Things to Do on Castaway Cay (And What to Skip)
Castaway Cay may be a tiny island, but it’s packed with so many activities that you might have a hard time deciding how to best spend your time. Measuring 3.1 miles long and 2.2 miles wide, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas offers everything from bike rentals and watersports to parasailing and a hands‑on stingray experience. Follow this list of dos and don’ts for the best things to do on Castaway Cay, plus what to skip so you can enjoy every beachy minute.
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1. Do Know Your Castaway Cay Options
Before you start planning your time on the island, it helps to know about the things to do on Disney’s Castaway Cay. It’s tempting to try to squeeze all the activities into one visit, but this tropical paradise is so much better when you slow down. Pick a few must‑dos that make your crew happy, then let the rest go. The point here is to relax, island-style.
Things to Do in Castaway Cay
- Beaches – Family Beach, Sports Beach, and the adults-only Serenity Bay Beach
- Snorkeling Lagoon – An underwater Mickey Mouse statue, a staged shipwreck, and plenty of tropical fish
- Pelican Plunge – A floating waterslide structure that kids love
- Bike Rentals – With easy island paths leading to an observation tower
- Watersports – Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and boat excursions
- Parasailing – Thrilling views of Castaway Cay from above
- Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure – An educational, hands-on animal encounter
- Massage at Serenity Bay – A relaxing adults‑only treat right by the water
- Beach Yoga – A complimentary light yoga session at Serenity Bay
- Games – Beach volleyball, Ping-pong, basketball, pool tables, and giant board games
- Character Meet-and-Greets – Disney characters in adorable beach outfits
- Shopping – Exclusive Castaway Cay merch you can’t get anywhere else
- Food & Drinks – Beach fare at Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ, and Hangar 98 BBQ
- Tram Transportation – A great way to get around the small island
2. Don’t Forget Your Stateroom Key
You absolutely must bring your Key to the World card when heading off the ship. It’s required to disembark and reboard. Thankfully, most other beach essentials, like sunblock and sand toys, can be purchased right on the island if you forget something. Towels are provided on Castaway Cay, so no need to lug those along.
3. Do Take the Tram
The walk from the ship to the main beach areas is longer than most first‑timers expect, especially in the heat. Thankfully, Castaway Cay’s complimentary tram system makes getting around easy. Hop on at the pier and ride to Family Beach, Sports Beach, or the transfer stop for Serenity Bay. It’s the quickest way to start your island day without wasting energy on the trek.
4. Don’t Bring a Stroller
Save yourself the hassle of hauling a stroller off the ship. Castaway Cay provides complimentary strollers, wagons, and joggers, all conveniently located near the tram stops. The island also offers special sand‑friendly wheelchairs designed for guests with mobility challenges.
5. Do Choose the Right Beach
Castaway Cay offers three distinct beaches, each with its own vibe: Family Beach, Sports Beach, and Serenity Bay.
Family Beach
For families with babies or young children, stick to the stretch of Family Beach closest to the ship. As Keryn Means of Twist Travel Magazine notes, this area tends to be calmer and less crowded.
A little farther down, you’ll find Pelican Plunge, a floating water play structure anchored offshore. Kids and playful adults swim out to enjoy two water slides — one enclosed and one open. Sliders must be at least 38 inches tall, and those under 48 inches must wear a complimentary life vest.
Note: Castaway Cay’s Spring‑A‑Leak splash pad closed permanently in 2023 during the island’s refurbishment, and it was never replaced. It’s too bad because so many children adored this spot, including my kids when they were little.
Sports Beach
If lounging all day isn’t your style, head to Sports Beach. This active area features sand volleyball and tetherball.
Serenity Bay (18+)
Adults looking for peace and quiet will love Serenity Bay, the island’s dedicated 18+ beach lined with palm trees. Soft sand, wide‑open space, and a mellow atmosphere make it a great place to escape the hubbub. In my opinion, the adult-only Hangar 98 BBQ at this beach serves the best food on the entire island, too.
6. Don’t Miss Entertainment and Games
Castaway Cay offers more than just beaches, with plenty of entertainment sprinkled throughout the island. At the Gazebo near Family Beach, you’ll often find character dance parties, live music, and the popular Island Vibes DJ.
Jodi Grundig of Family Travel Magazine says, “We love sitting on Family Beach by the island’s Gazebo because we can easily walk over and see things like a character dance party and the Island Vibes DJ performance.”
Over at In Da Shade Game Pavilion, cruisers can join in on activities like basketball free‑throw contests, ping‑pong tournaments, and oversized games such as giant checkers, chess, foosball, and pool tables.
7. Do Stay Active on Castaway Cay
If you want to stay healthy and fit while cruising, Castaway Cay makes it easy to balance all that unlimited soft serve ice cream. You can take a free yoga class on the beach, swim and snorkel, or join a game of volleyball or tetherball at Sports Beach.
Cruisers can explore the island on the 1.5 miles of bike trails. Look for rentals for adult bikes, kids’ bikes, and child seats. You can also rent paddleboats, kayaks, or aquabikes from Gil’s Fins and Boats. If you prefer to play in the shade, head to one of the island’s two Game Pavilions for a covered round of ping‑pong or basketball.
8. Don’t Skip Snorkeling
Castaway Cay’s Snorkeling Lagoon is calm, clear, and full of tropical fish beneath the surface, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. An underwater Mickey statue and a separate sunken shipwreck make snorkeling here unique, with their algae-coated surfaces and small hiding spots that attract marine life.
Kirsten Maxwell with Kids Are a Trip says snorkeling at Castaway Cay was the highlight of her family’s day on the island. For kids, Maxwell recommends bringing your own full‑face snorkeling mask, which makes it easier for children to breathe comfortably without juggling separate pieces. You can also rent snorkel gear, like traditional masks and fins, right on the island. Life vests are complimentary and required for all snorkelers.
9. Do Pack Your Running Shoes
You might be surprised to learn that Disney’s private island has a self‑paced 5K course you can run or walk anytime during your visit. It used to be an organized race, but now you simply follow the marked path near the bike rental stand and complete the 3.1 miles at your own pace. When you’re done, you can pick up a rubber finisher medal from Bike Rentals for bragging rights and a fun souvenir. Kimberly Tate of Stuffed Suitcase says her entire family enjoyed running the course and still had plenty of time afterward for beach time and snorkeling.
10. Don’t Wait to Buy Castaway Cay Souvenirs
If you spot something you love on the island, buy it right then and there. I assumed I could pick out a Castaway Cay-themed shirt, hat, or magnet later on board the ship, but I was sadly disappointed. Castaway Cay merchandise is only sold on the island. Once you sail away, those souvenirs are gone.
11. Do Visit the Castaway Cay Post Office
Castaway Cay has a tiny Bahamian post office near the island entrance where you can mail a postcard with a special Castaway Cay postmark. This makes a fun keepsake for all ages. Because it’s run by the Bahamian government (not Disney), it’s the one place on the island that requires cash, and hours can be limited, so stop by early if it’s on your list. Both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted.
12. Don’t Bring Your Wallet
Nearly all purchases on the island, from souvenirs and beach rentals to cocktails and mocktails, are charged to your Key to the World card account. If you want to send a postcard from Castaway Cay, tuck a few dollars in your beach bag, but leave the credit cards back in your stateroom safe.
13. Do Book a Shore Excursion or Activity
Castaway Cay has plenty of ways to enhance your beach day, from jet boat tours to snorkeling, kayaking, and jet ski rentals. Parasailing gives a thrilling, bird’s‑eye view of Disney’s island as you float high above the water behind a speedboat. Kids especially love the Stingray Adventure, where they can actually touch these amazing creatures. And if you need some serious relaxation, adults can’t go wrong with a beach massage at Serenity Bay.
14. Don’t Pay for Bottled Water
Cruisers must pay for bottled water, but non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas and fruit juices are free at bars and drink stations throughout the island. Why pay for water when you can hydrate for free? Castaway Cay has filtered water stations throughout the island where you can grab a complimentary cup of cold water anytime you need it. Bringing your own reusable water bottles is better for the environment, too.
Adults aged 21+ can also purchase beer, wine, and tropical cocktails like frozen mojitos. Grown-ups who choose to imbibe should double up on water to stay hydrated under the Bahamian sun.
15. Do Eat on Castaway Cay
There’s no sense wasting beach time eating on the ship when the food is tasty and free on the island. Choose from three places to eat: Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ, and Hangar 98 BBQ (formerly Serenity Bay BBQ). Expect simple beach day fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh fruit, ice cream, potato salad, and soft drinks.
Hangar 98 BBQ is my favorite place to eat on the island. This adults‑only dining spot serves bonus entrées you won’t find at the other two locations, including ribeye steak, a spicy chicken sandwich, and seafood gumbo.
If you’d like to eat lunch on Castaway Cay, don’t wait till it’s too late. The restaurants typically shut down for the day at 2 pm.
16. Don’t Bring Your Own Pool Floats
Cruisers can rent standard inflatable inner tubes and large float mats at the Float Rentals near Family Beach. Water toys like these provide oodles of fun for children or a relaxing way for grown-ups to laze about in the water. Your pool noodle or fabulous flamingo pool float takes up valuable luggage space and may be confiscated by Disney, so it’s better to leave your own floating devices at home.
Keep in mind that the only floats you can bring to the island are “Coast Guard personal flotation devices (PFDs), water wings, and flotation sewn into bathing suits,” according to Disney Cruise Line policies. Basically, this means the only floats you can bring are life vests, and these are available for free on Castaway Cay.
17. Do Look for Disney Characters on the Island
Meeting Disney characters on Castaway Cay is a highlight for many vacationers, and photos with friends like Goofy and Minnie Mouse in their island outfits make wonderful souvenirs. You’ll often spot characters like Captain Jack Sparrow near the Arrival Plaza, along the paths to Family Beach, and occasionally around Pelican Plunge. Check your Personal Navigator or the Disney Cruise Line app for meet‑and‑greet times so you don’t miss your favorites.
18. Don’t Get Stuck Without a Beach Chair
Beach chairs fill up quickly on Castaway Cay, especially at Family Beach, which is the most popular area for cruisers with kids of all ages. Robin Hutson of Luxe Recess warns, “Unless you take the tram early in the morning to the Family Beach, you won’t get a spot, as this section fills up first.”
If you prefer a slower morning and disembark after 10:30, head to the first tram stop near the Snorkeling Lagoon. This area usually still has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas available later in the day, and you might even find an open hammock if you’re lucky.
19. Do Book a Private Cabana in Advance
If you want guaranteed space, shade, and extra luxury on Castaway Cay, renting a private cabana is the way to go. They are definitely pricey, but they come stocked with all kinds of goodies that elevate your beach day. You’ll get snacks, unlimited non‑alcoholic drinks, sunblock, sand toys, snorkeling gear, free float rentals, and even a one‑hour bike rental.
Private cabanas are extremely limited, so you need to book them online well ahead of your cruise. If you miss out, keep checking the Disney Cruise Line website because cancellations do pop up. You can also stop by Guest Services as soon as you board the ship to see if any last‑minute openings have appeared.
20. Don’t Forget Free Childcare on Castaway Cay
If you want some kid-free time on Castaway Cay, you’re in luck. Disney offers free supervised childcare at Scuttle’s Cove for children ages 3 to 12. It’s run by the same trained youth counselors who staff the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab on the ship. Check the Navigator App for operating hours so you can time your drop‑off around your beach plans.
Scuttle’s Cove gives kids a fun, sandy play space with organized activities, water play, and plenty of entertainment. There’s also a Teen Hideout for kids ages 14 to 17 to hang out and do cool stuff without parents or little siblings getting in the way. Meanwhile, parents can find their favorite things to do on Castaway Cay, knowing the kids are having a blast.
Plan and Book Your Disney Cruise Early
Anticipating your Disney Cruise is half the fun, and research shows travelers often enjoy the planning process as much as the vacation itself. I recommend buying The Unofficial Disney Cruise Line Guidebook for tons of helpful tips to make the most of your time at sea and in ports of call. Start planning early so you can dream, compare itineraries, and get excited before you sail.
Disney Cruise Line prices usually rise as sailings fill up, so booking early gives you lower rates and better stateroom choices. If you want help choosing the right cruise, Get Away Today is a fantastic resource. Plus, they offer bonuses like onboard spending credits and Mickey and Minnie plush toys when you mention Colleen Travels Between sent you. Book your Disney Cruise with Get Away Today now!
Disney’s Castaway Cay FAQ
What are the best things to do on Castaway Cay?
The most popular Castaway Cay activities include the Pelican Plunge water slides, the Snorkeling Lagoon, Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay for adults, bike rentals, and the Observation Tower. Your day goes smoother if you pick just a few favorites instead of trying to do everything.
Do I need to bring cash or a credit card?
No. You won’t need a credit card or cash for most of the island. Your Key to the World card handles purchases. The only exception is the Castaway Cay Post Office, which is run by the Bahamian government and still requires either U.S. or Bahamian cash.
Is food free on Castaway Cay?
Yes. Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too, and Hangar 98 BBQ are included in your cruise fare. Soft drinks and fresh fruit are free as well. Alcoholic drinks cost extra.
Is filtered water available for free?
No. Filtered water stations and soft drinks are free across the island. Bring a reusable bottle and skip the bottled water charge.
Where can I find shade on Castaway Cay?
Serenity Bay has the most palm trees and natural shade. Family Beach has scattered palm trees and plenty of umbrellas. If shade is a priority, arrive early or reserve a cabana.
Does Pelican Plunge cost extra money?
No. Pelican Plunge is completely free and included in your Castaway Cay day. You don’t need to book it in advance, and there’s no additional charge to use the water slides.
Do I need to book Port Adventures in advance?
Book early if you want parasailing, jet skis, or cabanas. Bike rentals, inner tubes, and snorkel gear are easy to grab day‑of.
Was the Castaway Cay splash pad shut down?
Yes. Spring‑A‑Leak splash pad near Family Beach, closed permanently during Castaway Cay’s 2023 refurbishment and hasn’t been replaced.
What’s the adults‑only beach like?
Serenity Bay is peaceful, palm‑lined, and quiet. It has its own bar and BBQ and is a great escape from the crowds.
Can I walk the whole island?
You can, but the tram is faster. The bike trail is a great way to explore the entire island, too.
Learn More Cruise Tips
Before you set sail with Mickey and friends, find out what to pack for a Disney Cruise.
Not sure which itinerary and ship are right for you? Here’s how to choose the best Disney Cruise.
Parents and grandparents sailing with children should read these helpful tips for cruising with kids.
Quench your thirst at sea with this review and rating of Royal Caribbean mocktails.
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Do you have any questions or additional Castaway Cay tips? Share your comments and questions below!
Thank you to Disney Cruise Line for inviting me to sail on Fantasy and Dream. My family has also paid full price to sail with Disney, and we’ve loved every voyage. All opinions are mine, as always.
We will be there in February of 2016. As far as the bikes that have children seats…
My son is about 43″ and 50lbs, he doesn’t know how to ride a bike yet, I was wondering if he would be too big for the kids seat on the back of the adult seat since there are no tandem bikes?
Rachel – I can’t speak to the requirements of children’s seats on the bikes at Castaway Cay. You might want to call DCL to see if they can help you out: 800-951-3532. Have a great trip!
Hey,
There are no tandem bikes on the cay. Only regular cruiser bikes. 🙂
Castway Cay is seriously my favorite place to be! I absolutely love it. I look forward to this stop so much on every Disney cruise we go on. It is so peaceful and you have the beautiful blue carribbean waters. If you are traveling without kids, a visit to the adult only beach is an absolute must! It is so peaceful and the water is just crystal clear. Absolutely perfect!! We also went snorkeling while there and it was so much! The fish and reef were beautiful. Castaway Cay is my happy place and the place where I am relaxed the most! LOVE!!!!
Heather – I agree! It’s pretty hard not to be happy and relaxed on Castaway Cay!
We were there in 2007 and at that time they had their own post office. The kids had fun sending their grandparents postcards that were postmarked “Castaway Cay”. We even sent ourselves some to our own home as souvenirs. I’m not sure they still have it – but it was a cute thing to do. We just booked our next DCL trip for June 2016. Can’t wait!!!
So excited for you, Bambi! Enjoy your next Disney Cruise!
Can anyone tell me if there are 3 wheel bikes available for older adults to rent on Castaway Cay?
Hi Shirley – I don’t remember seeing any three-wheeled bikes for older adults. I’ve emailed my contact at Disney Cruise Line to see if they can answer your question. You might want to call them directly too: DCL Guest Services at 800-951-3532.
None for sure. Only 26″ two wheel bikes for adults. 🙂
Castaway Cay is always the highlight of any cruise with Disney for us. We try to get to our spot on the beach as early as we can. The lunch on the island, in some ways, is better than the ones back on the ship! We usually bring our own swim mask and cheap blow up raft and just throw the raft away after we are ready to go back to the ship.
Do you have any tips on the 5k? I was hoping to run it with both my kids ages 10 and 12? I hear that the runners have to disembark earlier than everyone else to complete the race. Will we be able to take all our gear for the day with us at that time?
Hi Jennifer – I don’t know much about the Castaway Cay 5k but I did a little research and found a helpful blog post over on the Run All the Races blog. Check it out: http://runalltheraces.com/tag/castaway-cay-5k/ It doesn’t look like there are any lockers on Castaway Cay (according to a DisBoards.com stream), but if you’ll be just bringing towels and swimsuits that you aren’t overly worried about being stolen, I’m sure you could stow your stuff on the beach somewhere. Otherwise, you might need to go back to the ship to grab your stuff after the race. Hope that helps!
This maybe too late but hopefully it helps others. There are people of all ages running/walking this event. Runners do disembark earlier and Disney offers an unlocked communal treasure chest for runners to store belongings they don’t want to run with, but remember it’s unlocked. If you don’t finish the run in a timely manner you can still get your medal, the staff that setup the run also work other activities later that day. There are also water coolers setup throughout the course. I was the only one running from my family so it was easier for me to meet them on the boat after the run than searching for them on the beach.
Cat – Thanks so much for these handy tips!
We were lucky to be able to visit Castaway Cay back in 2013. What a great time! We got a Cabana and I would definitely do that again. We were escorted to the Cabana, our concierge took care of getting us food and drink, we were all taken care of. We were able to go out our front door and right to the water. It had rained a little the day we were there and the Cabana was the perfect place to be. We also had my little granddaughter with us and it was the perfect place for her (an us) to take a nap It was cozy and kept us well protected from the rain. We spent most of the day on the island and were one of the last ones off, because we were having so much fun …. What a great great time.
Jim – I’ve never rented a cabana on Castaway Cay. Sounds like a great idea, especially if traveling with babies or young children and/or it’s raining. Thanks for the tip!
Are The life vests on castaway key available in adult sizes. My 11yo grandson swims but wants the security at pelican plunge. He is 5′ 3″ and 135lbs.
Carol – Life vests are available in adult sizes and, in fact, they are required for anyone who embarks on a snorkeling excursion at Castaway Cay.
Thank you very much.
Life vests aren’t required for snorkeling but snorkel vests are. But there are plenty up to 3XL… 🙂
We’re going on a cruise stopping at castaway cay at the end of March- my son is 4 years old. If I read correctly he is too young to rent a floating tube on the family beach? Do you know if that’s true? If so, do you have any experience with the glass bottom boat ride? Is the whole bottom glass or just a small section? I was hoping for something a bit more interactive for us, but we’ll take what we can get. Thanks!!!!!
Hi Mary – According the the Disney Cruise Line website, children should be 5 years old or older to rent an inner tube but I rented one for my son when he was 3 years old. I sat right near him the whole time he played with his inner tube (while wearing a life vest) in the shallow water and he was fine. Perhaps the 5-year-old mention on the DCL website is just a suggestion or they must recommend that age for legal reasons. I have never personally done the glass bottom boat ride but it appears to get mixed reviews on the DisBoards.com. You might want to go research there to make your choice. Enjoy!
Thanks so much for your info. We have family group going on double dip in july. Would like to have picture taken if 5grandkids with santa hats in the water. Any chance of photographers available on castaway cay for that?
Hi Elaine – There are ship photographers available to snap photos on Castaway Cay, but I’m not sure about booking a private session. Let me check and get back to you!
Elaine what a great idea! My family doesn’t go until the end of October but what perfect timing for a family Christmas card shot 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Elaine – Here’s Disney Cruise Line’s response to your question:
Yes, families can schedule private photo sessions. I would suggest calling DCL Guest Services at 800-951-3532 for details regarding how to book a private photo session.
Hey there! I was curious about the post office at Castaway Cay. Do they sell post cards at the post office & is it expensive to mail something?
Hi Jaime – I am almost positive they sell post cards at the Castaway Cay Post Office and gift shops, but I will check with my DCL PR rep to be sure. Not sure on prices for shipping, either, but I will ask. Here is what I found on the Disney Cruise Line website:
“The post office on Disney’s Castaway Cay is operated by the Bahamian authorities and may not be open for business each day that our ship visits the island. If the post office is closed, Guests can still mail their letters and post cards by utilizing the drop box outside of the post office or by dropping their letters at Guest Services onboard. Stamps are available for purchase at Guest Services and letters mailed from either location with the correct postage will be delivered with the Castaway Cay postmark. Please allow several weeks for mail from The Bahamas to be delivered.”
Hi again Jaime – Here’s the response I received from Disney Cruise Line:
There are two postcards in every stateroom for guests to mail from the island. Stamps are available for purchase (cash only) at the Castaway Cay post office and at Guest Services onboard. Traditional Bahamian postage stamps costs 55 cents for a standard size postcard. For a larger postcard, the cost is 65 cents.
Thank you!
Also wondering about the life vests! Can my 5 y.o wear hers on the water slides there, and in the pools on the ship? We leave next Wednesday!
Jenn – According to Disney Cruise Line, guests may bring their own life vests to use at Castaway Cay. Have a great cruise!
Hi! I read where you said Disney will provide life jackets, but my son prefers to wear his. Is it ok to bring his or do they only allow theirs?
Hi Erin – I’ve reached out to Disney Cruise Line to find the answer to your question. I will let you know when they get back to me!
Hi Erin – This is what the Disney Cruise Line PR said:
Guests may bring their child’s own life vest and take it with them ashore to Castaway Cay.
Guests can wear their own, but not on any slides! 🙂
You answered a previous comment as to whether I can use the scooter that I have reserved on Castaway Cay but I was wondering if it is acceptable to use it on board the ship. We will be traveling the Wonder in early Feb. 2015 and I want to be able to enjoy as much as I can. My feet will not allow me to walk for a long distance so that is why I have reserved the scooter. Can it be used on the Cayman Islands since it appears that you are tendered onto the island? Thanks for your help.
Hi Donna – I am looking into this for you. I’ll let you know what I find out!
Hi Donna – This is what the Disney Cruise Line PR representative said:
Mobility scooters are permitted aboard the ship. Due to the nature of the tendering operated by Grand Cayman, mobility scooters cannot be brought aboard the tenders. However, collapsible wheel chairs may be loaded onto the tender boats. See link on the DCL consumer site for more info: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/guests-disabilities/
What fantastic tips!