Princess Cays is a beautiful private island destination in the Bahamas, exclusively for Carnival and Princess cruise passengers. This tropical getaway offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re seeking active pursuits or a peaceful retreat, Princess Cays provides a taste of paradise tailored to cruise guests. The island features well-maintained facilities including bars, barbecue areas, and shops, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day.
Let’s explore What to do in Princess Cays Bahamas and What it has to offer for cruisers.
Where is Princess Cays Located?
Princess Cays is located on the southern end of Eleuthera island in the Bahamas. Eleuthera is part of the Great Bahama Bank and sits about 70 miles east of Nassau, the Bahamian capital.
Princess Cays offers a taste of Bahamian culture, with colorful buildings, local cuisine, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Its location in the Bahamas means it’s easily accessible for ships sailing from Florida and other nearby ports, making it a convenient and attractive destination for cruise lines and their passengers.
Who Owns Princess Cays?
Princess Cays is owned by Carnival Corporation, a major player in the cruise industry. This corporation operates several cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Corporation purchased the property and developed it into a private resort destination exclusively for cruise passengers.
Both Cruise lines use Princess Cays as a port of call for many of its Caribbean itineraries, offering guests a day of beach relaxation and activities in a controlled, cruise line-owned environment.
How Big is Princess Cays Bahamas?
Princess Cays covers 40 acres on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. Eleuthera itself is a long, narrow island, stretching about 100 miles in length but only around 2 miles in width.
The island has a total area of approximately 176 square miles, making it the 8th largest island in the Bahamian archipelago.
What is the Weather in Princess Cays Bahamas?
Princess Cays Bahamas enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year. Average Princess Cays temperature range from 75°F to 80°F (around 24 to 29°C), while the lows stay in the 60°F to 70°F (about 18 to 24°C).
The Princess Cays weather is mild, with only small changes between seasons. The Princess Cays Bahamas weather is dry from November to April and the rainy season is from May to October.
Princess Cays Transportation
Transportation options in Princess Cays:
Walking: The resort area is compact and easily explored on foot.
Tram Service: A free tram circulates within the resort for those who prefer not to walk.
Beach Rentals: Kayaks, paddleboards, and other water equipment are available for exploring the coastline.
Bicycles: Some cruise lines offer bicycle tours of the surrounding area.
Limited Vehicle Access: There are few cars on the island; most transportation is non-motorized.
No Public Transportation: The private resort doesn’t have buses or taxis.
Cruise Ship Tenders: Boats that ferry passengers from cruise ships to the island.
Note: Transportation options are generally limited to the resort area, as Princess Cays is a private destination primarily for cruise ship passengers.
Princess Cays Things to Do
Princess Cays has three distinct beach areas. The Main Shore is the largest and most popular, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Little Bay, a short walk from the marina, is quieter and ideal for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
The Sanctuary provides an adults-only experience, offering a peaceful retreat. Each beach has its own character, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences.
Kid’s Play
Pelican’s Perch is a supervised play area designed specifically for children. It offers a safe and fun environment where kids can enjoy various activities, make new friends, and play on age-appropriate equipment. Parents can relax knowing their children are entertained and looked after by trained staff.
Princess Cays Snorkeling
The clear waters around Princess Cays offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish and coral formations.
The best spots are often marked, and some areas have lifeguards for added safety. It’s a great way to experience the marine life of the Bahamas.
Sports
For active visitors, Princess Cays provides volleyball and basketball courts. These facilities offer a chance to engage in friendly matches with fellow cruisers or family members. It’s a fun way to stay active and socialize while enjoying the beautiful island setting.
Beaches
The beaches at Princess Cays are the main attraction. With soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, they’re perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks.
Princess Cays offers private rental options for a more exclusive beach experience. Visitors can book air-conditioned bungalows, ideal for families, which come with beach chairs and scenic views.
For couples, the Princess Cays Beach Clamshells provide a romantic, secluded spot with comfortable seating. These rentals should be booked ahead of time to ensure availability and enhance your island visit.
Shopping
The Princess Tropical Treasures Boutique offers a variety of souvenirs, local crafts, and beach essentials. Visitors can find unique Bahamian gifts and mementos. It’s important to note that the Sail & Sign card can’t be used for purchases here, so bringing cash or a credit card is necessary.
Watersports
Princess Cays offers a range of watersports activities for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can rent equipment for kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing on small catamarans. For more excitement, banana boat rides are available. Jet ski rentals and parasailing may also be offered, depending on conditions.
These activities provide a fun way to explore the beautiful waters surrounding the island and add some adventure to your beach day.
Free Things to do in Princess Cays During the Day
Beach relaxation: Lounge on the soft, white sandy beaches at no cost. Soak up the sun, take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views.
Nature walks: Explore the island’s natural beauty by taking leisurely walks along the shoreline or through designated paths. Observe local flora and fauna at your own pace.
Picnic areas: Use the free picnic areas to enjoy your meals outdoors. Many cruise lines provide complimentary BBQ lunches that you can savor in these scenic spots.
Basketball and volleyball: Join pickup games or organize matches with friends and family on the free-to-use basketball and volleyball courts.
Pelican’s Perch playground: Let children play at this supervised area equipped with slides, swings, and other fun structures, all at no extra charge.
Swimming: Take advantage of the beautiful Bahamian waters for swimming and cooling off. The beaches are perfect for a refreshing dip.
Seashell hunting: Walk along the shoreline and collect unique seashells as free souvenirs of your visit (just make sure they’re not inhabited!).
Photography: Capture stunning views of the turquoise waters, white sands, and lush vegetation. The island offers numerous picture-perfect spots at no cost.
Princess Cays Excursions
Here are the few Princess Cays things to do:
Guided Bus Tours
Passengers board air-conditioned buses for a comfortable island tour. They see local sights, learn about Bahamian culture, and visit scenic spots. The tour guide shares interesting facts and stories about Eleuthera Island and also take passengers to key attractions, such as pink sandy beaches, the town of Rock Sound, caves, and the Glass Window Bridge.
Dune Buggy Adventure
Thrill-seekers hop into two-seater dune buggies for an exciting ride. They drive through rugged terrain, enjoying beautiful coastal views. The adventure combines sightseeing with an adrenaline rush. The trip includes exploring a saltwater lagoon and the ocean hole at Rock Sound.
Outdoor Adventures
Nature lovers explore the island’s diverse ecosystems on foot. Cruisers can visit the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve. It features an education center about the environment. They hike through lush vegetation, spot local wildlife, and learn about native plants.
Island Bike Tour
Cyclists pedal along scenic coastal paths, enjoying fresh sea breezes. They stop at key points to admire views and learn about local history. The tour offers a blend of exercise and island exploration. The tour stops at the Straw Market and the historic Salt Pond.
Surf Fishing Tour
Fishing enthusiasts try their luck at catching local species from the shore. They learn surf fishing techniques from experienced guides.
Stingray Encounter
Passengers wade into shallow water to meet friendly stingrays. They touch and feed these graceful creatures under expert supervision. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with marine life up close.
Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise
Visitors board a boat with a transparent bottom to view underwater life. They see colorful fish, coral formations, and other marine creatures. The captain provides commentary on the local marine ecosystem.
What Equipment Can You Rent at Princess Cays?
At Princess Cays, visitors can typically rent a variety of beach and water equipment. Here’s a list of common rentals available:
- Snorkeling gear
- Paddle boards
- Kayaks
- Aqua bikes (water bicycles)
- Float mats
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach chairs
- Cabanas
- Bungalows
- Hobie Cats (small sailboats)
- Banana boats
- Fishing equipment
Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on the season and demand. It’s also worth noting that some cruise packages might include certain rentals, so it’s a good idea to check with your specific cruise line or package details before arriving at Princess Cays.
Is Food Included on Princess Cays?
When visiting Princess Cays, food is included as part of your cruise package. The island offers a complimentary barbecue-style lunch buffet for cruise passengers, featuring items like burgers, hot dogs, fish, chicken, salads, and fresh fruit. This buffet is usually set up in a central area of the resort, making it easy for visitors to grab a meal between beach activities.
Beverages including water and lemonade are often provided free of charge as well. Alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages usually come at an additional cost. Some cruise lines may also offer upgraded dining experiences or specialty restaurants on the island for an extra fee.
It’s worth noting that the specific food offerings can vary depending on your cruise line and the time of year. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s a good idea to check with your cruise line beforehand to ensure suitable options will be available during your visit to Princess Cays.
Does the Drink Package Work on Princess Cays?
Princess Cruise drink packages do work on Princess Cays, which is a nice perk for passengers. This means if you’ve purchased a drink package for your cruise, you can continue to enjoy your included drinks while on the island without extra charges. It covers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the island’s bars.
The Carnival Cheers drinks package does not work on Princess Cays. Passengers can still use their Sail & Sign card to buy drinks, so they don’t need to bring a credit card or cash.
The drinking age in Princess Cays Bahamas is 21. Guests aged 18, 19, or 20 cannot buy alcoholic drinks at the resort.
Does Princess Cays have WiFi?
Princess Cays does indeed have WiFi access, which sets it apart from many other private cruise line islands. The service available is called MedallionNet, which is Princess Cruises’ own internet service.
This WiFi access allows guests to stay connected while on the island. Visitors can use it to share photos, send messages, or update social media about their island experience in real-time.
Having WiFi on a private island is uncommon and gives Princess Cays an edge for guests who want or need to stay connected during their beach day. As with any remote location, the speed and reliability of the connection may vary.
Guests should check with Princess Cruises for the most up-to-date information on Wi-Fi availability and any associated costs, as these details can change over time.
Do People Live on Princess Cays Bahamas?
Princess Cays is not a residential island. It’s a private resort area owned and operated by Princess Cruises exclusively for their cruise ship passengers. While there are staff members who work on the island to maintain facilities and provide services, they don’t permanently live there.
The island is primarily set up as a day-stop destination for cruise visitors, offering beaches, recreational activities, and amenities, but it doesn’t have a permanent local population.
Is Princess Cays the Same as Half Moon Cay?
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are two separate private islands in the Bahamas, both owned by Carnival Corporation.
Princess Cays is owned by Princess Cruises (part of Carnival Corporation). It’s located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island.
Half Moon Cay, on the other hand, is owned by Holland America Line (also part of Carnival Corporation) and is its own small island, also known as Little San Salvador Island.
Both islands offer similar cruise ship beach experiences with amenities like beach bars, water sports, and barbecue lunches, they have some unique characteristics.
Princess Cays features a Bahamian village with local craft markets and is part of a larger inhabited island.
Half Moon Cay is known for its horseback riding excursions and has a protected lagoon for swimming. Half Moon Cay is also more secluded, being its own private island rather than part of a larger landmass.
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, both islands provide tropical beach experiences for cruise passengers, they are separate destinations owned by different cruise lines, each with its own distinct features and activities.
Which is Better Princess Cays vs Half Moon Cay?
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both popular private island destinations for cruise passengers, each with its own strengths. Princess Cays, part of Eleuthera Island, offers a mix of beach activities and local culture, with opportunities to explore beyond the resort area. It has a more developed feel with its Bahamian village and craft markets.
Half Moon Cay, on the other hand, is known for its pristine, crescent-shaped beach and clear turquoise waters. It’s more isolated, being its own private island, which can give a more exclusive feel. Half Moon Cay is often praised for its natural beauty and offers unique experiences like horseback riding on the beach.
Both islands provide similar beach amenities, water sports, and BBQ lunches. Princess Cays has the advantage of offering Wi-Fi, while Half Moon Cay is often noted for its less crowded atmosphere.
Ultimately, which one is “better” depends on personal preferences. Those seeking a balance of beach time and cultural experiences might prefer Princess Cays, while travelers looking for a more secluded, picture-perfect beach getaway might lean towards Half Moon Cay.
FAQs – Princess Cays Bahamas Things to do
How Far is Princess Cays from Nassau?
Princess Cays is about 70 miles southeast of Nassau, on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island. While they’re both in the Bahamas, they’re on different islands. Cruise ships visit one or the other as separate stops on their itineraries.
Bimini or Princess Cays Which is Better?
Bimini and Princess Cays both offer unique Caribbean experiences, but Princess Cays is more cruise-friendly with better infrastructure and organized activities. Bimini provides a more authentic, less developed island atmosphere that might appeal to adventurous travelers. For most cruise passengers, Princess Cays offers a more comfortable and convenient destination.
Is Princess Cays Safe?
Princess Cays is considered safe for cruise passengers, with controlled access and ongoing supervision by cruise line staff. The private beach area is well-maintained, with security personnel and designated zones for tourists to ensure visitor safety and comfort.