Our First Time Exploring the Beautiful Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC Cruise Line’s Private Island
We recently had the chance to explore Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, an exquisite slice of paradise in the heart of the Bahamas. This was our first time on an MSC cruise, and our first trip to Ocean Cay. This eco-friendly island retreat, developed by MSC Cruises, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is truly part private island, and part marine preserve. With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, Ocean Cay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, snorkel through the water looking for colorful fish, or partake in eco-friendly activities, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we dive into everything this breathtaking destination has to offer, from its sustainable initiatives to its myriad of attractions designed to immerse you in the beauty of the natural world.
The Beaches
The first thing that stood out to us as we left the ship was the absolute beauty of the beaches. Everywhere you looked there was a stunning beach to relax on. The island is seriously huge and there are so many spots to find some peace and quiet. We found ourselves gravitating to the lagoon, and spent most of our time there. The water was crystal clear in the lagoon, and calm - which made it perfect for swimming. There is also a beach intended for families, a beach where you can snorkel with the ship in the background, and the famous Bimini Beach! Bimini Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the island. From there you can see the iconic lighthouse and watch folks on jet ski or kayak excursions cruise by. Check out the map at the bottom of this article to plan your day and figure out which beach you are going to relax on!
Food and Drink
We were definitely not lacking for food options on Ocean Cay. Much like other cruise line private islands, Ocean Cay had a buffet lunch set up. At the center of the island you could swing by for unlimited chicken, rice, fruit, burgers, sandwiches and more. These were all pretty good. If you read our article about our first time on an MSC Cruise, then you already know that we were not a huge fan of the food on board. However, the food on the island was actually really good. Stand outs for us included the cucumber and feta salad, the jerk chicken, and the deserts! Besides the main buffet, there was a coffee shop and ice cream bar in the main village (costs extra). The ice cream there was super good, and made all the better by the views of the water from the ice cream parlor.
Activities
There were a lot of things to do on the island that cost extra. Most of those things included excursions like jet skiing, kayaking, or other water sports. There are also exclusive areas for Yacht Club members and a spa where you could get beachside massages while soaking in the views. If shopping is your thing, there is a Village near the ship that had several little shops selling everything from souvenirs and art, to MSC Branded things. Honestly though, we didn’t feel the need to book anything extra here. We had planned on spending this day at the beach and that was exactly what we did. There are plenty of free seating options for beach lounging - both in the sun and shade. One thing that was pretty neat is there was a dedicated wedding pavilion - so if getting married with the sun and sea as your backdrop sounds like your idea of a beautiful wedding consider Ocean Cay!
The Marine Preserve
One of the coolest parts of the mission at Ocean Cay is the preservation of Marine life. When MSC took over the Island, it was a former industrial sand extraction site and was littered with industrial debris and former mining equipment. The MSC Foundation, MSC’s ecological arm, has spent a lot of resources into protecting and developing a safe haven for birds, coral, and marine wildlife. A key priority on Ocean Cay is the restoration of the coral, an integral part of the marine ecosystem that ensures biodiversity and protects coastlines. The marine life around the island is flourishing, with the waters becoming popular habitats for Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead sea turtles, frequently spotted around the island. Ocean Cay serves as an essential foraging ground for young sea turtles and hatchlings, who frequent coastal habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs. It is really neat to see a cruise line commit to sustainability.
Map Of Ocean Cay
Thanks so much for reading about our time at Ocean Cay! We definitely cannot wait to go back, especially on one of those overnight itineraries with the beachside bonfires. You can also check out our review of the ship from this trip - the stunning MSC Seashore. Have you been to Ocean Cay? Is there a spot we missed that we have to check out next time we go? We would love to hear from you! You can email us at seeseeksleep@gmail.com.
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