Perfect Day at CocoCay with Kids: What to Do, What to Skip, and Our Honest Review

If your cruise itinerary includes a stop at CocoCay, you’re in for an incredible day—especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Short answer? We LOVE CocoCay.

Since Royal Caribbean redesigned and expanded the island, it’s become one of our favorite ports of call.

Even better? You can have an amazing day here without spending a single extra dollar.

Here’s exactly how we spent our perfect day at CocoCay with kids. What we loved, and what we’d recommend for families.

Is CocoCay Worth It for Families?

100% yes. Perfect Day at CocoCay is perfect for kids and families.

There is so much to do—beaches, pools, splash areas, food, and activities—that it’s easily one of the best cruise stops for families.

While there are paid upgrades like Thrill Waterpark and beach clubs, you truly don’t need them to have a great experience.

(That said… we’ve done Hideaway Beach kid-free, and it was totally worth it)

How We Spent Our Day at CocoCay

We always follow one rule: Get off the ship early.

No reason to waste time—this is one of the best stops of your cruise.

Our Day Looked Like This:

  • Walked through the shopping area right off the ship
  • Explored multiple beaches around the island
  • Stopped at South Beach (most lively and busiest)
  • Headed to a quieter beach near the Snack Shack
  • Finished the day at Oasis Lagoon (the massive pool)

Even with cooler weather, we made the most of it by exploring and taking it all in.

Best Areas to Check Out

South Beach

  • Most active and lively area
  • Great for families and activities
  • Can get very crowded (chairs were hard to find)

Breezy Bay at Chill Island

  • A little more relaxed
  • Easy access to food (huge bonus)

Oasis Lagoon

  • Massive, beautiful pool
  • Plenty of space to spread out

Only downside? Let’s just say… we wish it was heated!

Splashaway Bay

  • Great for younger kids
  • Our 5-year-old loved it

(But again… chilly water on our visit!)

Where to Eat (Don’t Miss This)

Let’s make this simple: Skip the buffet. Go to Snack Shack.

Yes, the buffet is solid—honestly one of the better ones Royal Caribbean offers while not onboard (definitely better than Labadee)—but Snack Shack is where it’s at.

MUST-TRY ITEMS:

  • Shack Chicken Sandwich
  • Mozzarella sticks
  • Shack Burger & fries
  • Funnel cake

Pro Tip: Order the “Secret Chicken Sandwich”

  • Take the Shack Chicken Sandwich
  • Add mozzarella sticks
  • Top with marinara sauce

It’s messy. It’s ridiculous. But it’s AMAZING.

What Our Kids Loved

This is where CocoCay really shines.

  • Playing in the ocean and sand
  • Splashaway Bay
  • Exploring different areas of the island
  • South Beach activities (including a fun puzzle-style game that felt like we were on Survivor)

Even without perfect weather, they had a blast.

Do You Need to Spend Money at CocoCay?

Nope. Not at all.

You can:

  • Enjoy beaches
  • Swim in the pool
  • Eat great food
  • Let your kids run and play

…all completely included.

Optional Paid Experiences (If You Want More)

  • Thrill Waterpark (we’ll try it someday!)
  • Beach clubs like Hideaway (great for adults)
  • Other pay for excursions like jet skiing, snorkeling, Up, Up, and Away, and more.

But again—you can easily skip these your first time and still have an incredible day.

Crowds & Strategy Tips

  • Two ships were docked during our visit
  • Overall, it didn’t feel overly crowded
  • BUT… South Beach filled up fast

Tip: If you want a chair at popular spots, get there early.

Getting Around the Island

  • Trams are available
  • But honestly? Everything is very walkable

We actually recommend walking—it lets you explore more and discover your favorite spots.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first time at CocoCay, here’s what we recommend:

  • Get off the ship early
  • Walk the island and explore different areas
  • Don’t book an excursion right away
  • Try the Snack Shack (trust us)
  • Be flexible with your plan—just enjoy it

Don’t Miss This

If you do ONE thing…Try the Secret Chicken Sandwich at Snack Shack.

We’re still thinking about it.

Final Thoughts: Is CocoCay Worth It?

Absolutely. Perfect Day at CocoCay is worth it with kids.

CocoCay is one of the best private islands we’ve visited—and a perfect stop for families.

Whether you want to relax, explore, or let your kids run wild for the day…

This is a port you won’t want to miss.

Planning your cruise on Symphony of the Seas? Check out our full review and tips to make the most of your trip.