Cococay (Bahamas) Cruise Guide

This 56.6 hectare (140 acre) private island exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests is a secluded tropical retreat in the Bahamas island chain. Surrounded by turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, Cococay is criss-crossed with nature trails and ringed with coral reefs.

Palm-fringed beaches overlook lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkelling, where guests can relax in hammocks or beach lounges while sipping on tropical rum cocktails. Cruise ship staff ferry passengers ashore on ship tenders for a day in this tropical paradise, replete with sumptuous beach barbecue.

Sightseeing

Stroll through the Straw Market, a recreated Bahamian village of colourful cottages and artisan huts selling locally made crafts, or stop in one of the tiki huts for hair braiding.

Explore the nature trail which winds through lush vegetation, or take a 50-minute guided wave-runner trip around Cococay and surrounding islands. For a bird's eye view of the coral-fringed island, parasailing provides the ultimate thrill.

Snorkel over a sunken plane wreck, or take a shallow-water scuba beach dive to 12.2m (40ft) to view colourful tropical fish and coral. Sea-kayaking is a great way to view marine life in the crystal clear waters surrounding Cococay.

Highlights  

• Caylana's Castle Cove Aquatic Adventure Park
• Straw Market

Tourist Information

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
P.O. Box N-3701, Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: +1242 302 2000.
Website: www.bahamas.com

Shopping

Several souvenir shops are clustered close to the small boat dock, sporting a colourful array of T-shirts and locally made products such as straw artefacts, ceramics, clothing, seashell jewellery and woodcarvings. Find great savings on perfumes, crystal, leather, jewellery, linens, watches, cameras and china in Nassau and Freeport.

Eating Out

Ship staff serve a delicious beach barbecue lunch of ribs, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers and all the trimmings. Sip a tropical rum cocktail from one of the island's three bars.

When To Go

The Bahamas are slightly cooler than other Caribbean island groups owing to their proximity to the continental North American cold air systems. May to October is the rainy season. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Cococay.

Transfer Distance

6km (3.7 miles).

Transfer Time

20 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Bahamas

Time Zone

GMT - 5.

Currency

Bahamian Dollar (B$) = 100 cents.

Language

English.

Location

In the Berry Islands chain of the Caribbean, southeast of Florida, and 80.5 km (50 miles) southeast of Nassau.

Population

307,451 (Bahamas). Cococay has no inhabitants.

Government

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence in 1973.

Religion

The three main Christian denominations are Baptist, Anglican and Roman Catholic.

Social Conventions

The pace of life is leisurely in the Bahamas. Informal wear is the norm in the resorts, and many dress up in the evenings for dining, dancing and casinos in Nassau or Freeport. On Cococay, beachwear with hats and sunglasses is recommended.

Tipping:
Not necessary on the island day trip. Ship staff receive tips at the end of the cruise. Elsewhere in the Bahamas, 15% is usual for most services including taxis. Bellboys and porters usually receive B$1 per bag.
If you are inspired to visit Cococay, Iglucruise.com have a great range of cruise discounts and cheap cruises to the Bahamas and other areas of the Caribbean.
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