Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Bahamas

The Bahamas' Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve benefits from cruise ship activities, boosting local tourism. The island was transformed by MSC Cruises from an industrial site to a luxurious tropical destination. Passengers enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and bird watching, with maritime activities focusing on sustainability. A lighthouse light show at night is a must-see. This reserve showcases responsible tourism and the potential of repurposing industrial sites for tourism.
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Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Port Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

and its characteristics

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.

Cruises - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Long cruises
Long cruises
Long cruise 2025 on MSC Seaside
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UVF9
Long cruises

Long cruise 2025 on MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside MSC Seaside
Boarding: Barcelona, Disembarking: Miami
October 28, 2025 - November 21, 2025 (24 nights)
from: $1,619
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
Long cruises
Long cruise 2026 on MSC Divina
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UWCV
Long cruises

Long cruise 2026 on MSC Divina

MSC Divina MSC Divina
Boarding: Miami, Disembarking: Barcelona
March 29, 2026 - April 22, 2026 (24 nights)
from: $1,338
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
Long cruises
Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia
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UWC0
Long cruises

Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia MSC Poesia
Boarding: Civitavecchia (Roma), Disembarking: Seattle
April 6, 2026 - May 11, 2026 (35 nights)
from: $4,503
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
Long cruises
Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia
msc19018507-(1).jpg
UWBD
Long cruises

Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia MSC Poesia
Boarding: Civitavecchia (Roma), Disembarking: Miami
April 6, 2026 - April 23, 2026 (17 nights)
from: $571
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
Long cruises
Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia
msc19018507-(1).jpg
UWBL
Long cruises

Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia MSC Poesia
Boarding: Genoa, Disembarking: Miami
April 7, 2026 - April 23, 2026 (16 nights)
from: $571
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
Long cruises
Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia
msc19018507-(1).jpg
UWBM
Long cruises

Long cruise 2026 on MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia MSC Poesia
Boarding: Marseille, Disembarking: Miami
April 8, 2026 - April 23, 2026 (15 nights)
from: $507
Winter Wave 2025/26
Cruise Detail
Winter Wave 2025/26
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