What to Do for FREE at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean’s Private Island

Things to Do for FREE at CocoCay

Relax at Chill Island, South Beach, or Harbor Beach

While browsing the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises app for excursions at CocoCay, you might notice beach club passes for sale. It can seem like everything on the island is an upcharge, especially if you’re planning a beach day. But that’s not the case.

Chill Island, South Beach, and Harbor Beach are all included beach areas at CocoCay, offering complimentary access. Each beach provides a unique vibe and slightly different amenities, making finding your ideal spot in the sun easy.

• Harbor Beach: The closest beach to the cruise ship pier, just a 5-minute walk from the dock. It’s ideal for quick access to the beach and Skipper’s Grill. The calm, lagoon-like waters here are perfect for swimming, and you’ll often find floating water mats available on a first-come, first-serve basis for a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the water.
  
• Chill Island: Located on the island’s eastern side, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk from the pier. This is a great beach spot for lounging and snorkeling—bring your own gear to check out the rocky areas and placed shipwrecks where marine life tends to gather. You’ll also find plenty of complimentary loungers and umbrellas here, and Chill Grill is nearby for a beachside BBQ lunch.
  
• South Beach: The furthest beach from the pier, about a 12-minute walk or a quick 5-minute tram ride. This area has a lively atmosphere with basketball, volleyball, and paddleball courts nearby. A standout feature is the floating bar in the water, surrounded by in-water tables with umbrellas, giving you a shaded spot to sip your drink and cool off. The Snack Shack is nearby for quick bites like burgers and mozzarella sticks.

On our day at CocoCay, we spent most of our time at South Beach, which was quieter and more relaxed. We also visited Chill Island for snorkeling, and while it was a fantastic spot to explore the underwater world, it was noticeably more crowded than South Beach.

Loungers and Umbrellas are FREE to use.

Cool Off in the Oasis Lagoon Pool

Known as the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon Pool is a must-visit spot at CocoCay. We stopped here to cool off during our walk from South Beach to the shops, and it didn’t disappoint.

The pool features a convenient beach-style entry, making it ideal for kids or anyone who prefers easy access without climbing steps. Surrounding the pool are plenty of complimentary loungers, perfect for relaxing while staying close to the water. For those looking to grab a drink, the swim-up bar adds a fun, laid-back vibe to this family-friendly oasis.

The only thing missing here is a lazy river.

Bring Your Snorkel for Underwater Exploration

Snorkeling at CocoCay is free if you bring your own gear, making it an easy way to enjoy the water without spending extra. While you can rent snorkel equipment on the island, bringing your own is a more affordable option.

Chill Island is the best spot for snorkeling at CocoCay. While it’s not the most spectacular snorkeling experience, you may still spot some marine life, especially around the rocky areas near the shore. If you swim toward the platforms, you’ll also come across a couple of small, purposely placed shipwrecks that add a little extra interest to your swim.

Splashaway Bay: A Waterpark for the Kids (No Extra Cost!)

While Splashaway Bay may be a smaller version of Thrill Waterpark, it’s still packed with fun for younger kids—and the best part is, it’s completely free. With splash pads, small water slides, fountains, and interactive play areas, it’s a perfect spot to let the little ones cool off and burn some energy without spending extra.

That said, older kids or teens looking for more thrills might find this area a bit tame. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages, this could be a great spot for the younger ones while the older kids enjoy activities like the sports courts at South Beach or the Oasis Lagoon pool.

Captain Jill’s Galleon: A Fun Play Area for Kids

One of the free activities for kids at CocoCay is Captain Jill’s Galleon, a shipwreck-themed play area located near the entrance to the island. Designed with younger children in mind, it features water cannons, climbing nets, and other interactive elements that let kids burn off some energy while having fun.

This spot is an excellent choice for families with kids who might be too small for Splashaway Bay or Thrill Waterpark. Parents can relax nearby while the little ones explore and play. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop to enjoy as you start or finish your day on the island.

Play Sports and Games at South Beach and Breezy Bay

We were traveling with an almost-teen, and as someone who loves sports, this was one of the highlights of his day. South Beach features a dedicated sports court where you can enjoy basketball, volleyball, or paddle ball—all at no extra cost.

The courts are conveniently located near South Beach’s other amenities, so you can easily transition between lounging by the water and playing a game or two. It’s also perfectly situated between Coconut Willie’s Bar, restrooms, and the Snack Shack, making it easy to grab a quick bite or drink before heading back to the action.

If you’re exploring other parts of CocoCay, you’ll find another sports complex in Breezy Bay, right behind Oasis Lagoon and next to Chill Island. This area offers additional courts and activities, including human-sized billiards, giant chess, and four squares. It’s an excellent spot for families or groups looking for various games and activities, all within walking distance of key island attractions.

Take a Scenic Walk on the Island’s Trails

You can take the tram to get from one area of the island to another, but we mainly chose to walk when we arrived. While walking, we discovered a shaded, sandy nature trail that winds through lush greenery and towering palm trees. The trail feels like a hidden escape from the busier parts of the island, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, we spotted wildlife like iguanas, chickens, and some roosters, adding a bit of fun to the walk.

Enjoy Complimentary Food and Snacks

There’s plenty of included free food and snacks at CocoCay. It’s helpful to keep these in mind when deciding where to spend your day, though you can always make the trek to a specific spot or head back to the ship for lunch.

• Chill Grill: Over at Chill Island, they serve BBQ, tacos, and fresh salads.
• Snack Shacks: Located at Oasis Lagoon, South Beach, and Thrill Waterpark, these are great for quick bites like hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, salads, and cookies. If you’re feeling creative, try their “secret menu” chicken parm sandwich—basically their chicken sandwich with marina sauce and mozzarella sticks. You can even order fresh funnel cakes for dessert!
• Skipper’s Grill: Found at Harbor Beach, this spot serves a BBQ buffet, tacos, salad, and even fresh fruit.

Free Lockers and Showers at CocoCay

One of the handy free amenities at CocoCay is the availability of complimentary lockers throughout the island. These lockers are located near restrooms and are perfect for securing your belongings while you enjoy the beach, pool, or snorkeling.

Here are the locker locations:

• Between Oasis Lagoon and Up, Up & Away
• At the entrance of Thrill Waterpark
• Breezy Bay
• Chill Island
• Hideaway Beach

While the map also shows lockers at South Beach, there weren’t any during our visit. Staff directed us to use lockers in other areas, so it’s good to remember this if you plan to spend your day there.

Read more: Is Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Too Much Ship for Too Little Time?

Tips for a Perfect Day at Coco Cay

Pack Light
Bring just the essentials—a towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, cover-up, sandals, a SeaPass card, a waterproof phone pouch, a reusable water bottle, and snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel. If you keep it simple, you’ll easily explore and swim without being weighed down.

Arrive Early
If you want to snag the best spots on the beach or by the pool, plan to disembark shortly after the ship docks. Prime locations can fill up quickly, like loungers with umbrellas or hammocks.

Towel Exchange is Available
Did you forget your towel or do you need a fresh one? Towel exchange stations are throughout the island, so you don’t have to carry a sandy towel all day.

Your Beverage Package Works Here
If you’ve purchased a beverage package on the ship, it also applies to CocoCay. Enjoy your favorite drinks at the bars or dining areas without worrying about extra charges.

Use the Lockers
Take advantage of the free lockers on the island to store your valuables while you explore.

Plan Lunch Wisely
The free dining options, like Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill, can get busy during peak lunch hours. Eating a bit earlier or later can save you time in line.

Explore on Foot
Walking allows you to discover spots like the nature trail and scenic views you might miss by taking the tram. However, the tram is a great option to save energy or if mobility is a concern.

Hydrate Often
Free filtered water and juice stations are set up at various spots around the island, including the Snack Shacks and grills. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up throughout the day (if you don’t have a drink package)—it’s a convenient way to stay hydrated, especially when spending a lot of time in the sun.

Keep an Eye on the Cruise Compass
Check the schedule for island activities, performances, or entertainment like dancers or live music.

Use Your SeaPass Card, But Keep Cash Handy
Your SeaPass card is your main form of payment on the island for food, drinks, and activities. However, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for tips and the shops near Chill Grill, which only accept cash.

Read more: Cruise Packing Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget

CocoCay FAQs: What You Need to Know

Is “Perfect Day at Cococay” free?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean International’s private island in the Bahamas and a popular stop on many of their itineraries. Admission to the island is included with your cruise fare, so you can enjoy a beach day without any extra cost. Several areas of the island, like Chill Island, South Beach, and Oasis Lagoon, offer complimentary access, allowing you to have a fun and relaxing day for free.

What drinks are free on CocoCay?

Filtered water and flavored water are available for free at CocoCay, with options like tropical mango water at various dining locations. Other beverages, such as soda, cocktails, and specialty drinks, come at an additional cost. However, if you’ve purchased a beverage package on the ship, it also works on the island, allowing you to enjoy those drinks without extra charges.

Are water slides free at CocoCay?

The water slides at Splashaway Bay are free and perfect for younger kids. However, the water slides at Thrill Waterpark require an additional fee. Thrill Waterpark costs vary depending on your cruise ship and sailing date, so it’s best to check the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises app or website for specific pricing.

• Casitas on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia: Key Info
• Is Royal Caribbean’s ‘The Key’ a Good Value?
• Your Guide to Lagoon Villas at Silver Cove at NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay