Princess Cays, Bahamas
5 Important Tips You Need!
Location and General Overview
Although often referred to as a “private island,” Princess Cays is actually a resort area located at the southern tip of Eleuthera, a narrow island about 50 miles east of Nassau. The area has all the standard private resort offerings like bars, shopping, a kids’ play area (though it’s lightly used), and beaches. However, most of the "excursions" available are for things you can rent—snorkels, cabanas, floaties, umbrellas, clamshells, and lockers. Book everything ahead of time on the ship—when we arrived, there was hardly anything left, with pool noodles being the only option available.
Resort Layout
We divided the facility into two main areas:
North Side: This area includes the shops, first aid, main buffet, and cabanas. It’s where most of the action happens.
South Side: This side is more laid back, with a smaller buffet, basketball and volleyball courts, and a more relaxed beach.
Tip 1: Grab the Shade
Princess Cays offers plenty of free shaded areas with complimentary loungers. Look for standing structures and tree-lined areas to stay cool. One area, facing the lagoon, even has loungers under trees, which is a big plus given the intense sun and high UV levels. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must! Many people camp out in these spots all day, so it’s a good idea to come early to claim a spot.
Tip 2: Expect a Rocky Beach
The beach here isn’t as pristine as some other private island resorts. The sand is coarse, sometimes mixed with pebbles or debris, and it’s separated into 7 sections with rocky outcrops. The beaches on the north end are smaller and narrower, while the south end has the longest and widest beach, with plenty of shade from trees. The water, however, is clear and cool, making it perfect for wading and snorkeling. Water shoes would be helpful, especially in some of the rockier areas.
Tip 3: Rent a Cabana for Larger Groups
Renting a cabana is a great option if you're traveling with a larger group. While they’re priced at around $230 for 6 hours (as of recording), dividing the cost among 4 people made it about $58 per person, which isn’t bad for the comfort and amenities provided. Cabana features include air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a cooler, dining seating for 4, shelving, floaties, 4 outdoor loungers, and one umbrella. The more expensive Sanctuary bungalows, located at the end of the north side, offer similar amenities but also include a refrigerator and an extra awning for shade.
One big perk: cabana reservations get tender embarkation priority, making it easier to get to and from the island. There is also a complimentary shuttle to take you to the cabanas, which is especially useful for anyone with mobility issues. The only downside is that the cabanas are not very large, and they don’t have direct beach access—so you’ll need to walk 3-5 minutes south to reach the beach.
Tip 4: Eat Before the Buffet Opens
The buffet is the highlight of dining at Princess Cays, offering standard fare like burgers, hot dogs, and salads. But did you know that there’s free food available before the buffet opens? You can grab free wraps (ham/cheese or vegetarian), a fruit buffet, and flavored water throughout the day. So, you don’t have to wait for the main buffet. Plus, there are two identical buffets, one on the north side and one on the south side. The water station is available until the last tender leaves. If you are sailing with Princess and have a drinks package (Plus/Premier), it is honored here too—no extra cost, unlike at some other private islands like Half Moon Cay, which charges extra for drinks.
Tip 5: Venture Out (If Only a Little)
If you’re feeling adventurous, venture beyond the resort and explore the “craft market” area. You’ll need to present an ID or your Princess Medallion to enter. Here, you’ll find a few interesting things, including George’s Bar and Grill, which offers local dishes like conch fritters and fried fish, along with drinks and even hookahs, cigars, and pipes. You can pay in US dollars or charge it to your cruise account. This area also has a lovely view of a mangrove pond and a small bridge. While not many people venture here, it offers a glimpse of local life, making it a nice change from the resort.
Bonus Tips:
Wait Out the Return Line
As the day winds down, the line to board the last tender can get really long. Instead of standing in the sun, consider hanging back and relaxing for a bit. Some people decided to have another drink and even do a little dancing. With lots of loungers available and water still flowing, it’s a comfortable way to wait. By the time we got in line, it was the last boat out. So, hang back, stay relaxed, but keep an eye on the entrance. When the line shortens, it’s your cue to head back to the ship.
2. Check the port schedule
We always check the port schedule a few months ahead to find out how many ships and passengers are expected at particular port. If you are scheduled to share Princess Cays with Carnival Jubilee or Celebration (Carnival biggest ships with 5374 passenger capacity) during school holiday then make sure to book something ahead of time. EVERYTHING will sold out.
3. First come first served
If you want to rent a cabana, do it as early as possible. We had the first and closest cabana to the Crow’s Nest observation overlook, which was also closest to the beach and buffet. Same price as the others but offered a more convenient location.
Final Thoughts
Princess Cays offers a relaxing day in the Bahamas with plenty of amenities, from shaded lounges to water activities. While the beach is rocky, and the cabanas are a bit cramped, the overall experience is enjoyable and makes for a perfect stop on your cruise. Be sure to plan ahead, rent what you need early, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this beautiful resort!