🌴 A Disney Girl’s Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If your Royal Caribbean cruise includes a stop at CocoCay (aka Perfect Day at CocoCay), you’re in for a treat! This private Bahamian island is designed like a theme park meets tropical paradise — and whether you’re all about thrills, chill time, or family fun, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s take a stroll (or tram ride!) around the island together, then break it down into the best ways to spend your day — romantic escapes, adventurous thrills, and family favorites.
🚋 Getting Around CocoCay
When you step off the ship, you’ll find CocoCay is laid out in “neighborhoods,” each with its own vibe. A free tram loops around the island so you can save energy and dodge some of that hot Bahamian sun.
🌴 Quick Guide to CocoCay Neighborhoods
Harbor Beach & Entry Area
Just steps off the pier, this sheltered cove is perfect for a first dip or a photo with the ship in the background. It’s one of the calmest spots on the island — shallow water, easy access, and great if you don’t want to wander too far.
Oasis Lagoon
This is the showpiece pool of CocoCay — the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. It has a lively side with a swim-up bar (think music and cocktails), but also quieter coves tucked away if you want a peaceful float. It’s free and a must-see even if you only stop in briefly.
Chill Island
True to its name, this is the go-to beach for relaxation. You’ll find plenty of free loungers and umbrellas, soft white sand, and calm, crystal-clear water. It’s also one of the better areas for snorkeling right off the beach.
Thrill Waterpark (Paid Entry)
Home to Daredevil’s Peak — the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet! You’ll also find multi-rider raft slides, a huge wave pool, and kid-friendly splash zones. It’s a high-energy, full-day style activity and the only area on the island where everything is gated/paid.
South Beach
Active and sporty, South Beach is where you’ll find volleyball, basketball, paddleball, and more. It has a younger, more energetic vibe and is less about lounging, more about doing.
Coco Beach Club (Paid Upgrade)
The priciest and bougiest option on the island. Perfect if you want quiet luxury, but totally skippable if you’re happy with free beaches and food. Club passes (or cabanas) include access to an infinity pool, cushioned loungers, an elevated restaurant (lobster, filet, ceviche), and those iconic overwater cabanas with hammocks and slides into the sea.
Hideaway Beach (Adults-Only, Paid Entry)
The newest neighborhood, this 18+ zone is all about music, multiple bars, and a lively pool scene. Think “day club” vibe — not wild like Spring Break, but definitely more social and party-oriented than Chill Island or Coco Beach Club. Great for adults who want music and a pool party atmosphere. If you’re after peace and quiet, you’ll probably prefer Chill Island instead.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re deciding where to spend your time, think of it like this — Chill Island = quiet free beach, Oasis Lagoon = fun free pool, Coco Beach Club = upscale splurge, Hideaway Beach = adults-only party, and Thrill Waterpark = big-ticket thrills.
🍴 Dining & Drinking at CocoCay
Food is a huge part of any cruise day, and CocoCay doesn’t disappoint. The best part? Many of the island’s dining spots are complimentary and included in your cruise fare — so you can fuel up without worrying about the tab.
✅ Included Dining Options
Skipper’s Grill – The first big dining venue you’ll hit near Harbor Beach. Expect beach-day staples like burgers, hot dogs, tacos, fresh salads, fruit, and desserts. Great for a grab-and-go lunch.
Chill Grill – Located on Chill Island, this open-air venue has a tropical vibe with picnic tables and lots of shade. Think tacos, BBQ, and sandwiches with an island twist.
Snack Shacks (3 Locations) – Hands down, some of the best “fast food” on the island. The crispy chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks are legendary, and don’t skip the funnel cake. Each shack has shaded seating nearby.
Oasis Lagoon Bar & Swim-Up Bars – If you’ve purchased a drink package, good news — it works on the island! You’ll find bars sprinkled everywhere, including in the Oasis Lagoon pool itself.
💲 Upgraded Dining Options
Captain Jack’s – A bar with live music and à la carte eats (like wings and fries). This one isn’t included, but it’s a fun hangout if you want something different.
Coco Beach Club Restaurant – Reserved for day-pass or cabana guests. The menu here is elevated: lobster sandwiches, ceviche, grilled filet, and Bahamian rum cake. It’s the fanciest dining you’ll find on the island.
Hideaway Beach (Adults-Only) – The new adults-only zone has its own food spot called Slice of Paradise, serving pizza and empanadas by the slice.
🌴 Free Activities at CocoCay
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy CocoCay. The island is set up so you can easily fill a day with beaches, pools, and food that are already included in your cruise fare. For many travelers, this is more than enough.
If you’d rather not shell out for extras, these are the spots that make CocoCay feel like a perfect day without the price tag:
🌟 Activity | What It Offers | Best For / Why You’ll Love It |
🏖️ Harbor Beach | Calm, shallow cove right by the pier. | Perfect if you don’t want to walk far or just want a quick dip/photo stop. |
🏊 Oasis Lagoon | Largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, with a lively side and quiet coves. | Great if you want pool time with options — lively swim-up bar or peaceful float. |
🌊 Chill Island | White-sand beach, free loungers, umbrellas, and calm water. | Ideal for couples or anyone who wants a quieter, shaded beach day. Snorkeling is best here. |
🏐 South Beach | Volleyball, basketball, and paddleball. | Fun for active travelers who like games; skip if you’re looking for quiet. |
💦 Splashaway Bay & Captain Jill’s Galleon | Kid-focused water play zones. | Best for families with littles; not much here for adults without kids. |
🍔 Island Dining | Skipper’s, Chill Grill & Snack Shacks — all included. | A highlight for everyone. Snack Shack’s chicken sandwich & funnel cakes are fan favorites. |
🍹 Island Bars | Swim-up and beach bars across the island. | Works with the ship’s drink package; great if you want frozen drinks by the pool. |
🚀 Popular Paid / Premium Activities
Royal Caribbean offers a handful of “upgrades” at CocoCay — everything from record-breaking slides to luxury cabanas. These can be fantastic if they fit your travel style, but they’re definitely not required to have a good time.
Think of these as “nice-to-haves” rather than must-dos. Some are worth booking early if they’re on your bucket list, while others you can skip and not feel like you missed out.
🌟 Activity | What It Offers | Best For / Tips |
🎢 Thrill Waterpark | 14 waterslides, wave pool, and record-breaking Daredevil’s Peak. | Best for teens and adrenaline lovers. Pricey if you only want a few hours. Go early to avoid lines. |
🏖️ Coco Beach Club | Infinity pool, cushioned loungers, upscale restaurant, and overwater cabanas. | Perfect for couples or adults looking for luxury and quiet. Overwater cabanas sell out months ahead. |
🌤️ Up, Up & Away Balloon Ride | Tethered helium balloon soaring 450 ft for panoramic island/ocean views. | Fun photo-op splurge. Weather-dependent and often canceled if windy. |
🐠 Snorkeling | Reefs off Chill Island and near cabanas. Rentals available. | Best for water lovers. Bring your own gear to save money and avoid shortages. |
⚡ Zipline Adventure | Multi-stage zipline across the island. | Great for adventurers who want thrills outside the waterpark. Spots are limited — pre-book. |
🚤 Watercraft & Boat Tours | Jet skis, parasailing, kayaking, glass-bottom boat. | Fun for active families or groups. Book early, especially glass-bottom boat tours. |
🛖 Overwater Cabanas | Private bungalow with hammocks, loungers, mini-fridge, and a slide into the sea. | Bucket-list splurge. Fantastic for romance, but sells out far in advance. |
🍹 Hideaway Beach (Adults-Only) | 18+ pool scene with bars, DJs, and food at Slice of Paradise. | Best for adults who want a social, party vibe. Skip if you prefer quiet. |
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Use the free activities as your base plan, and then decide if one upgrade fits your vibe. That way you’ll feel like you got the best of CocoCay without overspending.
⭐ Most Popular Add-Ons at CocoCay
If you’re debating where (or if) to splurge, these are the extras cruisers rave about most — along with a quick note on who they’re best for:
🎢 Thrill Waterpark – Families love the slides and wave pool.
🏖️ Coco Beach Club – Top choice for couples looking for luxury and quiet.
🌤️ Up, Up & Away Balloon Ride – A quick splurge for brag-worthy island views.
🐠 Snorkeling – Easy access from Chill Island; popular for water lovers.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These sell out fast, so book early if one’s on your bucket list
🏝️ How to Spend Your Perfect Day at CocoCay
Now that you know your way around the island (and where to grab the best snacks 🍗🍰), let’s talk about how to actually spend your time at CocoCay. The beauty of this private island is that there’s no “one right way” to do it. The best plan depends on your travel style — whether you’re here for romance, thrills, or family fun. Here are sample itineraries to help you decide what fits your day.
To make it easy, I’ve broken down suggested ways to enjoy the island depending on your style of travel. Think of it like picking your own adventure:
💕 Romantic Escapes — for couples who want a quiet, shaded, more intimate vibe.
🎢 Adventurers — for thrill-seekers who love slides, ziplines, and action.
👨👩👧 Families — for kids (and kids at heart) who want water play and fun together.
And since I know many of us cruise with budgets in mind, I’ve included both free activities (already included in your cruise fare) and splurge-worthy upgrades (the ones that tend to sell out fast).
💕 For Romance
Best if you’re a couple looking for quiet, shade, and a slower pace.
Free Options
Relax on Chill Island under an umbrella with a calm beach vibe.
Sneak into a quieter cove at Oasis Lagoon for a peaceful float together.
Share a laid-back lunch at Skipper’s Grill or under the shaded tables at a Snack Shack.
Splurge Options
Book a Beach Bed on Chill Island for extra comfort and guaranteed shade.
Upgrade to Coco Beach Club for infinity pool swims and a private, elevated lunch.
Take the helium balloon ride (Up, Up & Away) for a quick but unforgettable view.
🧚♀️ Skip if: you’re more into social or high-energy vibes — Hideaway Beach might suit you better.
🎢 For Adventurers
Best if you love adrenaline, slides, and being on the go.
Free Options
Hit South Beach for volleyball, basketball, or paddleball.
Swim or snorkel off Chill Island’s shoreline (bring your own gear to save money).
Splurge Options
Conquer Daredevil’s Peak at Thrill Waterpark, or try multi-rider raft slides.
Soar over the island on the Zipline Adventure.
Book jet skis, parasailing, or a glass-bottom boat tour for a dose of action.
🧚♀️ Skip if: you’re only in port for a few hours — Thrill Waterpark can eat up your whole day.
👨👩👧 For Families
Best if you’ve got kids of any age and want fun together.
Free Options
Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon are perfect for younger kids.
Oasis Lagoon has shallow areas ideal for families, with space for parents to lounge nearby.
Snack Shack has plenty of options for an easy family lunch.
Splurge Options
Spend a few hours at Thrill Waterpark (slides for teens, splash zones for younger kids).
Book a family cabana for a shady home base and snacks delivered.
Try a glass-bottom boat tour for an easy, all-ages excursion.
🧚♀️ Skip if: you’d rather keep it simple — families can have a full day with the free splash zones, pools, and beaches.
🌟 Final Word on Planning Your Day
Think of CocoCay as a menu: the free options are your main course, and the paid add-ons are the “extras” you can sprinkle in if they match your style. Choose what fits your group and your time ashore, and you’ll have your own version of a perfect day.
✨ Whether you’re looking for romance under an umbrella, thrills on record-breaking slides, or splashy family fun, CocoCay really can deliver a “perfect day.” And the best part? Many of the highlights — beaches, pools, food, and drinks — are already included in your cruise fare.
✦ Planning a cruise but not sure which line is right for you? We put Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean side by side — staterooms, dining, shows, kids’ clubs, private islands, and more. 👉 Read our full Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison guide
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
