Princess Cays is a slice of beachfront on the southern tip of Eleuthera, used by Princess Cruises (and occasionally Carnival brands) for a relaxed beach day. There are no waterslides or mega-amenities here — the appeal is a long sandy beach, a complimentary BBQ, swimming, snorkeling and the option to rent a shaded clamshell or private bungalow. It's straightforward and pretty, if a touch dated compared to the newest islands. Sailing with Princess Cruises? Compare it with their other private islands, or jump to the beaches & swimming, relaxation & wellness, water sports, food & drink guides.
Key takeaways
- Editor's Score4.1 / 5
- Cruise linePrincess Cruises
- Best forBeaches, Relaxation, Couples, Snorkeling
- Getting ashoreTender required (ship anchors offshore)
- What's includedIncluded (beach & lunch); paid clamshells, bungalows & water sports
- StandoutWalk left/west for the quieter, prettier stretch
What we love
- Relaxed, classic beach day
- Good snorkeling off the beach
- Inexpensive clamshell shade option
- Free BBQ lunch
- Local craft market adds charm
Worth knowing
- Tender required — weather-dependent
- Feels dated vs newest islands
- Limited natural shade
- Few standout activities
Highlights & what to do
A genuine, unfussy beach day
Princess Cays is refreshingly simple: a long sandy beach, calm clear water and a complimentary BBQ lunch. If you want to swim, snorkel and read in the sun without theme-park energy, it delivers.
Clamshells & private bungalows
Shade is the key upgrade. Rent a clamshell lounger for sun protection, or splurge on a private beachfront bungalow with loungers, a hammock and service for a group.
Snorkeling & water sports
The reef areas off the beach are decent for snorkeling, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboats, floats and snorkel gear. Banana-boat rides are a fun, cheap add-on.
Local flavor
A small local craft market lets you buy Bahamian-made souvenirs — a nice touch you won't find on the more corporate mega-islands.
Two beaches in one: lively and quiet ends
The long shoreline effectively splits into two moods. The stretch near the landing is where the action is, with bars, shops, music, and the densest cluster of loungers, while the far end trails off into calmer, rockier water that rewards anyone willing to walk a bit for more space and better snorkeling. Knowing which way to turn when you step off the tender shapes the whole day.
A quieter corner of sand
Beyond the busiest stretch, Princess Cays offers calmer pockets for guests who just want to read, nap, and swim away from the soundtrack of the main beach. It's a simple perk rather than a lavish lounge, but for couples it's an easy way to dial the day down a notch. Arrive earlier for the best pick of space.
Family-friendly shallows
Families tend to gravitate to the gently sloping, calm-water sections near the main beach, where little ones can wade safely. Combined with the included barbecue lunch, it makes for a low-stress day with kids and no extra spend required. Pack water shoes for them too, since some stretches are pebbly.
Activities & experiences
Private beach bungalow
Shaded bungalow with loungers and service for groups.
Clamshell shade rental
Personal sun shade — the smart, cheap upgrade.
Snorkel rental
Explore the reef just off the beach.
Kayak / paddleboat
Paddle the calm shoreline.
Banana boat ride
Quick towed-tube fun for groups.
Local craft market
Browse Bahamian-made souvenirs.
Getting there & around
Princess Cays has no pier deep enough for a cruise ship, so your vessel anchors offshore and ferries guests in by tender, a short, scenic boat ride to the island's landing. Tenders run throughout the day, so you can generally come and go as you please, but the first few boats after the island opens tend to be the busiest as everyone heads for loungers and a clamshell. If you booked a bungalow, priority tender access is often part of the deal, letting you skip ahead of the morning crush. Once ashore, the island is compact and flat, with walkways linking the beach, dining areas, shops, and restrooms, so most things are an easy stroll. Guests staying in the private beach bungalows at the far end may have transport arranged out to them. Plan your return tender with the clock in mind: the queue tends to swell in the last hour or two before the final boat, so either head back mid-afternoon or linger until the very end, and always confirm the last-tender time before you settle in.
Best time to visit Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a year-round call, and because it is a beach day rather than a built-out resort, the weather matters more than the calendar. Winter and early spring bring the peak cruise crowds and tend to offer reliable sunshine, with comfortable, breezy days that are well suited to swimming and snorkeling. Late summer and autumn fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs roughly June through November; rain showers tend to be brief and passing, but this is also when itineraries are most likely to be altered or the stop skipped entirely if weather offshore turns rough, since the whole visit depends on calm enough seas to run tenders. Whenever you sail, an early start gives you a better shot at shade, clearer water before the snorkel areas get stirred up, and a lounger of your choosing.
Good to know before you go
- Bring water shoes. The quieter, rockier end of the island that's best for snorkeling has uneven footing and patches of sea grass, and they make wading in far more comfortable.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and apply it before you go ashore. Shade is limited unless you've reserved a clamshell or bungalow, and the open beach offers little natural cover.
- Carry small bills for the local craft market. Bahamian vendors selling handmade goods may not take cards, and small denominations make browsing easier.
- Snorkel gear is typically rentable on the island, but if you own a mask and fins, packing your own can save money and ensure a proper fit.
- There are typically no lifeguards on duty, so supervise children closely and be mindful of conditions, especially on the open-water side.
- Clamshells and bungalows are limited and tend to sell out, so reserve ahead through the cruise line rather than counting on availability the morning of.
Insider tips for Princess Cays
- Rent a clamshell the moment you arrive; natural shade is scarce and they go quickly.
- Walk west (left from the tender pier) for a quieter, prettier stretch of beach away from the crowds.
- The BBQ lunch is included and solid — no need to eat onboard first.
- Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it; rental quality varies and the reef is worth exploring.
What to pack for Princess Cays
Tap an item to check it off. Every pick is here for a reason specific to this island.
- ✓Reef-safe sunscreen EssentialOpen beach with little natural shade.
- ✓Snorkel gear The nearshore reef is worth exploring with your own mask.
- ✓Water shoes EssentialSome rocky and shell-strewn entry points.
- ✓Dry bag EssentialFor the open tender ride ashore.
- ✓Refillable water bottle EssentialStay hydrated on the long beach.
- ✓Cash for the craft market Local vendors may prefer cash for souvenirs.
Editor's verdict
Princess Cays earns its 4.1 by doing the fundamentals well: a long, attractive beach, a genuinely free barbecue lunch, and just enough to do without trying to be a theme park. It's deliberately simple, so travelers chasing waterslides, zip lines, or a polished resort scene may find it underwhelming, and the tender-only access means a missed stop is always a possibility when seas are rough. But for couples and families who want an easy, classic Bahamian beach day, it's a relaxed and worthwhile call.
How Princess Cays compares
Trying to choose between islands? These head-to-head comparisons line up Princess Cays against the closest alternatives on score, access, cost and vibe:
- Princess Cays vs Castaway Cay — Disney Cruise Line (we score it slightly higher)
- Princess Cays vs Half Moon Cay — Holland America & Carnival (we score it slightly higher)
- Princess Cays vs Ocean Cay — MSC Cruises (we score it slightly higher)
Open the full comparison tool →
Princess Cays FAQ
Is Princess Cays worth it?
If you want a simple, classic Bahamian beach day — swimming, snorkeling, a free BBQ and optional shade rentals — it's lovely. If you want waterslides and mega-amenities, the newer islands suit better.
Do you tender to Princess Cays?
Yes. The ship anchors offshore and tenders guests ashore, so calls can be cancelled in rough weather. Go early to maximize beach time.
What is a clamshell at Princess Cays?
A clamshell is an inexpensive personal sun shade you can rent over your lounger — the most popular upgrade since natural shade is limited.
Is lunch included at Princess Cays?
Yes, a complimentary BBQ lunch is served ashore. Alcoholic drinks, rentals and bungalows cost extra.
What should I bring to Princess Cays?
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for the rockier areas, a towel from the ship, and small cash for the craft market are the essentials. Your own snorkel gear is worth packing if you have it, and a refillable water bottle helps you stay hydrated in the sun.
Is there shade at Princess Cays?
Natural shade is limited on the open beach. If you want reliable cover, reserve a clamshell (a shaded shell with loungers) or a private bungalow in advance, since the free loungers sit mostly in the sun and the few shady spots go quickly.
Can I snorkel on my own at Princess Cays?
Yes. The rockier water on the quieter side of the island has reef and marine life you can explore independently, and gear is typically available to rent ashore if you didn't bring your own. Guided snorkeling options are also often offered for those who want to be shown the better spots.
Is Princess Cays good for families with young children?
It works well for families. The calm, shallow water near the main beach is friendly for small swimmers, and the complimentary barbecue lunch keeps costs down. Just note there are typically no lifeguards, so close supervision is essential.
