No surprise, Disney has its very own private island. Would we expect anything less?
The only way you can visit the magical island is by booking a Disney Cruise Line trip. But, it’s important to note that Castaway Cay (pronounced “key”) isn’t for every DCL guest. Only guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises can access the island.
This is a fantastic destination that offers a variety of activities, adventures, beach-relaxation, and, of course, long-lasting memories.
With that, let’s chat everything you need to know about Castaway Cay.
In this article (click for table of contents)
What Is Castaway Cay?
As previously mentioned, Castaway Cay is a private island owned by the Walt Disney Company.
The 1,000-acre island (only 55 acres are developed and used) is located in the Bahamas near Great Abaco Island.
Formerly known as Gorda Cay, the Disney-themed island was first purchased in 1997.
Speaking of Gorda Cay, part of 1984’s Splash was filmed here when Tom Hanks’ character discovers Daryl Hannah’s mermaid character.
The island is a great escape, especially for those who want to escape the DCL ship. What makes the island even better are all of the special Disney details, which we dive into further below.
What Travel Information Should I Know?
From maps, to weather, to currency, to language, there’s a lot you should know prior to visiting the island.
For example, it’s important to note that the ship docks at the pier. You can either choose to walk 10 minutes to the main beaches or you can take a free tram ride that takes you to different island spots.
We cover transportation further later on, but until then, here’s some other information to take note of.
Port Map
Here’s a map (courtesy of Google Maps) for you to check out the island and its location.
Average Weather
COULDN’T FIND THE YEARLY AVERAGE
Language
The universal language on Castaway Cay is English.
Currency
U.S. currency is accepted at the post office. There’s also a unique form of payment on the island, in which guests can use their stateroom keys (or Key to the World card) as a form of payment at Disney-run stores. This method is similar to using a credit cart.
Post Office
You can mail letters and post cards at the post office on the island, which is run by Bahamian authorities. However, it may not always be open. If that’s the case, you can use the drop box outside or drop mail off at Guest Service onboard. You can also get stamps at Guest Services. It will take several weeks for mail to be delivered from The Bahamas.
What About Transportation Around The Island?
Unlike visiting the theme parks, getting around the island is pretty easy.
There are two options: you can either walk or use the island’s main form of complimentary transportation — the tram.
Walking
First of all, yes, walking around the island is safe. You’re not in a dangerous area, but Disney’s privately-owned island with a group of individuals from your ship.
If at anytime you feel unsafe or don’t want to be on the island anymore, you can go back to the ship since it is docked. You can come and go as you please.
When it comes to walking, it’s important to alway be cautious and make sure you feel comfortable, whether you’re alone, with a group, or if you have children with you.
That said, you can easily walk all over the island. When you disembark, the walk is about 10 minutes or so from the ship to the beach.
Even though you can walk between select locations, the tram service is recommended, which you can read about below.
The Tram
As soon as you disembark the ship, you can easily hop on the tram.
If you’re with little ones, have beach gear to haul, use a wheelchair or scooter (or someone in your party does), or you simply just don’t want to walk, the tram is a great option.
First and foremost, the tram is both scooter and wheelchair accessible.
Now, how the tram works:
- There is one tram with two stops: Scuttle’s Cove (first stop) and Pelican Plunge (second stop)
- The other tram offers transportation to Serenity Bay (the adult-exclusive beach): you’ll need to transfer trams at the Pelican Plunge tram to the Serenity Bay tram which will take you to the other end of the island
There are other forms of transportation, like bike rentals, but you can read about that below under the Port Adventures section.
Will I Need A Stroller, Towels, & Other Beach Gear?
The island has several items available to you free-of-charge, including towels, beach chairs and umbrellas, and wagons and strollers. But, you’ll need to bring items like sunscreen, reading material, hand sanitizer and wipes, and whatever else you find necessary.
Which Ships Sail To The Island?
The only ships that sail to the island are the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.
So, if you want to visit Castaway Cay, make sure you book a Bahamian or Caribbean cruise on either of these ships.
What Are The Port Must-Dos?
From dining, to shopping, to beaches, to character meetings, and so much more, there’s all kind of fun on Castaway Cay.
Beaches
- Castaway Family Beach: Perfect for families to relax, catch rays, sail, paddle, kayak, swim, and snorkel.
- Serenity Bay (adult-exclusive): For those 18 and over and offers adults an escape from children. They can even get an open-air cabana massage.
- Sports Beach: Play different games like volleyball and tetherball.
Recreation & Fun
- Snorkeling Lagoon: There are several activities for snorkelers of all skill levels. Beginners can use the Discover Trailer and those with more experience can try the Explorer Trail.
- Pelican Plunge: A 2,400-square-foot floating platform and water play area that has 2 twisting water slides and a giant “bucket dump” that sprays hundreds of gallons of water.
- Spring-a-Leak: A 2,400-square-foot water play area that has dripping pipes, broken plumbing, and hissing misters.
- Teen Hideout: For teens (14 to 17 years old) to lounge without adults present.
- In Da Shade Game Pavilion: A game spot featuring table tennis, foosball, billiards, and basketball all housed inside a shaded structure.
Character Greetings
Throughout the day, you can meet Disney characters at the Post Office, Gazebo, gangway, and other areas on Castaway Cay. Be sure to check your Personal Navigator or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for exact locations and times.
Shopping
The She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else! offers beachwear, hats, souvenirs, and collectible pins with the Castaway Cay logo. You can even have the staff deliver your purchases to the ship so you don’t have to carry them around all day.
Dining
Similar to most of the restaurants onboard, dining on the island is included in your cruise package, except for alcoholic beverages.
If passengers want to eat onboard, they can in the ship’s dining room and buffet at select times. There are several dining options on the island that include:
- Cookie’s BBQ: Outdoor dining that serves burgers, barbecued chicken and ribs
- Cookie’s Too BBQ: Family lunch buffet that serves all-you-can-eat barbecue, along with salads, flatbreads, and ice cream
- Olaf’s Summertime Freeze: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic frozen drinks
- Conched Out Bar, Heads Up Bar, Sand Bar, Castaway Air Bar: Frozen specialty drinks, cocktails, and beer
runDisney Castaway Cay Challenge
There’s a runDisney event on the island called the runDisney Castaway Cay Challenge. The Castaway Cay 5K is also part of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
To run the Castaway Cay 5K, you must also participate in at least one Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend event (Jan. 6-10, 2021). Plus, you have to book a reservation on the Jan. 11, 2021 sailing of the 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral before you can register.
Registration for Marathon Weekend opens for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Golden Oak Residents on May 7, 2020. The general on-sale date is May 12, 2020.
Anyone who participates in the challenge will receive 2 total medals, one for the Marathon Weekend event and another for completing the Castaway Cay Challenge, along with:
- Disney Castaway Cay 5K Medallion
- Participant shirt
- Personalized race bib (register by Oct. 20, 2020 to have your name on the bib)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
Can I Rent Castaway Cay Cabanas?
You sure can! There are three different types of Castaway Cabanas to rent. They include:
- Family Beach Cabanas
- Grand Family Beach Cabanas
- Serenity Bay Beach Cabanas
After booking a cabana, your party will receive an envelope with wristbands, along with other information about the rental.
Upon your Castaway Cay arrival, be sure to take the tram and get off at the Pelican Point stop. You’ll then follow the signs that read “cabana check-in.”
For those who’ve booked cabanas at Serenity Beach, you’ll take the second tram to that beach and check-in there.
It’s important to state upfront that food is not included in the price of cabana rentals. You can also purchase drink packages when booking rentals. More on the latter below.
Family Beach Cabanas
There are 20 regular Family Beach Cabanas that offer privacy and luxury for a cheaper price compared to the Grand Family Beach Cabanas.
They cost $549 (October through February) or $599 (March through September) for up to six people. It costs $50 extra per person to a maximum of 10 people. There is also an additional 7.5 percent Bahaman tax that is not included in these prices.
What’s included: snorkel equipment, sand toys, free float and tube rentals, a one-hour bike rental, a safe for valuables, a call button for cabana service (restocking fridge and arranging activities, but not food delivery).
Grand Family Beach Cabanas
Right now, there is only one Grand Family Beach Cabana located on the far end of cabana row on the main beach.
It costs $899 for 10 people. The cabana can accommodate up to 16 people, but there is an additional charge of $50 per person. There is also an additional 7.5 percent Bahaman tax that is not included in this price.
What’s included: snorkel equipment, sand toys, free float and tube rentals, a one-hour bike rental, a safe for valuables, a call button for cabana service (restocking fridge and arranging activities, but not food delivery).
Serenity Bay Beach Cabanas
Serenity Bay Beach Cabanas are obviously located on the adults-only beach. There are four 325-square-foot cabanas.
They cost $399 for four people aged 18 or older, but can hold a maximum of 10 adults for the additional price of $50 per person. There is also an additional 7.5 percent Bahaman tax that is not included in these prices.
Drink Packages
There are different drink packages that can also be purchased with the cabanas:
- Castaway Cay Thirst Quench Package: Six beers, one bottle of sparkling wine, and one bottle of white wine all for $90, plus 15 percents service charge.
- Castaway Beverage Escape Package: Six international beers, bottle of champagne, and one bottle of white wine all for $131, plus 15 percent service charge.
- Castaway Beverage Adventure Package: Twelve beers (domestic and international) and a bottle of champagne all for $132, plus 15 percent service charge.
- Beer Buckets: Six beers for $30, plus a 15 percent service charge. You can select either a six-pack of 12 oz. imported beers, 16 oz. domestic beers, or 12 oz. Coronas.
How To Book A Cabana
There are advanced booking windows for those who want to make cabana reservations and they are determined by your Castaway Club membership level.
- Concierge Guests and Platinum members: 120 days prior to sail date
- Gold members: 105 days prior to sail date
- Silver members: 90 days prior to sail date
- First-time guests: 75 days prior to sail date
You can book the cabanas online, except for the Grand Family Cabanas. For these particular cabanas, you must call Disney Cruise Line to reserve.
What About Port Adventures & Rentals?
There are a slew of excursions to take once you’re on the island that you can book upon your arrival. All of the following are rentals, meaning they cost extra and there are age requirements.
2-Day Bicycle Rentals – Castaway (C16)
Ride a bike at your own leisure as you explore the island, trails, and views. You can also save money by purchasing the 2-day hourly rental (only available on sailings that visit Castaway Cay twice) versus the regular daily rate.
- Price: $16 (ages 10 and up); $16 (ages 3 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Sightseeing
- Age: 3 and up
Bicycle Rentals (C04)
Perfect for anyone, especially families and groups, who want to explore the island on bicycles.
- Price: $13 (ages 10 and up); $13 (ages 3 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Sightseeing
- Age: 3 and up
2-Day Castaway Cay Getaway Package (C17)
A discounted 3-in-1 rental package that includes all-day snorkeling equipment, all-day float or tube rental, and a one-hour bicycle rental for both days on the island.
Note: two-day rentals are only available on sailing that visit the island twice. You must book online or onboard prior to your arrival at Castaway Cay. The package is not available once on the island.
- Price: $60 (ages 10 and up); $33 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 2-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
Castaway Cay Getaway Package (C05)
Similar to the 2-day package of the same name and is also a discounted 3-1-in-1 rental package that includes snorkel equipment for the day, a float or inner-tube rental for the day, and a bicycle rental for one hour.
You must book online or onboard prior to your arrival at Castaway Cay. The package is not available once on the island.
- Price: $46 (ages 10 and up); $26 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
Extreme Getaway Package (C18)
This adventure allows you to experience four different activities: snorkel equipment rental, one-hour bicycle rental, float or tube rental, and Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure.
You must book this package either online or onboard prior to arrival at Castaway Cay. It cannot be booked on the island.
- Price: $88 (ages 10 and up); $67 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
2-Day Float/Tube Rentals – Castaway (C15)
A two-day rental of floats and tubes to use during your two days on the island. Remember, two-day rentals are only available on sailings that visit the island twice.
- Price: $16 (ages 10 and up); $16 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Mild
- Duration: 2-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
Float & Tube Rental (C03)
Similar to the two-day rental, except you’ll only have access to the floats and tubes for one day. If you want to use them for two days, definitely do the two-day rental to save money.
- Price: $13 (ages 10 and up); $13 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Mild
- Duration: 1-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
2-Day Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rental (C14)
A 2-day snorkel excursion, in which you can explore Caribbean marine life at the island’s 22-acre snorkeling lagoon. There are snorkeling trails for beginners and discoverers. Two-day rentals are only available on sailings that visit Castaway Cay twice.
- Price: $45 (ages 10 and up); $23 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 2-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rentals (C01)
The same experience as mentioned above, but you only have access to the equipment for one day. If you plan on snorkeling more than once, the 2-day rental is a money-saver.
- Price: $34 (ages 10 and up); $18 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active, Moderate
- Duration: 1-day rental experience
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
Abaco Backcountry Fishing Adventure (C52)
A chance to catch and release fish (you do not keep the fish), including bonefish, tarpon, permit, and barracuda on the flats and backwaters off the coast of South Abaco.
There isn’t access to restrooms and all fishing equipment is included. Light snacks and bottled beverages are also provided.
- Price: $184 (ages 10 and up); $184 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Abaco Flats Fly Fishing (C60)
You’ll cast for bonefish, tarpon, permit, barracuda, and more depending on the season at the Abaco’s renowned flats-fishing locations. This is a catch and release fly fishing trip, meaning you will not keep any fish caught.
All fishing equipment is included and you’ll also have access to a variety of beverages (water and soft drinks) and snacks (granola, fruit, dry snacks). Restrooms are not available.
- Price: $243 (ages 10 and up); $243 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 3 hours
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Abaco Rigid Hull Snorkeling Adventure (C51)
A panoramic tour of the island on a 28-foot Zodiac rigid-hull inflatable boat with a local Bahamian tour guide. About 30 minutes in you’ll get to snorkel at a shallow, inshore coral reef.
After snorkeling for about 90 minutes, you’ll receive a complimentary beverage and snack onboard or on a nearby sandbar close to a fishing village near Castaway Cay.
There aren’t restrooms on board. Guests must wear swimwear under their clothing and the maximum guest weight is 250 pounds.
- Price: $122 (ages 10 and up); $109 (ages 6 to 9)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 6 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Abaco Rigid Hull Snorkeling Adventure – Adult Only Departure (C54)
An intimate snorkel experience for adults only upon a 28-foot Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable boat. You’ll snorkel at a site that’s about 6 to 15 feet making reef and fish exploration ideal.
There is a complimentary rum tasting for those 21 and older, along with other non-alcoholic beverages and snacks onboard or on a sandbar close to a nearby fishing village.
There aren’t restrooms on board. Guests must wear swimwear under their clothing and the maximum guest weight is 250 pounds.
- Price: $89 (ages 18 and up)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 18 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Castaway Cay Bottom Fishing (C02)
A chance to hook and reel exotic fish, like yellowtail, grouper, and snapper in the waters of the Abaco Islands with up to 8 other people. You won’t be able to keep the fish and will have to release them. A beverage (water or soft drink) is included in the price of the tour.
- Price: $164 (ages 10 and up); $164 (ages 6 to 9)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Experience Type: Nature
- Age: 6 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Castaway Cay Fishing By Troll Boat (C61)
On a twin-outboard, motor-powered, sport fishing boat, you’ll go off in search of barracuda, groupers, and snappers. This is a catch-and-release experience. There aren’t restrooms on board and guests will also be provided with water, drinks, and snacks.
- Price: $185 (ages 10 and up); $185 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Castaway Cay Sandbar Beach Adventure (C55)
A relaxing experience that allows guests to swim and wade in the Caribbean at a deserted sandbar. You’ll even be able to try a sampling of Bahamian distilled rums (for those 21 and over).
There aren’t restrooms onboard and guests must wear swimwear under their clothing. The maximum weight for participating is 250 pounds.
- Price: $77 (ages 10 and up); $77 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 2 hours
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (C13)
A chance for guests to have an up-close and personal experience with stingrays in the Stingray Lagoon. You’ll get to feed and pet them. You can even put on snorkel gear and head out further into the lagoon to explore more than 60 other stingrays.
For those using wheelchairs, they must standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must also transfer to a sand wheelchair (available on the island) and be able to negotiate a few steps on the sand and in shallow water.
- Price: $56 (ages 10 and up); $45 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 And up
- Wheelchair transfer required
Banana Boat Thrill Ride (C06)
A thrilling ride on the Banana Boat around the ship and near the shores of Castaway Cay. You can also expect to get wet. You’ll only be on the boat for a total of about 15 minutes. There’s a safety briefing prior to hopping onboard that’s about 15 minutes as well.
- Price: $40 (ages 10 and up); $40 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active, Athletic
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
- Expectant mothers and anyone with a history of back and/or neck problems aren’t allowed to participate
Crazy Horse Jet Boat Tour (C81)
After a short orientation, guests will hop on the Crazy Horse Jet Boat for a thrill ride that will probably even spray you with seawater. There are even 180-degree spins. You’ll be onboard for about 30 minutes.
- Price: $85 (ages 10 and up); $75 (ages 5 to 9)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 5 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
- Expectant mothers and anyone with a history of back and/or neck problems aren’t allowed to participate
Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage (C11)
A one-hour guided sea tour on a glass bottom boat of the protected lagoon to the north side of the island that’s also home to Castaway Cay’s barrier reef system.
Seating is limited, so some guests might have to stand. There aren’t restrooms onboard either.
If you’re using a wheelchair, they must be standard sized and collapsible. Electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed and same with service animals.
- Price: $59 (ages 10 and up); $39 (ages 3 to 9); 39 (ages 0 to 2)
- Activity Level: Mild
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Sightseeing
- Age: All ages
- Wheelchair transfer required
Guided Watercraft Ski Adventure (C12)
A guided 45-minute excursion on a WaveRunner in the open water that has two stops to learn about the history of the Abacos region, including marine life, ecology, and former pirates.
Each watercraft can accommodate up to 2 people. There’s a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds. You should try and book as early as possible since availability is limited.
- Price: $183 (ages 8 and up)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Beach & Water Adventures, Nature
- Age: 8 and up (must be 18 to drive)
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Parasailing (C08)
You’ll parasail for about 5 to 7 minutes between 600 to 800 feet over the water. You should book quickly, because availability is limited. Guests must be at least 90 pounds and no more than 375 pounds to participate.
- Price: $120 (ages 10 and up); $120 (ages 8 to 9)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 1 hour
- Experience Type: Nature
- Age: 8 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
- Those who are pregnant, need a walker, have had recent surgeries, have heart or respiratory conditions or back and neck injuries cannot parasail
The Wild Side Teen Adventure (C07)
This experience is strictly for teenagers and led by Disney Cruise Line youth counselors. Teens can bicycle, ride a boat, snorkel, and relax at the Teen Hideout with fellow teenagers and counselors.
A waiver and Debarkation Authorization for Minors Form must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to teens’ participation. Availability is limited, so book early.
- Price: $54 (ages 14 to 17)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours
- Experience Type: Nature
- Age: 14 to 17
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure (C10)
The guided experience includes a 45-minute walk, a one-hour kayaking adventure, and exploration of the shallow flats or sandy beach (depending on tide levels). Regarding the latter, no other guests will have access to these locations. The beach area will exclusively be for tour guests.
Guests are encouraged to wear swimwear under their clothing, but only if they wish to swim. There aren’t restroom or changing facilities during the kayak and beach portions. Restrooms are available during the walk. You should try and book early due to limited availability.
- Price: $73 (ages 10 and up)
- Activity Level: Active
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Experience Type: Nature
- Age: 10 and up
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted
Is There Childcare On The Island?
While there is no baby center on the island, Disney counselors will supervise children aged 3 to 12 at Scuttle’s Cove, an on-island kid’s club.
The complimentary club has a 1,200-square-foot soft wet deck area with pop jets, geysers, and bubblers. There’s even a giant whale-bone excavation site appropriately called Monstro’s Point.
For those traveling with little ones under 3, you can always schedule a time at the “it’s a small world” nursery! on the ship, especially if you want time on the beach without kids.
Is Castaway Cay Wheelchair Accessible?
The simple answer is: yes.
As previously mentioned, the tram accommodates both wheelchairs and scooters. There are also paved walkways that are wide enough to accommodate all traffic.
For those who want to go onto the beach, multiple locations along the main path have spots for personal wheelchairs to be stored. Then, individuals can transfer to a complimentary sand wheelchair. There’s also a limited number of all-terrain wheelchairs that can be found at Scuttle’s Cove.
For further information regarding accessibility, be sure to contact the Special Services team.
