Wondering where to eat at CocoCay? Here all the restaurants and food options at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, including what’s free and what costs extra.
If you are taking a Royal Caribbean cruise, chances are you’ll be stopping at their private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay. Known as “Perfect Day at CocoCay,” this island paradise is an oasis of family-friendly activities with lots of great places to eat and drink. The best part? Most of the food is included with your cruise fare!
One of the standout features of Perfect Day at CocoCay is just how easy it is to eat well while you are on the island. Unlike many cruise ports where food options can be limited, expensive, or require heading back to the ship, CocoCay is designed to let you comfortably spend an entire day on the island without sacrificing convenience or variety when it comes to dining.
We’ve been to CocoCay a number of times, both before and after its major renovation and expansion several years ago. I always find this port day relaxing and a high point of the cruise.
To help you find the best spots to eat, I’ve put together this list of all CocoCay restaurants, including my personal favorites that we visit over and over again and highly recommend for your next trip.
CocoCay Food: What’s Included vs. Extra
Included (Free):
- Chill Grill
- Skipper’s Grill
- Snack Shack (all locations)
- Water, juice, and basic beverages
Extra Cost:
- Captain Jack’s (à la carte)
- Coco Beach Club (admission required)
- Hideaway Beach (admission required)
Where to Eat at CocoCay
The majority of food on CocoCay is included in your cruise fare, with generous portions and no strict limits. This makes it easy to try multiple spots throughout the day, and you’ll find multiple locations spread across the island. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite between activities or a full lunch with shaded seating, there are plenty of options that don’t cost anything extra.
At the same time, Royal Caribbean has added a few upgraded dining experiences for those looking to elevate their day. These range from a casual à la carte sports bar to a more premium, sit-down restaurant experience inside exclusive areas like the Coco Beach Club.
With this in mind, I’ve divided this list into two sections – where to eat at CocoCay for free, and restaurants that cost extra.
CocoCay Food Included
Here’s a list of all the free restaurants on CocoCay.
Chill Grill
Location: Near Chill Island
Cost: Included
Chill Grill is one of the island’s main buffet-style restaurants and offers a wide variety of options in one place.
What to expect:
- Taco bar with fresh tortillas and toppings
- Burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ chicken
- Sandwiches like Cuban sandwiches and cheesesteaks
- Salads, fruit, and sides
- Cookies, brownies, and soft-serve ice cream
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a full meal with plenty of variety, especially for families with different tastes.
Skipper’s Grill
Location: Near Oasis Lagoon
Cost: Included
Skipper’s Grill offers a similar menu to Chill Grill, making it a convenient option depending on where you’re spending your day. I love that the shaded seating area overlooks the water, making for a nice view while you enjoy a good meal.
What to expect:
- Taco station
- Grilled favorites like burgers and chicken
- Sides, fruit, and desserts
Because the menus at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill are so similar, the best strategy is simply to visit whichever location is closest to you when it’s time for lunch.
Snack Shack
Locations: Breezy Bay, South Beach, Thrill Waterpark, and Hideaway Beach
Cost: Included
Snack Shack is a popular quick-service option on CocoCay and is perfect for grabbing something fast without leaving your beach setup for long.
Popular items include:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Crispy chicken sandwiches
- Funnel cake
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Salads and lighter options
Snack Shack is an ideal stop if you are looking for a mid-day snack, casual lunch, or sweet treat in the afternoon.
CocoCay Restaurants That Cost Extra
While it’s easy to stick with the included dining options, there are a few choices that come with an additional cost, either à la carte or through paid access to exclusive areas.
Captain Jack’s
Cost: À la carte, extra charge
Captain Jack’s is the island’s pay-per-item restaurant and has a casual, laid-back sports bar feel.
What you’ll find:
- Chicken wings
- Fries and shareable bar snacks
- A relaxed atmosphere with games and entertainment
This is a good option if you’re specifically craving wings or want a change of pace from the included dining venues.
But you don’t have to purchase food to enjoy this venue! You can go for a drink (included if you have a drink package) or simply grab a seat and enjoy the free entertainment. Some of the seats are swings which is kind of fun and adds to the island escape atmosphere on your vacation.
Hideaway Beach Dining
Cost: Included with paid admission to Hideaway Beach
Hideaway Beach is an adults-only area that features its own exclusive dining options.
Dining spots include:
Hideaway Hut: Coconut shrimp, chicken sandwiches, ceviche, and other casual favorites.
Slice of Paradise: Pizza and empanadas.
As with the Coco Beach Club, the food is included once you’ve paid for entry into the area. I splurged on a day pass to Hideaway Beach one time (the awesome pool alone makes this worthwhile!) and the food was about the same as what you’ll find at the free restaurants on CocoCay. What you are paying for here is the kids-free experience.
Coco Beach Club Restaurant
Cost: Included with paid admission to Coco Beach Club
The Coco Beach Club Restaurant offers one of the most upscale dining experiences on the island.
Menu highlights include:
- Lobster, filet mignon, and grilled seafood
- Mediterranean-inspired starters such as hummus and ceviche
- Elevated desserts
While the food itself is included, access to the restaurant requires purchasing admission to the Coco Beach Club, making this more of a splurge experience. However, if you are going to purchase access to Coco Beach Club for the day, their elevated dining experience is a great perk.
Is Food Included at CocoCay?
For most passengers, there’s no need to spend anything extra on food at CocoCay. In fact, there are so many free things to do on CocoCay, you can easily spend a whole day on the island and not shell out an extra dime!
Where the extra-cost options come into play is less about necessity and more about experience. The Coco Beach Club offers a quieter, more upscale atmosphere with a refined menu, while Hideaway Beach provides an adults-only environment with its own unique food offerings. Captain Jack’s, on the other hand, is a good choice for anyone craving classic bar food such as chicken wings. It is also one of the closest restaurants to the dock where you’ll exit your ship!
If your goal is to maximize value and keep your day simple, sticking with the included dining is a great choice. However, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a more elevated experience, or simply want to try everything the island has to offer, one of the premium options could be worth considering.
Ultimately, the variety of included food is one of the things that makes spending a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay so easy and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts: CocoCay Restaurants & Food Options
With so many dining options on the island, you are sure to eat well and have a “Perfect Day” on CocoCay!
The included dining options are not only convenient but also offer enough variety to keep most people satisfied throughout the day. Between the two buffet locations and multiple Snack Shacks, it’s easy to mix and match meals, snacks, and desserts without ever feeling limited. I also love that you can get cold water and other drinks for free at numerous locations.
The extra-cost options are less about needing additional food and more about choosing a particular experience. Coco Beach Club offers a quieter, more upscale atmosphere with a refined menu, while Hideaway Beach provides an adults-only environment with its own unique food offerings that are included with admission. It really just depends on the vibe you are going after!
The bottom line is that CocoCay strikes a nice balance: you can enjoy a full day of food without spending anything extra, while still having the option to upgrade if you choose.
For more help planning your cruise vacation, check out these other articles:
Save These Free Things to Do on CocoCay for Later!
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