Port Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
The Bahamas' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve significantly benefits from cruise ship activities as it plays a pivotal role in the local tourism sector. The island, transformed from an industrial sand extraction site into a stunning tropical destination by MSC Cruises, offers a unique blend of ecological commitment and luxury tourism.
Cruise ship passengers partake in various recreational activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and bird watching. The reserve's maritime activities are designed to balance entertainment with environmental sustainability. At night, guests can enjoy the mesmerizing lighthouse light show, a highlight of the island's nightlife. The reserve is a testament to responsible tourism and demonstrates the potential of restoring and repurposing industrial sites into thriving tourist destinations.
History
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a former industrial sand extraction site that has been transformed into a thriving marine reserve and private island destination by MSC Cruises. The port, located in the Bimini chain of islands in the western Bahamas, was first established in 2015 when MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government.
The transformation of Ocean Cay took almost five years and involved the removal of tons of industrial waste and the planting of over 75,000 native plants and shrubs. The project, which was completed in November 2019, has created a flourishing ecosystem for a variety of marine life and provides a unique experience for cruise ship passengers.