Royal Caribbean's expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay has added a lot of compelling spots to spend your day, but there's something about Chill Island that I really love.
Since the Perfect Day makeover, I've visited Royal Caribbean's private island dozens of times and tried every beach and pool they have. Each has its advantages, but on my most recent visit, I wanted to go back to the original beach at Chill Island.
Maybe it was because this was the last day of our Wonder of the Seas cruise and I was just ready for a relaxing day, but the idea of laying on a lounge chair under an umbrella sounded perfect to me.
I also felt a sort of nostalgia for the Chill Island beach because before Royal Caribbean renovated and improved the island, this was the beach everyone went to and part of me missed going here.
So while I won't complain about going to the Coco Beach Club or South Beach by any means, I really like Chill Island for a few good reasons.
1. The serenity
Maybe this is a sign I'm getting older, but I greatly appreciate the fact that Chill Island is advertised in its name and is pretty tame compared to other areas of CocoCay.
I enjoy a pool party as much as anyone, but I have to be in the mood for loud music at the pool. With my kids in tow, the pool scene at Oasis Lagoon isn't always my jam.
Plus, I really like how much shade there is, between the umbrellas at every group of chairs and lots of palm trees.
Being that it was the last night of a 7-night cruise, I was also ready for a wind down beach day. Royal Caribbean designed Chill Island to be the quiet option.
If you look at a CocoCay map, the general idea is as you go from left to right, the island transitions from "chill" to "thrill".
If you value serenity over energy, Chill Island is the spot for you.
2. The ocean
I really like the inlets Chill Island has, because of the rocks that protect the beach from the waves.
While you wont confuse CocoCay's ocean water with St. John or Aruba, it's still pretty and before a lot of other guests there later in the day, the clarity is lovely.
There's also a few swim platforms near Chill Beach, which provides a challenge to get out there. The furthest out platform is really a dare to guests to try to make it out there.
The north end of the beach seems calmer and more secluded, which means you can find the right area for your taste.
Essentially, the ocean around Chill Island has more "character" than the beach elsewhere on the island.
3. Wacky Seagull bar
I remember the first time I went to fetch a drink from the Wacky Seagull bar and thinking to myself, "this place is really nice."
Rather than run back to my lounge chair, I sat down in one of the Adirondack chairs and enjoyed the view.
Because the bar has a roof, there's lots of shade and the breeze seems to always kick up a bit more here than back in my chair.
I'm a sucker for shade, a drink, and a stiff breeze, so I've returned to the Wacky Seagull just to sit and watch the ocean as I sip on my beer or cocktail.
4. Best beach cabanas outside Coco Beach Club
If I had to rank the beach cabanas you can rent at CocoCay, I think the Chill Island cabanas are the best outside the Coco Beach Club.
The Chill Island cabanas are further set away from the general part of the beach, but they aren't as remote as the beach cabanas at South Beach. It's still a short walk when you need to venture out.
Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and comes with attendant service.
Another benefit to the Chill Island cabanas being somewhat isolated from the rest of the beach is that they're quieter and the couch inside any of them is quite inviting for a nap.
While the price of a CocoCay cabana has been steadily going up, if you're in the market for a beach cabana, I would always consider the Chill Island cabanas first.
5. Lots of other things close by
It's a short walk to many other things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay from Chill Island and I think that makes a difference.
Since it's always about food, Chill Grill is directly behind Chill Island. Not only is it a short commute to eat lunch, but I can send my kids to get a drink, ice cream, or fruit without worrying they'll get lost along the way.
Chill Grill serves up salads, sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fruit, and lots of grilled food (chicken, burgers, hot dogs). My favorite is to make a taco bowl and load it up with salsa, guacamole, and lots of veggies.
And the best part, it's free!
There's also the straw market for some light shopping. Unlike the artisan market in Labadee, there's no sales pressure here and a convenient place to pick up a Bahamas souvenir.
There's also the snorkeling and excursion meetup right behind the Chill Island cabanas, and if you're looking for a hammock, there's a few on your way back to the ship.
How to get to Chill Island
There's two ways to get to Chill Island: on foot or by tram.
If you want to walk, as you get to the Arrivals plaza, take a left turn and follow the sea green path across the bridge and you'll enter Chill Island.
Alternatively, you can hop on the complimentary shuttles located near Thrill Waterpark and it will give you a grand circle tour of the island, culminating with a stop at Chill Island.
Common Chill Island questions
Is Chill Island on CocoCay free?
Yes, there's no admission cost to Chill Island.
All the chairs and umbrellas are first-come, first grabbed and there's no extra cost to access the beach.
There are cabanas and day beds you can rent for an additional cost at Chill Island.
How much is a Chill Island cabana?
Prices for a cabana will vary from sailing to sailing, but they usually begin around $899 and can go for as much as $1399 per cabana.
The cabanas feature curtain closures on three sides, with comfortable sectional seating inside, four beach loungers outside for sunning and an umbrella-shaded dining area with four tables and chairs.
Is Chill Island adults only?
No, Chill Island is open to all guests of all ages.
Hidewaway Beach is the only adults-only beach at CocoCay.
