You’ve probably seen the photos. Those bright blue waters, the massive slides, and that signature Caribbean sun. Most people know this place as Little Stirrup Cay island, but if you’ve looked at a cruise itinerary lately, you’ll see it rebranded as "CocoCay." It’s a tiny speck in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, but don't let the size fool you. It's essentially a private theme park on the ocean.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird place if you think about it.
One minute you’re in the middle of the Atlantic, and the next, you’re looking at a $250 million renovation that turned a quiet sandy spit into a high-octane resort. Royal Caribbean holds the lease, and they’ve spent the last few years turning it into something that feels less like a deserted island and more like a floating version of Las Vegas. Is it authentic? Not really. Is it fun? Well, that depends on whether you like 135-foot tall water slides.
The Transformation of Little Stirrup Cay Island
Back in the day, the Berry Islands were a haven for pirates and wreckers. It was rugged. Now, the most "rugged" thing you'll find is a slightly long line for the snack shack.
Royal Caribbean took over the lease for Little Stirrup Cay island decades ago, but the real shift happened with the "Perfect Day at CocoCay" overhaul. They didn't just add some umbrellas. They built a pier—which was a huge deal because it meant ships no longer had to use tiny tender boats to get passengers ashore. If the wind was too high, you used to just miss the island entirely. Now, the ships dock right there, unleashing up to 6,000 people at a time.
It’s a massive logistical feat.
They’ve got a reverse osmosis plant for fresh water and a power plant hidden away from the tourist eyes. They’ve managed to pack a helium balloon, a massive wave pool, and several beaches into less than a square mile. It’s crowded, yet somehow organized. You’ve got the Thrill Waterpark on one side and the Chill Island on the other. It’s a very deliberate split of "I want to scream" and "I want to nap."
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The "Private Island" Illusion
There is a common misconception that these islands are totally uninhabited. While no one "lives" there in the traditional sense of a hometown, there’s a massive crew that keeps the place running. Hundreds of employees, many of whom commute from nearby Great Harbour Cay or live in specialized crew housing on-site, are the ones making sure your frozen mojito stays frozen.
It's essentially a giant movie set that gets reset every night after the ships pull away.
What Actually Happens on the North Side
Most people gravitate toward the center of the island, which is why it feels like a zoo. But if you walk toward the north and east, things get a bit more interesting.
- Chill Island is where you go if you actually want to feel like you’re in the Bahamas. It’s the original beach area. The sand is softer here, and the snorkeling is surprisingly decent. You can find some rays and small sharks if you get out far enough.
- South Beach used to be the "quiet" spot, but they added a floating bar there a few years ago. Now it’s more of a party vibe.
- The Coco Beach Club is the "pay-to-play" area. It costs a premium—sometimes several hundred dollars per person—just to get in. You get overwater cabanas and a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Is the Beach Club worth it? Honestly, it’s hard to justify the price unless you absolutely loathe crowds. The food is better (think lobster and steak instead of burgers), but the water is the same color as the free beach ten yards away.
Let’s Talk About That Water Slide
The North Star of Little Stirrup Cay island is Daredevil’s Peak. It is 135 feet of "why did I do this?" It’s the tallest waterslide in North America. The line can get brutal, sometimes two hours or more. If you aren't off the ship the second the gangway opens, you're going to spend your day standing on hot concrete.
Pro tip: go at 2:00 PM. Most people are starting to head back to the ship for their 4:00 PM departure, and the lines evaporate.
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The Environmental Cost Nobody Mentions
It’s not all tropical drinks and sunshine. Building a pier and a waterpark in a delicate coral ecosystem is inherently destructive. While Royal Caribbean claims to follow strict environmental protocols and has implemented a "zero waste to landfill" policy for the island, the sheer amount of dredging required to bring those massive Icon-class ships into the pier has an impact.
The Berry Islands are known for their marine life. When you dump thousands of tourists into the water every single day, the reef takes a hit. Sunscreen—even the "reef-safe" kind—and physical contact with the coral are ongoing issues.
Experts like those at the Bahamas National Trust have long monitored the impact of private island developments. The balance between the massive economic boost to the Bahamian government (via head taxes and employment) and the preservation of the seabed is a constant tug-of-war. If you go, be the person who doesn't touch the sea turtles. Seriously. Just look.
Money Matters: The "Free" Island Myth
A lot of first-time cruisers think because the island is "private," everything is included. That is a trap.
- Included: Basic food (buffet style), beach chairs, and most of the beaches.
- Extra: The waterpark (often $100+), the zip line, the balloon ride, and the Beach Club.
- The Drink Package: This is the big one. If you have a drink package on the ship, it works on the island. If you don't, you'll be paying ship prices for every beer.
The "Perfect Day" can easily become a "$500 Day" if you aren't careful. The island is designed to be a frictionless spending environment. You use your SeaPass card for everything. It doesn't feel like real money until you see the bill on your stateroom TV the next morning.
Why It’s Not Like Great Stirrup Cay
Right next door is Great Stirrup Cay. That’s Norwegian Cruise Line’s island. You can literally see it from the top of the slides on Little Stirrup Cay island.
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The vibe is totally different. Great Stirrup Cay feels more like a traditional beach day. It's less developed, fewer "attractions," and more focus on just sitting in the sand. Little Stirrup (CocoCay) is the adrenaline junkie’s version. If you want peace and quiet, you’re on the wrong island. If you want a DJ blasting Top 40 while you eat a taco, you’re in heaven.
Navigating the Crowds
If you find yourself on a ship heading here, don't just follow the herd. Most people stop at the first beach they see.
Keep walking.
If you head all the way to the end of the paths, the crowds thin out significantly. The island is bigger than it looks on the map. Also, the "Up, Up and Away" balloon is cool, but it's grounded about 50% of the time due to wind. Don't build your whole day around it. If it's flying and you want to do it, book it for the morning before the afternoon trade winds kick in.
Real Insights for Your Visit
Don't buy the snorkeling gear rental. It’s expensive and the gear is used by thousands of people. Bring your own mask and snorkel in your carry-on. You’ll save $30 and it’ll fit better.
The food at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill is basically the same. Don't hike across the island looking for "better" food; it’s all coming from the same central kitchen. The "Secret" menu item is the chicken parm sandwich at the Snack Shacks—it's usually better than the main buffet food.
Little Stirrup Cay island is a marvel of engineering and a masterpiece of corporate branding. It’s not the "real" Bahamas, but it’s a highly efficient way to spend a day in the sun. Just know what you’re getting into: a high-energy, high-cost, beautiful, crowded, and perfectly manicured slice of paradise.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Download the App Early: Track the prices for the Waterpark in the months leading up to your cruise. The price fluctuates wildly based on demand; $79 is a steal, $160 is a rip-off.
- Pack Water Shoes: The entry into the water at Chill Island can be rocky and full of dead coral fragments. Your feet will thank you.
- Check the Ship Schedule: Look up "CocoCay ship schedule" online before you go. If there are two ships docked (like an Icon-class and a Freedom-class), there will be 10,000+ people on that tiny island. Adjust your expectations for lines accordingly.
- Apply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours: The Bahamian sun at 25 degrees north latitude is brutal, and the ocean breeze masks the heat until it’s too late.
- Stay Late: If your ship doesn't leave until 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, stay on the island until the very last call. The last hour is the most peaceful the island will ever be.