To see which is perfect for your holiday, we've listed the top private Caribbean islands below and listed their facilities, food options and cost for easy comparison.
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Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
Royal Caribbean's island lies in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, perfectly situated just 140 miles from the popular cruise port of Fort Lauderdale in Miami. Celebrity cruisers also use the island which treats guests to their perfect day on land - enjoy the thrilling activities, relax under the sun or even get married to your loved one!
What facilities does Perfect Day at CocoCay have?
- Oasis Lagoon - the Bahama’s largest freshwater pool
- Daredevil’s Peak - North America’s tallest water slide (there's twelve other slides too)
- Up, Up and Away - a rigged hot air balloon with views of the Bahamas from 450 feet
- A 1600 feet zip line
- Captain Gill’s Galleon play area
- Chill Island - a beach with water sport facilities such as snorkeling and wave-running
- South Beach - a relaxing area with volleyball, basketball, paddle boarding and kayaking
- Straw Market - a Bahamian market selling clothing and souvenirs
- Hideaway Beach - an adults only sanctuary
- Coco Beach Club - a private space with over-sea cabanas
What food options does Perfect Day at CocoCay have?
- Captain Jack's - fast food on the harbour with an island twist
- Skipper’s Grill - a harbourside buffet
- Chill Grill - a buffet with lighter options on the beach
- Snack Shack - quick burgers, sandwiches and salads
- Slice of Paradise - tropical twists on your pizza classics
- Coco Beach Club - fine dining for those in the exclusive area
What is the cost of Perfect Day at Cococay?
A great day can be had at CocoCay without any extra cost. The pool, play area, water park and beach loungers are all complimentary, as are five of the food outlets.
The Thill Park, Beach Club, zip line and hot air balloon are all additional extras, as well as Hideaway Beach and the cabanas across the island.
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Labadee
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
In the North of Haiti, Labadee is another private resort for Royal Caribbean's and Celebrity's cruisers. While there's plenty to do, compared to CocoCay, it’s far more relaxed. Instead of the wild water parks, look forward to a mix of activities with mountains, jungle and coral reefs as your backdrop.
What facilities does Labadee have?
- Dragon's Tail Alpine Coaster - amazing views as you zoom 850m across the canopy
- Racing zip lines - half a mile of pure adrenaline
- Arawak Water Park - bounce on trampolines, test yourself in the obstacle race and head down the slide, all in the ocean
- Speedboats
- Watersports - including kayaking and parasailing
- Sports courts - including pickleball and volleyball
- Artisan market - crafts from local artists
- Historic Walking tour - a way to explore the area with a guide
- Barefoot Beach Club - a private beach club with cabanas and beach BBQ
- Adrenaline Beach - the largest and busiest beach on the island with a swim up bar
- Columbus Cove - a quieter beach lying furthest away from port but with plenty of activities
- Nellie's Beach - a secluded, rocky beach with cabanas for hire
What food options does Labadee have?
- Dragon's, Labadee and Columbus Café - all serve the same buffet food delivered from the ship, including burgers, BBQ meats, salad and fresh fruit
- Barefoot Beach Club - a BBQ on the beach for the club's private members
What is the cost of Labadee?
Nearly all of the experiences on the island are free. The most popular extras are the zip lines, alpine coaster and cabanas.
All food options are included within your fare and drinks are either charged to your account or part of your drinks package.
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Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private Bahamian island full of tropical, magical surprises. Find Mickey under the waves as you snorkel, ride bikes across the island or take some time to relax on the adult only Serenity Beach.
What facilities does Castaway Cay have?
- Castaway Family beach - perfect for water sports, beach activities and swimming
- Pelican Plunge - twisting water slides and other great activities for kids just out to sea
- Serenity Bay - an adults only beach with bars and massage tables
- Running trail - a 5k route which takes your around the island and a medal once completed
- Snorkel trail - follow the white buoys to explore below the seas' surface and find both natural and Disney-themed wonders. There's two trails of differing ability to choose from
- Stringray Adventure - feed and pet the stingrays, then snorkel to explore their home
- Bike hire - one hour's hire to explore the island
- Aqua trikes
- Fishing
- Parasailing
- Sea kayaks
- Paddle boarding
- Banana boats
- Glass-bottomed boat - glide over the reef whilst staying dry in this hour-long activity
- In Da Shade Game Pavilion - an undercover area with a variety of games
- Scuttles Cove - Castaway’s Youth Club is an extension of that offered onboard
- Spring-A-Leek - a water playground for young children
- Meet the characters - scheduled appearances around the island
What food and drink options does Castaway Cay have?
- Cookies BBQ, Cookies Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ - all serving the same food including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, fish and vegetarian options (Serenity Bay have the addition of sirloin steak)
- Olaf’s Summertime Freeze - frozen smoothies
- Conched Out, Heads Up, Castaway Air and Sand Bars - all serving cocktails and beers
What is the cost of Castaway Cay?
Many of Castaway’s activities are an extra cost. They can be charged to your room card or pre-booked. If you plan on taking advantage of lots of the facilities on the island, there's a 3-in-1 package and an Extreme Getaway package, which give discounts on multiple activities
BBQ food is included in your fare but speciality and alcoholic drinks are sold separately
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Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney Cruise Line
With its inaugural visitors arriving in 2024, Disney’s newest island paradise is a place to appreciate everything the Bahamas has to offer, from the glistening Caribbean sea to the long stretches of sand and luscious island interior. Disney’s other cruise resort, Castaway Cay, was designed as a fictional island, whereas Lookout Cay is very much a real place with its own history. Disney has worked with the Bahamian government to create a place where it's guests can really appreciate and support the local culture.
What facilities does Lookout Cay have?
- Beaches - lots to choose from, including an adult-only stretch at Serenity Bay
- Rush Out Gush Out Water Play - water fun for kids with slides, fountains and water drums
- Sebastian’s Cove - a water-based club where kids can be left with supervisors
- Gaming pavilion
- Gaga ball pit
- Volleyball courts
- Goombay Culture Centre - learn about Bahamian culture, witness a traditional Junkanoo and pick up a souvenir at the local market
- Treasures of Eleuthera - a gift shop focusing on Bahamian artists
- Triton’s Trumpet Stage - family entertainment shows
- Cabanas - including some found on the adult-only beach. They have indoor and outdoor seating areas with the design based on a Bahamian hut
- Bike rentals
- Hiking trails
- Banana boats
- Kayaks
- Scuba diving rental and tours
- Snorkeling
- Nature and history tours
What food and drink does Lookout Cay have?
- True True BBQ and True True BBQ Too - seashell inspired restaurants serving BBQ classics such as ribs and island spiced chicken
- Serenity Bay BBQ - adult only restaurant with dishes such as island tofu curry and lime-marinated snapper
- Kids only dining area at the kids club
- Bars - Mangroves and Go, Blue Hole Bar, Bow and Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole, Reef and Wreck Bar - all offering alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, with the island’s signature cocktail being the Eleuthera Euphoria (premium aged rum, pineapple and dole whip)
- Sandsational Smoothies bar
What is the cost of Lookout Cay?
Many of the activities on the island are free, but excursions with rentals or tour guides cost extra and can be booked at least 75 days before sailing.
Food is included in your fare and drinks are sold separately.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC
Ocean Cay has been welcoming guests with its white sands and turquoise waters since 2019. Located just 65 miles east of Miami in the Bahamas, MSC treat their guests to a peaceful space with the focus on the gorgeous natural landscape.
What facilities does Ocean Cay have?
- The lighthouse- climb to the top for an amazing view of the island with a stunning lightshow after sunset
- Star gazing - using computerised telescopes, explore the galaxy in a guided session
- Paddle boarding
- Kayaks
- Snorkeling
- Waverunners
- Floating beach mats
- Cabanas
- Catamaran tours
- Ocean House - private beach and club house for Yacht Club members
What food and drink options does Ocean Cay have?
- Seakers Food Court - American buffet classics with a Bahamian twist
- Food trucks - lighter bites found around the island
- Smiling Fish and Coffee bar - ice cream and hot drinks
- Lighthouse Bar - drinks and DJ sets
- Springers Bar - Bahamian drinks with a welcoming vibe
- Beach bars - dotted throughout the island
- Ocean House Bar - for Yacht Club members
How much does Ocean Cay cost?
All activities are an extra cost. If you're looking for a free day out, a great time can be had on the beach and exploring the island on foot.
The food court is included in your cruise price and additional food and drinks are extras (the drinks package can be used onshore).
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Princess Cays
Princess Cruises and Carnival
Princess Cays, on the Southern tip of Eleuthera, is Princess’ private resort in the Bahamas. It strikes a great balance of fun and relaxation, with gorgeous beaches and footpaths to explore, alongside a list of exciting activities. The resort welcomes both Princess and Carnival customers.
What facilities does Princess Cays have?
- Snorkeling
- Sea boards
- Paddle boards
- Kayaks
- Banana boats
- Windsurfing
- Aqua chairs
- Glass-bottomed boats
- Excursions across Eleuthera - head North on the island too see the town of Rock Sound, the bar caves or Ocean Hole (great for divers)
- Dune buggies - explode further into the island in style
- Stingray experience
- Pelican’s Perch - children's playground
- Beach bungalows - your own beach oasis with special perks
What food and drink does Princess Cays have?
- Go Crazy and the Seabreeze Grill - BBQ buffets
- Picnic lunches to order if you're renting a bungalow
- Bungalow, Coconut, Banana Beach & Reef Runner bars - all serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
How much does Princess Cays cost?
All activities listed above come at an extra cost, except for Pelican’s Perch.
The beach BBQ’s are complimentary and the bars accept an unlimited drinks card from Princess cruisers (not Carnival's).
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Half Moon Cay
Princess Cruises and Carnival
Holland America's private island forms a crescent shape in the Bahamas. It's just South of Princess Cays and Carnival cruisers also have access to the resort (most of their Caribbean itineraries will visit either Half Moon or Princess Cays). Half Moon Cay is a travellers dream, with plenty of space to relax in paradise, with a few surprises thrown in.
What facilities does Half Moon Cay have?
- Horse riding - a unique experience riding through the island to the highest point and then down to the bay, where the horses with splash through the waves
- Stingray adventure - learn about and snorkel up close to these fascinating creatures with a guide
- Eco lagoon tour - a glass-bottomed boat ride to learn about the island and it's marine life
- Eco bike and hike tour - join a guide through the island’s cycle route, then leaving the bikes behind to climb up through the gorgeous forest for a stunning island view
- Aquqtrax tour - similar to a jetski, you'll head on a tour of the more hidden areas of the island
- Island Tram Calypso tour - explore the public facing areas of the island, as well as some parts otherwise closed to the public to get a real sense of Half Moon Cay
- Snorkeling - you can just hire the equipment or go on a boat excursion to deeper waters
- Half Moon Cay Waterworks - an immersive water area for children
- Bike hire
- Kayaks
- Water bikes
- Paddleboards
- Kids’ Club
- Straw Market - homemade souvenirs
- Beach villas - two-story villas for hire with hot tubs, air conditioning and amazing balcony views
- Cabanas - smaller rentals with air conditioning, misting showers and private terraces
What food and drink does Half Moon Cay have?
- Lobster Shack - serving this delicacy fresh from the ocean
- Tropics Food Pavilion - barbecue classics and Caribbean favourites
- On The Rocks, Island Last Stop, Wish I Could Stay Here Forever, Bell Bar and Rum Runners - bars dotted around the island serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
How much does Half Moon Cay cost?
Tours and rentals come with additional costs. If you'd prefer not to pay any extra, you can lounge on the beach, swim and explore the island by foot. The food pavilion is included in your cruise price, but the lobster shack is extra and the drinks packages from ships cannot be used on the island.
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Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line
Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is just 140km from Miami. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, it was one of the first examples of a private cruise island and today has a luscious coconut plantation, beautiful beaches and an iconic lighthouse.
What facilities does Great Stirrup Cay have?
- Three beautiful beaches - Bertram’s, Cabana and Fiesta
- Excursion to Treasure Island to see the swimming pigs
- Stingray experience - head out on a boat to Stingray City where you'll swim with the creatures in a shallow cove
- Zip line - three flights, beginning at a replica lighthouse 130 feet off the ground
- Wave runner
- Kayak tour - glide around the island with a guide. If you're lucky enough, you will see turtles and dolphins (kayaks are also available to rent separately).
- Catamaran tour - head off in style seeing the island from a new perspective with music, drinks, snacks and a chance to snorkel
- Snorkeling - hire equipment or use your own to find creatures under the sea and the underwater sculpture garden
- Overwater swings - the perfect camera spot
- Paddleboards
- Parasailing
- Marketplace - find some Bahamian gems to take home
- Cabanas - these come with showers, fridges and complimentary water
- Silver Cove - the island’s private club with villas, which have beds, bathrooms, TVs and unobstructed sea views, plus a spa and infinity pool nearby
What food and drink does Great Stirrup Cay have?
- Jumbo Beach Grill - buffet barbecue
- Abao Taco - a place to build your own taco
- Tropic Like It's Hot - a food truck making local food to order, such as mahi mahi and ceviche
- Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar - a buffet for the private members club with dishes such as lobster tail
- Bacardi Bar - serving rum and other drinks, with live DJs
- Bertram’s, Lighthouse and Patron's Bars - all serving a range of drinks with great vibes
- Silver Cove and Moet Bar - both inside the Silver Cove club
How much does Great Stirrup Cay cost?
Activities on the island are an additional cost but all food is included and the Norwegian drinks packages can be used.
Explore our top tips for Great Stirrup Cay
Beach Club at Bimini
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyage’s beach club lies on the Northern Bimini island. Bimini has three islands and is well known for luxury Bahamian holidays. The club boasts several ways to soak up the sun in island paradise; chill on a hammock, join the pool party or go diving with hammerheads.
Michael Brindley, Senior Director of Product & Experience at Virgin Voyages says:
“We really want the Beach Club to be a place that allows Sailors a chance to reconnect with themselves. To have time for contemplation, introspection, and just remembering they are connected to something bigger than themselves.”
What facilities does Beach Club at Bimini have?
- Heritage and cultural tour - ride an open-air tram cart to see the island in a whole new light with the help of your knowledgeable guide.
- Swim with stingrays - take a boat to Honeymoon Harbour where guides will help you to see the wonders of these creatures up close.
- Dolphin safari - head out to swim with the local dolphin pod
- Views-n-Blues Cruise - enjoy music, drinks and snacks as you head around the island
- Two tank scuba diving - available to those already qualified, Bimini offers some of the best diving spots in the Bahamas. Specialist tours focus on seeing hammerhead sharks between December and April
- Painting by the bay - paint your own canvas with the island as your inspiration. Excursion includes rum punch and other drinks.
- Beach yoga and meditation
- Pool with loungers - a pool party begins in the afternoon with world-class DJs and a ‘fireball’ finale
- Jet skis
- Kayaks
- Fishing
- Cabanas - day beds in the shade for up to four people, with the first round of drinks for free. Found in various locations across the island.
- Rock Stars - a private section of the island with cabanas, loungers, bar and food delivery
What food and drink does Beach Club at Bimini have?
- Two Food Groves - a selection of light dishes, such as conch mango salad and West Indian pumpkin curry. Food is ordered from a menu and brought to you.
- Virgin Voyages Bars - six different spaces, each with a range of seats and drink options
How much does Beach Club at Bimini cost?
All food is included with your beach club access and drinks are extra (can be purchased with your Bar Tab package or Sailors Loot). Excursions are an extra cost but you can relax by the pool or beach and join in with the yoga and parties for free.
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GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals . Search for your perfect Caribbean cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
