Cruise Port Guide · Bahamas
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, only for MSC guests. It sits about 20 miles south of Bimini, and it has quite the story: it used to be an industrial sand-mining site, and MSC transformed it into a marine reserve with white sand beaches, palm trees and a lighthouse. Amy visited on a 3-night MSC Meraviglia cruise.
Ocean Cay at a glance
“I honestly don’t think my photos really show the beauty of this island!”
Our top picks in Ocean Cay
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Get off the ship early
Amy explored Ocean Cay in the morning while most people were still on the ship, and it was so peaceful. She had the beaches almost to herself: rows of loungers, soft white sand, palm trees everywhere and MSC Meraviglia docked right there in the background. Pure bliss!
- When
- First thing in the morning
- Distance
- Walk right off the ship
- Loungers
- Rows of them on the beach
- Bonus
- The best photo spots, no crowds
Swim in the clearest water
The water at Ocean Cay is so blue, clear and warm! The island is a protected marine reserve, so it’s a beautiful place to swim and float the day away. Amy says her photos don’t even show how beautiful it really is.
- Water
- Blue, clear and warm
- Island
- A protected marine reserve
- Good for
- Swimming and floating
- Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
The lighthouse
The Ocean Cay lighthouse is the island’s landmark, and you can see it from the ship as you arrive. Palm-lined paths lead around the island to the beaches, lawns and lagoon, with postcard views everywhere.
- Where
- On the island’s shoreline
- Getting there
- Palm-lined paths
- Good for
- Photos
- Also see
- Green lawns by the lagoon
Read Amy’s 3-night MSC Meraviglia cruise from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Ocean Cay.
More ideas for your day in Ocean Cay
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Welcome to Ocean CayThe welcome sign is the first photo stop as you walk off the ship onto the island.
Walk the palm-lined pathsPaths lined with palm trees lead you around the island to the beaches. Wear sandals you can walk in!
See it from aboveGet up on deck as you arrive for a view over the whole island, the beaches and the lagoon.
Know before you go
- MSC guests only: Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island.
- Get off early: for the quietest beaches.
- Bring sun protection: There’s lots of sun on white sand.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Ocean Cay FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is Ocean Cay?
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, about 20 miles south of Bimini, open only to MSC guests.
Can anyone visit Ocean Cay?
No, it’s only for MSC Cruises guests on sailings that call there.
What is the best tip for Ocean Cay?
Amy’s tip: get off the ship early, while most people are still having breakfast, and you’ll have the beaches almost to yourself.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.
Start planning
Ready for an MSC Bahamas cruise?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we’ll help you find an MSC sailing that stops at Ocean Cay.