Tucked along the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, Princess Cays is Princess Cruises’ exclusive private destination — a sun-drenched slice of the Bahamas designed entirely around one thing: your relaxation. With powdery white sand, turquoise shallows, and swaying palms, it’s the kind of place that makes you question why you ever needed an itinerary. Whether you’re chasing water sports or a hammock with a rum punch in hand, this tropical escape delivers.
Arriving by Ship
Princess Cays doesn’t have a traditional dock, so your ship anchors offshore and tenders ferry passengers to the beach. The process is well-organised, with tenders running continuously throughout the day, typically departing every 15–20 minutes. Expect a short wait during peak morning hours when everyone is eager to claim their piece of paradise. The tender ride itself takes about 10–15 minutes and offers your first breathtaking glimpse of that impossibly blue water. Mobility considerations matter here — the tender boarding requires stepping over a gap, so if you have mobility concerns, check with guest services ahead of time. The beach is a dedicated private facility, so everything you see when you arrive has been set up with cruise passengers in mind.
Things to Do
The beach is the main event, and it stretches long enough that you’ll always find a quiet spot even on a busy ship day. Lounge chairs are available — some complimentary, some in premium areas at extra cost — and the calm, clear water is ideal for swimming at any skill level. Water sports rentals are where Princess Cays really shines: kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and banana boats are all available directly on the beach. Snorkelling just offshore reveals surprising coral formations and colourful reef fish, so don’t skip renting gear if you have any interest in marine life. There’s also a kids’ splash area and a volleyball net for those who prefer to stay dry. If you’re craving a bit more depth in your Bahamian experience, the island’s historic culture is well worth exploring — a historic island tour that includes rum cake samples and local beer is a memorable way to connect with the real Bahamas 🎟 Book: Historic Island Tour Plus Rum Cake Sample and Local Beer. For those looking to venture beyond the private beach and experience Cable Beach or the glamorous Baha Mar resort strip, reliable transport options make day tripping surprisingly easy 🎟 Book: Round Trip Transportation to Cable Beach/Bahamar Resort/Breezes.
Local Food
The dining setup at Princess Cays is a full beach barbecue, and it’s genuinely good. A complimentary buffet is included with your cruise fare, typically featuring grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and tropical fruit. The flavours are crowd-pleasing and the portions generous — exactly what you want after a morning in the sun. For those craving something with a local twist, look out for conch fritters, which occasionally appear as a special addition and are absolutely worth trying — a true Bahamian staple that’s crispy, savoury, and addictive. Fresh tropical fruit, cold drinks, and frozen cocktails round out the food offerings. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase separately, and the frozen rum cocktails served beachside are dangerously easy to consume. If your cruise package includes a beverage plan, it typically works here too, so check before you order.
Shopping
A small marketplace sits near the beach entrance, where local Bahamian vendors set up stalls selling handcrafted jewellery, woven bags, wood carvings, straw hats, and colourful sarongs. The quality varies, but there are genuine handmade pieces among the tourist fare if you take time to browse. Prices are negotiable — don’t be shy about it, as vendors expect a bit of back-and-forth and most will happily work with you. Look out for locally made hot sauces and spiced rum products, which make excellent gifts that pack flat or tuck easily into a carry-on. Branded Princess Cays merchandise is also available if you want a tangible memory of your day. Arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly once multiple ships are in port simultaneously.
Practical Tips
Sunscreen is non-negotiable — the Bahamian sun is fierce, and the white sand reflects UV rays back at you with surprising intensity. Bring reef-safe formula to protect the coral ecosystem. Water shoes are worth packing if your feet are sensitive, as the beach entry can have some rocky patches depending on the tide. The private cays can get crowded when Princess ships are large, so head to the far ends of the beach to find quieter stretches of sand. Cash in US dollars is widely accepted at vendor stalls, but cards are standard at Princess-operated facilities. If you’re considering a trip off-site to Cable Beach or Baha Mar, a private shuttle makes the journey comfortable and convenient 🎟 Book: Private Shuttle to Cable Beach Hotels. Tenders typically stop running 30–60 minutes before all-aboard time, so keep a close eye on your ship’s schedule and give yourself buffer time.
Princess Cays won’t challenge you or demand much planning — and that’s precisely the point. It’s a beautifully crafted day of sun, sea, and Bahamian warmth that slots perfectly into a Caribbean itinerary. Leave the schedule behind, order something cold, and let the turquoise water do the rest.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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📍 Getting to Princess Cays Bahamas
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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