If you’re taking a Royal Caribbean cruise that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you may be wondering:
“Okay…so how much is this island actually going to cost me?”
Here’s the good news: you can have an entire CocoCay day without spending an extra dime.
Yep. The island has no admission fee, and Royal Caribbean includes beaches, pools, loungers, umbrellas, several dining locations, kids’ water areas and more with your cruise fare.
But if you’re looking to turn your beach day into a full-blown adventure—or maybe a little more luxurious—there are plenty of ways to upgrade.
So let’s break down Perfect Day at CocoCay, area by area, so you know exactly what’s included, what’s extra and where I think your vacation dollars are best spent.
🌴 First Things First: CocoCay Is Mostly FREE
Let’s start with something I think a lot of first-time cruisers don’t realize.
You don’t pay to get onto CocoCay.
Your cruise fare includes access to most of the island, including several beaches, Oasis Lagoon, Captain Jill’s Galleon, Splashaway Bay, beach chairs and umbrellas, and complimentary food at multiple locations.
So no, you don’t have to purchase a shore excursion or day pass just to enjoy the island.
You can literally walk off the ship, find a chair, grab lunch, jump in the pool and spend the day enjoying the Bahamas.
For some people, that’s the perfect CocoCay day.
For others…
“Where’s the waterslide?”
Don’t worry. We’ve got that too. 😂
🏖️ CHILL ISLAND
Let’s start with one of the easiest options: Chill Island.
The name says it all.
This is your classic Caribbean beach day—sand, sunshine, turquoise water, loungers and umbrellas.
There’s no additional admission charge to enjoy the beach, and you’ll find complimentary dining nearby at Chill Grill.
This is a great choice if your idea of a perfect day involves:
🌴 Finding a beach chair
📖 Reading a book
🌊 Getting in the ocean
🍹 Ordering a drink
😎 Doing absolutely nothing on your vacation
And I fully support that.
You can also add paid activities and rentals if sitting still isn’t your thing.
🌊 OASIS LAGOON
If you prefer a pool over the ocean, head to Oasis Lagoon.
It’s Royal Caribbean’s massive freshwater pool and is included with your cruise.
You can swim, float, lounge in the water or grab a chair around the pool.
There are also swim-up bars, which brings me to one of the questions I get all the time…
🍹 Does My Drink Package Work at CocoCay?
YES!
If you purchased a Royal Caribbean beverage package, it works on CocoCay just like it does onboard.
That means you don’t need to buy another drink package when you get to the island. Your eligible beverages are covered under the package terms, including drinks from participating island bars.
So if you’ve already paid for that drink package…
Use it!
Grab the famous Coco Loco, find a lounger and settle in. You’re on vacation. 🍹🌴
💦 SPLASHAWAY BAY
Traveling with kids?
This is one you want to know about.
Splashaway Bay is a complimentary aqua park with waterslides, fountains, pools and those giant buckets that dump approximately a small ocean on unsuspecting people.
Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration.
But the kids won’t care.
The important part is this:
You do NOT need to purchase Thrill Waterpark admission for your kids to have waterpark-style fun at CocoCay.
Splashaway Bay is included.
🚢 CAPTAIN JILL’S GALLEON
Another complimentary area for the younger crowd is Captain Jill’s Galleon.
Think giant pirate ship + water cannons + slides + lots of opportunities for your child to get you completely soaked.
Again, included.
So if you’re traveling with kids and trying to keep your CocoCay budget under control, you absolutely can.
🏖️ SOUTH BEACH
South Beach gives you another complimentary beach option with plenty of room to spread out.
You’ll find beach chairs, umbrellas and lots of activities, and it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a little more action than simply parking yourself in a chair all day.
Want to spend the morning in the water and then grab lunch?
Easy.
Want to play some beach sports?
You can.
Want to find a chair and pretend you don’t have responsibilities?
Also acceptable. 😂
🎢 THRILL WATERPARK — THIS ONE COSTS EXTRA
Now we’re getting into the “let’s see how brave you really are” portion of the day.
Thrill Waterpark is an additional-cost experience and is home to 14 waterslides, including Daredevil’s Peak, which Royal Caribbean describes as the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean at 135 feet. There’s also a massive wave pool and other water attractions.
This is the area for:
🎢 Serious waterslide people
💦 Families who want an action-packed day
🏄♀️ Adrenaline junkies
😂 Anyone who thinks relaxing on a beach sounds boring
Admission is extra, and pricing varies by sailing.
My advice? Check the price in your Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner before your cruise. Prices can change, and there’s no reason to pay for something you aren’t going to use.
If your family is obsessed with waterslides?
It may be worth every penny.
If you’d rather float in Oasis Lagoon with a Coco Loco?
Save your money.
🍹 HIDEAWAY BEACH — ADULTS ONLY
Now let’s talk about one of the newer ways to upgrade your CocoCay experience.
Hideaway Beach is adults-only and requires an additional admission fee.
And this isn’t exactly the place I’d send you if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful beach where you hear nothing but the waves.
Hideaway has more of a “turn the music up and let’s have a day” vibe.
You’ll find:
🏖️ A private beach
🏊♀️ Infinity pool
🍹 Swim-up bar
🎶 DJs and live music
🍕 Complimentary pizza
🍔 Additional food options
🛋️ In-water loungers and beach seating
Royal Caribbean describes it as an adults-only beachfront experience with a lively atmosphere.
And yes…
Your beverage package works here too.
So if your ideal CocoCay day includes cocktails, music, a pool and no children yelling “MOM!” every 14 seconds…
Hideaway might be calling your name.
🥂 COCO BEACH CLUB — FOR THE “TREAT YOURSELF” DAY
Then there’s Coco Beach Club.
This is the more upscale option, but is family friendly.
Admission costs extra, but you’re getting access to a private beach area, infinity pool, clubhouse, premium loungers and an elevated dining experience.
It’s quieter and more polished than the rest of the island.
And then…
There are the Overwater Cabanas.
Yes.
Actual overwater cabanas in the Bahamas.
If you’re celebrating a milestone, traveling with a group or simply want to splurge on one ridiculously gorgeous day, this is the CocoCay upgrade that makes you feel like you’ve entered a completely different resort.
🍽️ LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FOOD
Because this is another place where people sometimes assume they’re going to have to spend extra money.
You don’t.
Royal Caribbean currently lists five complimentary dining spots throughout CocoCay.
Some of the main complimentary options include:
🍔 Snack Shack
Quick, casual and perfect when you don’t want to spend 45 minutes eating lunch when there’s a beach chair waiting for you.
Think burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads and other casual favorites.
It’s also located in multiple spots around the island.
🌮 Chill Grill
Located near Chill Island, this is your buffet-style option with plenty of choices.
And if you’re craving tacos?
There’s a build-your-own taco bar.
I’ll take mine with all the toppings, please.
🍦 Skipper’s Grill
Another complimentary buffet-style option, conveniently located near Thrill Waterpark.
And yes, there’s soft-serve ice cream.
Because vacation calories don’t count.
That’s science.
🍗 CAPTAIN JACK’S — THIS ONE IS EXTRA
Captain Jack’s is different from the complimentary dining locations.
It’s à la carte, so food here costs extra.
It’s especially known for its chicken wings and signature sauces, and there’s live music and waterfront seating.
So if you see people sitting there eating wings while you’re wondering why they didn’t just grab the free food…
Now you know.
They wanted the wings.
And sometimes you just want the wings.
🥂 WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD AT COCO BEACH CLUB?
This is one of the things that makes Coco Beach Club different.
The restaurant is included with your Coco Beach Club admission.
You do NOT pay an additional restaurant fee just to eat there.
And we’re talking about an elevated menu—not just another buffet.
Royal Caribbean describes the dining as an upgraded experience, with options such as surf-and-turf dishes, lobster sandwiches and ceviche.
There’s also complimentary morning pastries and coffee.
So if you’re already planning to purchase Coco Beach Club admission, make sure you actually take advantage of the restaurant.
You paid for it. Eat the good stuff!
And yes, your beverage package works there too.
💰 SO WHAT SHOULD YOU ACTUALLY PAY FOR?
Here’s my unofficial CocoCay decision guide:
💵 Want to spend as little as possible?
Don’t buy anything.
Enjoy the beaches, Oasis Lagoon, complimentary food, chairs, umbrellas and kids’ water areas.
You can have a fantastic day without spending extra.
👨👩👧👦 Traveling with kids?
Start with the free options.
Splashaway Bay + Captain Jill’s Galleon + beach + Oasis Lagoon can make for a very full day.
If your kids are serious waterslide fanatics, then look at Thrill Waterpark.
🍹 Adults looking for a fun party atmosphere?
Consider Hideaway Beach.
Especially if you like music, cocktails, pools and a more energetic adults-only environment.
🥂 Looking for luxury?
Coco Beach Club.
The infinity pool, private beach and elevated dining make this the splurge option.
🎢 Looking for adrenaline?
Thrill Waterpark.
If you see a 135-foot waterslide and think, “Yep, that’s exactly what my vacation needs,” then you already know what to do.
🌴 MY BIGGEST COCOCAY TIP
Don’t feel like you have to book an extra.
I say this all the time when I’m helping clients plan cruises.
Sometimes people see all the add-ons and start thinking they have to purchase something in order to have a great vacation.
You don’t.
CocoCay was designed so you can enjoy a really good day without spending additional money.
But if you want to splurge?
You absolutely can.
Want to spend the day floating in Oasis Lagoon with a Coco Loco?
Perfect.
Want to ride waterslides until your legs don’t work?
Go for it.
Want to spend the day at Coco Beach Club eating an elevated lunch and lounging in an infinity pool?
Yes, please.
Want an adults-only beach day with music and cocktails?
Hideaway Beach has your name written all over it.
There isn’t one right way to do CocoCay.
That’s what makes it so much fun.
You get to build your version of a Perfect Day. 🌴☀️🚢
🚢 Ready to Plan Your Next Cruise?
A great cruise isn’t just about picking a ship and a date.
It’s about finding the right itinerary, cabin, experiences and extras for how you actually like to travel.
That’s where I come in.
At Life’s A Trip 365, I help take the guesswork out of vacation planning so you can spend less time researching and more time looking forward to that first cocktail, first sunset and first “OMG, we’re really here!” moment.
Whether you’re dreaming about a Caribbean cruise, an adults-only getaway, an all-inclusive resort or your next big adventure, let’s start planning.
Because life’s too short to take a trip you didn’t love. 🌴✈️🚢
📩 Ready to start planning?
Life’s A Trip 365
Central Kentucky’s Premier Travel Agency
Serving travelers nationwide
www.lifesatrip365.com / Email: jackie@lifesatrip365.com / (502)496-3561
