Shade at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve...

[Liza555]

Trying to decide if an umbrella is sufficient of if I need to rent a cabana??  Any feedback?

 

[Twinswithtwins]

I saw that the Cabanas were very far from the water. 

You can rent more than one umbrella for more coverage.

I think they are $12- ordered online.

[MonsterJoe]

There is zero shade.

There are free umbrellas at the beach that stretches from the ship to the lighthouse and sailing under capacity, there were plenty available.  I didn't use them because we love the sun - but they look pretty big.

Edited October 20, 2021 by MonsterJoe

[alyssamma]

8 minutes ago, Twinswithtwins said:

I saw that the Cabanas were very far from the water. 

You can rent more than one umbrella for more coverage.

I think they are $12- ordered online.

Not sure what side you are looking at, but YC cabanas are ocean front...maybe 20yds from the water.

[Liza555]

Was not looking at the ocean front cabana's as they are pretty pricey 🙂  The umbrella's are $12 in the cruise planner, not free?

 

[cruiseguyinorl]

1 hour ago, Liza555 said:

The umbrella's are $12 in the cruise planner, not free?

 

They have a limited amount of free ones set up along the beach. First come first served. To be guaranteed one, you can spend the $12.

Bret

[Liza555]

@cruiseguyinorl  Thank you!

 

[ready2cruzagain]

12 hours ago, Liza555 said:

Was not looking at the ocean front cabana's as they are pretty pricey 🙂  The umbrella's are $12 in the cruise planner, not free?

 

We rented an umbrella and worked great for us because I love the sun and dh loves the shade. It did not cover both of us at all times.

 

Would never go there without renting an umbrella.

[Tapi]

Whichever you choose, make sure you have something. Ocean Cay has almost non-existent shade since the vegetation is so young. It feels like you’re in a desert at times. We loved Ocean Cay, but the heat was brutal without shade. 
 

When we sailed in September, we rented an umbrella which we didn’t claim. We were directed to go to South Beach (in the lagoon by the food pavilion) to grab our umbrella but we wanted to set camp at Lighthouse Bay (the beach next to the Lighthouse and the dock). We were told that there were no rentals at Lighthouse Bay (don’t know if it’s always like that or if it was because the limited capacity and reduced staff). 

 

So we looked for one of the free umbrellas along Lighthouse Bay (there were none by the time we got off the ship, even at 50% capacity). But we were lucky enough to find one of the very few shaded spots under some palm trees which someone had set up with chairs and had just left. Otherwise, there was no way we could’ve stayed for long. 

[Liza555]

@Tapi@cruiseguyinorl  Thank you!

 

[BikiniBlonde]

I had the same experience as Tapi. I rented an umbrella, and had to bring it back from the rental area at South Beach to Lighthouse Beach. It’s not walkable, at least not for me. Had to wait a bit for a ride. When I got to Lighthouse Beach, there were plenty of free umbrellas, so my rental umbrella stayed closed. At least, I didn’t have to return the rental umbrella. There were a few trees at the lighthouse beach, more shade there than at South Beach. It was a partly cloudy day, and that helped cut down on the rays. 

[phissy]

Does the YC area have umbrellas for the guests or do we have to rent one?

[lovemycruisetoo]

Pat, they were free for us in YC 10/2. Plenty all over the area with the reduced capacity. 

[thesnoopster2]

When do you have to return the umbrella?  I have a two day stay and worrying if get the umbrellas both days or how that works?  What if you don't bring the umbrella back?  You can't really steal it.  Pretty sure they won't let you take it in the boat.

[Liza555]

What area is the shadiest?

[ready2cruzagain]

17 minutes ago, Liza555 said:

What area is the shadiest?

No such thing on Ocean Cay but if you get off the ship and go left to the Lighthouse Beach you might find a few palm trees