Chill Island vs South Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

If your ideal beach day involves a quiet stretch of powdery shoreline, tranquil waters and plenty of rest and relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. Sure, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers lots of adrenaline-boosting rides and attractions, but thrills aren’t the only way to spend your time ashore. spend your time ashore.

If you want to slow down, work on your tan and spend some time recharging, there’s Chill Island® and there’s South Beach. Both are perfect for friends, couples and families — and both have spaces to relax and soak up the island vibes. So, how do you know which spot matches your dream island vacation?

Here’s everything you need to know about Chill Island vs. South Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Key Takeaways: Differences Between Chill Island and South Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

● General vibes: Chill Island is the most tranquil spot, designed for rest, relaxation and a laid-back atmosphere. South Beach is built for a more energetic and social stay, ideal for amping up excitement shoreside.

● Vacation companions: Chill Island is perfect for families, couples and friend groups seeking peace and quiet shoreside. South Beach typically attracts friend groups and couples looking to take their vacation up a notch.

● Key activities: Chill Island offers activities like snorkeling and joining jet ski tours. South Beach offers competitive activities like volleyball and beachfront basketball.

● Dining options: Chill Island features the Chill Grill, with varied complimentary options like tacos and grilled favorites. At South Beach, you can get treats at the Snack Shack or head to other nearby bars and restaurants.

● Bar experience: Chill Island offers drinks at the Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr. bars located on either end of the beach. South Beach boasts the fan-favorite Floating Bar just offshore, where guests can swim out for drinks

● Explore cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and use this list to determine your perfect hangout spot.

Retreating From the Sunshine

You don’t have to pay to access Chill Island or South Beach, and both areas offer plenty of complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas along the shore. However, one of the best things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay if you’re visiting with a group of friends or family — or if you want to upgrade your romantic getaway and score a little more privacy for you and your significant other — is to reserve a cabana. You can reserve either before your cruise or upon arrival. 

Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and includes attendant service, as well as private locker storage, eight premium towels and water bottles, floating mats, snorkeling gear (upon request) and complimentary dining options. Booking a Cabana is among the most relaxing things to do on the island — but they’re subject to availability, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Here’s how the cabanas compare at each location: 

● Chill Island: In general, you’ll find a more chilled atmosphere around the cabanas; however, Chill Island is closer to the action. It’s ideal for families and friend groups seeking access — and peace.

● South Beach: This beach is for those who hear “vacation” and automatically reach for the volleyball. South Beach cabanas on Perfect Day at CocoCay are ideal for friend groups or couples looking to take their vacation to the next level. 

Work Hard Play Hard

You can book water activities ahead of time while planning your cruise. Alternatively, book on board the cruise ship before you arrive or on the island during your time ashore. Just remember that equipment and tour spots are subject to availability, so it’s usually recommended to book ahead. If you’ve already booked your cruise and you’re ready to start planning your itinerary for Perfect Day at CocoCay, check out Cruise Planner.

Here’s what you can expect at each place:

● Chill Island: True to its name, Chill Island beach is really all about the chill factor — but that doesn’t mean you won’t have the option to break up all that shoreside lounging with a bit of action. There’s a shack nearby where you can rent snorkel equipment to check out some of the vibrant coral reefs located just offshore. Keep an eye out for the friendly stingrays that call the island home — they’re not shy and don’t mind swimming up close to snorkelers. There’s also a dock in this area where you can join a jet ski tour of the island.

● South Beach: At South Beach, you have access to more energetic activities like volleyball and beachfront basketball. You’re also not far from Up, Up, and Away, the hot air balloon ride, soaring 450 feet up in the air.

TWO SIDES, TWO VIBES

While Perfect Day at CocoCay offers plenty of thrilling adventures to fill your time, the north and south carry different energies. All you have to do is pick the side that offers the kind of vibe you’re looking for.

● Chill Island: Compared to most of the other areas on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is definitely the most tranquil spot around. It’s not adults-only, but the vibe here is always relaxed and laid back. That said, the north end is the calmer and more secluded side, and a preferred pick among couples.

● South Beach: The south end has more activity, and that’s where you’ll find the Snack Shack and the dock for jet ski tours. If you’re looking to get the most out of a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay (rather than taking relaxation to full throttle), here’s the place to do it. 

Lunch and Lounge

Perfect Day at CocoCay offers plenty of complimentary dining options to keep you fueled up on the island. Here’s what you can find: 

● Chill Island: Chill Island at Perfect Day at CocoCay boasts the largest restaurant on Perfect Day at CocoCay,  — Chill Grill — serving a wide range of delicious options tailored to any kind of diet or preference. Think crisp salads, tasty sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fresh fruit and grilled favorites like BBQ chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. For dessert, there’s soft-serve ice cream, cookies and brownies. The food is part of the free attractions at Chill Island and Perfect Day at CocoCay, so make sure you save room for seconds. 

● South Beach: At South Beach, you have the Snack Shack, where you can find treats to keep you going throughout the day. There’s also an offshore Floating Bar and various other bars and restaurants within walking distance. 

Sipping in Serenity

When you feel it’s time to unwind with an ice-cold brew or your favorite summertime cocktail, you have plenty of options. Drink packages purchased on the cruise ship or via Cruise Planner apply on Perfect Day at CocoCay, so all you need to bring is your SeaPass card.

● Chill Island: On either end of the beach, you’ll find the Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr. bars, both serving all your favorite adult drinks. 

● South Beach: Just offshore, the fan-favorite Floating Bar is easy to spot. All you have to do is swim out to the gently bobbing tiki hut to enjoy your Coco Loco with a side of sea views. 

Your Vacation, Your Way at Perfect Day at CocoCay