5 Things to Love About Ocean Cay: A Caribbean Gem

Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, and it is like a little slice of paradise. While I'm not the biggest fan of MSC as a cruise line in general, I still sail them when I can find an itinerary with this as one of the ports of call -- I love it that much.

Ocean Cay is a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, relaxing vibes, and fun experiences. I’ve been to many cruise ports and private islands, but Ocean Cay stands out for so many reasons. Here are five things that make Ocean Cay an amazing place to visit.

Related: Check out my comprehensive Ocean Cay Port Guide.

1. The Beautiful Scenery

The first thing you’ll notice about Ocean Cay is its beauty. The island has crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, white sand beaches. The bright blue sea, the green plants, and the meticulous landscaping from the MSC team make it feel like you’re in a dream. 

MSC has also worked hard to care for the island’s nature and wildlife. They’ve restored the coral reefs and protected the sea life, and they're currently undergoing even more renovation and expansion. You can see colorful fish, coral, and maybe even sea turtles.

While I like every cruise line private island, including the highly commercialized ones like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CoCo Cay, 

Related Video: 🎥 "Everything You Need to Know About Ocean Cay – MSC's Private Island Paradise!

2. Free Beach Day Fun

One of the best parts about Ocean Cay is that you don’t need to spend extra money to have fun. It’s a free beach day. Some of the cruise line private islands have limited loungers and umbrellas, but Ocean Cay seems to have an abundance of them, and I've never had an issue scoring one, regardless of when I get off the ship.

You can walk right to the beautiful beaches as soon as you get off the ship. You do no need to book a tour or pay for transportation; you don't need to rent a lounger or umbrella.

You can spend the whole day swimming in the clear water, relaxing on the sand, or playing beach games. It’s simple, easy, and, best of all, free! You can enjoy your time in paradise without worrying about extra costs.

3. Easy Access – No Tenders!

Ocean Cay is not a tender port. This means you don’t have to wait for a small boat to take you to the island. You can just walk off the ship and start your beach day without the extra time and hassle of taking a water shuttle.

This makes everything much easier, especially if you want to spend as much time on the island as possible. While I love Half Moon Cay, for instance, I dislike one aspect about it -- the fact that it's a tender port, and the tendering process can sometimes take upwards of an hour each way, which is frustrating and a waste of time.

You can get to the beach quickly since you don’t have to wait for a tender. It’s also great when it’s time to return to the ship because you won’t have to wait in line or wait for a water shuttle, and you can even get on and off the ship during your call there.

4. Plenty of Space to Relax

Ocean Cay is big enough that it never feels too crowded. Even when there are lots of people, you can always find a quiet spot to relax. This is very different from other private islands like Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, which can feel crowded and busy.

At Ocean Cay, you can find peaceful places to unwind. There are quiet beaches, shady hammocks, and lounge chairs by the lagoon, and there are few things here that require an extra cost, unlike some of the other cruise line private islands.

You can do something active, like paddleboarding, or just sit back and enjoy the calm. MSC has even added new features to the island and continues to do so, but it still feels relaxing and not too busy.

5. Overnight Stays and Nighttime Fun

One of the coolest things about Ocean Cay is that MSC often has late calls here, even until 9 or 10 pm and they often even have overnight calls. This means you can enjoy the island during the day and at night! You don’t have to rush back to the ship so that you can experience everything the island offers.

At night, there are fun things to do like beach parties and a lighthouse show. The beach party has music, dancing, and a fun atmosphere. The lighthouse show lights up the night with colorful lights and beautiful visuals. You can also take a walk on the beach, watch the sunset, or just relax under the stars. It’s a magical experience that makes your visit extra special.

Extra Tips for Visiting Ocean Cay

Here are a few quick tips to help you enjoy your time on Ocean Cay even more. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water to stay safe in the sun. If you love the ocean, check out the marine reserve, where you can snorkel and see amazing sea life. 

Speaking of snorkeling, I always like to bring my own cheap set from Amazon. It's more hygienic and convenient, and I don't have to incur the cost of renting a set.

MSC also offers a variety of dining options at no cost for cruisers visiting the island, detailed in my Ocean Cay Port Guide. 

Is Ocean Cay a Good Port of Call?