volleyball, sign up for snorkeling, or just relax in a hammock under the palm trees in a hammock with a tropical drink. You can also sign up for a yoga class on the beach, which would be a very nice way to spend an hour or so during your day on the island. There are also some attractions you may want to reserve in advance:

• Parasailing will allow you to soar up to 400 feet above Coco Cay. From here you will enjoy the crystalline waters and the see the nearby islands from a view normally reserved for birds. The flights are done in tandem, so make sure you have a partner. The entire experience will take 45 minutes to 1 hour and the actual flight time is about 5 to 6 minutes.

  Check out this video that takes you up some 400 feet over Coco Cay in a parasail.

• The SeaTrek Water Slide happens to be the world's largest inflatable water slide at 40-feet high. The water slide is available all day and is fun for all ages.

  Check out this video of a fast and wet ride down the SeaTrek Water Slide.

Beaches

The beaches on Coco Cay are beautiful, with lounge chairs (some with windbreak covers for shade), hammocks, floats, and every type of water sport imaginable. You can rent snorkeling equipment, go parasailing, rent a Waverunner or sea kayak, or enjoy the water park that is just offshore.

Tip: Go past the first few beaches and make your way to Barefoot Beach, where the sand is much nicer and much less crowded. Note that there is an extra charge for most activities, including the floating mats.

Shopping

There is very little shopping on Coco Cay – a couple of vendors and a small Straw Market. One positive thing, however, is that there are no vendors to hassle you on the beach.

Golf

There is no golf course on Coco Cay.

Scuba and Snorkeling

SeaTrek Scuba Dive offers the ability to experience the clear blue waters of Coco Cay on a shallow water beach dive. The instructor will guide your throughout the reef, which is teeming with marine life. This dive is limited to certified divers that have been on a dive within the last 2 years. The wetsuit is not included, so if you needed bring your own.

Snorkeling equipment can be rented at the Snorkel Shack. The snorkeling near Coco Cay is excellent – you will see the wreck of a small plane, Blackbeard’s ship and Queen Anne’s Revenge. Even if you bring your own snorkel gear, it is mandatory that you rent an inflatable life vest as well.

Tours

• The Wave Jet Tour is a 50-minute guided tour of the Berry Islands. This waverunner tour may not be for everyone as all participants must go at the same speed, so the faster drivers are kept back by the slower drivers. If you want to go fast on a Waverrunner, Coco Cay is not the place to do it.
• The Kayak Adventure offers a guided kayak tour around the waters of Coco Cay. On this tour you will encounter marine-life such as conch, tropical fish and stingrays. You will receive a short tutorial on how to operate your 2-man kayak and navigate the shallow waters of the Bahama Banks.
• The Right Choice Glass Bottom Boat Tour is the tour for the person that wants to experience the marine life of the waverunner or kayak tour without getting wet. This 1 1/2 hour tour is family friendly and is quite informative, not to mention beautiful. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to plan ahead with some anti-motion sickness medication, such as Dramamine.
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What are the best eats in Coco Cay?

If you like the food onboard, we have good news for you - the food on Coco Cay is the same buffet-style meals as prepared on the ship. Lunch on Coco Cay consists of an island BBQ with ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, jerk chicken, salads, fruit, etc.

Where are the best places to get them?

There are several food areas set up around Coco Cay, near the attractions and beaches. If you look forward to sampling some local food, you will have to wait for the next port on the itinerary.

What are the must-drinks in Coco Cay?

The Coco-Loco is the signature drink of the island. Made with dark and light rum, vodka, creme de bananes, pineapple juice, coconut cream and sugar syrup, the Coco-Loco is a beach-side favorite. Well tipped waiters have been known to more easily find you on the beach and are a bit more willing to ask the bartender for a little extra rum for your drink.

Where is the best place to get them?

At the beach, while in a hammock, having an attentive waiter bring you a Coco Loco is really the way to go here.

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Coco Cay? Where can I get them?

Coco Cay is not among the best shopping ports in the Caribbean, and almost certainly, not the best on your itinerary. However, the Straw Market does provide some goodies for those looking for a souvenir.

Under $25:

Hair braiding, although certainly not for everyone, is a fun and popular "vacation look". Hair braiders throughout the island are very skilled and are reasonably priced (depending on the length of your hair.) Hair braiders cannot be paid with your SeePass, so have some cash available.

$25-$75

Conch Shells that have been modified to blow like a horn make an excellent souvenir and conversation piece for your collection.

Over $75

Bahamian art is colorful and resonably priced. Hang it on a wall and it will be a constant reminder of your trip to Coco Cay.

What is the weather like in Coco Cay?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Coco Cay