This construction update shows what MSC’s new private island, Sandy Cay, looked like as of September 2026. Right now it’s piles of sand and heavy machinery just a short distance from Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, so this is a look at the work underway, not a tour of a finished island. The video wraps up with a first look at MSC’s official rendering of what Sandy Cay will become.
MSC Sandy Cay Construction Update, September 2026
MSC Sandy Cay construction update from September 2026: heavy machinery, sand and earthworks near Ocean Cay, plus the official rendering of the island.
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Key Takeaways
- Sandy Cay is MSC Cruises’ second private destination in the Bahamas, rising out of the water a short distance from Ocean Cay.
- As of September 2026, the site is all about massive earthworks: building the foundation from the seafloor up and expanding the footprint of the land.
- You’ll see endless piles of sand and excavators working in the sun, with no cabanas, pools or restaurants in sight yet.
- Construction is expected to wrap up in 2028.
- Sandy Cay is being designed as an exclusive boutique beach retreat for Explora Journeys guests and MSC Yacht Club guests.
- The plan calls for pristine beaches, low impact architecture and a personalized VIP experience away from the crowds of the main island.
- The video ends with a first look at the official rendering of the finished island.
Good to Know
Keep in mind this is a snapshot from September 2026, well before the planned 2028 opening, so it’s showing raw construction. What you see in the rendering is the plan, and things could look different once it’s built.
Sandy Cay was referred to as “Little Cay” during early development, and it’s expected to be roughly one third the size of Ocean Cay. It’ll be interesting to see how it comes together.