{"id":65663,"date":"2026-05-25T20:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T17:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/?page_id=65663"},"modified":"2026-05-27T14:07:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T11:07:56","slug":"ocean-cay-msc-marine-reserve","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/msccruises.co.il\/en\/our-cruises\/destinations\/caribbean-cruises\/bahamas\/ocean-cay-msc-marine-reserve\/","title":{"rendered":"Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
\nDISCOVER A PRIVATE NATURAL PARADISE<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Unlock the best of life in\u00a0The Bahamas<\/strong>\u00a0on\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/strong>, where dreamy beachscapes are just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.<\/p>\n

Searching for paradise? Look no further than\u00a0Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/strong>, a blissful getaway located in a truly spectacular Bahamian setting. Prepare to be warmly welcomed by impossibly beautiful beach vistas before being soundly swept off your feet by a host of other island charms.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0MSC Cruises\u2019 private island<\/strong>,\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/strong>\u00a0offers 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s food trucks or a cool drink from one of the beach bars.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Get to know the island on one of our\u00a0Ocean Cay excursions<\/strong>. View underwater wonders on snorkeling trips or explore by kayak, paddle-board or wind-surfing. There\u2019s also scope for winding down, thanks to comfortable cabanas overlooking the beaches or a sunset champagne cruise.<\/p>\n

Reachable from Miami, Port Canaveral and New York, this unique retreat is the ultimate stop on any\u00a0Bahamas cruise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Best cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the magic of\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/strong>\u00a0as part of a longer\u00a0Caribbean cruise<\/strong>\u00a0and explore other fantastic destinations. Itineraries can include stops in bucket list worthy places such as Jamaica\u2019s vibrant Ocho Rios, Puerto Rico\u2019s colourful San Juan and the Bahamas\u2019 beguiling capital, Nassau, plus many more.<\/div>\n<\/div>
Book your cruise to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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WHAT TO DO<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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So much more than a beach day<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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WELLNESS, WATERSPORTS OR FAMILY FUN? PLAN YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY.<\/b><\/p>\n

Cruises to Ocean Cay really do showcase the best of The Bahamas.\u00a0Turn your day into a transformative island retreat with our\u00a0brand-new activity programme<\/b>.<\/p>\n

From thrilling water sports to relaxing wellness experiences, from\u00a0LEGO\u00ae<\/b>\u00a0challenges to\u00a0immersive Augmented Reality (AR) games<\/b>, there\u2019s entertainment for all ages.<\/p>\n

Guests can now enjoy\u00a0more dining venues<\/b>,\u00a0upgraded family and adult beaches<\/b>,\u00a0additional cabanas for luxury relaxation,<\/b>\u00a0and the\u00a0immersive MSC Foundation \u201cShifting Perspective\u201d marine conservation experience.<\/b><\/p>\n

These exclusive experiences are only\u00a0available on Ocean Cay<\/b>, just\u00a0for MSC guests<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Beaches in Ocean Cay<\/h2><\/div>
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The beaches of your dreams, made a reality<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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As you arrive at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/b>, eight pristine beaches stretch across two miles of white sand, each offering a different experience. From sunset views at\u00a0Sunset Beach<\/b>\u00a0to swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters of\u00a0North and South Beach<\/b>, every shore invites relaxation and connection with nature.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Seakers Cove Family Beach<\/b>\u00a0now features a kid\u2019s playground, splashpad, ropes course, and games like ping-pong and foosball, creating fun for the whole family.<\/p>\n

Paradise Sands<\/b>\u00a0offers adults a peaceful retreat by day and a perfect sunset cocktail spot in the evening.\u00a0Lighthouse Bay Beach<\/b>\u00a0features iconic lighthouse views, cosy seating, and fire pits.\u00a0Bimini Beach<\/b>\u00a0and the exclusive\u00a0Ocean House Beach<\/b>\u00a0for MSC Yacht Club guests complete a beach for every occasion.<\/p>\n

To deepen your connection with the island, discover Ocean Cay\u2019s conservation story through a new\u00a0Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt<\/b>, or take part in the\u00a0MSC Foundation \u201cShifting Perspective\u201d Experience<\/b>\u00a0to explore marine conservation hands-on, from coral restoration and scientific discovery to interactive exploration of ocean ecosystems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

SPA in Ocean Cay<\/p><\/h2><\/div>

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A visit to\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/b>\u00a0can be whatever you want it to be \u2013 but it should almost certainly include time for relaxation. And what better place to truly relax than the island\u2019s premium spa? Here, unwind in gentle surroundings, made even more special by the gorgeous views of the beach, just metres away.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For something a little different but just as rewarding, try sunset yoga and discover why perfecting your downward dog on the beach \u2013 while hearing ocean waves softly lapping beside you \u2013 is something you\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Food & Drinks<\/p><\/h2><\/div>

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A key part of any holiday is good food and drink, and\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/b>\u00a0has plenty of both. And now, there\u2019s even more to tempt your taste buds: the island is expanding its dining options with\u00a0four brand-new experiences<\/b>, bringing the total to seven.<\/p>\n

From a\u00a0signature specialty restaurant\u00a0<\/b>to fresh buffet and food market choices, there\u2019s something to satisfy every craving and all with stunning ocean views.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re after barbecue or Bahamian, you\u2019ll find somewhere with an ocean view to enjoy it, plus beach bars serving classic drinks \u2013 you can even use your onboard drinks package on Ocean Cay. Here are some highlights.<\/p>\n

Seakers Food Court<\/b>\u00a0offers a buffet of barbecue classics from North American and Caribbean cuisine, plus favourites such as burgers and salads. There\u2019s lots for children and also options to take away.<\/p>\n

Springer\u2019s Bar\u00a0<\/b>is a Bahamian-feel spot with a laid-back vibe and top cocktails. Or cool down at the\u00a0Lighthouse Bar<\/b>, which sits next to Ocean Cay\u2019s 100-foot-tall lighthouse and hosts live music.<\/p>\n

For sweet treats,\u00a0The Smiling Fish<\/b>\u00a0has ice cream and specialty coffee. If you\u2019re craving convenience, food trucks are scattered across the island, serving hot dogs and other snacks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Cabana rentals<\/h2><\/div>
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What could be more comfortable than kicking back in a cabana and enjoying the peaceful surroundings? On\u00a0Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/b>, you won\u2019t have to look far to find that level of ultimate comfort, since cabanas are in abundance on the island.<\/p>\n

In fact, the island now offers an even\u00a0greater variety of cabanas<\/b>, giving guests more choice and opportunities for luxury relaxation.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve picked and hired your chosen cabana, make your way inside and relax on comfy, cushioned furniture that invites long lingering.<\/p>\n

But your cabana comes kitted out for more than just relaxation. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Shopping at Ocean Cay<\/h2><\/div>
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During your stay on\u00a0Ocean Cay<\/b>, 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.<\/p>\n

Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts items in the\u00a0Bahamian Shop & Market<\/b>\u2013 some even made by local artisans \u2013 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\u00a0Ocean Cay\u00a0Shop<\/b>\u00a0for gifts inspired by nature, and the\u00a0MSC\u00a0Shop<\/b>\u00a0for stylishly branded items that\u2019ll remind you of good times.<\/p>\n

And why not give something back during your trip, by shopping for products that also help the MSC Foundation \u2013 a non-profit supporting conservation and humanitarian work through a number of different programmes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

From ship to shore: MSC Yacht Club<\/p><\/h2><\/div>

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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\u00a0Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/b>.<\/p>\n

For starters, there\u2019s\u00a0Ocean House Beach<\/b>. This private, calming space boasts superb ocean views, special beachfront cabanas and even complimentary amenities to further boost the luxurious experience.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s undoubtedly difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort of Open House Beach, but we think you\u2019ll manage when you know you can head to\u00a0Ocean House Restaurant<\/b>. 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 \u2013 this is dining you won\u2019t forget in a hurry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Wellness & Sports<\/p><\/h2><\/div>

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Our daily schedule offers a carefully curated mix of\u00a0independent activities and instructor-led sessions<\/b>, led by expert coaches from our US-based ships. Set within a\u00a0protected marine reserve<\/b>, the island becomes your personal playground for wellness, sport and relaxation.<\/p>\n

Choose from\u00a0more than 15 activities throughout the day<\/b>, including options designed for\u00a0families, teens and adults-only<\/b>. From\u00a0sunrise yoga, meditation and sound healing<\/b>\u00a0to guests\u2019 favourite\u00a0beach sports and energetic outdoor activities<\/b>, there\u2019s something for every pace and preference.<\/p>\n

Mix and match multiple sessions, or pick just one and spend the rest of the day\u00a0relaxing on the beach or exploring the island<\/b>. This is an authentic beach retreat experience in one of the Caribbean\u2019s most spectacular natural environments \u2014 and it\u2019s yours to enjoy, your way.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

LEGO\u00ae Pop-Up<\/h2><\/div>
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Play meets paradise at Ocean Cay\u2019s new\u00a0LEGO\u00ae pop-up<\/b>, where creativity and imagination come to life in a truly unique island setting.\u00a0Seven LEGO\u00ae mascots<\/b>, together with\u00a0MSC Cruises\u2019 beloved mascot Doremi<\/b>, welcome children and families to the island, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere from the moment they arrive.<\/p>\n

Designed to bring families together, the pop-up offers a range of\u00a0fun, interactive experiences<\/b>\u00a0that encourage play, creativity and shared moments. Set against Ocean Cay\u2019s\u00a0stunning natural surroundings<\/b>, it\u2019s the perfect place to relax, get creative and make\u00a0precious memories together<\/b>, blending the magic of LEGO\u00ae with the beauty of paradise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve Ports<\/h2>\n
Reaching Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve couldn\u2019t be simpler. Simply set sail from a choice of three ports \u2013\u00a0Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando)<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0New York<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 and let your\u00a0Caribbean cruise<\/strong>\u00a0take you to Ocean Cay\u2019s enticing sands and calming waters. Find out more about these three exciting ports below.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Cruises from Miami<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Caribbean cruises from Miami are a fine way to experience a magical region, and MSC Cruises\u2019 departures from the buzzing, Floridian city ensure that the beginning of your trip is as exciting as the rest of it.
\nShorter Caribbean holiday<\/strong>\u00a0itineraries can unveil the best of the\u00a0Bahamas<\/strong>, including MSC Cruises\u2019 private Bahamian island,\u00a0Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/strong>, where you can snorkel and sunbathe on untouched beaches.\u00a0Longer itineraries\u00a0<\/strong>venture into the\u00a0Dominican Republic<\/strong>,\u00a0Puerto Rico<\/strong>,\u00a0Jamaica\u00a0<\/strong>and the\u00a0Cayman Islands<\/strong>. For a change of scene, choose an itinerary that visits the Mexican coast in the Western Caribbean, and get to grips with gorgeous Costa Maya and its Mayan ruins.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
FIND YOUR CRUISE<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando)<\/span><\/h3>\n
MSC Cruises offers a range of Caribbean cruises from\u00a0Port Canaveral (Orlando)<\/strong>, helping you to explore vibrant towns, tucked-away treasures and awe-inspiring nature in a diverse, tropical region.
\nHolidays to Caribbean countries from Port Canaveral can feature week-long trips or shorter adventures exploring the scattered islands of the Bahamas, including MSC Cruises\u2019 exclusive private island,\u00a0Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve<\/strong>. Then there are the stunning\u00a0Western Caribbean\u00a0<\/strong>areas like nature-filled Cozumel island on the\u00a0Mexican coast<\/strong>\u00a0and off-the-beaten track locations in Honduras. Longer itineraries sail to\u00a0Puerto Rico<\/strong>, the\u00a0Dominican Republic<\/strong>,\u00a0Jamaica<\/strong>, the\u00a0Cayman Islands<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Belize<\/strong>.<\/div>\n<\/div>
FIND YOUR CRUISE<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Cruises from New York<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Caribbean cruises from\u00a0New York<\/strong>\u00a0are the perfect way to island-hop around constellations of beach-lined tropical paradises, dotted casually across the turquoise Caribbean Sea.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A choice of these routes\u00a0<\/span>allow<\/span>\u00a0you to set sail on the perfect Caribbean holiday from one of the most exciting and\u00a0<\/span>attraction<\/span>-packed cities on the planet. After that flurry of action, make relaxation your goal on an itinerary\u00a0exploring the coastlines of the Bahamas<\/strong>, including MSC Cruises\u2019 private Bahamian island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Or let your adventure take you to other\u00a0<\/span>Caribbean hotspots, such as the\u00a0US Virgin Islands<\/strong>,\u00a0St Maarten<\/strong>,\u00a0Antigua and Barbuda<\/strong>,\u00a0Puerto\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Rico<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and the\u00a0Dominican Republic<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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AN ISLAND WITH A VISION<\/h2>\n
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Respect and understanding for both land and sea are core principles of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Read on to discover the marine conservation efforts underway on the island.<\/p>\n

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Transforming Ocean Cay<\/h2>\n

Once a sand excavation site, the island was left in poor condition after decades of mining. An extensive cleanup by\u00a0MSC Cruises removed debris and scrap metal from the surrounding waters<\/strong>, allowing the marine ecosystem to flourish again.\u00a0 A team of independent marine experts were brought in to identify key environmental initiatives to create the roadmap for the\u00a0marine restoration programme at Ocean Cay<\/strong>.
\nTo create a\u00a0biodiverse environment<\/strong>\u00a0on land, thousands of trees and shrubs were planted, and a freshwater wetland was maintained, supporting a significant bird population.<\/p>\n

These efforts transformed the once abandoned island into MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, a pristine paradise, allowing guests to immerse themselves in its\u00a0natural beauty.<\/strong>\u00a0Additionally, it brought to life the vision of establishing a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research on\u00a0coral restoration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Super Coral Programme<\/h2>\n
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Ocean Cay is home to the MSC Foundation\u2019s flagship\u00a0Super Coral Programme<\/strong>,\u00a0dedicated to restoring coral reefs in The Bahamas<\/strong>. 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\u00a0 to enhance reef resilience against environmental changes. The programme has achieved remarkable success, with\u00a0100% of nursery corals surviving the 2023 unprecedented Caribbean marine heatwave<\/strong>.
\nAdditionally, the\u00a0MSC Foundation is partnering with universities to support science-based restoration on Ocean Cay and marine science education<\/strong>.\u00a0 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\u00a0Florida<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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Mission Blue Hope Spot<\/h2>\n

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has been designated a\u00a0‘Hope Spot’<\/strong>\u00a0by Mission Blue, the non-profit organisation founded by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle to promote the protection of marine ecosystems. This\u00a0prestigious recognition\u00a0<\/strong>underscores the island\u2019s important role in ocean health and its ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts.\u00a0Ocean Cay is part of Mission Blue’s global network<\/strong>\u00a0of more than 160 Hope Spots, places recognised as critical to the health of the ocean.\u00a0Dr. Sylvia Earle, President and Chairman of Mission Blue<\/strong>, 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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Marine Conservation Center<\/h2>\n
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As part of the vision to establish Ocean Cay as a base for coral restoration at scale and a scientific collaboration hub on coral restoration, on April 10, 2025 the\u00a0Marine Conservation Centre\u00a0<\/strong>has been inaugurated on the island.<\/p>\n

The Center is built on three pillars:<\/p>\n