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 all 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 couple of 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.
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. There’s also usually a basketball free throw competition and ping pong tournament at In Da Shade Pavilion.”
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, not on the cruise ship. 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 are 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 aged 14 to 17 to hang out and do cool stuff without parents or little siblings to get 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
Not sure which itinerary and ship are right for you? Here’s how to choose the best Disney Cruise.
Before you set sail with Mickey and friends, find out what to pack for a 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.
Save These Castaway Cay Tips
Considering a Disney Cruise? Keep this list of handy tips and things to do on Castaway Cay for future reference. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!
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.
If you reserve floats are they available when you get back from doing the 5k??
I don’t know if the float rentals are available before the 5K because the races typically start very early in the morning. Once you rent a float, it’s yours for the day. If you leave it sitting on the beach for a very long time, though, it might blow away or be picked up by a Disney cast member, or I suppose by a fellow cruiser. You might want to just wait until the race is over.
Hi,
I am taking the family to Cozumel on our first Disney Cruise. Can you tell me why no one is booking the Cozumel and Jamaica excursions? By the way, I LOVE your website.
Thank you for the kind words, Michele! Cruisers might be more interested in exploring on their own in some ports or booking excursions directly with local providers. The nice thing about booking through DCL, though, is that if your excursion is delayed for any reason — the ship will wait for you if you book through them. Otherwise, you may miss the all aboard time.
Wow Colleen, I am truly amazed at your blog here. It is not only informative but beautiful to look at as well as wonderfully written. This is the first one I have read all the way through. Great job my cuzie. Love you.
LOL! I am glad that I finally got you to read a whole blog post! 😉 Love you, too!
Omgoodness, what a phenomenal review! This just sealed the deal for us to take our son, especially since he’s been asking. Thinking this will be an ideal 13th birthday present. Thanks so very much! 🙂
What an INCREDIBLE birthday present! Have a wonderful time on your Disney Cruise!
Hey,There is a splash pad area that is definitely fun for your toddler & I bet your 8-year-old would love it too. You can rent bicycles for the whole family and put the baby in a child seat. The family beach is fun for all ages of course, too!
All the cabanas are sold out for castaway cat during our port stop in April 2019. Can we be wait listed for cancellations?
HI Jeannette – I did some research on cruise discussion boards and there appear to be a couple of ways to score a cabana, even if they are sold out for your cruise. One cruiser recommended calling Disney Cruise Line every day leading up to your cruise to nab any cancellations. A few other vacationers suggested visiting or calling Guest Services the minute you board to be placed on a waitlist for a cabana. Good luck!
Is there anywhere on castaway to fish from shore, or is it allowed?we are going down for the first time next week, and not sure time will allow for an entire excursion, but would like to fish a little. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Mike – It doesn’t look like fishing from the shore is allowed on Castaway Cay. There are, however, a couple of fishing excursions that you might enjoy. Hope you have a great time no matter what you decide to do on the island!
Hey All,
Going on my first Disney Cruise in January around the Bahamas, (We are from Ireland) we are massive Disney Fans – just returned from Disney World Orlando and will ring in the New Year in Disneyland Paris.
Our son is recently turned 4, my husband and I are very keen on snorkelling, my excursions are not available to book until next week but I was wondering if anyone knew if it would allow us book the snorkelling for our son, or will the system stop him as he is under 5?
Also can you book the kids club in advance? Our son is so sociable and loves kids clubs – on a recent trip to Dubai he told us he wasn’t ready to be collected as he was having too much fun!
Hi Catherine –
Disney is very strict about age limits on their excursions so you won’t be able to book snorkeling for your child. You could bring along your own snorkeling equipment but beware that the sunken boats are very far from shore so you should probably plan to stick close to shore instead.
You can sign your son up for the youth club in advance. Go to “My Cruise Reservations” on the Disney Cruise Line website. Look for “View Activities” after you’ve logged in with your reservation number. Then look for “Child Reservation” and go from there. Note: online registration varies depending on whether you’ve cruised with Disney before. Since you are first-timer, that will be 75 days prior to your cruise.
Enjoy all of your Disney adventures!
Thank you for this detail-filled post, Colleen! We are looking into trying something new next year and eyeing on the Disney Cruise as one of the things to choose from. It looks like we may be heading for the Disney Cruise after reading your post. We are really excited for this trip and could not have been happier to come by your article.
How exciting, Elizabeth! I hope you have an incredible time on your Disney Cruise! (And I’m sure you will!)
Hello! Thank you for the advice!!! We will be going on our first cruise next year for the Halloween on the High Seas Bahamian Cruise. Looking to get my hands on the Passporters you mentioned (the 2018 edition), I looked online but only place I can find a PDF file is on their website. Anyway to get my hands on a hard copy?
Hi Stacy – It looks like they’ve switched to offering just the digital version of PassPorter. The good news is that the online version, according to their website, is always up-to-date! If you want a paper version at a decent price, it looks like you’ll have to go with the 2015 version: https://amzn.to/2KFnGd4 Have a wonderful time on your Disney Cruise!
Is this exclusively a port for the cruise ship? No other way to visit Castaway Cay? Thank you!
Hi Debbie – You must be a passenger on a Disney Cruise to visit Castaway Cay. (Worth it!)
Hi, there, what activities you would recommend for a 1 1/2 yo boy? His brother is almost 8 and litlle fellow thinks that he can do everything that older brother dies. I want this to be fun for everyone, if you will. TIA
There is a splash pad area that is definitely fun for your toddler & I bet your 8-year-old would love it too. You can rent bicycles for the whole family and put the baby in a child seat. The family beach is fun for all ages of course, too!
Hello.. will be sailing this year and wanted to know Are life jackets provided for children at castaway?
Floatation vests are provided to guests at the Pelican Plunge slides off of Castaway Cay for both adults and kids but you can’t wear them on the beach. You can buy or rent floatation devices like innertubes or arm floaties, or bring your own.
We are looking to book a cruise with either a one day or two day at Castaway. We are two families with 7-8 year olds. Would two days at Castaway get boring for us? Have never been to Nassau Bahamas, but there are options to stop in Nassau as well if you have any recommendations.
Becky – It really depends on how your family likes to vacation. For a lot of Disney fanatics, their favorite day of the cruise is at Castaway Cay. It’s really a beach day with fun splash fountains, waterslides, sporting fun and bicycles for rent. Personally, if I had never been to Nassau, I would choose that over another day on Castaway Cay because I love exploring new things. One thing is for sure, there’s lots of fun to be had on Castaway Cay!
I will be cruising on the fantasy in November with 4 under 4 and we were thinking about renting a cabana. I was wondering if they are too far away to keep an eye on the little ones at the same time? Will it be worth the money if they are playing in the water? It is hard to tell how far they are from the shore. TIA
Hi Barefoot cruising – There is a bit of a distance between the cabana and the water, with the beach in between. But you can pull your included, cushioned loungers down to the water if you like. I found this article all about renting a cabana at Castaway Cay to be helpful: https://blog.touringplans.com/2014/12/18/10-reasons-cabana-castaway-cay-worth-trying-get/ Enjoy!
Are you allowed to walk on and or off the ship with an alcoholic beverage from a bar on the ship or at castaway cay? I read the Disney cruise site and I don’t see any limitations on that.
Ooh…that’s a good one to ask Disney Cruise Line directly. Their phone number is: 1 (800) 951-3532 or you can email them here: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/help/email/ Cheers!