Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas: eight beaches, a walk-off pier and a lighthouse that lights up after dark. Here’s what’s free, what costs extra and what to book early.
A beach day that runs past sunset
Ocean Cay was an industrial sand-mining site until MSC Cruises cleaned it up, planted thousands of trees and shrubs and began restoring the reefs around it. Today it’s a low-key island with two miles of white sand across eight beaches, calm lagoons for swimming, casual barbecue lunches and a red-and-white lighthouse at its center. The MSC Foundation’s coral restoration work happens right offshore.
What sets it apart is the clock. MSC is the only cruise line with late-night and overnight stays at its private island, so on select sailings you can stay for the LED lighthouse show and a beach party under the stars. This guide covers what’s included, what’s worth paying for and what to reserve before you sail.
Free, or worth the upgrade
There’s no fee to go ashore. Anything marked extra charge is booked with the cruise line, and prices vary by sailing; your advisor can pull yours.
| Included in your cruise | Extra cost |
|---|---|
| All eight beaches, with loungers and umbrellas | Cabanas on North Beach, South Beach and Bimini Beach |
| Seakers Food Court, Boho Food Court and the Beach Shack food trucks | Yacht Club cabanas at Ocean House Beach |
| Seakers Cove, a shallow lagoon for younger kids | Daybeds, clamshell shades and beach relaxation sets |
| Daily yoga, volleyball, soccer and tennis | Drinks at the island’s 12 bars, unless you have a drink package |
| The island tram and paved paths | Lighthouse climb, spa treatments and water sports rentals |
| The LED lighthouse show and Luna Libre beach party on late calls | Boat excursions to Brown’s Cay, from WaveRunners to stingray snorkeling |
Explore Ocean Cay
Lighthouse Bay Beach
The closest beach to the pier and the island’s social hub, with bean bags, fire pits and the two-level Lighthouse Bar at the foot of the 100-foot lighthouse. After dark on late and overnight calls, this is where the LED light show and the Luna Libre beach party happen. The guided climb (165 steps) costs extra and rewards you with a view over the whole island.
North & South Beach
Two long beaches that curve around a calm lagoon. The water stays shallow a long way out, there are floating swim platforms offshore, and lifeguards watch the sand. Bars and food trucks sit a few steps back, and cabanas line both beaches if you want shade and a home base for the day.
Bimini Beach
The ocean-facing side of the island, with open views, plenty of loungers and its own bar and food trucks. It feels calmer than Lighthouse Bay. Paddleboard, windsurf and SNUBA rentals start here, and the cabanas are open to every guest, not just MSC Yacht Club.
Seakers Cove
A calm, shallow lagoon made for younger kids, with its own bar and food trucks close by. Families can also join the island’s LEGO pop-up dance parties and an augmented reality treasure hunt, both included.
Paradise Sands & Sunset Beach
The quieter far side of the island. Paradise Sands is the place to unwind, with beachfront spa cabanas for a massage in the breeze. Sunset Beach, with bars nearby, is the spot for a drink as the sun goes down on late calls. Both are a long walk from the pier, so take the tram.
Ocean House Beach
MSC Yacht Club guests get their own stretch of sand, a shaded waiting area and dedicated transportation from the pier, plus Ocean House, an air-conditioned restaurant and bar serving dishes like lobster rolls and ceviche. Yacht Club cabanas, an extra charge, come with lunch, drinks, floating mats and your Yacht Club butler.
Worth booking ahead
Cabanas on North, South or Bimini Beach
Extra charge. With 37 cabanas across the whole island, they go fast. Each comes with comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and floating mats. Pick North or South Beach for calm lagoon water, or Bimini Beach for open ocean views.
Yacht Club cabanas at Ocean House Beach
Extra charge (Ocean House Beach itself is included for MSC Yacht Club guests). Beachfront and ocean-view cabanas with lunch, drinks and butler service a few steps from the Ocean House restaurant.
Daybeds and clamshell shades
Extra charge. A lower-cost way to lock in shade for the day. Daybeds have cushions and a side table; clamshell shades cover two loungers on designated beaches.
Brown’s Cay boat excursions
Extra charge. WaveRunner tours and the stingray and snorkel trip run to nearby Brown’s Cay with limited spots. Age, swimming and weight rules apply, and trips depend on sea conditions.
From our founderInside Ocean Cay
Now, before we further explore, I wanted to tell you one of my favorite features, and the fact that they dock here. You don't have to tender in and out. It makes the experience so much more seamless.
Before you go ashore
- Book as soon as you can. Cabanas, daybeds and excursions are limited, and the most popular ones can sell out before you sail. Reserve in the MSC for Me app, or ask your advisor to do it for you. If the price drops later, you can usually cancel and rebook at the lower price. Just know the spot you want could sell out in between, so check that it’s still available before you cancel.
- Cruise card, no cash. No passport or cash needed ashore: island purchases go to your onboard account. Bring a towel from your stateroom. If you have the Premium Extra drink package or a Wi-Fi package, both work on the island.
- Eat lunch early. The buffets close at 2:30 p.m. Because the ship is docked, you can always head back aboard for a meal or a break in the shade.
- Getting around. A tram runs from the Transportation Pavilion by the pier to the farther beaches, and paved paths loop the island. Beach wheelchairs with sand wheels are available. Paradise Sands and Bimini Beach are a long walk in the heat, so ride if you need to.
- Weather can change the plan. Like any port, Ocean Cay can be skipped for weather. MSC refunds excursions it cancels.
- Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your Harr Travel advisor about your mobility needs when you book. Our accessibility specialist can request the right cabana, rentals and cruise-line support before you sail.
Plan with Harr Travel
Ready for your island day?
We’ll find the right MSC sailing and help you book the upgrades worth having before they sell out. There are never any booking or consultation fees.
Compare the private islands
Each cruise line runs its private island its own way. Here’s how the others compare.
