When you sail with Disney Cruise Line, you get a vacation experience like no other! One of the highlights of your cruise might be a stop in paradise at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. This is your key to Disney’s Castaway Cay!
What is Disney’s Castaway Cay?
Disney’s Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line. This island offers a variety of activities for guests including snorkeling, a stingray interaction, and more. The port of call is included on many cruise itineraries that visit the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
What is Included?
When you sail with Disney Cruise Line, there are many inclusions onboard the ships. The same is true at Disney’s private island. Enjoy your day on the island worry-free with the following amenities included:
- Tram Transportation around the island
- Access to the Castaway Cay beaches including towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks
- Kids’ Club areas
- Lunch at Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ, or Serenity Bay BBQ
- Pelican Plunge and Spring-A-Leak water play areas
- Castaway Cay 5K
Optional Extras
There are a few optional extras at Disney Castaway Cay that can help to make your day even more magical!
Several port adventures are available for booking in advance. You may opt to book these when your booking window opens. Alternatively, some options may be available closer to your arrival on the island or even the same day. Examples include a glass bottom boat voyage, parasailing, and Castaway Cay Bottom Fishing. In addition, there is a great opportunity to interact with wildlife on the island at Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure. On this port adventure, guests of all ages can feed, interact, and swim with the resident sting rays!
If you want to explore the island on the water or on land, there are also equipment rentals available. Consider a bicycle rental to take a ride around the island on the paved paths. Rent an Aqua Trike, paddle boat, or kayak to take a ride on the water. Snorkeling equipment, rafts, and inner tubes are also available. Then, if you want a comfortable space to relax that is all your own, consider renting a cabana for the day! Cabanas are available for rent on both the family beaches and Serenity Bay for up to 10 guests.
Although lunch, unlimited ice cream, and soft drinks are all included on the island, alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks such as smoothies are available for an extra cost.
Your Day at Disney Castaway Cay
If you are traveling with your family, there are two beautiful family beaches with calm water, plenty of chairs, and umbrellas. The first beach is the busiest so if you would like to lounge here, make sure you grab your spot early! Alternatively, Serenity Bay Beach is reserved for adults only and is accessible via the tram. If your kids head to the kids’ clubs available on the island, this is the perfect retreat to relax before picking them up!
In addition to the beaches, there are many other ways to spend your day on the island.
Snorkeling Lagoon
Whether you are a novice or a pro, you will love exploring the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. You’re likely to find marine life and more, including a Hidden Mickey and statues of beloved Disney characters including Dumbo! The Discover Trail is designed for novices while more experienced snorkelers will love the Explorer Trail. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it on the island. Snorkeling vests are also required and are provided free of charge.
Pelican Plunge & Spring-A-Leak
Kids and kids-at-heart will love this floating platform with a water play area and two waterslides that splash into the lagoon. Life jackets are available for younger guests so that the whole family can enjoy them!
Kids’ Clubs
Like on the Disney ships, when you spend the day at Disney’s Castaway Cay, kids have the option to go to the kids’ clubs. Scuttle’s Cove is for ages 3 to 12 and offers fun activities including water games, sand soccer, and scavenger hunts.
The Teen Hideout is the perfect spot for teens – aged 14 to 17 – to relax and hang out in paradise. Teens can hang out with peers or participate in a counselor-guided experience throughout the day.
The kids’ clubs are a great opportunity for kids to enjoy the island with their peers and for parents to enjoy Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach.
In Da Shade Game Pavilion & Sports Beach
Are you looking for some activity on your beach day? The In Da Shade Game Pavilion is a shady spot to enjoy plenty of games that the whole family will enjoy. Games include Head to this shady spot to play games including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and basketball. It’s located right near Castaway Family Beach.
You can also enjoy some fun in the sun on Sports Beach. Find plenty of sports to enjoy including volleyball and tetherball.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Throughout the day, look for your favorite Disney friends on the island. From Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their beachwear to Captain Jack Sparrow looking for a first mate, you’ll have a character interaction like no other with paradise as your background. Make sure you have those cameras ready!
Castaway Cay 5K
Are you ready to go the distance in paradise? Join in the 5K around Disney Castaway Cay as you walk or run along the airstrip to the observation tower and past the gorgeous shoreline to the finish. All guests who finish the race receive an exclusive Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal. A Premium Package option is also available for purchase, with a cinch sack, water bottle, and hat. This event is open to guests aged 10 and older.
Serenity Bay
This part of the island is secluded and reserved for adults only. Enjoy an open-air cabana massage or stop at the Castaway Air Bar to grab a drink. Then, put your toes in the sand and enjoy the ocean breeze!
Shopping
Find a variety of beachwear, hats, souvenirs, and more at She Sells Sea Shells…And Everything Else or at several other shops around the island.
Dining
While you enjoy your day at Disney Castaway Cay, you do not need to worry about your lunch! A buffet-style lunch is included with your visit. Lunch is served from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. You can choose from three different locations on the island, depending on where you are. The options include Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too, or Serenity Bay BBQ
All three restaurants have similar options including burgers, chicken, ribs, fish, and your choice of sides. There is a soft-serve ice cream station at the two restaurants near the family beach.
In addition, there are three bars on the island serving your choice of beverages, including a drink of the day.
Start Planning Your Trip to Paradise!
Are you ready to head to paradise? There are a variety of sailings to choose from, including those with two stops, known as a double dip, at Castaway Cay! Your Key to the World Travel advisor is ready to help you find the perfect Disney Cruise Line itinerary!
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.