At 135 feet tall, Daredevil’s Peak stands as the tallest waterslide in North America — a bold centerpiece for an island that was once just a quiet beach stop on a few Bahamas itineraries.
Once known as Little Stirrup Cay, this private island in the Bahamas has been reimagined into Perfect Day at CocoCay — and it’s drawing a whole new crowd of cruisers who barely recognise the place.
If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, chances are your ship will call here for the better part of a day. And while the name has changed, the original appeal — turquoise water, soft sand, unhurried island time — hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just been joined by a 135-foot waterslide, a 33,000-square-foot freshwater pool, and enough food options to keep a hungry crew happy from morning until the last call back to the ship.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island, and it delivers exactly what the name promises — a full beach day with zero planning stress. The catch is that the best stuff (waterslides, cabanas, the wave pool) costs extra, and on busy days the free areas can feel full. If you go in knowing what’s included and what isn’t, you’ll have a great day without surprises.
Families
Adventure seekers
Beach lovers
Whether you’re travelling with kids who need constant motion, a partner who wants nothing but a lounger and a drink, or a crew that splits the difference, the island gives you room to make the day your own. Here’s how to plan it.
| Area | Vibe | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chill Island | Quiet beachfront | Snorkelling, cabana lounging | Free |
| Thrill Waterpark | High-energy | Waterslides, wave pool | Paid add-on |
| Oasis Lagoon | Lively pool scene | Swim-up bar, freshwater swim | Free |
| South Beach | Active shoreline | Volleyball, paddleboarding, floating bar | Free (gear rentals extra) |
| Splashaway Bay | Kid-focused | Young children, water play | Free |
Chill Island: Snorkelling and Slow Down Time
If your family leans toward fins and masks over thrill rides, head straight to Chill Island. The snorkelling here is the best on the island, with enough marine life — small tropical fish, the occasional ray — to keep even a sceptical teenager interested for a while. The water stays calm, and the beach shelves gently, so you don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it.
This stretch of sand is also where you’ll find the rentable cabanas if you want a shaded base for the day. They’re not free, but on a hot afternoon when the sun is directly overhead, having a reserved spot with a fan and a drinks cooler starts to look like a very good idea. If your crew is anything like ours, Michael will be the first to volunteer for cabana duty — and the first to fall asleep in it.
Chill Island is one of three free beaches on the island, alongside South Beach and Harbor Bay. No entrance fee, no wristband needed — just walk off the ship and pick your patch of sand. Free beach chairs are available on a first-come basis, and you can rent additional loungers if the prime spots are taken.
Chill Island’s snorkelling is best in the morning before the water gets stirred up. Aim to be in the water by 9:30 a.m. if you want the clearest views.
Thrill Waterpark: Daredevil’s Peak and the Big Wave
For the adrenaline half of your family, Thrill Waterpark is the main event. Daredevil’s Peak — the 135-foot tallest waterslide in North America — drops you at speeds that feel illegal, and the nearby wave pool spans 33,175 square feet, making it the biggest in the Caribbean. If your kids are old enough to be brave and tall enough to ride (height requirements vary by slide), you’ll lose them here for hours.
The waterpark also includes Splashaway Bay, a dedicated kids’ zone with fountains, pools, sprinklers, geysers, water cannons, and five waterslides — including the 38-foot Twister. It’s designed for younger children who want the thrill of a waterpark without the 135-foot commitment. Lily and Ethan’s age group will find plenty to do here while you keep an eye on them from a nearby lounger.
Access to Thrill Waterpark is an add-on purchase, not included in your cruise fare. Norwegian has yet to finalise pricing for its own upcoming waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, but Royal Caribbean’s model gives you a sense of what to expect: capacity-controlled entry, a day-rate structure, and a wristband that gets you into all the slides and the wave pool. You can pre-book it before your cruise, which is the smart play — walk-up availability isn’t guaranteed on peak days.
Thrill Waterpark can get crowded when multiple ships are in port. Book your entry ahead of time through Royal Caribbean’s cruise planner to lock in your spot and avoid disappointment.
Oasis Lagoon: The Pool That Does It All
Not every beach day needs a waterslide. Oasis Lagoon is a 33,000-square-foot freshwater pool with an underwater sound system and a swim-up bar that turns a simple dip into a social event. It’s free, it’s huge, and it’s one of the most popular spots on the island — for good reason.
The shallow ledge areas make it workable for families with young kids who aren’t ready for the ocean, and the bar means adults can stay put without missing a round. If you’re travelling with a mixed-age group, this is the easiest place to park everyone: the kids splash in the shallows, the teens float with a phone in a waterproof case, and the adults claim the submerged bar stools.
Oasis Lagoon is one of the complimentary offerings on the island, so there’s no extra charge to swim here. Food from nearby Snack Shack — including Bahamian conch salad and funnel cake — is also included, served at shaded picnic tables that give you a break from the sun.
South Beach: Water Sports and a Floating Bar
South Beach has a different energy from Chill Island. It’s louder, more active, and geared toward guests who want to do something — not just lie down and bake. You’ll find beach volleyball courts, a beachside basketball setup, and rentals for paddleboarding and glass-bottom kayaks. There’s also a floating bar just offshore, which tends to draw a crowd by mid-afternoon.
If your family has a competitive streak, this is where you’ll spend the day. The volleyball games are informal enough that you can join without knowing anyone, and the paddleboarding gives you a reason to get on the water without needing snorkel gear. Glass-bottom kayaks are a nice middle ground for kids who want to see fish but aren’t comfortable putting their face in the water.
South Beach is free to access, though gear rentals cost extra. The beach chairs here go fast on busy days, so arrive early if you want a front-row spot.
You can return to the ship and go back out to the island any time during your port call. Most guests have 8 to 10 hours ashore — plenty of time to try a few different areas without committing to one spot all day.
Getting Around and What Costs Extra
The island is designed to be easy to navigate on foot. Hard-packed, well-marked pathways connect all the main areas, and complementary trams run every 15 minutes if your group doesn’t feel like walking. The tram system is a real time-saver when you’re moving between Thrill Waterpark and Chill Island with a load of towels and sunscreen.
As for costs, here’s the straightforward breakdown:
- Free: All three beaches (Chill Island, South Beach, Harbor Bay), Oasis Lagoon, Splashaway Bay, nature trails, beach chairs (first-come), and food at Snack Shack.
- Paid add-ons: Thrill Waterpark entry, cabana rentals at Chill Island and elsewhere, gear rentals (paddleboards, kayaks), and the floating bar at South Beach.
- Hideaway Beach: An adults-only area with private cabanas, beachside service, and water activities, set to open with Icon of the Seas sailings in January 2024. Capacity is planned for 2,500–3,000 guests, with pricing for cabanas to be released closer to launch.
Royal Caribbean’s onboard beverage packages are valid at the island’s bars, though it’s worth checking whether your specific plan includes the Coco Loco cocktail — it’s the signature drink here, and it goes down easy in the afternoon heat.
If you’re planning to split your day between free and paid areas, do the paid stuff first. Thrill Waterpark is quietest in the first hour after the ship docks, and the cabanas at Chill Island are more likely to be available if you book early.
Before You Go — Perfect Day at CocoCay
Do I need a passport to visit this island?
No. Royal Caribbean cruisers do not need a passport for this Bahamas private island, but you must follow your cruise itinerary and carry your SeaPass card to get back on the ship.
How long do we actually get on the island?
Most port calls give you 8 to 10 hours ashore. You can go back to the ship and return to the island as many times as you want during that window — handy for a midday nap or a forgotten sunscreen bottle.
Is the food really free at Snack Shack?
Yes. Snack Shack serves Bahamian conch salad and funnel cake at no extra cost. There are three locations — South Beach, Thrill Waterpark, and Oasis Lagoon — so you’re never far from a meal.
What happens if it rains?
The island closes some attractions during lightning or high winds, but light showers rarely shut things down completely. Most of the restaurants and bars have covered seating, and the tram runs in wet weather.
Can I stay on the ship instead?
Absolutely. The ship stays docked for the full port call, and many guests choose a quiet pool deck day over the beach. Both options are valid — there’s no pressure to go ashore.
Why This Island Works for a Family Day
What makes Perfect Day at CocoCay different from a regular beach day is the variety. You don’t have to choose between a quiet snorkel and a waterslide — you can do both in the same morning, with a funnel cake in between, and still have time to float in the lagoon before the ship’s horn calls you back. That flexibility is rare for a cruise stop, and it’s what turns a simple port call into the day everyone talks about on the flight home.
For more Bahamas inspiration, check out our guides to wreck diving and underwater caves in Grand Bahama and Rainbow Bay Beach in Eleuthera for your next island adventure.
References
GoPort. “Perfect Day at CocoCay Beginner’s Guide.” GoPort Cruise Blog.↗
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Bahamas hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare options near the port or the beach. And for more quiet Bahamian shorelines, our guide to Love Beach offers a low-key alternative worth considering on a future trip.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.