When it comes to cruise line private islands, frankly there is CocoCay… and then everything else.
A few years ago Royal Caribbean spent hundreds of millions of dollars to completely reinvent the island. It went from a sleepy spot to essentially just lay on the beach to what’s now a tropical amusement park.
There is still lots of beach, but also an enormous pool, a waterpark, ziplines, jet skis, cabanas, a luxury retreat, an adults-only area, and even a balloon that will take you up for a birds-eye view of everything.
But the cruise line didn’t just build up CocoCay to simply give passengers more to do. It’s also an opportunity for Royal Caribbean to drive more revenue.
There is a lot on the island that features a charge, and in many cases the prices can be eye-watering. We’ve seen admission of $160 per person for the Thrill Waterpark. Cabanas can run thousands of dollars. A ride on the balloon overlooking CocoCay can be $80 per person. (Note that the cruise line has “dynamic” pricing, which means there are no set prices. Instead, the cost varies from cruise to cruise.)
It’s no exaggeration that a family could spend hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars during their visit.
The good news, however, is that you can also do the exact opposite. CocoCay features a number of included things to do, and you can have a blast for the entire day while spending zero dollars.
Here’s how to enjoy CocoCay without spending any money.
Hit the Beach
First things first, money or not, there’s no arguing that the beach is by far the biggest draw on CocoCay. While there are plenty of other things to do, you’ll see the most people spread out across several beaches that are all within walking distance from the ship.
Beaches are absolutely free to enjoy. You find them lined with loungers and umbrellas, which are also free to use. Simply find a spot you like and set your stuff down. (We tend to like the spots a little back from the beach and shaded by palms.)
If you see daybeds or cabanas at your beach, these aren’t free, so avoid sitting there.
Enjoy Oasis Lagoon (The Island’s Pool)
If the beach is the most popular area on CocoCay, then Oasis Lagoon is a close runner up. The pool is massive with multiple areas that feel separate from one another. As with the beach, the loungers and umbrellas around the pool are free to use, though the cabanas are for a charge.
The most popular area of the pool is the area near the swim-up bar. There’s also a place with a sloping entrance that’s great for small kids and a number of areas where you can relax without the large crowds.
One word of warning is that the pool isn’t heated so if you’re visiting in the winter months, it may be a bit chilly for you to enjoy.
Play Beach Games Around the Island
If you walk around the island (or ride around on the free shuttle), then you’ll likely notice a lot of games in the beach areas. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, cornhole, and some slightly different games like a large pool table with soccer balls instead of billiard balls.
These games are all there for the enjoyment of passengers and there is no charge involved. Simply show up and play.
Play at Splashaway Bay/Captain Jill’s Galleon
If you have older kids, then the beach and the pool are the spots for them to get wet. If you have younger kids, however, then there are a couple of free options you should take advantage of during your stay.
First is one that you can’t accidentally miss. As you enter CocoCay from the ship’s pier, you’ll see a large galleon straight ahead. This is Captain Jill’s Galleon and it features all sorts of water spraying everywhere. Kids are welcome to go play as much as they want.
Keep walking straight and the path will wind back to an area called Splashaway Bay. This is a splash pad area where smaller kids can run, climb, slide, and spray water to their heart’s content. While teens and older kids won’t be all that impressed (especially with the waterpark right next door), smaller kids will want to spend hours here.
Grab Lunch and Snacks (All You Can Eat)
If you want lobster and steak, then you’ll need to pay admission to the high-end Coco Beach Club, which features these sorts of items on the menu. However, for most passengers, the food on CocoCay is included at no extra charge.
First, there is a large buffet in the center of the island that serves lunch. It features all the beach favorites like burgers, dogs, tacos, salads, and desserts. It’s impossible to leave hungry.
In addition, there are Snack Shacks dotted around the island. You can think of these as free fast-food restaurants. They have a limited menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and desserts. Just just walk up, order what you want, and enjoy.
Don’t Forget the Ship
There’s plenty to do on CocoCay that can take up the entire day, without having to spend money. But if you do find yourself wanting something different to do, remember the ship.
You’re more than welcome to head back to the ship whenever you want and to return to the island if you feel like it. So if you want to eat lunch on the ship, or do some of the activities on the ship like the climbing wall or Flowrider or waterslides, then do it! Everything that’s included on your cruise will be available to you while the ship is in port.
In fact, since it can be long day taking in the sun and the beach all day long, we like to head to CocoCay in the morning, return to the ship after lunch for a siesta, and then go back in the afternoon for a second round.
More on CocoCay:
- CocoCay: 21+ Tips & Things to Know for Royal Caribbean’s Island
- Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay: 20+ Tips, Secrets, and Things to Know
- What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting CocoCay
