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Cruise line breathes new life into slice of paradise in Bahamas
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It wasn’t always a tropical treasure, despite the beauty that surrounds this unique and repurposed slice of the Caribbean. For those who visit now, however, the allure is enticing, with only distant reminders of what once was in its place.
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Our group of MSC Cruises passengers began our exploration of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s Bahamian paradise, paddleboarding with a guided tour. As we delicately crossed the buoy separating the swim zone from open sea, my instinctive focus on maintaining my balance — and dry hair, of course — shifted to the hypnotizing crystal blue water below me.
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It wasn’t marine life — yet — I was trying to spot but the man-made item our guide Joey from South Africa had pointed out resting on the seabed outside of the swimming area.
The piece of scrap metal showing signs of coral coverage is one of few remnants from the former industrial site that — after extensive cleanup and restoration — is Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Your Midday Sun
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Looking at the beautiful private cay (pronounced “kee” and defined by Merriam-Webster as “a low island or reef of sand or coral”) it’s hard to think what is so visually appealing now was once a sand extraction site. Since taking responsibility for the location in 2015, MSC has cleared 7,500 tons of scrap metal from the island and surrounding ocean bed, relocated 400 coral colonies with the aim of encouraging growth, and planted 75,000 plants and shrubs plus 5,000 trees and palms.
Spurred by a commitment to the conservation of marine life and habitats, the world’s third-largest cruise brand’s vision is for Ocean Cay, with its 165 square kilometres (64 square miles) of marine reserve, to be a base for marine biologists to conduct research into coral restoration.
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Meanwhile, the experience for cruising guests is far less clinical. As a scheduled break from the sea on some Caribbean itineraries, Ocean Cay offers a chance to remember your land legs, dip your toes in the salt water, and add to the experience with a variety of available activities.
Getting on a paddleboard was a first for me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after a tutorial and life vest fitting, it turned out that all the years of standing on the TTC had prepared me for the balancing act required. Of course, the water was also calm and clear to the bottom, which made the excursion easier. And it also made it easy to spot a barracuda, which isn’t as scary as it sounds (they get a bad rap).
Once back on shore — and having worked up an appetite — we headed for a buffet-style lunch at Seakers Food Court, one of the Ocean Cay dining options that also includes food trucks and an ice cream parlour.
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After satiating ourselves, we set off to explore the two miles of sand along the island’s eight beaches (our favourite was Bimini Beach — it’s proximity to the ship meant it had less traffic) and found a few prime spots to rest on loungers and cool off in the water. Guests can also rent a private beach cabana, beach umbrella or foam floating mat to enhance their day in the sun. In addition to offering a spa and a wedding pavilion (we watched a couple tie the knot from our paddleboards!), there are plenty of activities for all ages and shops stocked with local artisan fare. Plus everything is within a 20-minute walk, give or take, with electric carts another option to transport guests.
The pristine water inevitably lured us back — this time aboard a catamaran that took us out beyond where our ship was docked, offering a cool vantage point to view our cruise liner. Fuelled with some rum punch and pumping tunes, we anchored to snorkel in clear, shallow waters with a couple of stingrays within sight of Ocean Cay and its Lighthouse.
If you’re ambitious, you can climb the 165 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for a unique perspective of the island and your ship — but we decided instead to relax in a lounge chair at the Lighthouse Bar and take in the sightlines with a cocktail as we let the beauty of the Bahamas and our Ocean Cay adventures soak in.
IF YOU GO
Find out more at msccruises.ca.
cmcleod@postmedia.com
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