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The Bahamas and Key West · Ocean Cay, Bahamas

Ocean Cay, kept on a card.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC's private island in the Bahamas, about 20 miles south of Bimini. It began as a sand mine, was rebuilt as a marine reserve, and now has eight beaches, a lagoon and a lighthouse. Some sailings stay late or overnight.

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Where the photos are in Ocean Cay

  1. The beaches

    There are eight, including Lighthouse Bay, North Beach, South Beach and Bimini Beach, and each has at least one lifeguard when it is open. Every beach is a different picture, from the shelter of the bay to the open sand.

  2. The lighthouse

    A lighthouse open to visitors, with LED light shows, standing over Lighthouse Bay. It is the landmark of the island and the natural backdrop for a group picture.

  3. The lagoon

    A man-made central lagoon in the middle of the island, with calm, shallow, clear water.

  4. The village and the marina

    A village and marina shopping area, with bars and places to sit, where you can see the boats come and go.

  5. The island's story

    The island began as an artificial island created in the late 1960s by dredging, and was mined for white aragonite sand until it was abandoned. The old mining equipment was removed as it was restored, and it now has marine reserve status.

How the light works

The island is low and open, so the light is strong and direct. Shoot the beaches in the morning, when the sun is lower and the sand is empty, and the lighthouse late in the day, when its light show begins to show against the sky. If your sailing stays late or overnight, the evening is a chance for a picture that is not a beach at noon.

Before you go ashore

Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve depart from Miami and Port Canaveral, and some of them stay late or overnight, which is rare for a private island. Check your ship's daily plan for the time you can be ashore and how you will get there. The island is protected, so follow the rules about reefs and wildlife.

Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.

Questions people ask

Where is Ocean Cay?
In the Bahamas' Bimini district, about 20 miles south of Bimini. It is a private island operated by MSC Cruises.
How many beaches does it have?
Eight, including Lighthouse Bay, North Beach, South Beach and Bimini Beach, and each has at least one lifeguard when it is open.
Which ships go to Ocean Cay?
Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve depart from Miami and Port Canaveral, and some stay late or overnight.

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