Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas. It’s accessible only to MSC Cruises guests, meaning that you’ll have your own exclusive slice of paradise to explore at leisure. And what a place to explore. Palm-fringed beaches plucked straight from a dream melt into blue waters, sunshine beams down onto more than two miles of powdery white sands, cosy beach bars offer cooling cocktails… These are the kinds of scenes you’ll encounter at this magical place. Be as active or as relaxed as you like, as there are activities and facilities on the island to cater for both. A holiday here really is a one-of-a-kind trip that needs to be experienced first-hand.

When arriving at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ ships dock directly at the quay, alongside the Welcome Centre in the Ocean Village. Since the quay is conveniently located at the very point where the sea and shore meet, disembarking is easy and quick, and you’ll be on the island as soon as you set foot off the ship. No tender boats are needed, and there are walking paths across the island that lead to all destinations, meaning that exploring Ocean Cay is a breeze, just as it should be. To make things even more convenient, an information centre can be found at Ocean Cay’s Welcome Centre. Here, MSC Cruises staff can book any excursions or activities required, as well as supplying guests with information about the island. An Ocean Cay map is also available at the Welcome Centre, for extra ease in navigating this beautiful place.

Your ship will be accessible and available at all times during your visit to Ocean Cay. Guests are welcome to return to the ship at any point, and the onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities will all be operating while the ship is docked at the island. This means that the best of both worlds are available to guests at all points during your stay.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve spans around 95 acres, which includes just over two mile of exquisite beachfront. Just a 20-minute walk can transport you to the furthest part of the island from where you arrive, and easy-to-understand signs are in place across Ocean Cay to show guests all routes to the various different destinations and areas of the island. This means that navigation is simple and intuitive, and you’re never far from where you want to go, whether that’s a gorgeous beach, a food truck, the spa, a beach bar or somewhere else entirely – take your pick.

Beach-lovers both keen and casual will delight in exploring Ocean Cay’s choice of seven beaches. With so many options you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot to suit whatever beach mood you’re in, even if that changes throughout the day. Here’s what to look forward to.

As the largest beach on the island, North Beach makes a great starting point. Set in a lagoon – just to add to the charm – there’s shallow water for easy swimming and a host of other aquatic activities to try your hand at.

Further watersports action can be found and enjoyed over at South Beach, another great open space with lots of room for scenic swimming if you prefer something a touch more genteel than watersports.

However, if it’s tranquillity and serenity you’re craving, Bimini Beach is exactly what you need. Being further away from the port than any other of Ocean Cay’s beaches means that opportunities for relaxation at Bimini are plentiful.

Sunsets on Ocean Cay are a special time, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy them than Sunset Beach, of course. This much-loved spot more than lives up to its name when it comes to evening views (during the daytime it’s also perfect for swimming), so pitch up (bring a picnic to make an event of it), settle in and prepare to be absorbed in some spectacular sunset vistas.

As well as being treated to some first-class pampering, anyone visiting Ocean Cay’s spa can look forward to visiting Paradise Sands, a quiet and calming beach found next to the spa. This is where you’ll be if you opt for a beachside massage, but even if you’re not indulging – and even if you don’t end up visiting the spa – do come and pay Paradise Sands a visit.

Every beach on Ocean Cay is blessed with its own incredible views, but one in particular can boast a truly unique viewing highlight: Lighthouse Bay Beach. Enjoying some time on the sands as you gaze up at Ocean Cay’s 100-foot-tall, red-and-white-striped lighthouse is a memory you’ll cherish. To add to the appeal, this beach also hosts daily live music and entertainment, so feel free to get comfy on a beanbag and soak it all up. For added convenience, Lighthouse Bay Beach is also the closest beach to where your ship will dock.

Finally, there’s Ocean House Beach. Exclusively available to MSC Yacht Club guests, this stylish area offers a luxurious feel thanks to the complimentary private features available, plus its own restaurant and bar (again, exclusively used by MSC Yacht Club guests), and even butler service. This is beach time with a boost. It’s worth noting that all beaches on Ocean Cay provide sunbeds that are free to all, ensuring you’ll always have a comfortable spot to relax in. If you want to crank up that relaxation to the next level, hire a beach umbrella or even one of our indulgent cabanas for an additional fee. And remember that for added peace of mind, every beach also has its own restrooms available – these too are highlighted on the island map and on signs spread around the island.

As soon as you arrive and see the sparkling waters surrounding the island, you’ll know that snorkelling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a hugely rewarding experience. Whether you’re an absolute beginner, a keen enthusiast or somewhere in-between, make sure you embark on a snorkelling trip to maximise your Ocean Cay experience. Submerging into the island’s shimmering waters and glimpsing endless scenes of colourful marine life really can unlock another side to the island – you’ll be witnessing a new and fascinating world, and getting up close to it. Snorkelling can be done as part of an excursion with MSC Cruises if you’d like some instruction on using the equipment and to be taken straight to the hot spots by a guide, or you can simply hire the kit yourself and explore at your own pace. Snorkelling equipment for the whole family can also be rented, meaning that guests of all ages can enjoy the underwater worlds on offer.

Visiting Ocean Cay at any time of year makes for an incredible holiday, which is why MSC Cruises offers trips to the island year-round. The area’s beauty shines through in all seasons, so you’ll always get to appreciate this special setting in any month, but visiting in the period from December to April is an especially fine time to arrive. During these months, the weather will be splendidly sunny but also very much manageable. For many guests, cruises to Bahamas locations at this time of year also means escaping colder winters – and there are few better places to do just that than a sun-kissed, private island.

As you’d expect from a Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is blessed with some truly fantastic weather. Holidays to Bahamas destinations in summer will, of course, lead to the hottest weather, with highs in July averaging at around 32°C and 33°C in August. You can also expect some rainfall during these hot summer months. Many people prefer to embark on cruises to Bahamas locations from December to April. During these winter and spring months, you’ll still enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures – with highs of 26°C in December gradually rising to 28°C in April – but with some cooler moments in the mornings and evenings, and much less chance of rain. It all adds up to the perfect winter escape.

When packing for your cruise to Ocean Cay, lightweight, breathable clothes should be at the top of your list.

Prioritise comfortable, looser outfits to make things easier when the weather gets hot. Do also bring multiple layers to make any cooler evenings or mornings a little more comfortable, and bring a thin rain jacket, too, just in case – rain showers in the Bahamas tend to be short-lived, but it always pays to be prepared with the proper clothing. Pack comfortable, lightweight shoes that you don’t mind walking in, as this will make it easy to move around Ocean Cay and explore at the pace you prefer. Hot weather essentials such as sunglasses, a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen are just as essential in the Bahamas, so make sure to make room for them.

Finally, you’ll likely want to include some smarter outfits for your time onboard your ship, particularly if you want to attend any of the more formal dinners and glamorous evening events – if that sounds of interest, make sure to look out for Gala Night, where guests love to look their best in tuxedos, cocktail dresses and other dazzling attire.

Cruises to Ocean Cay with MSC Cruises depart from three main ports – Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and New York – all of which hold their own appeal.

As Miami is MSC Cruises’ main embarkation port for the Bahamas and Caribbean journeys, a Bahamas cruise from Miami to Ocean Cay can include stops at many other fantastic places. These include the Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico and lots more.

If you’re departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), your cruise to Ocean Cay can also visit Nassau, as well as Mexican coastal hotspots Cozumel and Costa Maya, Honduras’s Isla de Roatán, and Miami, among others.

If you decide to cruise from New York to Bahamas locations, including Ocean Cay, your itinerary can feature all kinds of bucket-list destinations. A Caribbean cruise from New York can take you to Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, plus other Caribbean capitals such as St Maarten’s Philipsburg and Charlotte Amalie in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As well as Ocean Cay, another Bahamian hotspot, Nassau, is also easily reachable on itineraries from New York, as is the city known as the ‘theme park capital of the world’, Orlando, Florida.

It’s easy to visit an awe-inspiring list of countries on your Ocean Cay holiday with MSC Cruises. Itineraries are packed with world-famous Caribbean destinations, such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, as well as Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Then there are other countries located in the Caribbean Sea, such as Aruba, Curaçao and the Cayman Islands. It all makes a Caribbean cruise a very appealing prospect when mapping out your Ocean Cay trip. As Ocean Cay is a private Bahamian island, any cruise to the island will also be a Bahamas cruise, and many Ocean Cay itineraries also include visits to Nassau, the Bahamas’ capital. It’s also possible to visit several cities in the United States as part of your Ocean Cay cruise, including Miami, New York and Port Canaveral (Orlando).

MSC Cruises provides holidays to suit all budgets, bringing that Bahamian cruise dream ever closer and within reach. Whatever cost you’ve allocated for a trip to Ocean Cay, there’s sure to be a cruise to suit you – dive into our Bahamas cruise deals and see what’s on offer.

Rest assured that there’s no shortage of great things to do at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Whether you’re after a gloriously relaxing holiday characterised by tranquillity and indulgence, or a far more active trip that lets you explore and keep moving, our Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve excursions have got you covered.

Get to know multicoloured underwater worlds on a snorkelling journey that lets you glimpse incredible marine life – some snorkelling excursions even include a complimentary glass of rum punch.

Or stay above the water and find inner serenity by paddle-boarding and admiring the views (there are also LED-illuminated night-time paddle-boarding trips).

Other aquatic adventures include kayaking trips, windsurfing sessions and catamaran sailing tours, each offering their own stunning views of Ocean Cay’s scenery and coastline.

If it’s insights you’re after, try something different and embark on a night-time stargazing experience, where a guide will point out planets and galaxies in the clear night skies above the island. Or take a tour of Ocean Cay’s famous lighthouse, ascending the 165 steps for panoramic views of the surroundings while a guide shares the history of this fantastic building.

When it’s time to relax, there’s surely no better option than booking onto a champagne sunset cruise, where you can appreciate a Bahamian sunset out on the water with a glass of complimentary champagne. The only difficult part is choosing which excursion to book first.

There’s plenty of entertainment on offer during your time at Ocean Cay. If you lean towards sports or outdoor adventures, watersports (including windsurfing, kayaking and paddle-boarding) and other active pursuits (such as beach volleyball and dance lessons) will keep you thoroughly engaged. Those who enjoy arts and culture will love the island’s live music, which can be found at the popular and atmospheric Lighthouse Bay Beach, complete with a beach bar, bean-bags and fire pits for pure cosiness. Speaking of the lighthouse, don’t miss the spectacular, twice-daily light show, an extravaganza that sees the lighthouse illuminated with LEDs and accompanied by music. Further entertainment can be enjoyed back onboard your ship, which you’re welcome to return to at any time. The regular mix of live music, performance, theatre shows and everything else you’ve been enjoying – such as shopping, fitness facilities and the spa – will be in place as normal during the entirety of your visit to Ocean Cay.

Shopping is plentiful and enjoyable on Ocean Cay, meaning you can browse or buy as you like from a great selection of venues.

You’ll find lots of Bahamian arts and crafts items and prints for sale, providing a fitting memento of your time on the island.

Branded MSC Cruises items can also be found in the Ocean Cay Trading Post and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Logo Shop, allowing guests to look back fondly on their time as a guest of MSC Cruises. All kinds of Ocean Cay items can be purchased for gifts or personal souvenirs, with products to suit all ages. As well as T-shirts, caps and other clothing, lots of accessories are available, such as beach towels and other items to remind you of Ocean Cay’s blissful sands.

And to help you enjoy those sands as safely and responsibly as possible, essential items such as sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm can all be purchased in Ocean Cay’s shops. Crucially, these items will also be eco-friendly, to help preserve the island at all times.

There is a spa at Ocean Cay and it’s an unrivalled place to fully relax and rejuvenate while on the island – what could better accompany your ultimate Bahamian escape than a revitalising beauty treatment or massage? Pick from a variety of massage styles and then relax in the pure comfort of a beach hut or cabana that looks out across the water – the ideal setting for enjoying some valuable pampering time and a fitting way to make the most of Ocean Cay’s scenery. Products used in the spa are eco-friendly, remaining in-line with Ocean Cay’s environmental ethos. Guests can purchase these products both on the island and in advance of their visit, when onboard the ship.

Guests can tuck in to a fine choice of food while on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with options available to satisfy all palates. Grab a selection of barbecue buffet treats at Seakers Food Court, alongside Caribbean dishes and North American classics. Thanks to lots of children’s choices, Seakers is also a great spot for younger visitors to refuel. Food trucks are also scattered conveniently around Ocean Cay. These welcome beacons serve up a variety of snacks, from fail-safe favourites such as hot dogs and burgers at the complimentary trucks to lighter choices such as salads and even upscale items – such as ceviche – for purchase from the Beach Shack Food Trucks. If you prefer to eat back at your ship, you can return at any point – the onboard buffet will be operating at select times.

You’ll have a fine range of drinks to choose from on Ocean Cay. Perhaps most crucially, complimentary water can be found at all bars and buffets on the island, and there are water fountains near all restrooms, too. This means that it’s always easy to stay hydrated and to feel fresh. There are 10 bars spread across the island, providing all the options you could need. For a local-feel Bahamian-style venue, Springer’s Bar is the place to go and always has a friendly atmosphere. Or try the Lighthouse Bar, where you’ll find superbly mixed cocktails and views of Ocean Cay’s striking lighthouse, as well as live music. If coffee’s more your thing, The Smiling Fish in Ocean Village brews up espressos, cappuccinos and other favourites, and also serves a wide variety of ice cream if you need a sweet treat.