Ocean Cay

MSC Marine Reserve - Bahamas

Discover a tropical paradise with Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an exclusive island destination created for MSC Cruises guests in the beautiful Bahamas.

Located approximately 64 miles east of Miami, Ocean Cay offers miles of sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Whether you want to snorkel among marine life, unwind on the beach, enjoy island activities or learn about marine conservation, this unique destination offers something for all ages.

Unlike a traditional port of call, Ocean Cay gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a dedicated island escape, with beachside dining, water sports, evening entertainment and opportunities to explore the natural environment.

Latest News - MSC Cruises Announces New Private Island, Sandy Cay, and Ocean Cay Upgrades

MSC Cruises Announces New Private Island, Sandy Cay, and Ocean Cay Upgrades

September 2026 | MSC Cruises News

MSC Cruises has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island destination in The Bahamas, scheduled to open in 2028.

Located next to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Sandy Cay is being developed exclusively for guests sailing with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. The new destination will offer a more intimate, luxury-focused island experience, with an emphasis on wellness, relaxation and the natural beauty of the Bahamas.

Planned features include secluded beaches, private retreats, exceptional dining and dedicated spaces to unwind, providing a different experience from its neighbouring island.

Exciting Improvements Coming to Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises has also announced plans to enhance Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, introducing new facilities and experiences for future visitors.

The planned improvements include additional dining venues, new beach concepts for families and adults, expanded relaxation areas and more immersive experiences focused on marine conservation.

These developments aim to give guests greater choice while maintaining Ocean Cay's commitment to protecting the marine environment and celebrating the natural beauty of The Bahamas.

Two Island Destinations for Caribbean Cruisers

With Sandy Cay expected to open in 2028, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests will have two distinct private island experiences to look forward to. Ocean Cay will continue to offer its nature-focused beach escape, while Sandy Cay will bring an added level of privacy, wellness and luxury.

Planning a Caribbean cruise? Evhiz Travel can help you explore MSC Cruises itineraries, compare available sailings and arrange cruise extras to make your holiday even more memorable.

Please note: Sandy Cay is scheduled to open in 2028, and planned facilities may be subject to change.

Discover Ocean Cay’s Beautiful Beaches

With approximately two miles of beaches, Ocean Cay offers plenty of space to relax, swim and enjoy the Bahamian sunshine. Each beach has its own character, whether you prefer lively surroundings, peaceful views or a little adventure in the water.

Sunset Beach: A wonderful spot to enjoy the island’s coastal scenery and watch the changing colours of the sky.
Lighthouse Bay Beach: Relax beside the island’s iconic lighthouse, with beachside firepits adding to the atmosphere.
Paradise Sands Beach: A peaceful setting for guests looking to unwind away from the busier areas.
North and South Beach: Ideal places to enjoy the water, with swimming and snorkelling opportunities.
Bimini Beach: A tranquil beach setting for a relaxing day in paradise.
Ocean House Beach: An exclusive beach reserved for MSC Yacht Club guests.

For an extra touch of comfort, guests can hire beach cabanas and rent equipment such as floating mats and snorkelling gear. Complimentary refreshments are also available as part of the beach experience, subject to the applicable arrangements.

Food and Drink on the Island

A day at Ocean Cay wouldn't be complete without sampling some of the island's food and drink options. From casual beachside meals to tropical cocktails, there are places to take a break and refuel between activities.

Seakers Food Court: A selection of familiar favourites and family-friendly dishes, including burgers, jerk chicken, seafood and salads.
Springer's Bar: Enjoy a relaxed Bahamian-inspired atmosphere and a menu of cocktails.
The Smiling Fish: Stop by for speciality coffee and sweet treats.
Lighthouse Bar: Enjoy refreshments alongside the island's entertainment and live music.

*The island's relaxed dining options make it easy to enjoy a leisurely lunch without interrupting your day at the beach.

Wellness, Sports and Beach Activities

Ocean Cay is about more than simply relaxing on a sun lounger. Guests can take part in a programme of wellness and sporting activities designed to make the most of the island's natural surroundings.

Depending on the daily programme, activities can include sunrise yoga, beach sports and other instructor-led sessions. It's a lovely way to start the day before spending the afternoon swimming, exploring or relaxing by the sea.

Water Sports and Excursions

The clear waters surrounding Ocean Cay provide an excellent setting for exploring the marine environment. Whether you prefer a gentle paddle or something more adventurous, there are several ways to experience the island from the water.

Activities and excursions may include:

Snorkelling: Discover the underwater environment and look out for tropical marine life.
Scenic catamaran cruises: Admire Ocean Cay and its surrounding waters from the sea.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore the coastline at a more leisurely pace.
WaveRunner experiences: Enjoy an exhilarating ride on the water, with selected experiences offering opportunities to learn about the local marine environment.
Equipment rentals: Options may include floating mats, windsurf boards and other water sports equipment.

Availability, age restrictions, prices and operating conditions vary by activity. Some experiences incur an additional charge and may need to be booked in advance.

Explore the Island Beyond the Beach

There is plenty to discover away from the shoreline, too.

Climb the Ocean Cay lighthouse
For a different perspective of the island, climb the 165 steps to the top of its iconic lighthouse. The elevated viewpoint offers a memorable way to appreciate the surrounding Bahamian seascape.
Join an augmented reality treasure hunt
Families can explore the island through an interactive treasure hunt. Using a mobile device or a tablet provided for the activity, participants can scan specially designed wooden sculptures to unlock digital stories. The experience introduces younger visitors to native fish, plants and wildlife in an engaging way.
Enjoy evening entertainment
Ocean Cay can take on a different atmosphere after sunset, with opportunities for stargazing, a spectacular light show and the Luna Libre beach party, where guests can enjoy music and dancing on the sand.
Browse the island shops
Visitors can explore the Bahamian Shop & Market for local crafts and souvenirs, alongside Ocean Cay and MSC-branded shops.

Activities and entertainment are subject to the island's schedule and operating conditions.

Spa Ocean Cay

If your idea of the perfect island escape involves switching off completely, Spa Ocean Cay offers an opportunity to relax in beautiful surroundings.

The premium island spa features a beachside setting, with treatments designed to help guests unwind or feel refreshed. Options include a range of massages and the use of eco-friendly skincare products.

With the sound of the sea and views across the water, it offers a peaceful alternative to a day filled with activities.

Spa treatments and associated services incur additional charges.

LEGO® Fun for Families

Ocean Cay also offers family-friendly experiences, including a LEGO® pop-up at the Welcome Pavilion.

Seven LEGO® mascots, together with MSC Cruises' own mascot, Doremi, welcome children and families to the island with interactive experiences.

It's an additional attraction for younger guests and a fun way to begin exploring the island together.

The Exclusive MSC Yacht Club Experience

For guests travelling in the MSC Yacht Club, Ocean Cay offers an additional level of exclusivity with its own dedicated onshore retreat.

Ocean House Beach provides a more private and tranquil beach experience, with ocean views, beachfront cabanas and attentive service.

Guests can also visit the Ocean House Restaurant, which serves a selection of gourmet and locally inspired dishes.

Depending on the applicable arrangements, the Yacht Club beach experience includes access to dedicated amenities and drinks, while some services and cabana options may incur additional charges.

For travellers seeking a more exclusive cruise holiday, the Ocean Cay Yacht Club experience is another reason to explore MSC's premium accommodation options.

Sandy Cay: A New Private Island Destination

MSC Group is expanding its vision for exclusive island experiences in the Bahamas with Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island destination.

On 29 September 2026, MSC Group celebrated the official groundbreaking ceremony for Sandy Cay, marking another milestone in its plans to develop the destination. Construction and site works were already underway at the time of the announcement.

Sandy Cay is intended to complement MSC's wider Caribbean offering, building on the experience of Ocean Cay while introducing another distinctive island destination.

As development progresses, further details about its facilities, guest experiences and cruise itineraries are expected to emerge.

Marine Conservation Centre: Discover the Island's Natural Story

Ocean Cay has a particularly interesting story. What was once an industrial site has been transformed into a tropical island destination through a major environmental restoration project.

MSC's restoration work included clearing debris, planting approximately 80,000 trees and shrubs, maintaining freshwater wetlands and revitalising coral colonies. The island's development is closely connected to a wider commitment to marine conservation and healthier ocean ecosystems.

At the heart of this work is the MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Centre, which supports coral restoration, scientific research and public education.

The centre's work is built around three main areas:

Research and conservation: Supporting coral restoration and projects designed to help revive reef ecosystems around Ocean Cay.
Education: Providing opportunities for marine science students and experts to develop practical experience.
Public awareness: Helping visitors understand the challenges facing marine environments and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
- Visitors can discover more about this work through the centre's facilities and eligible guided experiences.
- Inside the Marine Conservation Centre
- The centre's key features include:
Welcome Hub: An introduction to Ocean Cay's history and the conservation work taking place on the island.
Discovery Pavilion: An educational experience exploring the marine environment and restoration projects.
Lecture Hall: A space for presentations about the island's transformation and the MSC Foundation's Super Coral Programme.
Aquaria: An immersive coral aquarium area featuring 22 coral tanks.
Bio Lab: A specialist space with indoor coral tanks dedicated to research into coral resilience and reef restoration.

The MSC Foundation's Super Coral Programme, launched in 2019, aims to help improve coral reef resilience. Coral fragments, including endangered species, have been nurtured in a nursery for restoration work around the island.

Ocean Cay has also received recognition as a Hope Spot from Mission Blue, reflecting its contribution to ocean health and restoration.

For visitors, the conservation centre adds another dimension to the experience: the chance to learn how a cruise destination can also support environmental restoration.

Ships Visiting Ocean Cay

Winter 2026/27

MSC Grandiosa - 7 and 14 night cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC Meraviglia - 4 to 14 night cruises from Miami
MSC Seashore - 3 to 14 nights from Port Canaveral
MSC Seaside - 3 to 14 night cruises from Miami
MSC World America - 7 and 14 night cruises from Miami

Summer 2027

MSC Grandiosa - 7 and 14 night cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC Seashore - 3 and 4 night cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC Seaside - 3 to 9 night cruises from Miami
MSC World America - 7 and 14 night cruises from Miami

Winter 2027/28

MSC Grandiosa - 3 to 15 night cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC Seashore - 6 to 15 night cruises from Miami
MSC Seaside - 3 to 7 night cruises from Miami
MSC World America - 6 to 15 night cruises from Miami
MSC World Atlantic - 6 to 15 night cruises from Port Canaveral

Summer 2027

MSC Grandiosa - 3 night cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC Seaside - 3 to 7 night cruises from Miami
MSC World America - 7 and 14 night cruises from Miami
MSC World Atlantic - 7 and 14 night cruises from Port Canaveral

Why Visit Ocean Cay on an MSC Cruise?

Ocean Cay offers a different kind of port experience. Instead of spending the day exploring a busy city, you can enjoy sandy beaches, clear water, water sports, relaxed dining and entertainment in a dedicated island setting.

It also has an environmental story that sets it apart, with the MSC Foundation's coral restoration work helping to make marine conservation an important part of the destination.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family or looking for a relaxing Caribbean cruise, Ocean Cay can be a memorable highlight of your itinerary.

Discover MSC Cruises with Evhiz Travel

Thinking about experiencing Ocean Cay for yourself?

At Evhiz Travel, we can help you explore MSC Cruises itineraries that include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and find an option that suits your preferred departure port, travel dates and budget.

We can also help you look at the wider holiday arrangements, including flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, cruise extras and excursions, where available.

Explore our latest MSC Cruises offers and start planning your Caribbean cruise with Evhiz Travel.