The CocoCay Nature Walk Excursion Experience

If you love nature and you want to know more about what kind of plants and trees are surrounding the island, as well as what animals exist in the island, this excursion is ideal for you. This approximately 3 quarter-mile walk into the remote island of Cococay will take you to learn interesting facts about Bahamian plants and trees as well as the medicinal properties they give.

Before taking this excursion be sure you are wearing your most comfortable shoes as there are uneven paths in some areas. You will be walking up and down on a hilly area with uneven rocks and flat dirt areas are common. Don't forget to bring with you a bottle of water, your hat, an insect repellant and sunscreen for skin protection, your sunglasses, and just wear light comfortable clothing. 

You'll also get the chance to visit a historical ruin on the island such as that of Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard). As you further explore your walk, you will see iguanas, some variety of birds and pelicans, then you will be introduced to sea stars, conch and the occasional stingray.

I saw an iguana!

The tour lasts for an hour 45 minutes, but it can be earlier, and ends at Barefoot Beach which is a 5-minute walk from the central area.

CocoCay Island, Bahamas

It was such an amazing experience visiting CocoCay in Bahamas during our cruise.

Me and my husband at Cococay Island, Bahamas

CocoCay is a private island exclusive for Royal Caribbean as well as for Celebrity Cruises guests. Both these cruise ships bring their passengers to the island by tenders.

CocoCay is surrounded with bright blue waters in the middle of the Bahamas, and situated about 45 miles north, northwest of Nassau.

This island was used to be called "Little Stirrup Cay" before the Royal Caribbean Cruises assumed the lease of the island for exclusive use. It used to be a deserted island that has white sand beaches.

After Royal Caribbean Cruises acquired the lease, and was renamed CocoCay, the company started renovating the island and became a tropical paradise.

Nowadays, it is now equipped with new and modern aquatic facilities like scuba-diving and snorkeling facilities, renovated nature trails which are one of the island's attractions, new dining shelters such as bars, restaurants and shops like the Straw Market that are in cottages and artisan huts.

Other famous activities are kayaking, swimming, parasailing and more. If you prefer to relax, the island is also equipped with benches and special seating areas along the beach and trellises for shady sanctuaries.

Before catching up your tender going to the island, be sure you are ready for the choices of any excursions or tours that you wanna do. 

There is an excursion desk in the ship and they can help you with some lists of activities you want to do in the island. You need to sign up first before going to the island, as they don't accept walk-in tours once you're there.

Otherwise, you should have already included your excursion itineraries before you board the ship for the cruise.

Tour the Bahamas!

This is one of my target for a future trip ;). Of course, when we say Bahamas, obviously it is cruising on the sea. Not a surprise because it's the only best way to see much of Bahamas.
They say yachting is a great thing to do there by which 3 cruising grounds are many's favorites.

The Abacos Islands: It's protected from the Atlantic with barrier of cays with calm waters. The best way to see it would be to charter boats. Marsh Harbour is functional which offers sailboats with or without captains and crew. One day rentals can go as much as $350 - $630.

The Berry Islands: This island has 30 sq. miles, an ideal place to hunt mahi-mahi and bonefish. Start your adventure from Great Harbour Cay at the main island which has a large port and a small airport. As usual, the only best way to explore the island is through boat rentals in which many boat rentals company offer them at the island. Don't miss visiting Hoffman's Cay where daredevils leap 20 ft. into a deep blue swimming hole. You can as well enter the water through steps down to a striated grotto.

The Exuma Islands: - is composed of hundred of small islands with 120-mile length. There is a 10-mile long port called Elizabeth Harbour in which most yachts stop there. You might want to sign up for full day tours as well with Exuma Cays Adventure. Then, be sure to stop by to visit Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park which is 176 sq. miles of pristine ocean, reef and cays at the top of the chain.

Have fun! :)

Know the Fantasy Islands in Bahamas - Part 2

Musha Cay (Exumas) - equipped with five fancy cottages with lots of boats for jetting to other surrounding islands. Most guests arrive via a private jet, and the resort can only be rented to a single group. Did you know that famous magician David Copperfield bought this cluster of islands in 2006 after he claims its watery surrounds had age-defying properties? Hhhmmmm...interesting!

One and only Ocean Club (Nassau) - has mansiony digs, perfect lawns and tons of orchids...more than the human population! It has a 4-bedroom villa which costs $10,500 a night, with a minimum stay of 3 days...whew! And take note. You might as well see Michael Jordan, an avid fan of the Ocean Club Golf Course.

Pink Sands (Harbour Island) - has 25 chic beachfront cottages shaded by banyan trees. They say this island is "the see-and-be-seen" place. Cottages have private walkways to the beach and have sun decks. It's once owned by Island Records' bigwig Chris Blackwell.

Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay (Exumas) - has 50 acres of 6 villas being managed by butlers, golf carts and motorboats. This place is frequented by many honeymooners and romantics who can set up from Sandals, - a Fowl Cay's owner. Dining serves a 5-course dinner nightly with free-flowing cocktails for $100.

Know the Fantasy Islands in Bahamas - Part 1

Cape Santa Maria (Long Island) - with white sand and emerald waters, this island is 4 miles of shore. It has relaxed but plush bungalows. An ideal place to scuba dive and snorkel in the hotel's private marina. A dinner for 2 here is $130 which includes a glass of wine for each ;).

The Cove (Paradise Island) - this is a resort within a resort that has 600 high-rise suites.

Kamalame Cay (Andros) - a private island resort which has 96-acres, with a sparkling white beach and with plantation-style cottages.

Little Whale Cay (Berry Islands) - the island has almost 100 acres of tropical birds and infinity pools with 3 eco-luxe pads and a private landing strip. Don't miss watching the flamingos that strut around the area. There is a 12-member staff including a masseur and personal chef that can take care of you.

Family-Friendly Vacation to Bahamas

Bahamas is ideal for various types of family-vacation. Depending on what type of family you belong, you can still enjoy the Bahamas.

For the sporty family: - If you and the group enjoys swimming, playing outdoors, or anything that works up a sweat, go hit the Small Hope Bay Lodge at Andro's This resort is hidden in acres of Andros pine and mangroves. They say this resort is a world-class diving destination, and ideal for kids to do their scuba diving. Cottages are made up of simple, coral rocks anchored by a lodge with batik-covered daybeds, and with a bar inspiringly designed from the hull of an old sailboat...take note! They have no phones or TV. But you won't get bored because of many activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, nature trails, diving and shelling.

For the laid back family: - You would love Hope town on Elbow Cay, a small island which will be a short ferry ride from Great Abaco. You can book at Hope Town Harbour Lodge; ferry will drop you off right at the hotel's pier. The place can be best explored on foot or bike and is closed to motor vehicles, so kids can run freely. Hit the Harbour's Edge at night where kids can scarf down conch fritters before going off for a board game fun, while adults can watch the beautiful sunset.

For the multi-generational family: The teens, your sister and her toddler, your grandma tagging along...etc. The group's perfect place will be Grand Bahama. The beach side is dominated by Our Lucaya complex, with 2 resorts, 4 pools and 13 restaurants linked by paths. Older generations can be booked at Reef Village which has their own private beach. Our Lucaya is a bit Disney-like, great for kids and teens. You can try booking at Pelican Bay Hotel at the marinaside if you love reading and movies. Try day trip tours to explore the island more with Grand Bahama Nature Tours.