Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay, Bahamas · Caribbean
Cruise ships dock at Ocean Cay MSC Cruise Pier, Ocean Cay.
Plan my port daysMSC's private island: eight beaches, an included buffet and food trucks, a free lighthouse light show in the evening, and paid cabanas and water sports. Ships dock at a pier (no tender).
At a glance
Port summary
Ocean Cay is a private-island day, not a town. MSC turned a former sand-dredging site 20 miles south of Bimini into a 95-acre beach island inside a 64-square-mile marine reserve, opened in 2019. Ships dock at the pier so you simply walk off. Beaches, the Seakers food court, the Boho buffet, food trucks and water are included; alcohol (unless you have a drinks package), cabanas, water sports, boat trips and the lighthouse climb cost extra. Many calls run into the evening, when the lighthouse light show and Junkanoo beach party start. Only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed.
Cruise dock
🚢 Ocean Cay MSC Cruise Pier
MSC's pier on the south side of the island lets ships dock directly, so guests walk off to the Welcome Pavilion; no tender. One ship at a time for now; MSC plans a two-ship extension by late 2027.
📍 Latitude: 25.417227, Longitude: -79.203661
See dock on port map →Getting to Ocean Cay
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Ships dock at the pier so you simply walk ashore; Lighthouse Bay is about 5 minutes away and the farthest beach roughly 20 minutes on foot.
📍 Walk off the ship onto the pier and follow the path to the Welcome Pavilion
A free electric tram links the pier with the beaches and food areas; golf carts are available for guests who can't walk far.
📍 Transport pavilions next to the Welcome Pavilion and at stops around the island
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Everything on the island goes on your cruise card, so you can leave your wallet on board; bring a few US dollars only for local artisans or tips. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.
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Inside the Caribbean collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your Ocean Cay cruise day.
Typical weather
Emergency & contacts
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Ocean Cay?
- Your ship docks directly at the Ocean Cay cruise terminal in Bahamas.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Ocean Cay?
- Yes. Ocean Cay is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Ocean Cay centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Tram. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Ocean Cay?
- Plan for at least 2 hours ashore to see Ocean Cay independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Ocean Cay and are cards accepted?
- Ocean Cay uses the US dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Ocean Cay cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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