One of the highlights of any Disney Cruise is a stop at Castaway Cay, Bahamas—Disney’s private island tucked away in the Caribbean. Reserved just for Disney Cruise Line guests, it’s the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and tropical beauty.
Whether you’re searching for sunken treasures at the snorkel lagoon, biking, or lounging under palm trees, Castaway Cay offers something for everyone—families, couples, and even solo travelers.
This guide covers the top things to do on Castaway Cay, what’s included with your cruise, and which extras are worth the splurge. Let’s make your island day easy, fun, and unforgettable!
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What is Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay (pronounced “Castaway Key”) is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. The word “Cay” comes from the Spanish “Cayo,” meaning a small island—perfect for this tropical escape!
While it feels like Disney’s own island, it’s actually leased on a 99-year agreement that started in 1997. No commercial flights or other cruise ships come here—just Disney guests. And yes, people live here! About 150 Disney Cruise Line crew members stay on the island year-round to keep everything running smoothly for visiting guests.
How to Get to Castaway Cay
When you visit Castaway Cay, unlike the stop at Grand Cayman, there’s no need to switch to a tender boat. As soon as you leave the gangway, you’re right there on Castaway Cay. For more information about Grand Cayman, check out “The Ultimate Guide: Dolphin Swim on DCL in Grand Cayman“
You’ll need your stateroom key to get off the ship which counts as your ID. You won’t need your passport to disembark, but it’s always wise to double-check the rules before you leave.
Once you get off the ship, you’ll be greeted by friendly DCL (Disney Cruise Line) staff handing out towels – make sure to pick up towels here. Also they sell canned water and insulated bags, but there are plenty of spots on the beach to refill your water, bring your water bottle if you don’t want to purchase water.
Castaway Cay Pro Tips: What side of the boat should you pick?
If you’re hoping to catch those postcard-perfect views of Castaway Cay right from your stateroom, try to book on the starboard side of the ship. Disney Cruise ships usually dock with the stern and port side facing the island, so starboard-side rooms—whether you have a balcony or just a window—give you those dreamy views of the island and turquoise water while you’re docked. It’s a peaceful way to start your island day, especially with a morning coffee in hand!
Castaway Cay Board Names
Did you know Disney Cruise Line recently added special boards by the pier at Castaway Cay with the names of guests who’ve sailed 50+ times? Yep—it’s their way of honoring the most loyal cruisers! How cool would it be to see your name there one day? I know I’d love to be on that list!
Castaway Cay Tram : FREE
I like how Castaway Cay is very organized. The tram picks up passengers near where the ship docks and stops at four key spots around Castaway Cay. They run so often and you can choose if you want to use Tram or walk.
Tram Route 1: Arrival to Family Beach
Tram Stop 1 – Kargo Handling
Tram Stop 2 – Scuttle’s Cove/ Family Beach
Tram Route 2: Family Beach to Serenity Bay (Adults-Only Beach)
Tram Stop 3 – Pelican Point
Tram Stop 4 – Serenity Bay
Why walking on Castaway Cay is Totally Worth it
When you first step off the ship at Castaway Cay, it might be tempting to hop straight on the tram—but if you can, take a stroll instead! The walking path toward the beach is not only scenic, but it’s also where you’ll often spot Disney characters for fun photo ops. These spots can be easy to miss if you’re riding the tram, since it passes right by without stopping.
And on your way back to the ship, walking gives you a chance to soak in gorgeous views of the ocean and the Disney Cruise ship—perfect for snapping those last dreamy vacation photos. Plus, you might even discover a few hidden corners or peaceful spots along the way. So if the weather’s nice, skip the tram and enjoy the walk—it’s part of the magic of the island experience!
Best Photo Spots on Castaway Cay with Disney Cruise Ship in the Background: Free
Marge’s Barges & Sea Charters Dock : In the morning, there is a chance to take a memorable photo with a Disney Cruise ship behind Castaway Cay Sign. A photographer will take your pictures there for free, and later you can choose to purchase them—just keep in mind that digital downloads come at an extra cost.
CHARACTER GREETINGS :Where and who you can meet on Castaway Cay
Character Greeting: FREE
On your way to the beach at Castaway Cay, don’t miss the chance to meet Disney characters! You can check the greeting time right on the Disney Cruise Line Navigation app. It’s a unique treat to see your favorite characters dressed in tropical outfits- perfect for those one-of-a-kind photo opportunities that you can only get here. Time is very limited. Each character has only 15 minutes same as on ship. Even if you are in the line, characters will be switched when the time comes.
During character greetings on Castaway Cay, you might just catch a special moment when Mickey and Minnie switch places—don’t blink, or you’ll miss their sweet hug!
Castaway Cay: Things to do
Like on the cruise, there are lots of things to do at Castaway Cay. Let me dive into what’s available for free and also extra costs.
1. Swimming
At Castaway Cay, you can explore three distinct beaches:
Family Beach at Castaway Cay
Family Beach is right next to Snorkeling Lagoon and is well-stocked with beach chairs and umbrellas. However, it can get pretty crowded, especially when the ship is at full capacity or during peak seasons. To snag a good spot, get there early.
Serenity Bay
Castaway Cay isn’t just for kids! There’s plenty for adults to enjoy as well including a serene, adults-only beach for those 18 and over. We peeked but haven’t been to the beach yet because we have kids. Please let me know what you think if you have been to Serenity Bay!
And, it’s not just the beach – there are adult-exclusive tours available as well. If you’re interested, be sure to check out the official website for more details.
Beach Chairs and Umbrellas: FREE
Beach chairs and umbrellas are free to use for Disney Cruise guests. They are already set up at each beach and there are a lot. It is not so hard to get a chair but not all the chairs are under the shade and if you want to get one by the beach, I highly recommend to get there early.
Pelican Plunge: FREE
The floating water slide in the sea is a real eye-catcher! The only way to get to the slide is by swimming So be ready to build up your energy to swim out to the slide in addition to snorkeling, running the 5K, and cycling if you want to try them all! Lol
2. Snorkeling: FREE
Whether you are an adult or a kid, everyone needs to wear a life jacket while snorkeling at Castaway Cay. You can choose between inflatable types and sturdy or rubber ones – both are free to use, so pick whichever you prefer.
Let’s find the underwater Disney character’s statues!
The real thrill of snorkeling here isn’t just exploring the underwater world but discovering hidden Disney characters! Keep an eye out for white buoys; dive beneath one, and you’ll likely find a character. People are often shouting “I found it!” in the water. Just listen to other people!
Pro Tips: Try to snorkel when the weather is good. The first time my family visited Castaway Cay, we biked, ran a 5K, and had lunch, planning to snorkel afterward. But just as we got ready, the weather turned. Cloudy skies can make the crystal-clear waters appear less vibrant or a bit dull, so for the best visibility and magical experience, make sure to hit the water when the Sun’s out and enjoy finding this underwater Disney magic!
Snorkel gear rental: EXTRA
Between the snorkeling area and Family Beach, you’ll find Flippers Floats, where you can rent snorkel gear and floats and tubes. If you’ve reserved your gear in advance, this is where you’ll pick it up. Don’t worry if you didn’t book ahead; you can still rent as long as there’s availability.
Just a heads-up: if you’ve made a reservation and decide to cancel on the day of your port visit, you won’t get the money back. So plan well.
Snorkel Rental
$44.00 (ages 10 and up)
$24.00 (ages 5 to 9)
Floats Rental
$19.00 (ages 5 and up)
Pro Tips: If you have space in your luggage, bringing your own snorkel gear is a great option. Not only can you save on rental fees, but using gear that fits you well and feels familiar often makes the experience more comfortable.
When we rented snorkel gear, the goggles fogged up quite a bit, so if you’re planning to snorkel, bringing a small bottle of anti-fog spray can make a big difference. With a little extra prep, you’ll enjoy clearer views of the underwater world!
3. Biking: Extra
You can explore Castaway Cay by bike, which is a fun option for anyone aged three and up. Bike rentals are conveniently located near Family Beach, and all you need to do is ask one of the attendants to set you up.
Although you can pre-book bikes in advance, I felt like it’s not really necessary. There are plenty of bikes available, and you might want to decide the day of your port visit, based on the weather and your plans. Just a heads-up: if you pre-book and then cancel on the day your ship visits Castaway Cay, you won’t receive a refund.
When I booked, the only time available was 10 AM, which made me worry all the other times were sold out. I learned that that’s not the case. You can actually rent a bike at any time.
As you ride around the island, you’ll really appreciate the convenient water stations along the path. And if you’re biking near the far end, you can even catch a glimpse of the adults-only beach, Serenity Bay.
Bicycle Rental
$19.00 (ages 3 and up)
4. Castaway Cay 5K: FREE
Before the pandemic, the Disney Castaway Cay 5K run was an organized event where everyone started together after registering. However, it has shifted to a more casual way where you can start whenever you like. Make sure to check the DCL Navigation app before you visit Castaway Cay, as the registration requirements might change back.
The 5K course starts near the bike rental booth, so just head there to kick off your run. If you’re unsure where to go, the friendly bike rental staff can let you know with the maps they have at the booth. The course is easy to follow, with clear arrows guiding you along the way.
This is on an honor system, so once you’ve completed your run, swing by the bike rental booth to report that you finished the run. You’ll be rewarded with a medal (rubber medallion) for your efforts!
Interestingly, the 5K path is the same as the bike trail. On our visit, after the family bike ride, my husband and kids decided to run 5K while I followed along on my bike. If we had known this beforehand, we could have saved by renting just one bike and they could have run instead. It would have been a nice way to cut down on bike rental costs.
5. Spring-A-Leak: FREE
Since there are no pools on Castaway Cay, the splash pad is perfect for little ones. It’s a fun area with fountains where kids can play and cool off.
6. In Da Shade Game Pavilion: FREE
Check out the covered game area on Castaway Cay! Even on sunny days, you can play in the shade here. It’s equipped with everything to keep families entertained, from basketball and ping-pong to chess. Perfect spot to hang out when you need a break from the water and the sun.
7. Beach Sports: FREE
You can enjoy beach volleyball and tetherball here.
8. Port Adventures at Castaway Cay : Extra
Additionally, there’s a wide range of rentals available, including water bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks. Also, there are optional excursions available from Castaway Cay. Please check the official website for more details.
IS dining on Castaway Cay included in the cruise fare?
Lunch on Castaway Cay is included with your cruise, and you’ll get to enjoy a tasty BBQ-style meal right on the island. Also, while the ship is docked at Castaway Cay, the onboard restaurants remain open. Although moving between the ship and the island can be a bit of a hassle, you can choose where to dine either on the ship or at Castaway Cay, or both if you can! It’s all-you-can-eat wherever you go.
Castaway Cay offers three BBQ restaurants (Open 11:30 am-2:00 pm)
Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ nestled on the family beach, offer a delightful dining experience that’s perfect for guest of all ages. Serenity Bay BBQ provides a tranquil retreat on the adults-only beach. All three restaurants serve up the same tantalizing buffet-style menu, so families with children can comfortably choose either of the first two options.
The lunch meal includes hamburgers, hot dogs, pork ribs, grilled chicken, macaroni salad, freshly baked cookies, fruits, potato chips and more. You can see all the staff grilling the food so you know it’s fresh! Each dish is prepared right before your eyes, guaranteeing a meal as fresh as it is flavorful.
Just like on the ship, you’ll find unlimited ice cream and fountain drink stations on Castaway Cay. Feel free to treat yourself—but maybe don’t go too overboard! Lol
Castaway Cay Drinks
Soft Drinks : FREE
Fountain drink stations are located near all the BBQ restaurants. You’ll also find a soft serve ice cream machine nearby.
Summertime Freeze: Extra
Stop by this charming Olaf-themed drink stand! It’s cute but also a little dangerous for your wallet – They offer Castaway Cay souvenir cups here. Definitely a tempting spot you’ll want to check out!
At the adorable Summertime Freeze drink stand, you can chill out with a refreshing drink. Unfortunately, these drinks aren’t included in your cruise fare.
Adult Drinks on Castaway Cay: Extra
There are four beach bars on the island, each with a relaxed, tropical feel—picture a few chairs in the sand or a little spot to stand and enjoy your drink while taking in the ocean breeze. Just so you know, the drinking age on Disney’s Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas is 21, just like in the U.S. It’s definitely tempting to grab a fruity cocktail on the beach, but just a heads-up—alcoholic and specialty drinks aren’t included in your cruise fare.
Castaway Cay GIFT SHOPS
If you’re looking to bring home a little piece of paradise, you’re in luck! Castaway Cay has a few charming gift shops where you’ll find everything from beach day essentials to exclusive souvenirs you can only get on the island. Whether you’re picking up a keepsake or forgot your sunscreen, these shops have you covered.
She Sells Sea Shells… and Everything Else
Located on the way to the family beach, this shop carries a wide variety of items—including sundresses, swimwear, beach toys, and more. It’s slightly larger than the other Disney shops on the island and has a great selection of Castaway Cay-exclusive merchandise, like T-shirts, hats, and accessories that you won’t find anywhere else—not even on the ship!
Buy the Seashore
This shop is right near the family beach and close to the bike rental area, making it super convenient for a quick stop. You’ll find Castaway Cay-themed T-shirts, swimsuits, beach towels, and other fun items perfect for your day in the sun—or to take home as souvenirs.
Bahamian Retail
Want something more local? Head over to this small Bahamian-run souvenir shop near the snorkeling lagoon. It’s the perfect spot to pick up handcrafted gifts and authentic Bahamian keepsakes to remember your island adventure.
Kids Club on Castaway Cay
Yes—Castaway Cay has its very own kids’ club too! Just like on the ship, activities are organized by age group, but it can be a little confusing at first, so here’s a breakdown to help you plan.
Scuttle’s Cove (Ages 3–10)
If your kids love the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab on the ship, they’ll feel right at home at Scuttle’s Cove! This sandy, shaded play area is specially designed for kids aged 3 to 10. It’s supervised by trained Disney counselors, and it’s packed with beach games, water play zones, and plenty of fun.
Your child must be registered for youth activities on the ship before they can join in at Scuttle’s Cove. Once checked in, they’ll be in great hands—and here’s the good news: lunch is now provided if they stay through lunchtime. Be sure to check the lunch schedule in your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app so you know when meals will be served.
Tip: Curious what it looks like inside? Scuttle’s Cove sometimes offers a brief Open House early in the morning—your only chance to go inside with your child and snap a few photos. It’s a short window, so don’t miss it! Check the Navigator app for the exact time.
Tweens (Ages 11–13)
There’s currently no dedicated club space for tweens on Castaway Cay like Edge on the ship, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be bored! Throughout the day, there are group meet-ups and activities designed for 11- to 13-year-olds—like beach games, scavenger hunts, or volleyball at spots like the In Da Shade Game Pavilion.
Just keep in mind, there’s no formal check-in or check-out process for this age group. These meet-ups are casual and give tweens the chance to connect with friends they’ve already made on the ship.
Teen Hideout (Ages 14 and up)
For teens, Castaway Cay offers a chill hangout spot called Teen Hideout. It’s designed for ages 14+, but 13-year-olds are often welcome too. This beachside area gives teens their own space to relax, play games, and make plans with friends—no check-ins or supervision required. By this point in the cruise, many teens have already made connections through the Vibe or Edge clubs onboard, so the Teen Hideout becomes a natural spot to regroup and have fun on the island.
1820 Society (Ages 18–20)
Yes, even young adults have a space on Castaway Cay! Just like on the ship, the 1820 Society hosts casual meetups and activities specifically for guests aged 18 to 20. These might take place at different locations across the island, so be sure to check the Navigator app for times and details.
Pro Tip: For Edge, Vibe, and 1820 Society, activities don’t happen in just one location—they move around the island. Always check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the most up-to-date schedule so your kids and teens don’t miss out on the fun!
Cabanas at Castaway Cay
Cabanas are available at Castaway Cay at a private beach area near Pelican Point and another location at the adult exclusive area of Serenity beach. I personally haven’t tried yet. ( I wish one day!) It is very competitive to book one. If you would like to rent it, be ready to book one as soon as they open!
Does Castaway Cay have Wi-fi?
Free Wi-Fi for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is available on Castaway Cay, and any purchased internet plans will work on the island too.
Weather in Castaway Cay
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Castaway Cay four times, and the weather has definitely been a mix! Two times were sunny and gorgeous, but the other two brought rain and strong winds, and most of the water activities ended up being canceled. When it’s sunny, the sun can be really strong—so don’t forget your sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses (trust me, you’ll need them!).
Weather in the Bahamas can be a little unpredictable, so it’s always good to stay flexible and keep an eye on the Navigator app. Fingers crossed for sunshine when you visit Castaway Cay!
What to bring to Castaway Cay
Here’s a checklist of essentials to pack for your day at Castaway Cay:
Once you disembark the ship at Castaway Cay, you’ll find beach towels available for use, and DCL staff selling canned water if you would like to purchase. Beach umbrellas and chairs are also free, so you can pack lighter than usual for a beach day.
While snorkel sets are available for rent on Castaway Cay, they do come with a fee, and the goggles can get quite foggy, making them a bit difficult to use. Bringing your own anti-fog solution or personal snorkel gear might make your snorkeling experience more fun and longer-lasting.
We’ve put together a list of items we actually brought on our cruise and found really helpful. *Affiliate links included. Thank you for your support!
Is Castaway Cay worth it?
Absolutely—Castaway Cay is 100% worth the visit! Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, snorkeling over underwater Disney characters, or biking through palm-lined trails, the island offers something for everyone. One of the best parts is the freedom to explore at your own pace, which makes it an ideal stop—especially for first-time cruisers.
We always feel extra safe and relaxed here because the island is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. It’s incredibly clean, well-maintained, and staffed with friendly Disney crew members who are always happy to help. It really adds to the peace of mind, especially for families with little ones.
Oh—and don’t worry about food! A delicious BBQ-style lunch is included, and there are plenty of options for kids and adults alike.
To make the most of your day:
Got questions or thoughts about Castaway Cay? Drop a comment below—I’m happy to help and would love to hear from you!
Planning your Disney Cruise? Check out my other DCL guides
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A Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Line “Rotational Dining”
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Smooth Sailing: How to Handle Seasickness on a Disney Cruise
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