What to Do at Ocean Cay, MSC's Private Island in the Bahamas

Quick answer: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a roughly 95 acre private island in the Bahamas that only MSC Cruises ships visit. Your ship docks at a pier, so there is no tender, and the day centers on snorkeling the lagoon, several beaches, a lighthouse climb and a free lunch. Drinks, gear rentals, the lighthouse climb and cabanas cost extra, so plan your budget before you go ashore.

Ocean Cay is one of the more unusual private islands in the cruise world. It is not a natural island at all. It was built in the 1960s from dredged sand, mined for years, and then left in rough shape. MSC took it over under a long lease and spent years restoring the surrounding reef and shoreline before opening it to guests in 2019. If you are comparing it with other cruise line islands, our Ocean Cay port page is a good place to start.

The Story Behind the Marine Reserve

The island began as a sand mining site, and the work left the surrounding seabed scarred. MSC signed a 100 year lease with the Bahamian government and set about replanting coral and rebuilding habitat in the waters around it. The reserve is still being developed, so the vegetation on land is young and the shade is thinner than on older islands. The reef is the part that has changed the most, and it is the reason many visitors bring a mask.

What to Do at Ocean Cay

1. Snorkel the Lagoon and Reef

The beaches on the sheltered side form a protected lagoon with calm water, which makes it a friendly place for first time snorkelers. Snorkel gear can be rented ashore, and cabana rentals have included snorkel gear in the past. Guided snorkel trips are also offered as paid excursions. If you already own a mask, bring it and save the rental fee.

2. Pick the Right Beach

Ocean Cay has several beach areas, and each has a different feel:

• Lighthouse Bay: Closest to the pier and the busiest. It is also where the evening parties happen.
• South Beach and Seakers Family Cove: Calmer, shallower water, family activities and the closest spot to the main food court.
• North Beach: Another calm lagoon beach, often a little quieter.
• Sunset Beach: The longest stretch of sand, and a good place to settle in for late afternoon light.
• Ocean side beaches: Rougher and rockier, so water shoes help. Ocean House Beach is reserved for MSC Yacht Club guests.

Lifeguards are on duty, and flag colors tell you about swimming conditions. Green means good, yellow means swim at your own risk and red means stay out of the water. Free loungers are available, but umbrellas and floating mats are rentals.

3. Climb the Lighthouse

The lighthouse is the island's landmark. It is about 100 feet tall and the climb is 165 steps up a spiral staircase, with a guide sharing facts along the way. The top gives a full 360 degree view of the island and the water around it. The grated floor lets you see the ground below, so it is not ideal if you dislike heights. The climb has been a paid activity, listed at around $10 at the entrance, so confirm the current price in the MSC for Me app.

4. Water Sports and Excursions

Kayaks, paddleboards, inner tubes and similar gear are available to rent, and guided options such as kayak trips, wave runner tours and paddleboard outings are sold as excursions. Calmer lagoon water is better for beginners. Some activities, including catamaran trips and diving, have not always run, depending on guest numbers and conditions. You can compare options on our shore excursions page.

5. Eat and Drink

Your cruise fare covers a barbecue buffet at the Seakers Food Court and several food trucks serving items such as burgers, hot dogs, fries and pasta salad. Seafood trucks, ice cream and extra bars cost more. Food service can wind down early, with the main food court closing around 2pm and some trucks around 3pm, so eat before the late afternoon. Ship drink packages have been reported to work on the island, but bars can close as early as 6pm. Read our MSC drink packages guide to see whether a package suits your cruise, and remember that gratuities apply to bar purchases.

6. Stay for the Evening

Some MSC sailings keep the ship at Ocean Cay into the evening. Those nights include beach parties at Lighthouse Bay, and the lighthouse is lit up for a short light show. Opinions on the nightlife vary, and it tends to feel livelier when the ship is full. If your itinerary includes a late departure, it is a relaxed way to see the island after the day crowd drifts back aboard.

What Is Included and What Costs Extra

Cabana prices have been reported at about $249 for a standard beach cabana and $349 for a deluxe one, as of early 2024. Treat those as a guide only and check the app for current prices. If you want to track your spending, use our cruise budget calculator, and see how onboard credit can offset island costs.

Tips for Your Ocean Cay Day

• Bring your own beach towel. Towels are not usually provided on the island, except for Yacht Club guests.
• Pack water shoes. Some shorelines have shells, rocks or seaweed.
• Use reef safe sunscreen. MSC asks guests to use it to protect the reserve, and it is sold on the ship and on the island.
• Link a payment card first. Island shops and bars charge to your MSC account, so set it up in the MSC for Me app before you leave the ship.
• Eat early. Food service ends sooner than most people expect.
• Leave the drone at home. Drones are not permitted at Ocean Cay.
• Do not expect a pool. The island has beaches and a lagoon, not swimming pools.
• Check your phone plan. The island has its own WiFi hotspot, which you pay for. See our cruise WiFi guide for ways to stay connected for less.

Because the ship docks at a pier, you also avoid tender lines. If that is new to you, read what a tender port is and why a pier makes mornings so much easier. If rough water worries you on the sail over, our seasickness tips can help, and choosing a cabin matters too, as shown in our inside cabin vs balcony comparison.

Getting to Ocean Cay

MSC sails to Ocean Cay from Florida, and the island is about 65 miles from Miami, so the crossing is short. Many sailings leave from Miami or Port Canaveral. Our Port Canaveral vs Miami comparison helps you choose, and you can read the Miami port guide and Port Canaveral guide for terminal details. Check MSC's own Ocean Cay page for current hours and offerings, and bear in mind that solo travelers should also check single supplement costs before booking.

Plan the Rest of Your Bahamas Cruise

• All Bahamas ports of call
• What to do at Great Stirrup Cay
• What to do at Princess Cays
• Harvest Caye, Norwegian's private island in Belize
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Celebration Key
• Half Moon Cay
• Castaway Cay
• Nassau
• Cruise planning FAQ

Ocean Cay FAQs