Overview: A day to play in the sun and the sea is what Cococay, a small,
private tropical island in the Bahamas, offers passengers, who are
tendered ashore in fairly large vessels seating a couple of hundred
at a time, from visiting Royal Caribbean cruise liners. The cruise
company has developed this once deserted island (formerly known as
Little Stirrup Cay) that lies in the Berry Island chain of about
130 islets about 50 miles (80km) from the Bahamian capital, Nassau.
Cococay is completely flat, only about two miles (3km) long and one
(2km) wide, covering about 140 acres, but even with hundreds of
people ashore for the day it is possible to seek out secluded spots
along the coast, which features a long, white sandy crescent of
beach on the west, and a lagoon on the east. There is not much to
see besides the sea on Cococay (although you can take a nature
walk), but there is plenty to do. Most visitors, though, come here
to soak up the sun on a lounger or hammock sipping tropical
cocktails.
Shopping: Shopping on Cococay is limited to the Straw Market, which is a
re-created Bahamian village where local arts, crafts and souvenirs
are showcased in cottages and huts. The most popular thing to spend
money on here is on hair braiding, which is offered in at least
half a dozen venues.
Restaurants: The cruise company provides a generous barbecue luncheon for
island visitors, served up under a purpose-built shelter, known as
Blackbeard's Grille. There are several bars dotted around the
resort complex for liquid refreshments, but these must be paid for
(except for water, which is served free).
Nightlife: Before the sun goes down all visitors are tendered back to their
cruise liner, so there is no nightlife on Cococay.
Activities: Only one day to play, and so much to choose from. Extremely
popular with adults and children is the island's floating aqua
adventure park, called Caylana's Castle Grove, which offers unique
challenges like climbing a floating rock wall, two large floating
trampolines, water slides and numerous other diversions.
Snorkelling is another exciting activity offered (equipment and
advice available at the Snorkel Shack) and visitors can enjoy
exploring the coral reef and a sunken plane wreck. Certified divers
can hire scuba equipment. On top of the water there are numerous
ways to have fun, the most popular being a 'wet and wild' guided
adventure tour of the coast aboard a Wave Runner. Other
alternatives are para-sailing, banana boat rides and kayaking, or
just hire a floating beach mat and indulge in the pleasure of
wallowing in the aquamarine sea.
Negatives: The pleasures of Cococay are reserved for cruise passengers, who
only have a limited time to enjoy the island.
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