16 Things You Need to Know about Castaway Cay - Disney's Private Island

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. If you take one of the Disney cruises to the Caribbean you will stop here for the day. Keep reading to see what a treat you are in for.

Castaway Cay is Disney’s very own private island in the Bahamas that they have leased from the Bahamian government. Anyone taking a Disney cruise out of Florida is sure to stop here at least once. The entire island is only 1,000 acres and Disney uses just 55 of those.

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Castaway Cay

Most people do not necessarily know that Disney has their own private island in the Bahamas unless they have already been on a Disney Cruise. Only Disney cruise ships stop at Castaway Cay, making it uncrowded and private. There are no locals that live here, which means you will not be solicited while you lounge on the beach. I finally had the opportunity to spend the day here when the Disney Fantasy Cruise ship stopped here during their initial media launch. After spending the day, here I am obsessed, I love Castaway Cay.

Beach Amenities

There are plenty of chairs and hammocks for everyone. You do not have to pay for a chair or umbrella. I recommend not waiting too long before heading off the ship to grab a place on the beach. I always want a hammock and those get snatched up extremely quick.

Castaway Activities

Despite its small size, there are lots of things to do on the island. Amenities include gorgeous beaches, pristine lagoons teeming with curious sea life, splash-worthy water play areas, scenic walking trails, open-air BBQ dining locations serving complimentary meals, 2 stores featuring Castaway Cay gifts and souvenirs, free tram transportation around the island and more.

Castaway Cay 5K

One way to make sure you are one of the first off the boat to grab your spot is to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K. It’s free and fun. As you walk to the starting point you will pass up a ton of the beach. Bring something with you and leave it on the hammock or chair you want. Then later you can come back and you will have a great spot secured.

Snorkeling Lagoon

Enjoy a bit of Caribbean marine life at the island’s 22-acre snorkeling lagoon, located at Castaway Cay’s Family Beach.

For the best snorkeling at Castaway Cay, go early in the day. Later in the day. the water (and sand on the bottom) is more churned up and it can be more difficult to see. The fish are toward the very end of the snorkeling area. Don’t even bother looking for fish until you get back there. Keep in mind that snorkeling here isn’t much if you’ve snorkeled almost anywhere else you will probably be disappointed.

Mickey Mouse is underwater underneath the white buoy. In case you’ve heard about sunken treasure, this is it.

Kid’s Playgrounds

Castaway Cay Water Playground.

There are multiple kid areas. Two out in the water and a splash pad on land. There could be more, but these were the ones I saw.

The one shown above is Pelican Plunge. It is within swimming distance of the shore. It is a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with 2 water slides, a giant bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water, and four water cannons to shoot water.

They also have the kid’s club and teen club on the island, so your kids can keep on hanging out with or without you.

Teen’s Hideout

Teen Hideout is a place where teens 14 to 17 years of age can lounge and hangout in their very own slice of paradise.

In Da Shade Game Pavilion

Take a break from the sun to play games, such as table tennis, foosball, billiards, and basketball, inside this shaded structure, centrally located near Castaway Family Beach.

Character Greetings

Throughout the day, meet and befriend some favorite Disney Characters at the Post Office, Gazebo, gangway, and elsewhere on Castaway Cay. These are perfect moments for photo-snapping!

Boat Rentals

Set sail in a boat of your choice and embark on a breezy excursion atop the crystal-blue waters of Castaway Cay. Choose a sleek 1-person sea kayak, a charming 4-person paddleboat, a fun 2-person aqua trike or an active stand-up paddleboard for your water adventure!

Strollers and Wheel Chairs

Strollers and sand wheelchairs are complimentary on a first-come basis.

Shopping

They have exclusive beachwear, hats, souvenirs, and collectible pins with the Castaway Cay logo—all on sale at She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else! The staff will deliver your purchases to the ship.

Serenity Bay Beach Adults Only

Adults have their own area too over on the portion named Serenity Bay Beach. No kids are allowed on this side of the island. Don’t make my mistake and walk over, it’s a long walk. Instead, hop on the shuttle. While you are over here have lunch because they serve steak.

Drink of the day

Every day on Castaway Cay there is a drink of the day for just $5. The day I visited the Stingray was $5. I preferred the Konk Kooler though for $6.50. Most cocktails seemed to be $6.50.

I took a photo of one of the menus to give y’all an idea of what kind of alcoholic beverages you would have to choose from. It seemed to me that they had the same menu at every bar I went to. And yes, there are multiple bars.

First Aid

If you have any issues you do not have to go all the way back to the ship. Instead, you can go in and see the nurse at the first aid building.

Bring Seasafe

Have you heard about sea lice? I had never heard of this until my kids were completely miserable for no apparent reason. It didn’t take long to figure out that they had gotten something from the water. I highly recommend using Seasafe for swimming. You may only need it once, have it just in case.

Musical Horns

One of the funniest moments on the Disney Fantasy cruise was when the Disney Dream pulled up at Castaway Cay and the two ships begin to play their horns back and forth. This video is of their “Horn Off” it went on for five minutes, but this video is just a minute or so. No one got off so I am assuming it was just for supplies or something.

Castaway Cay truly is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. From snorkeling in turquoise waters to catching sight of exotic wildlife, every moment at this island paradise is one to savor. With so many activities and amenities on the island, it’s no surprise that Disney’s private oasis continues to be voted one of the world’s top vacation destinations year after year. Be sure to have your camera ready—it’ll be a trip you’ll want to share with friends and family back home! After all, at Castaway Cay, adventure is just round the bend – come see for yourself! I don’t know about you, but after this trip, I think I might be in the market for some Bahamas real estate!