Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay

Beach at Castaway Cay
Beach at Castaway Cay

Updated: June 2024

Reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay is one of the best cruise line private islands to visit on a Caribbean cruise and a destination everyone can look forward to when sailing on any one of the Disney Cruise Line ships. With swaying palm trees, sugar-white sandy beaches, and calm turquoise waters, this paradise is overflowing with amenities and a healthy does of Disney magic.

From the moment you step off your ship, everything you need for the truly perfect beach getaway is catered for; there's plenty of sun loungers and parasols for those of you looking to kick-back and soak up the sun, venues for tasty snacks and refreshments throughout your stay, and family-friendly entertainment – with Captain Mickey taking a break from his duties to enjoy the sunshine too!

What Can You See and Do at Castaway Cay?

You're spoilt for choice at Castaway Cay; there's so much to enjoy, and plenty of places to rest and relax if you're looking to lounge.

Treat yourself to scrumptious snacks thanks to open-air BBQ dining with complimentary meals, Disney character greetings, complimentary childcare for children aged three through 12, shops full of unique Castaway gifts and souvenirs, supervised kids clubs packed with fun activities, hiking trails and biking routes... There really is so much to do at this incredible island resort.

Here's a little more on some of this destination's highlights:

  • Castaway Family Beach – the main beach on Castaway Cay, with lively music, dancing, and access to activities including kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling!
  • Pelican Plunge – swim from the shores to this 2,400 square-foot floating platform with two splash-tastic slides and a huge bucket dump that sprays you with hundreds of gallons of water.
  • Spring-a-Leak – explore the ‘storm-ravaged’ remnants of this fun-filled water play area, spread out over 2,400 square-feet.
  • Gil’s Fins and Boats – rent your snorkeling gear here, alongside kayaks, paddleboats, and aqua trikes!
  • Snorkeling Lagoon – be mesmerised by the underwater marine life just off of Castaway Family Beach, with trails to follow for snorkelers of all experience levels.
  • Scuttle’s Cove – this huge 1,200 square-foot wet play area is perfect for younger guests, with pop jets, geysers, bubblers, and more fully-supervised fun!
  • In Da Shade Pavilion – if the sun is getting too much, retreat to this indoor haven of games and activities, such as table tennis, football table and basketball.
  • Serenity Bay – this adult-only oasis is reserved exclusively to those over 18 years of age, with open-air cabana massages, Air Bar BBQ food and frozen speciality drinks waiting.
  • Teen Hideout – this does exactly what it says on the tin; it's a place where teens can hideout and chill in their very own slice of paradise.

Shore Excursions

To make the most of your time on Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line have specially selected a great selection of shore excursions to provide you and your family with some unforgettable experiences. Top tip - to avoid any disappointment, you can pre-book any port adventure 120 days before your departure. Here’s just a snippet of what you can do…

  • Extreme Getaway Package – recline on an inner tube, snorkel and meet stingrays in the blue lagoon, and go biking along the offshore trails.
  • Parasailing – take part in a thrilling aerial adventure and fly high above Castaway Cay.
  • Watercraft Ski adventure – be in control of your own WaveRunner watercraft on this intense guided tour, whilst learning all about the marine life and history of the area.
  • Abaco Backcountry Fishing Adventure – head out to South Abaco for a special fishing trip, where you’ll enjoy some catch-and-release fun catching bonefish, tarpon, permit and barracuda.
  • Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage – hop in to the glass-bottom boat for a crystal-clear view of Castaway Cay’s underwater marine life.

Some Things to Know Before You Go

It's important to be prepared when you visit Castaway Cay, but you'll be pleased to know that this isn't going to be as stressful as you might think. The main language spoken on the island is English, with many of the English-speaking Disney Crew members actually living on the island itself.

Not only this, but the island's economy runs on US Dollars. But, you're more likely to use your stateroom keys as a form of payment, just like you would on your cruise ship – and just like a credit card!

On top of this, you'll even find a post office on the island – one operated by the official Bahamian authorities. It's not open every day, but you can still mail your letters and postcards to loved ones back home from this tropical paradise by using the drop-box outside the post office itself.

Book Your Private Island Escape with Iglu Cruise Today

If you're ready to go on a voyage to The Bahamas, you can check out more of the best cruise deals and all the voyages sailing to the Caribbean right here.

If you're planning on sailing with Disney Cruise Line, be sure to look out for Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point too! This new Disney Cruise Line private island aims to celebrate local Bahamian culture and enrich the local environment through local art exhibitions, impressive Junkanoo celebrations, and conservation-focused designs. It's also dusted with Disney magic, with character meet-and-greets aplenty and unique Bahamian renditions of classic Disney songs playing in all the venues.

And, while you're looking for your next cruise, be sure to check out this selection of helpful blog posts from the Iglu Cruise team!