Your Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay

Disney’s Private Island Paradise You’ll Never Want to Leave

If you’ve ever dreamed of a tropical escape that’s equal parts adventure and relaxation—with just the right amount of Disney magic—let me introduce you to Castaway Cay.

This is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s exclusively for guests sailing on a Disney cruise. Think soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, island-style BBQ lunches, and special touches that only Disney could dream up. Whether you want to run a 5k, lounge in a hammock, snorkel with tropical fish, or watch your kids have the time of their lives at Scuttle’s Cove, Castaway Cay delivers an unforgettable day.

What to Expect When You Arrive to Disney’s Castaway Cay

Stepping off the ship and onto Castaway Cay feels like walking into a postcard. The island is meticulously maintained and surprisingly easy to navigate, with complimentary trams whisking guests to different areas. You’ll find signs pointing the way to the beaches, the BBQ spots, the kids’ clubs, and the all-important ice cream machines.

Quick Tips for Arrival:

Towels are provided. You don’t need to bring them from the ship; pick them up just after you disembark.

Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Free stroller rentals are available as soon as you exit the ship, and beach wheelchairs can be requested.

Start early. If you’re trying to claim a prime beach spot at the family beach, walking is usually faster than waiting for the tram in the morning.

Mail a postcard with an exclusive Castaway Cay postmark! The Bahamian-run post office may not be open during your visit, but you can still drop cards in the mailbox outside or at Guest Services onboard. Stamps are available for purchase onboard too.

Beaches on Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay offers three beach zones, each tailored to a different type of traveler.

🌴 Boat Beach + Boat Harbor

After you get off the ship, the first area you’ll come across is the Boat Harbor, where boating excursions such as banana boat rides, fishing charters, and parasailing trips take off. Right next to this is Boat Beach, which isn’t designed for swimming, but is a helpful spot for meeting up with your excursion group or snapping photos of the ship in the background.

🌴 Family Beach + Snorkel Lagoon

The largest and most popular beach on the island is the Castaway Family Beach. Calm waters, soft sand, plenty of shade, and views of the ship make this beach the main hub of the island. And just offshore, you’ll find one of Castaway Cay’s most unique features: the Snorkeling Lagoon.

This designated area is safe, roped off, and filled with fun surprises—including a sunken Mickey statue and even a hidden Minnie if you explore deep enough. You’ll find gear rentals right on the beach, but if you have your own snorkel and mask, you’re welcome to bring them!

Snorkel tips:

• Life vests are required for everyone and are provided free of charge.
• The earlier you go, the better the visibility (and fewer crowds).
• Follow the buoys to find the hidden treasures—they’re not marked, but you’ll know when you see them!

🌴 Serenity Bay (Adults-Only)

Farther from the ship (accessible by tram), Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach and it lives up to its name. This is where the calmest, most peaceful vibes live—no kids, no splashy noise, just ocean breezes, hammocks, and full drink service right to your chair.

If you’re craving a little spa-style serenity while your kids are having fun at the kids’ club, this is your moment

Wherever you land, expect powder-soft sand, plenty of lounge chairs, and that signature Disney service.

Castaway Cay 5K: Run (or Walk) Through Paradise

While it used to be a structured event, the Castaway Cay 5K is now a “run on your own” adventure. Guests 10 and up can stop by the Info Hut to get a map and complete the loop at their own pace.

What to Expect:

• You’ll pass palm trees, an old airstrip, and an observation tower—which you should absolutely climb for an amazing photo op.
• After finishing, go to Guest Services onboard to claim your Castaway Cay 5K medal.

It’s not timed, so take your time, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery!

Dining Options on Castaway Cay

When lunchtime hits, there’s no need to head back to the ship. You’ll find Cookies BBQ, Cookies Too, and Serenity Bay BBQ, serving up a hearty island-style lunch. Expect BBQ ribs and chicken, burgers, mahi-mahi, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, and those all-important soft-serve machines.

Dining is open-air and casual, and it’s all included in your cruise fare—no wallet required. Just bring your appetite.

You’ll also find filtered water stations, soda fountains, and Olaf’s Summertime Freeze offering fun drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Pro tip: Lunch is served from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Plan accordingly so you don’t miss it.

Castaway Cay for Kids and Teens: Clubs, Splash Zones, and More

Yes, Scuttle’s Cove is just as magical as the onboard kids’ clubs—and it’s supervised by the same Disney-trained counselors. Kids (ages 3–12) can play games, dig in the sand, and splash in the water, giving parents a blissful few hours to explore Serenity Bay or enjoy a grown-up excursion. Includes fun water features and Monstro Point, a whale-bone excavation dig site.

Tweens and teens also have their own hangouts, complete with beach games and chill-out zones designed just for them.

Excursions and Rentals

If you’re the “do all the things” type, Castaway Cay has you covered with Port Adventures and rentals. Here are a few popular options:

• Snorkeling Lagoon: Search for hidden Mickeys and sunken treasures among colorful tropical fish.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: A relaxing way to explore the reef without getting wet.
• Stingray Adventure: Feed and snorkel with gentle stingrays in a private lagoon.
• Private Cabanas: These are ultra-exclusive and book up fast—think luxury lounge chairs, a stocked fridge, and your own slice of paradise.

Equipment Rentals:

• Snorkel gear, floats, tubes, and water trikes at Gil’s Fins & Boats or Flippers & Floats
• Bike Rentals near Gil’s (ride trails through the undeveloped parts of the island)
• 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package: Includes snorkel gear, inner tube, and 1-hour bike rental—a great value if you want a little bit of everything

Where to Find Rentals:

• Marge’s Barges & Sea Charter Dock: Excursions, glass-bottom boats, catamarans
• Gil’s Fins & Boats: Snorkel gear, paddleboats, inner tubes, aqua trikes
• Flippers & Floats: More float and snorkel gear options

Castaway Cay Shopping: Souvenirs You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

If you want something that says Castaway Cay, you’ll need to buy it on the island. These exclusive items aren’t available onboard.

Shops to check out:

• She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else: Souvenirs, beachwear, and logo gear
• Buy the Seashore: More apparel and the best place to find Castaway Cay 5K merch
• Bahamas Trinkets & Treasures: Island-inspired gifts and crafts

Private Cabanas on Castaway Cay: The Ultimate Luxury

For the ultimate day of island luxury, Disney’s private cabanas on Castaway Cay deliver an unforgettable experience. Tucked along the family beach and the adults-only Serenity Bay, these cabanas offer shaded loungers, a stocked fridge with soft drinks and water, fresh towels, sunscreen, a private shower, and even a hammock swaying in the breeze. You’ll also get a personal attendant to keep your day effortless and indulgent.

But here’s the catch: these cabanas are incredibly hard to snag—especially on the family beach. Concierge guests on Disney Cruise Line get first dibs, and they often book up before general reservations even open.

👉 Curious about why Disney Cruise Line Concierge is such a game-changer? Check out my guide to Disney Cruise Line Concierge Class and discover all the perks that come with it!

✅ What’s Included at Castaway Cay

Here’s what you’ll enjoy at no additional cost:

• Beach towels (pick them up before leaving the ship)
• Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks
• Trams to all the major areas
• BBQ lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
• Ice cream stations (multiple!)
• Scuttle’s Cove kids club
• Castaway Cay 5K participation
• Filtered water stations throughout the island

Optional extras (for an added fee) include cabana rentals, alcoholic beverages, excursions, float rentals, snorkel gear, and bikes.

Insider Tips from a Travel Advisor Who’s Been There

Here’s how to make your Castaway Cay day even better:

• Get off the ship early to grab the best beach spots and enjoy cooler temps.
• Bring your Key to the World card and a photo ID—needed to disembark and reboard.
• Order room service the night before if you have a verandah stateroom and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship docks. Magical moment, especially for photos!
• Use water shoes if you plan to snorkel—the lagoon has some rocky areas.
• Bring a few travel-friendly sand toys for the kids

What to Pack for Your Day at Castaway Cay

You don’t need much—but the right items can make your day even smoother. Here’s what I recommend:

• Sunscreen (apply before you leave the ship and reapply often!)
• Water shoes (great for snorkeling or rocky patches)
• Swimsuits + cover-ups
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Reusable water bottle (can be filled at water stations)
• Cruise Key to the World card + photo ID
• Snorkel gear, if you prefer to bring your own
• Small waterproof bag for phones, room keys, etc.
• Sand toys if you’re traveling with younger kids (though rentals are available)
• Portable charger (outlets are rare)
• Book or eReader
• AirPods or headphones

👉🏼 For more tips on what to pack for your Disney Cruise, make sure to check out full article: https://wheretogotravelco.com/2025/04/26/what-to-pack-for-a-disney-cruise/

Castaway Cay FAQs

Q: Do I need to bring cash or my credit card?
Nope! Everything on the island charges back to your stateroom via your Key to the World card. The only exception is the post office, which only takes Bahamian or U.S. cash.

Q: Is Castaway Cay wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Yes! The island has paved paths and beach wheelchairs available. Most areas are stroller-friendly, too.

Q: Are towels provided?
Yes—grab them right before you step off the ship.

Q: Can I go back to the ship during the day?
Absolutely. You can return to the ship and come back to the island at any time, but most guests stay until late afternoon.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay?
Only if you’re using a Disney Cruise Line internet package—otherwise, consider this a great time to unplug!

🌟 Ready to Make Castaway Cay Part of Your Next Adventure?

Castaway Cay isn’t just a beach day—it’s a highlight of any Disney Cruise Line itinerary. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your fifth, this little slice of Bahamian heaven is worth every bit of the hype.

Let’s make it happen. I’ll handle the cruise details, help you pick the perfect itinerary, coordinate your flights, and even take care of pre- and post-cruise planning.

👉 Click below and let’s get your Disney Cruise (and your Castaway Cay beach day!) on the books.