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Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve - Where Dreamy Beachscapes Are Just The Beginning
- WorkNourish.com
- Apr 14
- 8 min read
Unlock the best of life in The Bahamas on Ocean Cay, where dreamy beachscapes are just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC Cruises’ new private island located in The Bahamas that features uninterrupted sweeping views of crystal blue waters and over two miles of pristine beachfront spread across eight world class beaches allowing guests to connect with the natural environment and its beauty, feel the warmth, fun, and hospitality of the Bahamian spirit and immerse themselves in an ecologically-intelligent atmosphere.
Ocean Cay offers an indulgent escape for all, tucked into a peaceful pocket of the Atlantic Ocean. Settle into an easy-going pace and start enjoying yourself with watersports, beach time or rejuvenating treatments at the luxurious spa.
Wander over two miles of white-sand beaches, or just pick a spot and lounge the day away, enjoying the sunshine and ocean views. Refuel and refresh with a snack from one of the island’s food trucks or a cool drink from one of the beach bars.
Get to know the island on one of our Ocean Cay excursions. View underwater wonders on snorkeling trips or explore by kayak, paddle-board or wind-surfing. There’s also scope for winding down, thanks to comfortable cabanas overlooking the beaches or a sunset champagne cruise.
Reachable from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York, this unique retreat is the ultimate stop on any Bahamas cruise.
Beaches in Ocean Cay
Believe what you’re seeing as you arrive at Ocean Cay: seven pristine beaches, spread over two sandy miles.
As the name suggests, Sunset Beach (the island’s longest) is blessed with life-affirming views, making it the place to watch the sun go down. During the day, head to North Beach and South Beach for great swimming, snorkelling and a lagoon to relax in.
Speaking of relaxing, as you leave the spa, stop at nearby Paradise Sands Beach for quiet contemplation in a peaceful spot.
For views of Ocean Cay’s striking lighthouse, spread your towel out at Lighthouse Bay Beach, which sits next to the island’s famous tower. You’ll also find seating, beanbags and fire pits here, so feel free to get cosy.
Further epic views can be found at Bimini Beach, and then there’s Ocean House Beach, promising an upscale and exclusive experience for MSC Yacht Club guests. Truly a beach for every occasion.
SPA in Ocean Cay
A visit to Ocean Cay can be whatever you want it to be – but it should almost certainly include time for relaxation. And what better place to truly relax than the island’s premium spa? Here, unwind in gentle surroundings, made even more special by the gorgeous views of the beach, just metres away.
Treat yourself to some professional pampering by booking a massage, choosing from a range of Swedish massages to soothe or a sports-style massage to reinvigorate tired muscles. Eco-friendly skincare products help elevate the experience, which takes place in a beachside cabana, transporting you further away from everyday stresses and further toward Bahamian bliss.
For something a little different but just as rewarding, try sunset yoga and discover why perfecting your downward dog on the beach – while hearing ocean waves softly lapping beside you – is something you’ll never forget.
Food & Drinks
A key part of any holiday is good food and drink, and Ocean Cay has plenty of both. Whether you’re after barbecue or Bahamian, you’ll find somewhere with an ocean view to enjoy it, plus beach bars serving classic drinks – you can even use your onboard drinks package on Ocean Cay. Here are some highlights.
Seakers Food Court offers a buffet of barbecue classics from North American and Caribbean cuisine, plus favourites such as burgers and salads. There’s lots for children and also options to take away.
Springer’s Bar is a Bahamian-feel spot with a laid-back vibe and top cocktails. Or cool down at the Lighthouse Bar, which sits next to Ocean Cay’s 100-foot-tall lighthouse and hosts live music.
For sweet treats, The Smiling Fish has ice cream and specialty coffee. If you’re craving convenience, food trucks are scattered across the island, serving hot dogs and other snacks.
Cabana Rentals
What could be more comfortable than kicking back in a cabana and enjoying the peaceful surroundings? On Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, you won’t have to look far to find that level of ultimate comfort, since cabanas are in abundance on the island.
Guests will find these cosy structures (a kind of cross between an open beach hut and a sun shelter) for hire on the North, South and Bimini beaches, just waiting to be lounged in. Once you’ve picked and hired your chosen cabana, make your way inside and relax on comfy, cushioned furniture that invites long lingering.
But your cabana comes kitted out for more than just relaxation. You’ll also find floating mats and snorkelling equipment, allowing you to make the most of your oceanside setting and gaze at various colourful scenes in the nearby crystal-clear waters. Complimentary refreshments are also included to complete the beach experience.
Shopping
During your stay on Ocean Cay, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy? A brilliant selection of boutiques and shops can be found on the island, all ideal for casual perusing or buying.
Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts items in the Bahamian Shop & Market– some even made by local artisans – and pick up the perfect memento or souvenir of your trip. To help cement those lifelong memories of your cruise, take a look in the Ocean Cay Shop for gifts inspired by nature, and the MSC Shop for stylishly branded items that’ll remind you of good times.
And why not give something back during your trip, by shopping for products that also help the MSC Foundation – a non-profit supporting conservation and humanitarian work through a number of different programmes.
MSC Yacht Club
Exclusively available to MSC Yacht Club guests, for anyone keen to see yet-another side to this magical island, joining MSC Yacht Club opens up a world of exclusive benefits and features for those visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
For starters, there’s Ocean House Beach. This private, calming space boasts superb ocean views, special beachfront cabanas and even complimentary amenities to further boost the luxurious experience.
It’s undoubtedly difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort of Open House Beach, but we think you’ll manage when you know you can head to Ocean House Restaurant. Also exclusive to MSC Yacht Club guests, this stylish venue offers a selection of carefully prepared specialty dishes and drinks, all of which can be enjoyed in a serene, oceanside setting – this is dining you won’t forget in a hurry.
Transforming Ocean Cay
Respect and understanding for both land and sea are core principles of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles that shape everything from how the venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.
Formerly a sand extraction site, MSC Cruises has made significant efforts to clear the island and the surrounding ocean bed from all discarded debris – while removing a total of 1,510 tons of scrap metal – and relocating coral with the longer-term vision of encouraging coral to grow and repopulate. These efforts will give guests the opportunity to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs.
Super Coral Programme
Ocean Cay is home to the MSC Foundation’s flagship Super Coral Programme, dedicated to restoring coral reefs in The Bahamas. A coral nursery for the critically endangered Elkhorn and other coral species has been established, with efforts focused on studying and propagating thermally resilient coral to enhance reef resilience against environmental changes. The programme has achieved remarkable success, with 100% of nursery corals surviving the 2023 unprecedented Caribbean marine heatwave.
Additionally, the MSC Foundation is partnering with universities to support science-based restoration on Ocean Cay and marine science education. It is collaborating with the University of The Bahamas and BAMSI to offer scholarships and internships for Bahamian students. Its collaborative research with partners in Florida, including Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami, focuses on methods to identify, grow and outplant resilient coral genotypes, including support for two annual graduate student internships.
Mission Blue Hope Spot
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been designated a 'Hope Spot' by Mission Blue, the non-profit organisation founded by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle to promote the protection of marine ecosystems. This prestigious recognition underscores the island’s important role in ocean health and its ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts. Ocean Cay is part of Mission Blue's global network of more than 160 Hope Spots, places recognised as critical to the health of the ocean.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, President and Chairman of Mission Blue, commented on the designation, stating: "This recognizes the comprehensive restoration efforts and commitment to protecting marine biodiversity. The restoration of Ocean Cay has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance of this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate. Ocean Cay will inform thousands of people weekly about the crucial importance of growing and outplanting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health and human wellbeing."
Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Ports
Reaching Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve couldn’t be simpler. Simply set sail from a choice of three ports – Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) or New York – and let your Caribbean cruise take you to Ocean Cay’s enticing sands and calming waters. Find out more about these three exciting ports below.
Cruises from Miami
Step into world-famous Miami to prepare for a cruise to Ocean Cay. From this buzzing, electric city – where art, nightlife, global cuisine and culture are the cornerstones of its character – you can take a Caribbean cruise that stops not just at Ocean Cay, but a host of other fantastic destinations.
These cruises could include stops at the magical Mexican coastal retreats of Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which boast spectacular beaches, or Isla de Roatán, a stunning island just north of Honduras. Go deep into the Caribbean with stops at Jamaica’s Falmouth, Puerto Rico’s intoxicating capital, San Juan, and the charismatic Dominican Republic city of Puerto Plata.
Cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando) to Ocean Cay and you’re in for a real Caribbean and Bahamian exploration. After departing from this sun-kissed Floridian city, your Caribbean cruise can transport you to seriously desirable destinations.
Stop off at the Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, where historic architecture sits moments from premium beachfronts. Go further into the Caribbean Sea to Isla de Roatán, a Honduran island known for its coral reefs and aquatic pursuits. Other stops on cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve from Port Canaveral (Orlando) can include the Cayman Islands’ bustling and easy-going capital, George Town, Jamaica’s beach-blessed Montego Bay, and Mexico’s Cozumel.
Cruises from New York
Ever-thriving New York can open up a Caribbean and Bahamian adventure when you cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. On your way to this peaceful paradise, stop in at Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where pristine beaches and mountainous scenery await, or St Maarten’s luscious tropical capital, Philipsburg, boasting more fantastic sands and scenery that’s second-to-none.
Other stops can include Nassau, the Bahamas’ radiant capital, where it’s easy – encouraged, even – to flit leisurely between sunbathing, swimming and shopping. And remember that your cruise can also visit Port Canaveral (Orlando) if you’re searching for world-class theme parks and global eats.
Explore Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Start exploring Ocean Cay from the comfort of your own home, by taking a panoramic peek at what's on offer through our 360 virtual tour
