My Top Things to Do at Disney’s Castaway Cay Island
Disney Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas with signature Disney service. Everything needed for the perfect beach getaway is here—from lounge chairs and beach umbrellas to tasty food and family-friendly recreation and entertainment.
Most Caribbean and Bahamas cruises with Disney include a stop at Castaway Cay
The ship arrives at the Castayway Cay at sunrise and passengers are usually allowed to disembark around 8 am. Typically guests are back onboard around 4 pm. Your cruise director will advise you on the exact times the night before, or check the Navigator App.
Complimentary shuttles will take you around the island but you can walk as well. Walking to Family Beach takes about 20 minutes. Shuttles come frequently and are usually faster than walking, even if the line is long.
I recommend taking the shuttle to other areas of the Castaway such as Serenity Bay.
The first stop is for Castaway Family Beach, Cookie’s BBQ, snorkeling and the bar. The second stop is where you transfer to the adult only beach, Serenity Bay, bike rentals, Cookie’s Too BBQ and the 5K trail.
Top Things to Do on Disney’s Castaway Cay
On Castaway Cay you’ll find an island completely outfitted for premium family leisure.
Amenities include
White-sand beaches
Sparkling lagoons teeming with curious sea life
Family-friendly water play areas
A scenic walking trail and 5K running trail
Observation tower
2 all you care to enjoy BBQ pavilions
2 shops featuring Castaway Cay gifts and souvenirs
Free transportation around the island
Surprise Disney character appearances
Castaway Family Beach
Find your place in the sun at Family Beach. Here you paddle a kayak, or go swimming and snorkeling in the blue lagoon. You can book snorkeling on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or onboard the ship.
Family Beach on Castaway Cay
With your family in mind, Disney provides a host of recreational activities, like volleyball and basketball.
Children can enjoy supervised games at the fanciful In Da Shade Game Pavilion.
Snorkeling Lagoon
I have never been snorkeling except as a kid in our pool, but trying it out on Castaway was a blast! This is one of my top recommended activities on the island, especially if you’ve never been snorkeling before.
First, you’ll be enchanted by the undersea realm of marine life off Castaway Family Beach. It’s amazing to see what’s going on down there.
Family Beach on Disney’s Castaway cay Island.
If you’re beginner, follow the Discover Trail, a recommended route that allows you to get comfy with the snorkeling gear. You’ll catch on quickly. Then I highly recommend doing the more advanced route, Explorer Trail. Keep an eye out for the hidden Mickey!
Serenity Bay
Whenever I see the sign for Serenity Bay on the island, I think of that episode of Seinfeld where shouting, “serenity now!” was supposed to instantly relieve feelings of stress.
Serenity Bay is for adults only, but this is not a clothing-optional beach.
But on Disney’s Castaway Cay, it has a very different meaning. Serenity Bay is a secluded oasis on the island reserved exclusively for adults age 18+.
Treat yourself to such offerings as an open-air cabana massage under the swaying palm trees (yes, it’s really like that), or frozen specialty drinks at the Castaway Air Bar.
Pelican Plunge
Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay
This floating platform has 2 water slides that empty right into the lagoon. Get soaked by the giant "bucket dump" that sprays hundreds of gallons of water on eagerly awaiting kiddos beneath. Children must be 38” to ride the water slide.
Bike Rentals
My favorite a to it’s is to rent bikes on Castway Cay. The cost is nominal compared to some of the other adventures on the island at $12 per hour and there are some great things to see including an airplane runway and an observation tower that you can actually climb. And when was the last time you got to ride a bike down a runway??
Bike rentals can be found at the second tram stop on Castaway Cay.
One hour is just the right amount of time. You’ll find the rental office located at the second tram stop, or you can walk from Castaway Family Beach.
Teen Hideout
Teen Hideout is just what it’s named for: a place where teens 14 to17 years of age can lounge—carefree—in their very own slice of paradise.
In Da Shade Game Pavilion
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 pavilion, located near Castaway Family Beach.
View from the observation tower.
Castaway Cay 5K
Here’s a little secret. There’s an unadvertised 5K (3.1 miles) running trail but walking and biking are fine too. You’ll pass through a secluded part of the island surrounded by lush mangroves and even across the runway.
Want another secret? Finishers receive an exclusive Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal, just stop at the bicycle rental booth to pick up your complimentary medal. It’s based on the honor system.
I recommend running first thing in the morning to avoid the heat. Plan to be off the ship as soon possible. I’ll usually run the 5k, then head back to the ship to get dressed and have breakfast, and then go back out to the beach.
Be sure to check the runDisney website for official running events on Castaway Cay too.
Water Activity Rentals
Boat Rentals
Set sail in the 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!
Gil's Fins and Boats
Rent snorkel gear for all family members, along with kayaks, paddleboats, aqua trikes and other water equipment for your day as a marine adventurer.
Flippers & Floats
Rent inner tubes, snorkel masks and fins from this festive location.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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