Castaway Cay is one in all Disney Cruise Line’s non-public island locations within the Bahamas. It’s a preferred port of name with many cruisers citing it because the spotlight of their cruise.
Themed round a shipwreck, it gives the prospect to get pleasure from life on an idyllic island paradise with white sandy seashores, heat azure seas, loads of moist and wild adventures, actions and household enjoyable.
Try the main points beneath and plan your excellent day as a castaway on this unique cruise island!
The place is Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is 73 miles north of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This beautiful 1000-acre island is within the South Abaco district, close to Nice Abaco Island. The island lies 167 miles east of Miami and 120 miles north of Disney’s second island vacation spot at Lighthouse Level, Eleuthera.
Can Anybody Go to Castaway Cay?
Like most non-public cruise islands, Castaway Cay was developed as a vacation spot completely for Disney cruise visitors to get pleasure from. To go to, it is advisable guide a Disney cruise that has this vacation spot as a port of name. The island has a workforce of everlasting residents employed by Disney Cruise Line to maintain the island in good condition.
How Do I Get Ashore?
If you arrive at Disney’s Personal Island, no tenders are required. As soon as the cruise ship has docked alongside on the pier, cruisers can step ashore and begin to benefit from the tropical surroundings, white sandy seashores and thrilling actions that await.
By the best way, Disney ensures that just one cruise ship at a time can go to Castaway Cay, so that you by no means should share the seashores and actions with anybody aside from your shipmates!
Is it Straightforward to Get Round Castaway Cay?
Disney offers seaside strollers and wheelchairs for passengers to make use of whereas on the island.
Courtesy Trams
For these with restricted mobility or younger households in tow, the primary cease after stepping ashore needs to be the tram station. It transports passengers to totally different spots across the island freed from cost.
The primary service runs from the tip of the pier to Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Level. Hop on and off as a neat strategy to discover the island or experience to your pre-planned spot and sit back for the day. Observe that the Household Seashore is a 15-minute stroll from the pier! A second tram service runs from Pelican Level to Serenity Bay.
Strolling
Nature lovers will get pleasure from an amble round this island, and there’s lots to see. Stroll alongside the shore, go to Marge’s Barges Dock, the place boat excursions depart, and go to the Gazebo for stay music.
Cruisers can even discover the wilder facet of the cay on nature trails. The two.5km paved strolling/ bike path has a loop resulting in the remark tower. There are a couple of water stations alongside the route.
Bike Leases
For those who fancy a bit train earlier than dinner, you’ll be able to lease bikes and discover the entire island. You’ll be able to experience alongside the outdated airstrip or head off exploring the island’s vegetation and birds in peaceable, undeveloped areas.
Which Castaway Cay Seashore is Greatest?
A number of stunning white sand seaside areas permit visitors to seek out their very own area on Disney’s non-public island resort.
Boat Seashore
The primary seaside you’ll come to when leaving the ship is Boat Seashore. It’s not a seaside for sunbathing. Adjoining the principle seaside, that is the place to seek out watersports leases, together with water bikes, tubes, floats, and kayaks at Gil’s Fins and Boats. It’s also possible to lease snorkel gear from the shack.
Household Seashores
All of the household seashores are on the southwest facet of the island. They’ve calm waters due to the offshore reef, making it the proper snorkeling lagoon.
Closest to the ship is Scuttle’s Cove children space and tram cease. It’s the placement of the children Oceaneer Membership and the Monstro Level Whale Dig.
The furthest a part of the Castaway Household Seashore space is served by the Pelican Level Tram Cease. That is the place you’ll discover the Pelican Plunge floating water play space with a number of water slides. Children will love the splash space and dump bucket, water cannons and two water slides (a tube slide and an open slide). Life jackets can be found for younger riders.
The 2 Household Seashore areas are divided by Pelican Level, a rocky breakwater with a bar. These primary seaside areas have restrooms, lifeguards and calm lagoon waters, making them superb for households with kids to swim and play safely. Children will love the play space with a rope and slide into the ocean. Nearer to the ship there’s a Spring-a-Leak Splash Pad for water play.
Seashore chairs, hammocks, and shady umbrellas can be found however it is advisable get ashore early to safe the very best areas. There’s a separate space on the household seaside that’s completely for visitors with cabana leases.
On the far finish of the Household Seashore is Teen Seashore, an space with plenty of sports activities tools, seaside volleyball and so on. It’s superb for individuals who need a bit extra motion.
The Household Seashore is a 15-minute stroll from the pier so that you would possibly wish to use the tram in case you have kids!
Serenity Bay
Furthest from the pier, Serenity Bay is a peaceable adults-only seaside completely for adults aged 18+. It even gives yoga lessons with beautiful sea views. It’s an extended trek from the pier so make use of the devoted tram service that runs from Pelican Level.
It has adjustable lounge chairs, a Serenity Bay BBQ pavilion, bar, restrooms, float leases and a therapeutic massage hut. The water is extra right here uneven because it doesn’t have the safety of a breakwater, in contrast to the Household Seashore. The Windsock Hut has float leases.
The rental of personal cabanas contains a great deal of extras equivalent to snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, floats, sunblock, snorkeling tools and free bike rent.
What’s the Climate Like for Castaway Cay?
The Bahamas has year-round heat sunny climate with some cooling sea breezes to ease the new summer season temperatures. Winter is the height season for cruising within the Caribbean and Bahamas, and daytime highs are typically between 74 and 76°F.
The remainder of the 12 months is a pleasing 77 to 88°F. The wettest months are August and September with quick afternoon showers, however the solar rapidly reappears.
The nice and cozy air signifies that the encircling seas are at all times heat, starting from 73°F in January to 82°F in midsummer. There may be little or no tidal motion within the Bahamas.
What Can I Do on Castaway Cay?
The Gazebo
Continuous leisure and music are discovered on the Gazebo, with a resident DJ spinning island music. Take part basketball competitions, ping-pong tournaments, foosball, and pool tables within the shady beachside pavilion.
Pelican Plunge
Pelican Plunge is a 2,400 sq. ft. waterpark platform moored simply offshore from the principle seaside, so you need to swim out to make use of it. It has two flume water slides together with a coated tunnel. Be careful for the large bucket dump! The minimal peak is 38 inches and people underneath 48 inches should put on a life vest (supplied).
Children Golf equipment
Dad and mom can get pleasure from some child-free time by making use of the Scuttle Cove supervised actions for kids aged 3 to 12. They provide the identical enjoyable because the onboard Oceaneer Membership and Lab. Teenagers aged 14-17 have their very own Teen Hideout.
Massages
The onboard Spa strikes beachside throughout your day at Castaway Cay. Take pleasure in a calming seaside therapeutic massage in a shady cabana nearby and sound of the waves. Different companies embrace hair braiding.
Buying
Castaway Cay has two colourful shops promoting necessities equivalent to sunscreen, seaside toys, hats, handicrafts, and souvenirs that you simply gained’t discover anyplace else (even on-board!).
There’s additionally a Submit Workplace, one of many first buildings you’ll see as you stroll alongside the pier. It sells postcards and real Bahamas stamps with a Castaway postmark. That is one place the place it is advisable pay in money (US {dollars}) and can’t cost to your World Card. I’m certain family and friends will like to obtain such a enjoyable “Want you have been right here” memento within the publish!
Watersports
Boat leases can be found from Gil’s Fins and Boats. Select a paddle boat or aqua bike and work off your lunch or go exploring in a kayak. For the extra adventurous, go parasailing and revel in a chook’s eye view of the island.
It’s also possible to lease inflatable toys and floats from Flippers and Floats to reinforce your go to and work off these energy!
Snorkeling within the clear turquoise waters simply off the Household Seashore is my absolute favourite factor. The clear calm waters and white sandy backside make it simple to identify colourful fish.
There’s a Uncover Path and two sunken submarine-ride automobiles that have been scuttled within the lagoon. They have been initially a part of Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea experience in Orlando’s Walt Disney World. .
The next prices apply for watersports leases:
- AquaTrike, $30 for half-hour
- Chiliboats Waterbikes, $30 for half-hour (ages 14+)
- Float or tube, $15 for the day
- Paddle boat, $20 for half-hour for 2-seater boats or $25 for a 4-seater
- Sea kayak, $20 for half-hour on a single kayak (ages 14-plus) or $25 for a double kayak
- Snorkel tools, $22 (ages 5 to 9) or $38 (ages 10-plus) for the day
- Stand-up paddle board, $20 for half-hour (ages 14-plus)
Alternatively, you’ll be able to pre-purchase a Castaway Cay Getaway Package deal that features one hour’s bicycle rental plus snorkeling gear and a float or interior tube to make use of for the day. It prices $50 for adults and $30 for kids as much as the age of 10.
Disney Characters
After all, assembly a Disney character is a magical second for kids, and the place higher than as a part of your day at Castaway Cay?
Lots of the characters, together with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Captain Jack Sparrow, may be seen sporting seaside apparel. They hang around across the Submit Workplace, the Dig Web site, and Mount Rushmore, all nice spots for selfies, so be sure you carry a digital camera.
Excursions, Excursions, and Add-on Experiences at Castaway Cay
Excursions and excursions can all be booked at Visitor Providers earlier than reaching Castaway Cay. E book early to make sure your home on one in all these thrilling adventures…
Castaway Ray’s Stingray Journey
- Take pleasure in a ship experience and interplay with these velvety soft-winged creatures
- An unforgettable alternative for kids aged 8+ to stroke a stingray
- Departs from Boat Seashore.
- Value $219 for a 2-hour tour
Excessive Getaway
- Combines 4 adventures in a single fun-filled journey
- Journey an interior tube, snorkel within the Caribbean, get up-close to stingrays (one hour journey) and end with a bicycle experience alongside the offshore nature path.
- Nice worth for cash!
- Value $95 for adults and $73 for youths aged 5 to 9
Parasailing
- Aerial journey to see Castaway Cay from the clear blue skies above.
- Departs from the dock on the finish of the pier
- Value $140 for one hour (aged 8+)
Banana Boat Journey
- Exhilarating experience that at all times finally ends up with a dunking!
- Value $45 for half-hour of enjoyable
Fishing
- Fishing excursions embrace tools, bait, allow and useful suggestions
- Departs from the dock on the finish of the pier
- These excursions are sustainable catch-and-release excursions
- Value $210 for a 3-hour tour
Scenic Boat Voyage
- Glass Backside Boat Scenic Voyage to see corals and marine life in these crystal clear waters
- Take heed to tales about infamous pirates and engaging tales of Bahamian historical past
- A one-hour tour prices $59 for adults and $39 for youths underneath the age of 9
Snorkel Excursions
- Journey a Inflexible Hull Boat as a part of a small group snorkel tour
- Go snorkeling from the boat in the hunt for coral reefs and marine creatures
- A 3-hour tour together with tools prices $95 for adults and $75 for youths aged 6 to 9
What Meals and Drinks are Complimentary at Castaway Cay?
In terms of bars and eating places, Castaway Cay is an extension of the cruise ship. There’s a selection of complimentary eating at snack bars and a number of other Cookie’s BBQ areas serving tasty burgers, barbecue rooster, sizzling canines, salads and loads of sides, desserts and seasonal recent fruit.
If you’d like a correct sit-down meal, head to the restaurant at Serenity Bay. It’s for adults solely and contains some entrées not obtainable on the different barbecue stations. The ribs are excellent! You’re solely shipwrecked as soon as, so why not take advantage of it!
There are many bars dotted across the island. They serve a full vary of beer, wine, frozen margaritas, and cocktails, however it is advisable cost them to your Key to the World Card cruise account. Delicate drinks and water are complimentary on the meals stations.
For those who fancy an ice cream, head to one of many thatched pavilions with tables and umbrellas exterior. They serve scrumptious free ice cream for dessert.
Which Disney Cruise Ships Go to Castaway Cay in 2024/2025?
The next Disney cruise ships supply 3, 4 and 5-night Bahamas cruises in 2024 and 2025. They depart from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral and have itineraries that embrace a day at Castaway Cay.
- Disney Want
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Dream
- Disney Magic
What was Castaway Cay Like Earlier than Disney?
Initially named Gorda Cay, information present that the island was first settled in 1783. Someday later, a 2,400-foot airstrip was constructed, making it very enticing for bootleggers throughout Prohibition and later for drug runners.
In 1997, Disney bought a 99-year lease of the cay from the Bahamian authorities and started turning it into an thrilling dream vacation spot for cruisers. It was a completely modern plan. The primary process was to dredge 50,000 truckloads of sand to create a deep-water dock and pier.
This meant that Castaway Cay turned the primary non-public port island that didn’t must tender cruisers ashore. Simply disembark, stroll alongside the pier and really feel the comfortable white sand between your toes!
Disney has developed simply over 55 acres of this 3-mile-long island, leaving the vast majority of the cay in its pure state with Indigenous timber for birds and wildlife. It has a workforce of Disney employees who stay completely on the cay protecting all the things working easily for every new cruise ship arrival.
Learn Additionally: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas – What You Have to Know
Castaway Cay proved so standard with Disney cruisers that they developed a second non-public island vacation spot in 2024. Lighthouse Level is on the island of Eleuthera within the Bahamas, about 120 miles south of Castaway Cay
Did Pirates Ever Stay on Castaway Cay?
If you go to Castaway Cay, spend a couple of moments studying a few of the show boards and clues scattered across the island. Initially a protected haven for pirates, smugglers and bootleggers, the island has a make-believe historical past that’s worthy of the Disney title!
It tells the story of three adventurers who set sail in the hunt for fame and fortune. Sadly, they have been shipwrecked and washed ashore on the island, therefore the title “Castaway Cay.”
Disney has added authenticity to the story with the stays of “shipwrecks” and makeshift buildings scattered round. The story actually raises a smile with adults, and youngsters can be wide-eyed with pleasure!
Cruisers would possibly get the sensation of déjà vu because the cay has been used as a movie set in a number of movies, together with Splash (1984) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
What’s Included at Castaway Cay?
A day at Castaway Cay may be very reasonably priced for households as most common actions, equivalent to seaside chairs, meals, ice cream, and a few drinks, are included in the price of your cruise. The next facilities are complimentary:
- Use of the household seaside and adult-exclusive seaside
- Waterslides and splash zones
- Seashore towels
- Seashore chairs and umbrellas
- Stay music
- Children and Teenagers Membership actions
- Character appearances
- Strolling trails
- Grownup-only Yoga
- Barbecue lunch
- Limitless soft-serve ice cream
- Limitless soda, tea and occasional
- Tram transportation across the island
Anticipate to pay for:
- Bicycle leases
- Snorkel gear, floats and rafts
- Personal cabanas
- Port Adventures
- Bottled water, alcoholic drinks and specialty drinks
- Optionally available experiences and excursions
Ideas For Having fun with the Greatest Castaway Cay Day
Get off the ship early as the very best spots and chairs are on a first-come, first-served foundation. Don’t neglect to take your Key to the World Card ashore with you, ideally on a lanyard round your neck. You’ll want it to pay for alcoholic drinks and a few actions in addition to entry again on board!
Strollers, joggers, seaside wagons (for carting your stuff), and particular wheelchairs are all obtainable at Castaway Cay. Simply ask a member of employees for help.
No want to fret about seaside towels. You can be given a towel earlier than you permit the ship. Carry your personal snorkel tools in case you have some. In any other case, you’ll have to lease fins and masks. Life vests are supplied free for kids.
There are many water stations across the island, so keep hydrated. Carry an empty insulated mug and fill it up to your seaside time. Carry your digital camera or cellphone and share the expertise together with your social media followers.
Examine the schedule forward of time and discover out the place Disney characters can be hanging out for picture ops. It’s a beautiful alternative to have a memento household picture with a picture-perfect seaside background.
If you wish to lease a personal cabana, there’s a restricted quantity, so pre-book with Visitor Providers as quickly as you get on board.
Bear in mind, you’ll be able to’t do all the things in someday on Castaway Cay. Prioritize a couple of stuff you actually wish to do, after which get pleasure from enjoyable and absorbing the solar.
