Perfect Day at CocoCay Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Must Do’s

When Royal Caribbean invested $250 million into their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay back in 2019, they truly transformed the concept of private island experiences in the cruise industry.

Since its grand opening, Perfect Day at CocoCay has become a hugely popular stop for Royal Caribbean guests, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and luxury in one beautiful tropical setting.

With this island offering up so much for guests to enjoy, where do you start? What are the things you cannot miss out on? Keep on reading and we’ll give you the ultimate guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay and give you our top 10 must do’s during your next stop.

1. Chill on the Beach

With pristine, soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, the beaches at CocoCay are a must stop.

In total, CocoCay has 7 different beach areas to enjoy, all with their own vibe and felling.

Whether you are looking for a more relaxing and tranquil area, or something more active, CocoCay has a spot for you.

It is important to note that some areas come at an extra charge, so be sure to investigate that further prior to your arrival.

2. Relax at the Oasis Lagoon

The Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. This massive pool spans over 80,000 square-feet and is designed to resemble a lagoon with multiple areas, including shallow areas for lounging, deeper spots for swimming, and a central swim-up bar for drinks.

The pool area is surrounded by plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, and shaded spots for relaxing.

The Oasis Lagoon is ideal for both families with young children, and adults looking for a relaxing day.

3. Party at the Adults-Only Hideaway Beach ($$)

This adults-only area is located on the south-side of CocoCay and offers up more than just a beach.

The heated infinity pool at Hideaway Beach includes a swim-up bar with a DJ, which plays music throughout the day. You can definitely feel the party atmosphere and vibes in the pool throughout the day.

There is plenty of seating around the pool and beach areas, both in the sun and shade.

Hideaway Beach also has a couple of exclusive complementary eateries for guests. These include Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise.

The Hideaway Hut is very similar to the popular Snack Shack that you find elsewhere on the island. Royal took the base menu from Snack Shack and added some menu items such as Coconut Shrimp, Fish Sandwich, and Ceviche.

Slice of Paradise is the only place on the island to find pizza. There are several varieties of pizza to try, and it is available by the slice. Fresh made empanadas are also available.

If you want to spend some extra money, you can rent a cabana. You’ll have two options. The Hideaway Cabanas are located closer to the pool, while the Hideout Cabanas offer more of a VIP cabana with private pool.

There is an upcharge for those wanting to visit Hideaway Beach. Check your Pre-Cruise Planner for frequent sales.

4. Check Out Thrill Waterpark ($$)

Thrill Waterpark is the ultimate destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush! From record-breaking waterslides to a massive wave pool and other attractions, this is sure to be the most exciting and action-packed part of the island.

Thrill Waterpark features a number of slides with varying speeds and intensity.

  • Daredevil’s Peak – One of the tallest waterslides in North America standing 135 feet tall. (Rider minimum height: 48”)
  • Dueling Demons – Two drop slides launching riders 75 feet from a vertical position. (Rider minimum height: 48”)
  • Green Mamba – A 50-foot-tall slide with lots of twists and turns. (Rider minimum height: 48”)
  • Screeching Serpent – Standing 50′ tall, another vertical speed slide. (Rider minimum height: 48”)
  • Manta Racers – Twin racing slides. (Rider minimum height: 48”)
  • Sling Shot – A family raft ride that seats up to 4 people. Rider minimum height: 48” or 40” with a life jacket)
  • Splash Speedway – Another mat racing slide, where up to 4 people can race down. (Rider minimum height: 48” or 40” with a life jacket)
  • Twister – A fun tube slide for 2. (Rider minimum height: 48” or 40” with a life jacket)

If you’d prefer not to get your adrenaline pumping, and would rather kick back and relax, you are in luck! Grab a lounge chair by the wave pool and soak up the sun.

And don’t forget to check out Adventure Pool. Adventure Pool features obstacles you can climb, walk, and swing onto.

Thrill Waterpark does come with a cost to enter, but again, frequent sales can be found on your Pre-Cruise Planner.

5. Splash Around in the Kiddie Areas

If you are traveling with kids, Perfect Day at CocoCay has a couple of areas just for the kids to enjoy.

You will find a large pirate ship right at the end of the pier which offers up some fun for the kids. These include splash zones, water cannons, and smaller waterslides. The water is a bit chilly, but the kids don’t seem to mind.

A more significant Kiddie Area is Splashaway Bay. This area features some gentle waterslides, fountains, water sprays, and splash pads. These are all designed to engage children in fun water play without the intensity of the larger slides.

Our kids loved both of these areas the last time we docked at CocoCay. Plenty to keep them happy and occupied.

6. Grab a Bite to Eat

CocoCay offers up some of our personal favorite cruise food!

Guests are treated to a wide variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. If you are looking for a quick beach-side snack or a more substantial meal, they’ve got you covered.

Our personal favorite is the Snack Shack! The Snack Shack is complementary and has quick, grab-and-go options, but our personal favorite is the Chicken Sandwich with a side of Mozzarella Sticks. The secret is to then take your Mozzarella Sticks and pile them on top of the Chicken Sandwich and smash it all together. This sandwich is always a must-have at CocoCay!

If you’d prefer to check out the complementary buffet, head over to Skipper’s Grill or Chill Grill. They are pretty much identical with what they offer. Some items you’ll find are burgers, hot dogs, and other hot sandwiches, as well as a taco bar with fresh-made tortillas. And don’t forget the dessert bar featuring your favorite cookies, brownies, and soft-serve ice cream.

In our opinion, these buffets are far superior to the buffets offered at Royal’s other private island, Labadee.

No matter where you choose to eat, you will not leave CocoCay hungry.

7. Enjoy a Refreshing Beverage

You are on a cruise in the Caribbean enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine. Now all you need is a cold and refreshing beverage in your hand!

There are no shortages of bars and places to grab a drink at CocoCay. They’ve got you covered on land, in the pool with the swim-up bars, and even in the ocean with the floating bars.

If you purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package, you are in luck! The drinks at CocoCay are included in the package. However, if you didn’t purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, drinks will be available for purchase.

Regardless of if you purchased the beverage package or not, be sure to give the CocoLoco a try. The CocoLoco is the signature cocktail at CocoCay. It contains pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, grenadine, and rum. The drink is served blended or on the rocks, and it is the perfect tropical refreshment to sip on while lounging on the beach or pool.

8. Book an Excursion

If you don’t want to sit back and relax by the pool or beach all day, CocoCay has numerous excursions available. Jet Skiing, Zip Lining, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, there really is something for everyone.

You can also enjoy views of CocoCay from 450 feet above! Up, Up & Away is a helium balloon ride that offers up panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding waters. Unfortunately, every time we book this excursion it is cancelled due to the wind, but we are determined to experience it one of these trips!

It is important to point out that popular excursions such as Up, Up & Away and Thrill Waterpark can fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to reserve early if you have your heart set on a specific activity.

9. Shop

While the shopping options at CocoCay are not as extensive as larger destinations, you will still find plenty of shop to pick up souvenirs, gifts, and other vacation essentials.

From hand-made, local crafts, to Royal Caribbean apparel, CocoCay has several shops to browse at.

10. Book an Overwater Cabana ($$)

If you are willing to spend the big bucks, then an Overwater Cabana may be for you. These cabanas provide the ultimate combination of relaxation, privacy, and stunning views, making them a perfect choice for those looking to splurge.

With each cabana, an attendant will be assigned to your cabana. They will assist with everything from food and drink service to setting up your loungers and keeping you refreshed throughout the day.

In the end, the cabanas are all about comfort and luxury. With stunning views, personalized service, and premium amenities, cabanas offer a level of comfort and convenience that take your time at CocoCay to a whole new level.

Our Experience

I remember cruising to CocoCay back when I was a kid. This was before the renovations in 2019. What Royal Caribbean did to CocoCay is truly an amazing transformation!

Since 2019, we have sailed to CocoCay a total of 2 times. This has become one of our favorite ports and when booking a Caribbean cruise, it is now always a port that must be listed on our itinerary. There is something about the island that simply cannot be explained. For those of you who have been there, you probably know what I am talking about. There is nothing quite like the excitement that you get when your ship begins to pull up to the pier at CocoCay and I’d highly recommend you booking a cruise with CocoCay on its itinerary.

On our most recent cruise in 2024, we made a stop at CocoCay only to get evacuated from the island! Never seen anything quite like it before. Be sure to check out our Perfect Day at CocoCay here.

Wrap Up: Perfect Day at CocoCay Ultimate Guide

As we said, Perfect Day at CocoCay has completely changed the private island landscape by combining world-class attractions, luxury experiences, and cultural authenticity. By blending thrilling adventure with relaxation and offering a range of experiences for all types of travelers, it has raised the bar for what a private island experience can be. Whether you’re looking to slide down the tallest water slide in North America, relax in a private cabana overlooking the ocean, or snorkel through crystal-clear waters, CocoCay offers a level of diversity, luxury, and excitement that has set a new standard for cruise line private islands.