Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. It is a common port of call for all DCL Caribbean-bound and Bahama itineraries. This guide provides info & tips for visiting, including things to do, planning advice, and how to make the most of your day.
Castaway Cay is a 3-mile long, 1000-acre island used exclusively by Disney Cruise Line guests. The cruise ships dock right on the island, making it an easy on-off experience. Other cruise lines have embraced the idea of a private island like Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay, but Castaway Cay is our favorite because like all things Disney it is so well done and there is something for everyone!
As soon as you get off the ship, pick up towels, and pass by the old gas station and post office. If you have any plans to send a postcard send from here—it will be stamped with a special Disney postmark. You now have the option to take the tram to the beach areas or to take the walking trail. I do recommend the walking trail in the morning when you aren’t melting. It is an easy walk and a great way to fully explore Castaway Cay find all the hidden Disney easter eggs. If you are the mama carrying all of the towels, sunscreen, sand toys etc.—grab the tram.
Castaway Cay Beaches
Castaway Cay Family Beach is the main family beach on the island. It is the area that is closest to the ship which means it is typically the most popular and gets crowded. If you plan on spending all day at the Family Beach, arrive early and stake claim to a spot. Most of the activities listed below will be near this main beach area.
Teen Hideout—you’ve guessed it—the beach designated for teens ages 14-17.
Serenity Bay is an adults-only beach. It is also the farthest-most distant beach on the island. Compared to the other beaches, as expected and very much welcomed, it is much quieter. Serenity Bay is a great place to kick back and relax in paradise. There are eating options and cabanas to grab some shade. You can even schedule a cabana massage. Pro tip: if you want to take advantage of Serenity Bay but have kids in tow---the Kids Club will bring them to the island! Yep, that’s right they still get to go to the island and you get to go to the adult beach for a minute of relaxation!
Castaway Cay Activities
If you don’t love the idea of sitting in a beach chair all day have no fear, there is plenty to do! Most of the things to do are located around the Family Beach.
Aquatic Adventures
Pelican Plunge This water-play area features a 2,400-square-foot floating platform and two twisting water slides that plunge you into the refreshing lagoon. The minimum height for the slides is 38”. For anyone under 48” they must wear a provided life vest. Parents note that the floating platform is out in the ocean and does require being able to swim to access. You can’t touch the ocean floor out by the platform so it does get deep!
Spring-a-Leak water play area is for kids of all ages with no height requirements. This is a splash pad with water spays in every direction.
Scuttle’s Cove is the kids’ club area on the island. Kids up to age 12 will be supervised by Disney counselors. As with the clubs onboard, Scuttle’s Cove allows free play in addition to optional programmed activities.
In Da Shade Game Pavilion is a great option to take a break from the sun. Located near the Family Beach, the game pavilions host a variety of different sand and shaded games to include volleyball, tetherball, foosball, ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, basketball, and golf wiffleball. There is no additional charge for any of these games.
Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt
Since the island is Imagineering-designed and themed, taking the Hidden Mickeys Go To Sea book by Steven Barrett is another fun way to explore the island.
Castaway Cay 5K—yes that is a real thing. There is no t-shirt for finishing and no one timing you but you do receive a finisher’s medal. I obviously recommend doing this in the early morning before it is too hot. This is a fun way to see the island and if you are a runner, it is a must do!
Marge’s Barges & Sea Charter Dock is the place to go for all of your boat tours. Options include a glass-bottom boat, catamaran, parasailing, Hobie Cats, fishing tours, and more. Pricing is listed in your port excursions and reservations are required.
At Gil’s Fins and Boats and Flippers & Floats, you can rent snorkel equipment to use in the Snorkeling Lagoon, plus other smaller-scale aquatic rentals like inner tubes, paddleboats, sea kayaks and aqua trikes.
I recommend considering the 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which provides snorkel equipment for the day, an inner tube for the day, and bicycle rental for one hour in case you aren’t already worn out from your 5K run! Note that the Snorkeling Lagoon is free to use if you want to pack all of the gear. Snorkelers of all skill levels can explore marine life and will see a wide variety of fish with plenty of visibility. Beginners can follow the Discover Trail, while more experienced adventurers can tackle the Explorer Trail—and keep an eye out for the hidden Mickey! The bike rental provides a great way to see other areas of the island via a series of bike trails. Some trails do cut through more undeveloped areas of the island. If you enjoy activity and nature this is a great one for the family to do together.
Another popular paid port adventure is Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure which provides the opportunity to swim with stingrays!
Food Options on Castaway Cay
With all of the activity and sun your crew is going to be hungry!
There are three BBQ locations on Castaway Cay that are included in the cost of the cruise, just like dining aboard the cruise ship. Cookie’s BBQ is located on the near side of the family beach, Cookie’s Too is located on the far side of the family beach, and Serenity Bay BBQ is the adult beach option. The food served is the same at all locations. BBQ Ribs and chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, and self-serve soft serve is on the menu. Pro tip: the waiters have said that sometimes if there is extra ribeye left over that it does make it’s way over to Serenity Bay but this is not guaranteed.
There are also four bars located around the island. There are several signature mixed drinks, the most popular is the Konk Kooler (a blend of rums and tropical fruit juices). You can also purchase special “beach bottles” of beer.
Cool off with specialty frozen drinks at Olaf’s Summertime Freeze, served in souvenir cups.
Disney Characters at Castaway Cay
Character meet and greet opportunities are available throughout the island. You will encounter some of the best chances to meet characters sporting their Bahamian attire. Lines tend to be short, and the lighting and background is fantastic for photos! Be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow over on Serenity Bay.
Shops at Castaway Cay
Because it is Disney of course there is shopping! “She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else” and “Buy the Sea Shore,” are stocked with Castaway Cay souvenirs. These items with the Castaway Cay logo are only available on the island and cannot be purchased on the ship. You can also purchase anything you may have forgotten to include sunscreen, underwater camera and beach toys but you will pay the prices that reflect that you are on private island with no other options around.
What To Bring To Castaway Cay
Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen
Sunhats, sunglasses
Collapsible beach/sand toys
Underwater camera
Water shoes
snorkel gear & fins* or rent
You don’t need cash for souvenirs or food—you can use your Disney Magicband+ or your Key to the World card.
If you need strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (designed for the sand) will all be available on the island.
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