castaway day cruise

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Disney Castaway Cay

Castaway cay map.

1 Arrival Plaza

2 Beach Cabanas

3 Bike/Nature Trail

4 Boating Harbor

5 First Aid

6 Fun Photo Opportunities 1

7 Fun Photo Opportunities 2

8 Fun Photo Opportunities 3

9 Island Gazebo 1

10 Island Gazebo 2

11 Kargo Handling Tram Stop

12 Marge's Barges

13 Observation Tower

14 Outdoor Seating

15 Pelican Point Tram Stop

16 Post Office

17 Restrooms and Outdoor Showers 1

18 Restrooms and Outdoor Showers 2

19 Restrooms and Outdoor Showers 3

20 Restrooms and Outdoor Showers 4

21 Scuttle's Cove Tram Stop

22 Serenity Bay Tram Stop

23 Summertime Freeze

 Merchandise

24 Bahamian Retail

25 Buy the Seashore

26 She Sells Seashells and Everything Else

 Recreation

27 Bike Rentals

28 Boat Beach

29 Castaway Family Beach

30 Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure

31 Flippers and Floats

32 Gil's Fins and Boats

33 Hide Out

34 In Da Shade Game Pavilion

35 Massage Cabanas

36 Monstro Point

37 Pelican Plunge

38 Scuttle's Cove

39 Serenity Bay

40 Snorkeling Lagoon

41 Sports Beach

42 Spring-A-Leak

43 Swimming Lagoon

44 The Windsock Hut

 Food and Beverage

45 Castaway Air Bar

46 Conched Out Bar

47 Cookie's BBQ

48 Cookie's Too BBQ

51 Gumbo Limbo

52 Heads Up Bar

53 Outdoor Seating Area - Castaway Cay

54 Pop's Props and Boat Repair

55 Sand Bar

56 Serenity Bay BBQ

Castaway Cay: A guide to Disney Cruise Line's private island

A visit to Castaway Cay is a highlight of any Disney cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean. The island is the exclusive beach-day playground for Disney Cruise Line guests, and cruisers can enjoy a fun, hassle-free day of sunbathing and water sports at the island.

Your day on Castaway Cay is idyllic because you have to make very few arrangements. You can walk off the ship and head right to the beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels and a delicious lunch are all provided to you. Your biggest decisions will be if you want to book a shore excursion, which will leave from a convenient location just steps from the ship, and which beach you and your family want to check out first.

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The island is themed around a shipwreck, as if you are the castaways and your mates have used the crates and driftwood that have washed ashore to build the island's structures. You'll also find many of your Disney friends ashore in their best beach attire, so the cruise ship magic continues on island.

Castaway Cay, like all things Disney, focuses on family fun, but it still reserves some on-island spots for drop-off kids activities supervised by the ship's youth staff and adults-only relaxation. Teens get their own secret hangout.

You can choose your own adventure on Castaway Cay and a visit here is never the same twice. Plan your perfect private island day in the Bahamas with our guide to Disney's Castaway Cay.

Note: Prices for activities and rentals can vary based on sail date and whether they're booked pre-cruise, on board or on shore.

Where is Castaway Cay?

Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay is located in the Bahamas, near Great Abaco island. It's 225 nautical miles from Port Canaveral, home port of several Disney cruise ships. Disney leases the island from the Bahamian government.

The 1,000-acre island is roughly 3 miles long by 2 miles wide, but only 55 acres are developed. You can get a great view of the undeveloped areas of the island from the observation tower on the way to Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Which cruise ships go there?

All Disney Cruise Line ships except Disney Wonder will visit Castaway Cay. It's a staple on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, which is where the majority of Disney ships travel.

Ships visiting Castaway Cay on upcoming cruises include:

• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish

How do you get to and around Castaway Cay?

Castaway Cay was the first cruise line private island to feature a pier where ships can dock. One ship at a time can visit Castaway Cay, and passengers can walk straight off the ship and onto the island.

It's a decent walk from the ship to the first section of beach. To accommodate all cruisers, Disney runs a tram from the end of the pier to stops by Scuttle's Cove and Pelican Point, on either end of the main family beach, and from the Pelican Point area to Serenity Bay.

Note that the Serenity Bay tram is separate from the main tram between the ship and the main beaches. A kind driver saved me from going in circles because I thought the Serenity Bay tram would take me all the way back to the pier.

Paved paths throughout the island will take you anywhere you want to go. I walked all the way to Serenity Bay down the bike trail (which doubles as an air strip), and it's not a short walk. You can take a detour to loop around the paved nature trail that leads to the observation tower.

Related: A guide to cruise line private islands: What they are and what you can expect

Disney also provides beach strollers and wheelchairs for passenger use.

What are the Castaway Cay beaches?

Castaway Cay's main strip of beach is sheltered by a rocky breakwater, making the water calm and perfect for swimmers of all ages. The beach is divided into three sections: Boat Beach, where you'll find water sports rentals, and two family beaches, including a beach area exclusive to cabana guests.

An adults-only beach, Serenity Bay, is on the adjacent side of the island, open to the sea, and separate from the family beach.

Castaway Cay's three main beaches are:

Castaway Cay family beaches

Castaway's family beaches are divided by Pelican Point, a rocky breakwater, where the Heads Up Bar sits. Both beaches have loungers, low-to-the-ground upright beach chairs and beach umbrellas that are free to use. Many adults like to drag the upright chairs down to the water's edge and hang out there, watching their kids frolic in the waves.

Both beaches have lifeguards and racks of life jackets available for guest use.

The closest family beach to the ship is near the Scuttle's Cove kids area and tram stop. It has a swim-out floating ropes course. The farther beach is closer to the Pelican Point tram stop. Its highlight is the Pelican Plunge floating water play area, with a splash area and dump bucket, water cannons and two slides (a tube slide and an open slide).

Lines can get long for the slide, and smaller sliders need to wear life jackets. The tube slide is much faster and shorter than the open slide. Be ready to get water up your nose, as it's a drop from the end of the slide into the water.

For the best choice of lounge space, you'll want to get off the ship early and trek to the farther ends of the beach. It was hard to find available chairs when we moved mid-afternoon from one side of the family beach to the other to use the slides.

The farthest end of the beach is lined with cabanas and reserved for cabana guests.

The first beach you come to on your way from the ship is Boat Beach. This is where you'll find all the larger water sports gear available to rent, such as water bikes and kayaks. (A separate shack rents out snorkel gear).

No one sunbathes on Boat Beach.

Serenity Bay

The adults-only Serenity Bay is exclusive to cruisers ages 18+. The beach is on the other side of the island from the family beaches and a long trek (or tram ride) from the Pelican Point area.

The beach itself has the same lounge chairs, low upright chairs and umbrellas as the other Castaway Cay beaches. There are cabanas for rent here, too; they lurk behind the main beach and share the sand and sea with regular guests.

Because Serenity Bay is a long haul from the Pelican Point tram stop area, it has its own facilities: barbecue pavilion, bathrooms, bar, float rental and massage hut.

I visited Serenity Bay at lunchtime, and the beach was not crowded at all. Plenty of loungers were unclaimed — likely because the majority of Disney cruisers were spending time together as families. Also, the water was not as clear or calm on this beach because it does not have a breakwater to protect it from the waves, so some adults might prefer the family beach area for swimming.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

What are the best Castaway Cay things to do?

Splashing and sunbathing are not nearly the only things to do at Castaway Cay. Its small developed area has a lot going on, both on land and in the lagoon.

Designated areas on both sides of the family beaches are reserved for snorkeling. The main snorkeling lagoon is between Boat Beach and the family beach, conveniently located by Gil's Fins and Boats, which dispenses snorkel gear, as well as tubes and floats for rent. Rumor has it that you can find a shipwreck and even some hidden Mickeys, as well as interesting sea creatures.

You can also pick up snorkels, floats and tubes at Flippers and Floats (located between the two halves of the family beach) and The Windsock Hut at Serenity Bay (float rentals only). If you rent an inner tube, don't let it out of your grasp. I saw several of these floating out past the ropes marking the end of the swimming area. The crew must have to come out on boats at the end of the day to round them all up!

The floating ropes course and Pelican Plunge water slides are also fun diversions for families and gives you something to do besides swimming that doesn't involve spending money.

Scuttle's Cove is the beachside extension of the shipboard Oceaneer Club. Parents and caregivers can drop off their younger children to play in the sand under youth staff supervision in order to snag some time at Serenity Bay or in the snorkel lagoon. As with the onboard kids club, the service is complimentary.

Scuttle's Cove include the Monstro Point whale dig site (where kids can play archeologist and dig in the sand for bones), a small splash pad and an area for sand games.

Between the Scuttle's Cove and Pelican Point tram stops, In-Da-Shade Games offers basketball, ping pong, billiards, giant checkers, foosball and table games in an open-air wooden pavilion.

Over by the Pelican Point area, a beach sports area offers tetherball, volleyball and soccer, and the Spring-A-Leak wet play area is fun for littles who want to get wet without the waves. A bike rental station rents bikes for kids and grownups; I didn't see trail-a-bikes, but they did have adult bikes with child seats on the back. One-hour bike rentals cost $15 (for ages 3+).

The full bike path, from the rental area to Serenity Bay and around the loop to the observation tower is 1.5 miles. If you prefer to run, doing the trail out to the adult beach and back again (including a second tower loop) is 3 miles or 5K.

Disney used to host an official race called the Castaway Cay 5K. Currently, it's not offered as a group activity, but you can do it on your own, on your honor, and pick up a medal back at the bike rental booth. If you're not racing, the observation tower is a nice stop for views of the island.

A few water stations are set out along the race course.

Teens have their own secret hangout called The Hideout, tucked away behind the beach sports and bike rental area.

Adults can book 50-minute solo or couples' massages at the massage cabana on the adults beach.

If you're interested in water sports, Disney offers a selection of rentals on Boat Beach.

Rentals include:

• AquaTrike, $30 for 30 minutes
• Chiliboats Waterbikes, $30 for 30 minutes (ages 14+)
• Float or tube, $15 for the day
• Paddle boat, $20 for 30 minutes for 2-seater boats or $25 for a 4-seater
• Sea kayak, $20 for 30 minutes on a single kayak (ages 14-plus) or $25 for a double kayak
• Snorkel equipment, $22 (ages 5 to 9) or $38 (ages 10-plus) for the day
• Stand-up paddle board, $20 for 30 minutes (ages 14-plus)

The shore excursions desk assured me that it's easy to rent water sports gear on the island if you're not sure you want to commit in advance.

If you're an active family, consider the Castaway Cay Getaway Package. The three-in-one rental package includes snorkel equipment and a float or inner-tube for the day, plus a one-hour bicycle rental. The package is valued at $52 for little kids or $68 for anyone ages 10 and up, but costs $30 or $50, respectively, saving you $18 to $22.

The Castaway Cay Getaway Package is only available for booking online pre-cruise or aboard the ship; you cannot book it once on the island.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Can I meet Disney characters on Castaway Cay?

A favorite Disney cruise pastime is meeting Mickey Mouse and friends, princesses, superheroes and pirates, and you have those opportunities on Castaway Cay. The island has numerous spots set up for photos, and throughout the day, various characters will make an appearance in their beachwear to pose for photos. On my cruise these included Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Captain Jack Sparrow.

Check your Navigator app to find out which character will be at which station at what time. The post office, Marge's Barges, Mt. Rustmore and the beach across from Scuttle's Cove are popular photo spots for the characters. If you want the beach spots, plan to line up and get your photos early before your family gets all wet and sandy.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

What are the excursions at Castaway Cay?

If you're looking for a little more than just a beach day, you can book a handful of Castaway Cay excursions. The available tours are predominantly guided water-based activities taking place in or around the island's waters.

On my cruise, the following tours were available:

• Banana boat ride, $45 for 30 minutes (ages 10-plus) or $39 (ages 8 to 9)
• Castaway Cay Fishing Adventure, $219 for a 3-hour tour (ages 8-plus)
• Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure, $59 for a 1-hour tour ($48 for ages 5 to 9)
• Castaway Snorkel By Boat Adventure, $95 for a 3-hour tour ($79 for ages 6 to 9)
• Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage, $59 for a 1-hour tour ($39 for kids under age 9)
• Parasailing, $140 for 1 hour (ages 8-plus)
• Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure, $73 for 3.5 hours (age 10-plus)

In addition, the Extreme Getaway Package combines a one-hour stingray adventure with snorkel equipment, bicycle and float or inner-tube rentals. The cost is $95 for kids and adults ages 10 and up or $73 for kids ages 5 to 9.

Many of the boat-based excursions (such as parasailing and fishing trips) depart from the Marge's Barges and Sea Charters dock at the end of the cruise pier. The stingray adventure meets at the Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure hut at the end of Boat Beach farthest from the ship; the protected stingray lagoon is just offshore.

Related: Shore excursions: What you need to know

Does Castaway Cay offer cabanas to rent?

Yes, Castaway Cay cabanas are available to rent both on the family beach and at Serenity Bay. From what I saw, the family beach cabanas could be a great way to have a more relaxing, less crowded experience on Castaway Cay. The Serenity Bay cabanas seemed less of an upgrade, given that the beach was empty and all the services are so close.

Related: Ultimate guide to cruise ship cabanas

Family Beach cabanas

Castaway Cay offers 20 cabanas on the farthest end of the family beaches, just around the corner from Serenity Bay. The cabanas line a stretch of beach that is roped off, so regular cruisers cannot go there. They are numbered 1 to 21 as there is no cabana #13.

The 325-square-foot cabanas are tucked away under the palm trees. They are outfitted with indoor seating, a ceiling fan, drinks refrigerator, safe, plush towels and cooling face cloths, magazines to read and complimentary sunscreen. Portable cribs are available on request for guests with babies.

Fresh fruit and light snacks are provided, as are unlimited soda and bottled water. Servers will come around to take alcoholic drink orders. You can press a button in your cabana to call them if you don't see anyone and want to order a drink or get your soda, water or snacks restocked.

Outside the cabana, guests have access to lounge chairs, a hammock and a freshwater shower. The cabana rental comes with access to snorkel equipment, sand toys and floats or inner tubes, plus a one-hour bike rental.

Cabanas are identical with two exceptions. Cabana #16 is wheelchair accessible; it cannot be booked online. Cabana #21 is called the Grand Family Cabana, and it's oversized at 650 square feet.

On my cruise, cabanas cost $797.50 for an eight-hour rental for up to six people. You could add up to four more people, for a total of 10, for $56 additional per person. For groups larger than six people, children under 3 are not charged; however, they count toward the maximum number of people allowed on the rental.

The Grand Family Cabana cost $1,127.50 for up to 10 people and could accommodate up to 16, with each additional guest charged $56 per person.

Serenity Bay cabanas

The six Serenity Bay cabanas are only available to guests ages 18 and up. They're numbered 22 through 27 and are located behind the adults-only beach and its rows of lounge chairs.

The cabanas are the same size and come with nearly the same inclusions as the family beach cabanas. The difference is that snorkel equipment is not provided because there is no snorkeling lagoon at Serenity Bay.

Despite being the same size, Serenity Bay cabanas are priced for just four guests at $493.90 for the day; additional guests up to 10 total will pay $56 each over the base rate.

Related: Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults

Is food included on  Castaway Cay?

Yes, multiple venues serve a complimentary barbecue lunch on Castaway Cay. The main venues are Cookie's BBQ and Cookie's Too BBQ, but a small lunch buffet is also available by the Serenity Bay tram stop so adults on that beach don't have to trek back to the Pelican Point area to eat.

All three venues serve the same food, buffet style, in open-sided pavilions with outdoor picnic tables, some shaded, for eating. Lunch is typically served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The main event is all kinds of grilled meat: burgers and hot dogs, Cajun-spiced chicken, salmon and barbecue brisket and pork. Vegetarian chili and veggie burgers are also available (the latter on request).

Sides include cole slaw, potato salad, corn and bean salad, macaroni salad, chips, corn on the cob and corn bread. Dessert options include a variety of fruit, amazing chocolate chip cookies, chocolate and strawberry-cheesecake mini cakes and soft-serve ice cream. Pro tip: Take the cookies to the soft-serve machine to create a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Self-serve soft drink machines dispense complimentary soda, water, sports drinks, iced tea and lemonade.

Lines can get long, so plan accordingly, especially if you have hot and hungry little ones in tow.

Related: TPG's top Disney cruise tips, tricks and secrets to enhance your vacation

Are there bars on Castaway Cay?

Even this family-friendly island has plenty of bars serving extra-fee drinks and frozen concoctions. You'll find them throughout the island. You'll have to pay a la carte for drinks purchased at Castaway Cay's bar because Disney Cruise Line does not offer an all-inclusive drink package .

The Conched Out Bar and Sand Bar are the main beachside bars along the family beach, serving beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The Heads Up Bar serves the same, but is located atop Pelican Point, the rocky breakwater between the two halves of the family beach. Its patio is occasionally the setting for on-island weddings.

You can also find stands selling smoothies and drinks outside the lunch pavilions. I saw many cruisers carrying drinks in souvenir coconut-shaped cups.

Right by the Pelican Point tram stop, Summertime Freeze serves up smoothies and alcoholic frozen drinks in "Frozen"-themed souvenir cups.

Out at Serenity Bay, the Castaway Air Bar, housed in what looks to be an airplane hangar, keeps adults refreshed throughout their beach day. It's got a wooden deck with comfortable seating for anyone who wants to kick back with a drink without getting sandy.

Is there shopping on Castway Cay?

Castaway Cay has multiple shops selling everything from Castaway Cay exclusive Disney merchandise, local Bahamian crafts and souvenirs and beach items you might have forgotten (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, sand toys, etc.).

She Sells Sea Shells and Everything Else by the Scuttle's Cove tram stop and Buy the Seashore by Pelican Point are your go-tos for Disney merch and sundries. Midway between the two are a couple of Bahamian retail outlets grouped together.

The only accepted method of payment is your Key to the World cruise ship card, even in the Bahamian-run shops.

If you're a Disney fan hoping to buy some swag not found anywhere else, you'll be happy browsing the Castaway Cay shops. Prices on beach items, however, are incredibly marked up, so if you forget to bring toys or a hat, try to pick them up at an earlier port or go without.

Can I get married on Castaway Cay?

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings department can absolutely help couples plan a wedding on Castaway Cay during cruise itineraries that visit the island. (Weddings can also be held on board the ship.) You can choose from ceremony venues on the beach or at Wedding Pointe (the deck that juts out over the water by the Heads Up Bar).

Note that most Castaway Cay weddings take place in the morning, and the reception will be held back on board. In case of inclement weather or the ship's failure to dock at the island, your wedding might need to be rescheduled to an onboard location.

Also, Castaway Cay weddings are not legal weddings. You will need to file paperwork and get legally married in your home state. Your island ceremony will be purely symbolic.

What additional amenities will I find?

Crew members are on hand at several stations to hand out towels as you're leaving the ship. Towel return bins are located throughout the island, but I didn't see anywhere by the beaches to swap out a wet towel for a dry one.

Bathrooms and beach showers are found throughout the island, as are plenty of garbage and recycling bins.

A First Aid station is located by Scuttle's Cove. Island information kiosks are available at both Scuttle's Cove and Pelican Point tram stop areas.

Beach wheelchairs and strollers are available to borrow.

Disney's Wi-Fi is not available off the ship at Castaway Cay, so if you wish to use your phone, you'll need to have a plan that works in the Bahamas.

Can you stay overnight on Castaway Cay?

Some Disney employees do live on Castaway Cay to take care of the island. However, passengers do not have the opportunity to spend the night.

If you love Castaway Cay, look for "double dip" itineraries that feature two calls at Castaway Cay. Even if the visits are on consecutive days, you still must reboard the ship in the afternoon and cannot stay late on the island.

What's the typical weather like ?

You can find great weather in the Bahamas year-round. Average high temperatures are in the low 80s in winter and low 90s in summer. The rainiest months are June, August and September. The Bahamas is subject to hurricane season, which runs June through November. The peak time for tropical storms and hurricanes is August through October.

That means it will likely be either pleasant or hot during your visit to Castaway Cay. Make use of those complimentary beach umbrellas and shaded trams when journeying out to Serenity Bay. Apply and reapply sunscreen (choose the reef-safe brands) if you're spending the day on the beach or biking around the island. It's easy to burn.

It's also smart to stay hydrated during your day on island. Mix up your water intake with some of the sports drinks at the soda machines to keep your electrolytes up.

Castaway Cay has a pier, so your visit likely won't be canceled due to wind that might make tendering unwise. However, if conditions are too dangerous for the captain to safely dock, your call might be canceled or rescheduled.

Related: Best time to cruise to Bahamas

Can I see a Castaway Cay map?

Sure! Here is a map of the island to help you plan your day.

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Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island

Here’s what you need to know about Castaway Cay before your next Disney Cruise Line voyage.

Getting There

Things to do on castaway cay.

• Dining on Castaway Cay

Family-friendly Activities

Adults-only activities.

• Tips for Visiting

Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Lines

Mouse magic meets tropical bliss on Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay. Located in the Bahamas, you can expect Mickey’s white-glove treatment here thanks to Disney’s signature excellence in theming, hospitality, and dining. The picturesque island is home to crystal-clear waters and sparkling white-sand beaches — and only Disney Cruise Line guests can visit. 

There’s plenty to do on the island beyond splashing around three swimmable beaches (including an adults-only beach). You can spend the day snorkeling, dining, and even shopping for exclusive merchandise you can only find here, or opt for an excursion like fishing or parasailing. And with a designated kids club on shore, the entire family is guaranteed to have a magical time.

Start planning your Castaway Cay day once you book your Disney cruise. Reservation windows for excursions open 75 to 130 days before your sailing, depending on your Castaway Club membership level.

Ready to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line currently has a fleet of five ships. And while itineraries can change year to year, most Disney cruises sailing the Bahamas and Caribbean will include a stop at Castaway Cay. Depending on your ship’s specific itinerary, you can expect to have around eight hours to explore the island during a typical stop. 

Visiting Castaway Cay is easy, as guests can simply walk off the ship and onto the island without the need for a tender boat. Once on land, towels and lounge chairs are complimentary (though chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis so you may want to get there early to snag a prime spot). For those with accessibility concerns, all-terrain wheelchairs are available.

Traveling around the island is a breeze thanks to its tram system that makes several stops near activities, shops, and beaches.

Passports are not needed to visit the island, but you will need to have your stateroom key on hand to return to the ship. You can also use your Key To The World card to purchase drinks and souvenirs on the island.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Disney Cruise Lines

Castaway Cay offers a range of included activities, plus a few special options that require an extra fee. Located off the family beach, In Da Shade Game Pavilion offers — you guessed it — shaded game areas complete with basketball, billiards, and ping pong, plus beach sports like soccer and volleyball.

For fitness enthusiasts, one of the most beloved complimentary activities is the Castaway Cay 5k. Ideal for runners and walkers alike, this is an on-your-own race along winding tropical paths. It isn’t an organized competition, but you will earn an exclusive medal when you finish.

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure is another Disney Cruise Line favorite. This hour-long experience (available for a fee) invites explorers to get up close and personal with 60 stingrays as you feed, pet, and snorkel with these fascinating sea creatures. For an additional fee, you can also book an excursion, including parasailing, sailing, and fishing charters, or rent watercraft.

As a Disney parks fanatic, I love the island’s unique snorkeling experience. Suitable for all levels, the 22-acre snorkeling lagoon offers two trails, including one featuring sunken characters and abandoned theme park ride vehicles, like a submarine from the now-defunct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction. Equipment rentals are available from Gil’s Fin and Boats and Flippers and Floats. If you want to book several activities, Castaway Cay offers bundle packages that can provide significant savings.

If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, Castaway Cay’s shops offer beach staples, exclusive Castaway Cay merchandise, and even goods with local flair. Plus, merchandise can be sent directly to your stateroom for the most convenient shopping experience.  

For a more luxurious visit, the island offers private cabana rentals; this experience comes with unlimited soda and bottled water, fresh fruit and snacks, sunscreen, and more. Adults can even indulge in a massage (for an extra fee) in a cabana on Serenity Bay. 

 Dining on Castaway Cay 

Dining is included during your visit to Castaway Cay, and Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too serve as the island’s two main dining venues. Located near each of the family beaches, these eateries serve up summertime favorites like cheeseburgers, barbecued chicken, fresh salads, and fruit beneath shady pavilions. Disney Cruise Line’s iconic soft serve is also free-flowing here. Serenity Bay BBQ serves similar fare on the adults-only stretch of the island. 

For a sweet treat, kids won’t be able to resist Olaf’s Summertime Freeze, home to specialty frozen drinks and must-have keepsake cups. Those of age can find specialty frozen cocktails and more at the island’s four bars: Conched Out, Head’s Up, Sand Bar, and Castaway Air Bar.

Related: Disney Cruise Secrets and Tips You Should Know Before You Go

Kent Phillips/Disney Cruise Lines

Many guests get off the ship and head straight to the island’s two expansive family beaches. My personal favorite is home to Pelican Plunge, a floating waterslide complex that you swim up to. Both beaches offer drink service and are within easy walking distance to dining and shops.

Parents and kids alike will be delighted to know that the island operates youth clubs just like onboard the ships. Kids ages 3-12 can enjoy Scuttle’s Cove, a secure and supervised children's activity area offering sand castle building, scavenger hunts, and more. Kids must be signed up with the onboard youth club before they visit, and admission is complimentary and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Island youngsters will especially love Monstro Point, a play area that looks like a giant whale bone excavation site.

Teens ages 14-17 can enjoy their own slice of paradise at the Hideout, while toddlers can splash around at Spring-a-Leak, a splash pad with water features.

For guests ages three and up, bike rentals are a great way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. There are two nature trails, and you can stop to climb the island’s observation tower, a somewhat remote stop with unspoiled views of Castaway Cay.

Serenity Bay is the island’s exclusive adults-only beach. It’s the perfect place to relax thanks to plentiful seating, inviting hammocks, and a calmer feel. "Everyone knows Disney cruises are fantastic for families with young kids, but I loved having the option to unwind on a quiet, kid-free stretch of sand at Serenity Bay when I visited Castaway Cay,” shares Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure editor. “Available for guests 18+, this beach can be reached via tram; this is also where you'll find the massage cabanas.”

This adult haven also houses its own dining and bar facilities, Castaway Air Bar and Serenity Bay BBQ, as well as complimentary morning yoga. 

Around the island, there’s plenty of adult-centric fun to be had — including at the over-the-water Head’s Up Bar, my personal favorite. Located on a spacious boardwalk at Pelican Point, it offers sweeping views of the ocean and your cruise ship in the distance, making it the ideal place to sample the island’s signature cocktails.

 Tips for Visiting

• Download Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive Navigator app ahead of your cruise. This allows you to browse the island’s activity schedule and communicate with other members of your party.
• We recommend booking excursions ahead of your cruise; reservation windows open based on Castaway Club membership level, ranging from 75 days to 130 days prior to your sail date.
• Before you arrive at Castaway Cay, head to your ship’s Port Adventures Desk for the most up-to-date guide on all the activities and excursions available during your visit. 
• To make the most out of my time on the island, I prefer to enjoy an early breakfast on board and head to the island as soon as it opens to guests. Be sure to listen for an announcement about which elevators will take you to the disembarkation level. Arriving early will help you avoid elevator congestion and ensure you can secure a prime oceanside spot to relax. 
•  “Leave the stroller onboard,” shares Jenn Greene, a Disney Cruise Line travel advisor and mom to two daughters who has traveled to the island several times. “When you disembark, there are strollers for use that can be picked up at the tram stop.” 
• Don’t forget your camera. There are photo ops galore throughout Castaway Cay, including fan favorite Mt. Rustmore, the most photographed spot on the island. Plus, you never know where you’ll spot the Disney Fab Five in their paradise attire.
• Restaurants typically close mid-afternoon, sometimes hours before you have to return to the ship, so be sure to check operating hours.
• Staying hydrated in the Bahamian sun is critical, and Disney makes it easy with plenty of water stations throughout the island.
• “Did you know you can mail a postcard from Castaway Cay?” adds Greene. “Located on the way to the beach is the Castaway Cay post office, and yes, it's real! My kids’ friends were always so excited to get a postcard from this island escape.” 

The Ultimate Castaway Cay Guide For Disney Cruisers

For many, Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, is the pièce de resistance of their pixie-dusted trip to the Caribbean – and with good reason. Between the crystalline lagoons teeming with sea life, sprawling family and adults-only beaches and all sorts of fun activities, there’s a lot to love. 

So, slather on your sunscreen and bring your beach towel as we dive deep into everything Disney Castaway Cay has to offer, as well as some tips and tricks to help you really make a splash. Let’s jump right in!

Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island

From Royal Caribbean and Carnival to Norwegian and Virgin Voyages, a trip to a private island is often a cruising mainstay, especially for those setting sail for the Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. 

Acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1997 from the Bahamian government – the company signed a 99-year lease good through 2096 – Castaway Cay (pronounced Castaway ‘Key’) has long been a favorite of Disney cruisers. 

Where Is Castaway Cay?

Originally known as Gorda Cay, Disney’s Castaway Cay is located just west of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. Sprawling 1,000 acres in size (though only 55 acres are actually developed), this enchanting island oasis is chockful of fun activities, as well as a fascinating history. In fact, before serving as a tropical escape for vacationers, Gorda Cay was a popular stop for both bootleggers and drug runners, a far cry from the island’s family-friendly atmosphere of today. 

But, that’s not all. The island has also played host to mermaids and pirates – on the big screen, that is. Scenes from both Splash , starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah as a wayward mermaid, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed on Castaway Cay. At one time, you could even see the Flying Dutchman ghost ship of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest fame, which was docked at the island from June 2006 to November 2010.  

Which Disney Cruises Stop at Castaway Cay?

Sadly, only some Disney cruises go to Castaway Cay. After all, cruising from California or Alaska all the way to the Bahamas would be quite a lengthy voyage. However, most Disney Cruise Line itineraries heading to the Caribbean, Bermuda or, of course, the Bahamas do include a stop at Castaway Cay. 

How Much Time Should You Spend on Castaway Cay?

It depends on how many of the island’s amenities you’d like to take advantage of, as well as if you opt to do one of Castaway Cay’s port adventures. In general, you can expect your Disney cruise ship to be docked at the island for between six to eight hours. This gives you plenty of time to hang out by the beach, go biking and/or snorkeling, do an excursion or two, and indulge in a delicious BBQ buffet. It’s all up to you!

How Busy Is Castaway Cay?

Only one Disney cruise ship docks at Castaway Cay at a time. This ensures that the island isn’t completely overrun with guests, turning your lazy day at the beach into an overcrowded, stressful and sandy mess. 

Still, even with the island’s one-ship limit, Castaway Cay can feel pretty busy, especially if you’re hanging out on the Family Beach, which is on the part of the island closest to where the cruise ship docks. An early arrival will help you avoid a battle for a beach chair or, for a relaxing retreat away from the crowds, splurge on one of the Castaway Cay cabanas. 

How’s the Weather on Castaway Cay?

Thanks to its location in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay enjoys balmy weather all year round, with an average temperature of 79 ° F. In the summer, temperatures top out around 90 ° F, while winters dip to the 60s to 80s. The water at Castaway Cay is similarly pleasant, ranging from as low as 68 ° F to as high as 86 ° F.

What’s Included and Not Included at Castaway Cay?

Similar to being onboard, guests have access to both complimentary amenities and for-purchase extras. These include:

Castaway Cay Freebies

You don’t need to pay to have a good time at Castaway Cay. Disney’s private island has enough free activities and food to keep you fed and happy all day long. In addition to the tram that transports people around the island, guests also enjoy complimentary access to the Castaway Cay beaches (including things like beach towels, loungers and hammocks), kids club areas, Castaway Cay 5K, and the Pelican Plunge and Spring-a-Leak water play areas. However, while it won’t cost you anything to access the Snorkeling Lagoon, snorkel gear is extra. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for lunch – and you won’t have to pay a penny more. Castaway Cay cooks up a free beachside barbecue at three locations island-wide, including Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ. Be sure to save some room for another favorite Disney cruise freebie: bottomless soft-serve ice cream. 

Additional Cost Extras at Castaway Cay

While you will find a fair few freebies at Castaway Cay, some of the island’s available activities do come with a cost. Castaway Cay excursions, including sea kayaking and parasailing, as well as rentals like bikes, tubes and cabanas. Adult-friendly upgrades like refreshing cocktails and luxurious massages also have an additional fee.

Do Cell Phones Work on Castaway Cay?

Another thing that doesn’t come free on Castaway Cay? Cell phone signal! Although the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app does work on the island, if you want to call or text someone or need to search for something online, you’ll either need to pay for Disney’s pricey Wi-Fi plan, which can be spotty at times, depending on where you are, or splurge on steep roaming charges. Luckily, Castaway Cay does have a cell phone tower, so your mobile data should get plenty of bars. 

How to Make the Most of Your Day at Castaway Cay

Think of Disney Castaway Cay as a Choose Your Own Beach Adventure kind of place. From where you decide to hang out to how you want to get around, there’s something for everyone. To maximize your time and keep your stress levels low, plan your attack ahead of time. Here are some things to keep in mind when figuring out your day.  

Arriving at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay was the first of the cruise line private islands where the ship could dock directly on the shore. As a result, since guests don’t need to ride a tender to the island, getting to and from the beach is about as easy as it gets. 

Typically, the all-ashore announcement comes between 8 AM and 9 AM, with Castaway Cay 5K and shore excursion participants usually allowed to disembark first. After that, cruisers are free to get on and off the ship as much or as little as they’d like until it’s time to go.  

With a little bit of planning, you can even enjoy a sneak peek of Castaway Cay from the comfort of the ship. For an especially memorable morning, book an exterior stateroom or have breakfast on the starboard side of your Disney cruise ship. As this is the side of the boat that looks out over Castaway Cay, you’ll have sweeping views of the island as the ship comes in to dock and when leaving at the end of the day. 

Getting Around Castaway Cay

You have a few different options for getting around Castaway Cay, and two of them won’t cost you a thing. A complimentary tram is available between the dock and the Castaway Family Beach, as well as another between the family area and Serenity Bay on the far side of the island. Or, if you’d rather get your steps in after all that soft serve, Serenity Bay is just a well-marked, 20-minute walk away. 

Alternatively, if you don’t mind paying extra for a bit of two-wheeled adventure, you can also rent a bike to get around. Bike rentals cost $13 per hour on the island, with bicycles available in a variety of sizes, and include a helmet. 

Things to Bring to Castaway Cay

Honestly, since Disney provides most of the beach necessities like lounge chairs and towels, you don’t need to bring too many things for your day at Castaway Cay besides a few essentials. Along with your Key to the World Card and passport or photo ID, be sure to pack your beach bag with things like sunscreen (you can buy some in the shops on the island, but it’s expensive), sunglasses, a swimsuit coverup and a good book. You’ll also need some cash for Bahamian stamps from the post office if you want to mail a postcard and snag a covetable Castaway Cay postmark. 

Things to Do at Castaway Cay

Although only 55 of Castaway Cay’s expansive 1,000 acres are developed, you’ll find no shortage of things to do , no matter what you’re interested in or who you’re traveling with. Let’s dive in and take a look.

Castaway Cay Excursions

It wouldn’t be a cruise without a selection of shore excursions. While occasionally overpriced, these port adventures are a great way to get away from the throngs of people and experience more than just Castaway Cay’s beaches and water park. 

Castaway Cay excursions are available for a variety of activities and price points, from relatively affordable rentals like sea kayaks and paddle boats (both from $18) to more expensive experiences, including stingray and fishing adventures (from $36 and $164, respectively), jet boat tours ($85) and glass bottom boat rides ($59). 

The best value for Castaway Cay port adventures is the Getaway Package. Priced at $46 for guests ages 10 and up, the Castaway Cay Getaway Package includes snorkeling gear and a float rental for the day, along with an hourlong bicycle rental.   

Castaway Cay Activities for Cruisers of All Ages

Castaway Cay is a family-friendly paradise filled with all sorts of activities for guests of all ages, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens. The island’s family area is located just a short walk or even shorter tram ride from the dock, making it easy to get to and from the ship, a boon for families with little ones. 

To keep your visit as hassle-free as possible, consider splurging on one of the Castaway Cay cabanas at the family beach. Starting out at $549 for a Family Beach Cabana and $899 for a Grand Family Beach Cabana, these tricked-out retreats come packed to the gills with refrigerated drinks, snacks, lounge chairs, a shower and extras like snorkel equipment, sand toys, tubes and bikes. 

Here’s everything on offer for families at Castaway Cay.

Castaway Family Beach

With gentle waves, plenty of shaded seating and kid-centric activities like tube rentals and the Monstro Point dig site only a short walk away, Castaway Family Beach is the heart of the family-friendly action. Tons of loungers, hammocks and umbrellas are available to choose from. Just be sure to arrive early to stake your claim on the best spot, as this can be one of the busiest places at Castaway Cay. 

Snorkeling Lagoon

Looking to take your aquatic adventures to the next level? Paddle past the Swimming Beach and out into the big blue world of Castaway Cay’s Snorkeling Lagoon. Snorkelers of all skill levels are welcome to explore this enchanting undersea realm, from the novice-level Discover Trail to the more experienced Explorer Trail. 

Along the way, keep an eye out for splashes of underwater pixie dust, including Hidden Mickeys and submerged statues of Dumbo and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid . Bring your own snorkel equipment for complimentary access to these sunken treasures, or rent your own for the day for $34.

Spring-a-Leak and Pelican Plunge

Castaway Cay also boasts its own aquatic play areas, both just a short walk from Castaway Family Beach. The Spring-a-Leak splash pad is made with the littlest cruisers in mind and features freshwater jets to cool off in. 

Or, to get your heart pumping, splash into the saltwater in style from Pelican Plunge, Castaway Cay’s pint-sized floating water park named for the island’s resident pelicans. Although Pelican Plunge is easily reachable by wading out to the platform, its two water slides empty swimmers out into the lagoon. So, only relatively strong swimmers should take the plunge. 

Sports Beach and In Da Shade Game Pavilion

Ready to dry off for a bit without putting the fun on hold? Make your way to the Sports Beach or the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. Perfect for a little friendly competition, these hands-on areas are stocked with fun activities the whole family will love. 

Soak up some more Vitamin D and show your skill during tetherball or beach volleyball on the Sports Beach or step out of the sun for a bit with games like basketball, pool, foosball and table tennis at the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. 

Castaway Cay 5K

Want to kick the competition up a notch (or, at the very least, burn off some calories from all that delicious cruise food you’ve been devouring)? Sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K. Available to guests 10 years and older at no additional charge (unless you opt to upgrade to the Premium Package before you set sail, which comes with a Disney Castaway Cay 5K hat, cinch sack and water bottle), this race past palm trees and sandy beaches is a great way to work out and see the sights all at once. All finishers are rewarded with an exclusive Castaway Cay 5K medal. 

Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

What could be better than meeting some well-loved Disney characters in paradise? From Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their beach gear to everyone’s favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, Castaway Cay is a unique meet-and-greet spot worth waiting in line for. Just think of the photos! On the bright side, the lines tend to be on the short side, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. 

Scuttle’s Cove & Teen Hideout

Just like on Disney cruise ships, Castaway Cay offers dedicated areas and activities specifically for kids, tweens and teens. Best of all, as with the likes of the Oceaneer Club, access to these youth-focused spaces is completely free. 

Scuttle’s Cove, located just next door to Monstro Point, is designed for kids ages 3 to 12 and features everything from supervised activities to its own aquatic play area. For the older kids, the Hide Out is a haven for 14 to 17-year-olds, while tweens ages 11 to 13 can enjoy their own special time at Pelican Plunge and the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. 

Adult-Friendly Castaway Cay Activities

Hoping for some time away from the kids? Whether you’re traveling as a family or doing a Disney cruise for grown-ups , Castaway Cay offers an adult escape from the craziness of the family beach. 

Serenity Bay

Castaway Cay doesn’t only offer dedicated areas just for kids and teens. It also touts a secluded, adults-only beach: Serenity Bay. Nestled on the other end of the island, close to a mile from Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay is an idyllic retreat complete with soft, white sand, swaying palm trees, umbrella-covered loungers, two-person hammocks and icy alcoholic beverages. 

Since this adults-only beach is further from the dock, the competition for a good seat isn’t as stiff. However, things can still get pretty busy, and if you don’t claim a spot early, you could be left out of the shade. Or, for the ultimate in relaxation, snag a coveted Serenity Bay Cabana, which starts at $399. 

Massage Cabanas

There’s nothing more relaxing than a soothing beachside massage. Offered in open-air cabanas overlooking the water, located right next to the Castaway Air Bar and Serenity Bay BBQ, this indulgent experience is the perfect way to unwind. 

Castaway Cay Bars

After splashing around in the water, cool off even more with a cool drink from one of the Castaway Cay bars . Over at Serenity Bay, sidle on up to Castaway Air Bar or order a cocktail from one of the roving servers and let the alcohol come to you. Talk about relaxing! 

But you don’t need to hang out at Serenity Bay to enjoy an adult beverage. Castaway Cay’s family area boasts a few different bars, which make for the ideal temporary escape from all the beach-crazy kiddos. 

Dining at Castaway Cay

For some, one of the best meals of the entire cruise is the barbecue buffet on Castaway Cay. Available at Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ at the Castaway Family Beach and Serenity Bay BBQ on the other side of the island, this sun-sational picnic dishes up bottomless cookout classics like hot dogs, burgers, ribs, corn on the cob and potato salad. Adults can even tuck into freshly grilled ribeye steaks, exclusively at Serenity BBQ. Just remember to save some space for unlimited soft serve from one of the nearby stands.

Keep in mind that this beachy barbeque is only served for a limited time, running from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Needless to say, make sure to eat breakfast before you get off the ship (this is a great day for room service) or risk being hangry before lunchtime rolls around. Additionally, crew members are prompt about taking down the food. So, if you miss the cut-off, you’ll need to walk back to the ship to scrounge something up.  

Other Tips & Tricks for Your Day at Disney’s Castaway Cay

Ready to take on your day at Castaway Cay? Here are some simple hacks to help you make the most of your time. 

Get Off the Ship Early (or Late) for a Better Chance at a Good Seat

Typically, folks tend to go to the island pretty early, as the competition for a lounge chair or hammock is fierce. So, if you don’t want to be left stranded without shade or a place to kick back and relax, try to be one of the first people off the ship. Alternatively, as many cruisers head back onboard around two hours before the ship’s departure time, waiting it out until later in the day can also be effective. 

Mail a Postcard from the Post Office for a Unique Souvenir

Looking for an affordable yet unique souvenir? Send something from the Castaway Cay Post Office. Located near the dock, this outpost will mail postcards, letters and even messages in a bottle. Best of all, it will even get an extra-special Castaway Cay postmark. Just remember to bring some cash for Bahamian stamps, as your Key to the World Card won’t be accepted. 

Save Money by Booking Port Adventures or Rentals Ahead of Time

When it comes to Castaway Cay excursions, it often pays to reserve things in advance. For example, the Castaway Cay Getaway Package – which includes a bike, tube and snorkel gear – is a great deal for active cruisers hoping to explore the island by both land and sea. 

However, this rental package can only be booked online prior to sailing away or onboard the ship before reaching Castaway Cay. Should you choose to wait until you get to the island, you’ll wind up paying $20 to book the exact same rental equipment individually. 

Don’t Forget Your Camera

Castaway Cay is jam-packed with photo opportunities, whether character meet-and-greets, family pictures in front of Mount Rustmore (Mickey, Pluto, Donald and Goofy painted on big buoys) or requisite beach selfies. Going snorkeling? Bring an underwater camera (or live on the edge and use a waterproof phone pouch) to snap shots of the Snorkeling Lagoon’s undersea statuary. 

Well, Disney cruisers, that concludes our deep dive into all things Castaway Cay. Have you been to Disney’s private island before? What is your favorite thing to do at Castaway Cay? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how to save on your next pixie-dusted adventure at sea by booking your Disney cruise with us .

Castaway Cay Guide & Tips

Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and is a common port of call for virtually all DCL Caribbean-bound itineraries. This guide provides info & tips for visiting, including things to do, planning advice, and how to make the most of your day. ( Updated December 27, 2019 .)

For starters, Castaway Cay is a 3-mile long, 1000-acre island used exclusively by Disney Cruise Line guests and Crew Members. DCL’s ships dock right on the island, making for an easy on-off experience. We’ve done several cruises to the Bahamas, and Castaway Cay is our favorite stop–it’s actually the main reason why we keep doing these itineraries!

You’ll want to take your Key to the World card and an ID with you when you exit the ship. In addition to that, we recommend packing a small day bag without any valuables in it to ‘guard’ your beach chairs is a good idea–but you could.

As soon as you get off the ship, pick up towels, and pass by the old gas station and post office (make sure to send something from here–they have a special Disney postmark) as you head towards the trams to get to the Family Beach and Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach. Alternatively, you can take the walking trail to fully explore Castaway Cay, which has its own touches of Disney details.

We’ll start our guide with how to explore the island to see these details!

Exploring the Island

There are a couple of trams on the island, but one of our biggest pieces of advice for Castaway Cay is to not over-rely on these trams. Castaway Cay is not just a private island, it’s Disney’s private island. This means that it’s themed!

Some of my best memories of the island are just its sense of place that I soaked up as I wandered around and explored the environments. It’s not as heavy on Imagineering as Typhoon Lagoon, likely because Disney wanted to strike a balance in making it appeal to Disney fans and ‘serious’ cruisers, but there is a ton to see, and plenty of Easter eggs.

We recommend walking to Serenity Bay and taking the shuttle back at some point during your day at Castaway Cay, even if you don’t plan on enjoying the adult beach. This is because you’ll the Imagineered-highlights all the way there, and then get to see additional details on the ride back over the runway. The walk really isn’t that bad, and can actually be faster than the trams.

Like so many things Disney, there is a convoluted backstory to go along with Castaway Cay, some of which you can pick up on as you wander the island, looking at signs and other little clues. However, it’s not possible to grasp the whole backstory from what you see alone. We recommend reading the full backstory ahead of time–or even taking it with you . I’ll give you context to some of what you see, and make the experience more enjoyable.

As for the real life backstory of Castaway Cay? It was previously known as Gorda Cay and was literally overtaken by an American businessman named Frank Barber used the on the airstrip as a hub for smuggling drugs into the United States, before ultimately being arrested. If you ask, some Crew Members will give you this real backstory to the island, although it is not the Disney-approved backstory, for obvious reasons.

If you ask me, Disney should just sanitize the real backstory a bit and have Castaway Cay tell the story of rum-running in the Caribbean. The Pirates of the Caribbean films have certainly opened that door, and a rum-running backstory would make more sense on the context of the island and would be easier for guests to grasp.

Castaway Cay Family Beach is the main beach on the island, and as the name implies, is for everyone. This beach is sort of like multiple beaches connected into one, and it’s the area that is closest to the ship. It’s also where almost all of the beach activities are located–we will cover these in ‘Things to Do’ below.

This combination of proximity to the ship and things to do is a dangerous mix, which results in this beach being by far the most popular. If you plan on spending all day at the Family Beach, arrive early and stake claim to your spot. Your swords from Pirate Night will come in handy as you defend your spots from other guests attempting to pillage and plunder.

If you don’t plan on doing the Family Beach all day, our recommendation is to get here early or late. We noticed that it was least busy and most pristine first thing in the morning, so if you plan on doing any activity, early in the morning is the best time for that. If you just want to enjoy the beach, the last hour or so on Castaway Cay is the best time to go.

Guests tend not to want to be stranded on the island, and overcompensate for the fear that this will happen by leaving the beach about 1-2 hours before the ship leaves. The ship will not leave you behind, and unless you’re hiding in some bushes, you couldn’t get accidentally left behind if you want since Crew Members “sweep” the island to clear it of guests. Stay until the last 15 minutes to enjoy Castaway Cay almost all to yourselves!

The teen area is for…you guessed it…teens! We thought about pulling a 21 Jump Street and trying to infiltrate their beach, but I don’t have quite the boyish good looks of Jonah Hill, so we aborted this mission. Basically, it’s a bunch of athletic activities like volleyball and tetherball. Actually, we’re pretty sure the games and activities here are open to guests of all ages, despite this being called the teen beach. You can leave your disguises at home.

Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach, and is most distant beach on the island. As compared to the other beaches, it is much, much quieter. Serenity Bay is a great place to kick back and just relax in paradise. It’s perfect for that. If you want to actually do something, though, Serenity Bay is your worst option on the island. Beyond simply relaxing, eating, and a limited set of activities like massages and cabana rental, there is not much substance to Serenity Bay.

However, I don’t like spending a whole day just lying on a beach chair, so my recommendation would be spending the middle portion of your day at Serenity Bay, and spending your morning and afternoon elsewhere. Consider making an effort to doing the hours around lunch at Serenity Bay, so you can avoid the large crowds elsewhere, but doing something else before and after that.

The reasons for this are so you can avoid the crowds elsewhere during the busiest parts of the day, but still be able to enjoy the fun activities elsewhere on Castaway Cay. Of course, this is a your mileage may vary type thing. If you have kids, you won’t be doing Serenity Bay at all. Conversely, if you have no interest in actual activities and just want to relax on the beach reading, Serenity Bay could be an all-day activity for you.

There are three BBQ locations on Castaway Cay that are included in the cost of the cruise, just like dining aboard the cruise ship. Cookie’s BBQ is located on the near side of the family beach, Cookie’s Too is located on the far side of the family beach, and Serenity Bay BBQ is the adult beach option.

Each of these locations serves almost exactly the same items, namely BBQ, including ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, and self-serve soft serve. Our server at Palo recommended always checking out the Serenity Bay BBQ, if possible, because sometimes they have a slightly better menu if the ship has a surplus of certain items. The main difference is that Serenity Bay BBQ has ribeye when the other locations do not.

Another option is to go back aboard the cruise ship, and have lunch in one of the regular dining rooms. Some people prefer this for greater variety and a chance to regroup, but we think time on Castaway Cay is already too limited, so we do not recommend this, nor would we do it. Plus, we thought the BBQ at Castaway Cay was pretty good and offered something for everyone.

There are also four bars located around the island, each of which have drinks available for purchase. There are signature mixed drinks available, the most popular of which is the Konk Kooler (a blend of rums and tropical fruit juices) and you can also purchase special ‘beach bottles’ of beer. Prices actually are not that bad, at around $5.50 per drink not in a souvenir mug.

Things to Do

Most of the things to do are located around the Family Beach. Pelican Plunge is the floating water slide and play platform located in the ocean, which has two water slides, a giant “bucket dump” of water, and water cannons that you can use to shoot targets. Minimum height for the Pelican Plunge water slides is 38″ and anyone under 48″ must wear one of the provided life vests. Note that the floating platform is out in the ocean, and requires being able to swim to access (I could not touch the ocean floor out by the platform).

Also near the Family Beach is the Spring-a-Leak water play area for kids. Basically, water sprays everywhere from broken pipes and things on a splash pad that young children can enjoy. Scuttle’s Cove is another area for kids, which offers youth activities that are supervised by Disney counselors from the ship. We don’t have kids, so I’m not entirely sure of all the activities offered here, but it looked there was basically a whale bone play area, and some organized activities for kids that don’t go in the ocean. Anyone else know what other activities are offered at Scuttle’s Cove?

There are a couple of game pavilions near the Family Beach, that offer a variety of different sand and shaded games like volleyball, tetherball, foosball, ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, basketball, and golf wiffleball. There is no additional charge for any of these games.

Another option is the Castaway Cay 5k. This is a great way to get off the ship early and see the island quickly. It’s fun and not too challenging–depending upon the weather outside. I’ve done the Castaway Cay 5k once…which was good enough for me. I got the medal, saw the course, and that’s enough. From here on out, stuffing myself on soft-serve ice cream and other all-you-can-eat snacks takes priority. Give it a try if you like running more than you like ice cream. We regret nothing! 😉

Character meet and greet opportunities are available throughout the island, and we found these meet and greets to be the best chances to meet characters on Disney Cruise Line. This is mostly because the natural, outdoor lighting is superior to the lighting on the ships, and because the backdrops are gorgeous.

We have been lucky to find very short waits (a couple minutes or so) for the characters first thing in the morning, and in out of the way places. Captain Jack Sparrow at Serenity Bay is also a neat experience, and is like a scene straight out of the movie!

Those are about the extent of the no-added cost activities on Castaway Cay. Everything else requires a rental and an additional fee. “Marge’s Barges & Sea Charter Dock” is the place to go for boat rentals, and you can here for a wide variety of boat rentals. Options include a glass-bottom boat, a power catamaran, parasailing, Hobie Cats, fishing tours, and more. Exact pricing is listed on the ship or at the island.

At Gil’s Fins and Boats and Flippers & Floats, you can rent snorkel equipment to use in the Snorkeling Lagoon, plus other smaller-scale aquatic rentals like inner tubes, paddleboats, and kayaks. Our recommendation is the 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which provides snorkel equipment for the day, an inner tube for the day, and bicycle rental for one hour.

This 3-in-1 package bring us to perhaps the most interesting aspects of Castaway Cay: the Snorkeling Lagoon and trails. Although technically the Snorkeling Lagoon is free, it’s most likely going to cost money for the equipment rental. We brought our own fins and masks, and were made to get vests, which we were not charged for.

The Snorkeling Lagoon is pretty fun, large, offers a variety of fish to see with plenty of visibility, and has some cool hidden Disney “stuff.” Bike rental provides a way to see other areas of the island via a series of trails that cut through some of the more undeveloped areas. Even though Castaway Cay is an 1,000-acre island, only around 10% of it has been developed. In some of these areas, there isn’t a whole lot to see, but they’re worth exploring if you like nature.

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure is another popular option, which provides the opportunity to snorkel with some 40 stingrays that are in the water off the island. There is an additional charge for this experience, but stingray encounters are always fun. Sarah compared this to “a light version” of Stingray City in the Cayman Islands.

If you don’t want to spend any money, simply wandering around the developed areas of Castaway Cay, looking at the Imagineered details and posing with the photo ops is a lot of fun.

During November and December, Castaway Cay gets decked out for the holidays. This is one of the highlights of DCL’s Very Merrytime Christmas Cruises , with the large Christmas tree and “sandmen” around it being really cool.

You’ll find other Christmas decorations around Castaway Cay, mostly consisting of garland and other decor in the areas closest to the ship. There’s also beach-inspired holiday music and other little touches. All of these Christmas touches on Castaway Cay are arguably better than what you’ll see aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships!

There are a variety of shopping options on Castaway Cay…which should surprise no one, since it’s a Disney island! There are two primary spots to buy things on the island: “She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else” and “Buy the Sea Shore,” with the former being the larger of the two venues having slightly more variety.

In terms of souvenirs, if you want something to remember your visit to Castaway Cay by, you’re pretty much stuck buying something here at the typical souvenir prices. Castaway Cay logo items are only available on Castaway Cay, and cannot be purchased on the ship. We found the selection to be fairly good for Castaway Cay logo items, with some neat items and a good mix of classic and ‘trendy beach’ designs.

The supplies are a different story. Pack wisely so you don’t have to purchase items here. Things such as sunscreen, disposable underwater cameras, and beach toys are all for sale here, and the prices are around triple what you might expect to pay for the same things in the real world.

What to Pack

There are a few things you’ll want to bring to Castaway Cay that you might not otherwise consider. First, quality water shoes . You’ll want these because the paved walkways and even that white sand can get hot, plus there are crushed up seashells and other things that can cut your feet in it. Second, beach bug repellant .

Castaway Cay is mostly an unimproved island, and depending upon the time of year you visit, the sandflies (or “no-see-ums”) can be really bad . On our first visit in early February, these bugs made Serenity Bay virtually intolerable. Bugs aren’t always an issue, but it’s better to be safe than sorry…and not get eaten alive.

You’ll want to take an underwater camera. There is a lot to see and photograph underwater (including Hidden Mickeys!), so we think it’s a good idea to pack an underwater camera. Nowadays you can pick up a decent digital underwater camera for less than $100, making it really foolish to waste money on a disposable one on Castaway Cay.

We just mentioned those Hidden Mickeys underwater, well, those aren’t the only Hidden Mickeys on Castaway Cay. Since the island is Imagineering-designed and themed, taking the Hidden Mickeys Go to Sea book for Hidden Mickey hunting can make for a fun activity while on Castaway Cay!

Two ‘depending upon the circumstances’ type things you should bring are your own snorkel set and fins, and beach toys. Other items are more common-sense based: sunscreen, hats, and other beach-ware. You might also want to check out our Unique Disney Packing List , but those items are mostly geared towards the cruise itself and not Castaway Cay.

That covers it for our coverage of Castaway Cay! Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For some quick, must-know things, read our Top 10 First Time Disney Cruise Line Tips .

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

Do you have any tips to add for enjoying Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay? Any favorite excursions or things you think are a good value? Drink recommendations? Any other secrets to share or questions? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please leave a comment below!

Written by Tom Bricker

great info!

To the Daymond John of Fubu. More magazine editor Jonny Lichtenstein recently got involved in dangerous coraption business with crazy CBS anchor Otis Livingston to steal money from Fubu company employees bank accounts never trust Jonny Lichtenstein and Otis Livingston they belong in prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, I’m just curious about the POTC ship that was there….I know it has been gone for a number of years but are there any plans to replace it with another from the movies?

Does anyone recommend wetsuits on Castaway Cay island in February? Thanks!

We went in February, and the water was warm. People were wading and swimming with just the normal swimsuits on.

We just came back from our first cruise aboard the Disney Magic, which visited Castaway Cay. That had to be one of the most memorable vacations my family as ever taken. We had so much fun and there was plenty for us to do. On Castaway Cay I would highly recommend taking a bike ride around the island. Riding the bike on the airstrip was pretty cool. I also took some photos of Castaway Cay: http://www.jc-ruiz.com/cruising-on-the-disney-magic-to-castaway-cay/

Can you ride bike on 5K trail? We are going next week!

Do they have bikes with training wheels? If not can u get a seat for a 7 yr old like a toddler carrier?

Those that stay and eat ice cream also serve (soft, that is…)

I would love some feedback from anyone who has travelled with an individual in a wheelchair.

There are sand wheelchairs available on the island. We transferred my dad when we got to them. It would have been a hard push all the way to the water but we could have done it. Since he was in a chair due to an injury he was content to transfer to a lounge chair once on the beach. Great! My daughter is only 10 but has CP. transferred her to a sand stroller- also provided. Also great

i gas a question about Cast away Kay. I was wondering if Disney Has the island swimming area netted off for safety. I have watched too much shark week lol

I am shark-phobic and asked the lifeguard at the family beach. The answer is that (at least for the family beach area) there is an underwater net. Some passengers joked that everything is very tightly controlled, that the fishes are probably individually barcoded. Long story short, there should be no shark. Although my previously blind faith in Disney was corroded a bit from the WDW alligator attack, so always better to use some caution and common sense!

Does anyone know what is involved with the cabanas i.e.: costs? Rental period? Is reserving one worthwhile?

The cabanas come for over $500 a day (closer to $600). They are for the entire day (usually 7 hours). There are only about 2 dozen of them so you need to book early since they get sold out. As for if they are worthwhile the money, it depends. I you want a sort of private beach for your family and a shaded place to relax in, go for it. Personally, the chairs and umbrellas in the public beach were good enough for me.

Does anyone know what you do with your kids during the 5K at Castaway Cay? I am fairly certain it would be too much for my children to handle, but am curious as to what we do with them while we are running? Thanks!

Kids can be left in the Kids Club or nursery anytime thst you are in port. My husband and I left our daughter in the kids club (on the ship) while we did a snorkeling excursion in St. Marttin. On Castaway Cay, you can check kids into the kids club on the Kids Beach. We didn’t venture over there on our last cruise because we were having so much fun on the Family Beach, but it sounds like we probably should on out upcoming trip so that we can go check out Serenity Bay! This post is awesome! So many great tips!

Love the tips, but I have a question. Are fins provided when you book for snorkeling? or should we bring our own?

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Disney’s Castaway Cay Planning Guide

Last Updated on December 1, 2021

Castaway Cay is the jewel port of call for any Disney Cruise Line Fanatic. All Disney Caribbean cruise itineraries include at least one day at this private island paradise.

While spending the day at a private beach sounds like any family’s dream come true, there are a few things you need to know about Castaway Cay before cementing any plans. The most important of all is being aware that there are planning possibilities available to cement. Mouse Travel Matters Disney’s Castaway Cay Planning Guide will help you set sail for great times with Disney Cruise Line.

Disney really knows how to accommodate all of their guests on the island. There is something at Castaway Cay for every member of your family, regardless of its makeup. This guide provides tips for visiting Castaway Cay, including things to do and not to do and how to make the most of your time on the island.

A Little History of Castaway Cay

The island formerly known as Gorda Cay was owned by the Bahamian government, contrary to popular belief. In 1997, the Walt Disney Company signed a 99-year lease, just one year before the Disney Magic was launched. set to expire in 2096, Disney now has the exclusive control over the guest experience on the island.

The company spent $25 million while construction took 18 months This included dredging 50,000 truckloads of sand from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Castaway Cay is the first private island in the cruise industry where the ship docks alongside so guests do not have to tender to land.

(Check out the Disney version of Castaway Cay’s history “ The Legend of Castaway Cay “)

Here is a quick gander at the many offerings ashore on Castaway Cay:

• A buffet-style barbecue lunch
• Coffee, tea and soda
• All-you-care-to-eat ice cream
• Beaches, including a family beach and adult-only beach
• Beach chairs, umbrellas and hammocks
• Beach towels
• Island entertainment
• Clubs for kids and teens
• Hiking trails
• Beach sports
• Yoga classes
• A splash zone
• Pelican Plunge waterslide
• Tram transportation
• Castaway Cay 5K with finisher medal

Disembarkation

It is incredibly easy to disembark from any Disney Cruise line ship. There is limited time on Castaway Cay so it is suggested to start the day early and disembark as soon as is allowed.

Don’t forget to take your ‘Keys to the World Card’ with you. This is the only way to get back on the ship and to make purchases while on the beach. To be clear, the ‘Keys to the World Card’ is the only form of payment available at Castaway Cay, other than the post office…in which exact change is strongly recommended.

A lanyard with ID holder is for us the most essential item for Disney’s Castaway Cay! For a Mouse Travel Matters look at items for the Best Gear for Disney Cruise & Holidays at Sea << Check It Out.

There is no need to bring too much off the ship with you; just your hat, waterproof sunscreen (to reapply after a few hours of swimming or exercise), and possibly a waterproof camera or your cell phone.  You will see a stack of towels near the disembarkation point, and throughout the beaches. Castaway Cay also offers other useful amenities that guests may require; these include free stroller rentals, wagons as well as jogging strollers for those participating in the early morning Castaway Cay 5K.

There is also a Disney Castaway Cay Post Office. The Bahamian government has created a special stamp for this particular post office. While you aren’t likely to receive the letter until after you have arrived home, it is still a nice souvenir and something to look forward to after your holiday has ended.

Which Beach to Explore?

Castaway Cay isn’t your typical beach. There are 4 beach options at Castaway Cay; Island Adventures Await, Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay “Adults Only” Beach, and the Sports Beach. There are also 3 Barbeque dining options, children’s supervised centres, shopping huts and countless adventure opportunities to be had, with or without children.

This is more than enough room for everyone to spread out and find their favourite spot on Castaway Cay. Each beach is created for a different type of vacationer and therefore each has its own specific set of amenities.

Castaway Cays Family Beach  is the closest beach to the ship and allows for quick access to many amenities. It is the most popular of all the beaches and covers the most space on the island. It is human nature to not venture too far from the ship, and therefore the beaches further from the ship are less populated.

Furthermore, as the day progresses, the beaches tend to get more crowded. However, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have a lower guest capacity, for those that prefer to avoid crowds, or other guests, in general.

Castaway Cay is “open”, on average, from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm. Be sure to arrive early to capture that great spot on the family beach. This is where “beach etiquette” comes to play; there are no hard and fast rules about how to save a lounge chair or spot on the sand but there are a few things that are frowned upon by other guests. Placing towels on 10 chairs for a 10 party group when you spend the majority of your time in the water is a no-no.

The same goes with ‘reserving ‘ a set of chairs under a canopy/umbrella when guests rarely return to them. Please be considerate of others and mark what you reasonably plan on using.

Speaking of which, guests also have a tendency to leave the beaches up to 2 hours before embarkation. If you can’t get a hold of a decent lounge chair, or finally want to use one, maybe later in the day is a better time to “duke it out” than in the mornings. Once the majority of the crowds have left, you will find there is more than enough space for everyone to relax.

Don’t worry, the ship won’t leave without you. However, don’t be that person that holds everyone up. Guests can safely plan to arrive at the gates 15 minutes before embarkation.

Childfree at Castaway Cay?

There are a handful of options for guests wishing to remain child-free while on Castaway Cay.

On Castaway Cay day, the Oceaneers Club and Lab are not open on the ship for the period that the ship is docked there. On Castaway Cay, a special kid’s play area called Scuttle’s Cove (for ages 3-12) is open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. There are plenty of fun activities planned, including a “dig” and treasure hunt.

Parents can be assured that Scuttle’s Cove is not near the water and that kids checked into the program on Castaway Cay will not be taken near the water by the counsellors. Scuttles Cove is included in the price of the cruise and parents do not need to reserve time, like they would on board.

Pro Tip . – Don’t book excursions for the middle of the day. It will ruin the flow and your children will not want to leave their sand castles behind, regardless of how much fun Parasailing sounds.

For children under the age of 3, the onboard nursery (either  It’s A Small World  on the Dream and Fantasy or  Flounder’s Reef  on the Wonder and Magic) is available, for a fee. The hours vary, but they do offer services during port stops, whether it be Castaway Cay or another port.

Serenity Bay Castaway Cay is another great way to spend the day child-free. It is an adult-only zone (aged 18 and older), on the furthest beach from the ship. There is also a great bar on this beach, called Castaway Air Bar. The Castaway Air Bar BBQ will also be where Serenity Bay guests have their lunch.

Castaway Cay Cabanas

The Castaway Cay Cabanas are the most sought-after commodity on the island. There are only 21 cabanas available and they sell out almost immediately upon becoming available online. In order to get a heads up on the Castaway Cay Cabanas, guests basically need to be Concierge level, which gives access to booking amenities 120 days prior to sailing.

The majority of cabanas are on the family beach, while there is a handful on Serenity Bay.

Why are Castaway Cay Cabanas so popular? Not only do the cabanas provide shade, seating and focal point for the family to gather after exploring the island, there are freebies that come with the purchase. These freebies include rafts, tubes and snorkel gear. There is also a fridge, towels, bottled water, power sockets, a safe, sunscreen and sand toys. There is music available to be played within the cabana, as well as playpens available on request and freshwater showers on site.

Instructions will be left in your stateroom regarding where to go before docking. Guests are also given a special wristband. The wristbands allow access to the cabana area as well as your voucher of sorts for snorkel equipment, floats and bike rental which are all included in the cost of the cabana. Head to the Castaway Cay Cabana Checkin area and you will be taken to your cabana via golf cart.

Just how much these cabanas will set you back. Not including the upgrade from standard room to concierge; a Family Beach Cabanas runs $546 for 6 people, Grand Family Beach Cabanas costs $899 for 10 people, and Serenity Bay Cabanas costs $399 for 4 people. There is an additional cost of $50 per person up to 10 people (in total) for Family Beach Cabanas and Serenity Bay Cabanas, or 16 total people for Grand Family Beach Cabanas.

To learn more about Castaway Cay Cabanas, click here .

It is rare, but there have been reports of guests getting last minute reservations when someone cancels. There is also the possibility of being placed on a waiting list at Guest Services. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Activities on Castaway Cay

There are many activities that are available on Castaway Cay. Some are free and some come at an additional fee. Others, as well, are considered Shore Excursions and require pre-booking, like any other activity on any other port of call.

Free Things to Do at Castaway Cay

Of all the activities that there is to do on Castaway Cay, there are a few that are free to all guests.

Character Meet and Greets

This is generally the first and last thing anyone thinks of when getting off the ship. Where are the characters and how can I see them all?! Getting out the door as early as possible means beating the crowds and seeing more characters before the sun gets too high in the sky, making it nearly impossible to stay out of the shade or water for too long.

Pro Tip. – don’t wait to buy your souvenirs. There is a limited supply and may be gone when you return

Pelican Plunge

This is a 2,400-square-foot floating platform and water-play area. Because the slides throw you straight into the waters, the platform itself needs to be sufficiently far enough away from the beach to be safe. This also means that guests need to swim to the platform. While life jackets are available for those guests that require them, this also means that the platform is not suitable for smaller children without the aid and supervision of their parents.

A very common question is what is the Pelican Plunge Castaway Cay Height requirement? You have to be at least 38″ to go on the Pelican Plunge water slide. If you are between 38″ and 48″ you can ride, but it is compulsory to wear a life vest. You can’t ride on the slide with smaller children either. If you do want a smaller child to ride the slide, we suggest that you go down the water slide first and wait for them at the bottom.

Spring a Leak

Spring-a-Leak is a water play area (“splash pad”) located on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private paradise in the Bahamas.  Spring-a-Leak is certainly a paradise for toddlers and preschoolers. There are a handful of rules, however; “Do not swallow the fountain water, it is recirculated”, as well as “Children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision”. There is also a capacity limit of 55 people within the Spring a Leak area.

Spring-a-Leak on Disney’s Castaway Cay is an amazing place to cool off, let your child burn off some steam, or just take a break from the sand and sun. It is an absolute must-see for families

In Da Shade Game Pavillion

At the section of Castaway Cay called In-Da-Shade, there is a roof structure that provides shade over the ping pong tables. There are old-fashioned bicycle wheels near the ‘ceiling’ of the roof that is shaped like Mickey’s ears.

The beaches are 100% free of charge. Just find a spot, mark your territory and away you go. Choose from either the Island Adventures Await, Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay, and the Sports Beach.

Disney’s Castaway Cay 5K Run

Last on our list of free things to do, is the famous Castaway Cay 5k run. Not only is it free to enter, but there is a souvenir medal at the end. Register at Guest services beforehand and you will find instructions in your stateroom. You will be given a timing to meet onboard, usually, around 8 am, and taken together to the starting point.

There needs to be a minimum of 10 participants, over the age of 10, in order for the run to happen. It is also a family event, remember those free stroller rentals I mentioned above. Or drop the little ones off at Scuttle’s Cove and make it a day date.

There is no sense in returning to your stateroom to change and shower if you plan on visiting the island after the race. Simply bring a change of clothes with you, grab a beach chair early and leave everything there. The beach is fairly safe for your belongings, just don’t leave anything of value.

Don’t forget to take your camera. The trail is amazing. And don’t worry, no one is timing you. It’s all for fun.

Shore Excursions and Equipment Rental

There are many, many options for things to do on Castaway Cay that even the best laid out plan will not have enough time to cover it all. Have a priority list and know that Disney Cruise Line offers bounce back offers – a discount on your next cruise when booked during your current cruise… just sayin’

Equipment rental is available are Marges Barges and Sea Charter Dock. This is where you will rent floats, tube, bikes, snorkels, and flippers.

Snorkeling Lagoon

Make a splash amid tropical fish and Caribbean marine life at the island’s 22-acre snorkelling lagoon, located at Castaway Cay’s Family Beach. Explore snorkelling trails for beginners and discoverers, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for hidden underwater surprises as you snorkel further out into the lagoon.

Walking and Kayak Adventure

Explore the island’s rural landscape on a 45-minute walk as your guide educates you on the fascinating history of the Bahamas. Next, follow them on a one-hour kayaking adventure, where you’ll discover the wonders of the tidal zones and native mangroves. Your guide will explain the function of these extraordinary trees before pulling up to a deserted beach. Depending on tide levels, explore the shallow flats or a sandy beach for approximately 30 minutes, relaxing and enjoying the serenity. No other guests have access to these locations.

Watercraft ski adventure

Follow your guide to 2 stops, weather permitting, as you learn about the fascinating history of the Abacos region, which includes accounts of the area’s abundant marine life, unique ecology and even the pirates that once frequented these waters.

Parasailing

Enjoy the unforgettable beauty and serenity as you parasail for approximately 5 to 7 minutes at heights of 600 to 800 feet over the waves before returning gently to the boat.

Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage

Board the glass bottom boat for a voyage out of the protected lagoon to the north side of the island, home to Castaway Cay’s barrier reef system

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure

Get up-close and personal during a feeding session in which a friendly guide will help you use specially designed feeding trays.

Take our advice and make sure you wear a hat and reapply sunscreen frequently. It’s hot out there and you can get burned quickly. Trust me.

Disney’s Castaway Cay Dining

You will find that you are never short of food while on Castaway Cay. While the quality of the food is not nearly as epic as on the Disney Cruise itself (comparison just isn’t fair at this point), guests are allowed to return to the ship in order to have lunch. This is also a great way to experience the buffet, and the boat itself, nearly empty.

There are 3 Barbeque locations throughout Castaway Cay; Cookies BBQ, Cookies Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ . Each location is open from late morning until 2 pm and all have roughly a similar menu.

COOKIE’S BBQ MENU 

Lemon and rosemary marinated chicken rotisserie-style Braised BBQ and honey pork ribs Flame Grilled Cheeseburger / Hamburger Cajun spiced, chargrilled Mahi Mahi with a tomato, red onion and lime salsa New York Hot Dogs with sauerkraut Corn on the cob

Traditional coleslaw Couscous taboule German Potato Salad Tomato Salad Garlic bread baguette

Apple and cinnamon-spiced cake Cookies Mini Banana bread loaf Fruit salad

BBQ Potato chips Plain potato chips

Fresh Fruit Ice Cream

Castaway Cay Bars

This photo of Castaway Cay is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Each BBQ location has its own drink station for water, juice, tea, and coffee. One of the newest and most popular of these drink stations is the  Summertime Freeze, which will offer guests non-alcoholic drink options such as Olaf’s Flurry Freeze and Sven’s Carrot Delight.

If you are in the mood for something a little stronger (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right?), then Castaway Cay offers 4 bars throughout the island; Castaway Air Bar, Sand Bar, Conched Out Bar, and Head’s Up Bar. Please note that only guests aged 18 years and older are allowed sitting within the bar.

Pro Tip. Don’t forget to pack your The Perfect Castaway Cay Excursion Bag  with all your essentials. You wouldn’t want to run out of sunscreen or forget your sunglasses.[

While on Castaway Cay, be sure to try out their signature drinks –  “ Deep Blue Sea ,” which includes Bacardi Rum, Blue Curacao, and Sweet Lemon Mix, and  Konk Kooler  which includes 2 different types of Rum, Passion Fruit, Orange Juice and Pina Colada.

Shop Disney’s Castaway Cay

There is limited shopping available on the island but that is to be expected. It’s not like Castaway Cay is busting at the seams with thousands upon thousands of guests per day.

There are 3 major shopping huts available; She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else , this is where you will find CastaCay-exclusive memorabilia. Don’t wait to make your purchases as the shelves can get pretty bare, pretty quickly. The best part about this Disney-fied shopping experience is that everything you buy can be delivered to your stateroom for you.

Buy the Sea Shore  is located near the starting line of the Castaway Cay 5k. It offers similar items and also race-related merchandise.

The final shop on our list is  Cultural Illusions where you can purchase Bahamian craft items.

All Aboard | Returning to Your Disney Cruise

Many guests have a tendency of going back to the ship roughly 2 hours before required, this is a great opportunity to lounge around the beaches a little longer. Now that you have explored the island, experienced the shopping and all the excursions you can possibly fit in, it is time to sit back and relax.

Don’t be too late, though. You don’t want to be THAT person that holds everyone up. Get back to the ship with roughly 20-30 minutes to spare and you will have maximized every moment on Castaway Cay.

What did we miss? What are your favorite memories from Disney’s Castaway Cay

Your Thoughts...

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Disney Cruise Castaway Cay Guide

If you’re lucky enough to be going on a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean, then you may be lucky enough to port at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. With white sand, beach areas, and bike rentals on the island, there is plenty to appreciate and enjoy. The day we visit this island is usually one of our favorite days at port. We love nature and exploring and always find plenty to do. All among the drop-dead gorgeous scenery of the island. Check out all our best tips for exploring the island on your Disney Cruise Castaway Cay Day. 

• 1 Castaway Cay Disney’s Private Island
• 2 Castaway Cay Map
• 3 Castaway Cay Beaches
• 4 Castaway Cay Photo Ops
• 5 Castaway Cay Activities and Things to Do
• 6 Castaway Cay Character Meet and Greets
• 7 Castaway Cay Restaurants
• 8 Castaway Cay Gift Shops
• 9 Castaway Cay 5K Race 
• 10 Castaway Cay for Adults

Castaway Cay Disney’s Private Island

Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private Island. For guests sailing in the Caribbean Sea, there is usually a stop at the Castaway Cay Port. By far the BEST reason to take a cruise to these crystal clear waters. Also, it’s important to remember, that it’s pronounced Key, not Kay. When you get to the island, all you’ll really need is a few things. Think of it as your home away from your cruise ship home. 

• Key to the World Card

No need to lug around those beach towels, as cruise staff actually provides each guest with a towel or two as you disembark your Disney Cruise ship. If you want to get an early start, why not run the Castaway Cay 5k (for guests 10 and older) or try out yoga on the island’s adult-only beach, Serenity Bay? Both are a great way to get going and see the island and they’re free! FREE. Just be sure to sign up at the spa so they know you’ll be attending. 

Castaway Cay Map

Castaway Cay Beaches

Visiting Disney’s private island in the Bahamas is always a treat. So, when you’re finally able to have your Castaway Cay day, you will have so much to do! But first, you need to get a lay of the land. After leaving the cruise ship, you will have two options to get to the beaches. You can take the tram or you can walk. The walk will take you about 6-7 minutes, and the tram will actually also take you about that much time. Especially if you factor in waiting for the other passengers and the fact that it takes a weird back route to get to the beaches. They’re both fairly quick really a matter of preference. We enjoyed taking the walking trail as it is paved and very scenic. There are two family beaches here; a family beach and an adult beach.

Family Beach Areas

The Castaway Cay Family Beach is the first beach you’ll come to has a great view of the cruise ship. This is also where you’ll find the snorkeling lagoon. The second beach has Pelican Plunge, which is a water slide that goes right into the water, super awesome. Many families simply enjoy the island and take advantage of the beach time here. What a great way to spend the day. 

Beyond the family beaches, there’s a beach for those who have rented cabanas. We aren’t that fancy so we couldn’t see that area, but from afar it looked gorgeous. The very last beach on the island is Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach. There’s also a “teen hideout” for those who have teens or tweens-just check your Disney Cruise Line navigator for when Vibe or Edge will be meeting there!

Serenity Bay Beach Areas

If you’re looking to get away from the kiddos and want a more relaxing beach experience, Serenity Bay is the place to go for adults. While there’s not much to do, that’s kind of the point. There’s a bar, some lounge chairs, hammocks, and open-air cabanas for the ultimate relaxation experience! You can also just sign up for yoga at the senses spa and the following morning voila! you’re on the beach with your fellow travelers. We love this as one of the 10 Things for Adults on a Disney Cruise. 

Castaway Cay Photo Ops

In addition to the gorgeous beach scenery, you can also find cute photo ops everywhere! This cute buoy anchor collection is on the way in and you can catch an Olaf statue near the gift shop. Plus plan to meet Captain Jack and the beachy Mickey and Minnie as well.   

Castaway Cay Activities and Things to Do

There are so many things to do on the island, and of course, never underestimate the power of beach bumming. Especially if you’ve had a few fun-filled and harried days on the ship already. Luckily, we found that there were plenty of beach chairs throughout the beaches so finding a place to lounge about was never an issue. We also loved that the island never seemed crowded to us. Fresh off our Nassau, Bahamas Cruise port day, everyone just wanted to relax, and there was plenty of room everywhere. 

Does Castaway Cay have Shore Excursions?

Yes. While there is plenty to do on the island, without a shore excursion, know that you do have options! In addition to the snorkeling, bike rentals, water play areas, and Castaway Cay 5K , you can also add a Short Excursion to your day. Keep in mind you typically have a full day until about 4 p.m. on the island. Check out the Port Excursions at Castaway Cay. 

There are quite a few shore excursions available while docked on the island. But mind you, your day is going to go faster than you think! So choose wisely. You can choose to parasail, jet-ski, go on a banana boat, get some bicycle rentals, go snorkeling, etc. There’s a lot to choose from and it is very easy to book through the Disney Cruise line site leading up to your sail date, or you can choose to book once onboard.

Castaway Cay Getaway Package

By far the best choice for enjoying your day on the island, we chose the Getaway Package which included biking, snorkeling, and float rental. It allowed us to leisurely experience all the activities,  and it was much cheaper(about $18 less per person) than booking these individually. Check out the Getaway Package Cost and Booking Details. 

• Bike Rentals

We aren’t too much the beach bumming types, so we loved the package we booked. We utilized the bicycle rental package. Having a bike to explore the island with was perfect. As the bike trail is clearly marked and will take you to Observation Tower where you can see some of the islands from above. You can also walk the paved trails throughout the island but we felt the bikes were the perfect way to get around. We definitely recommend exploring the whole island, it’s just beautiful! Check out the Bike Rental Cost and Booking Details. 

We also enjoyed the snorkeling portion of our day. When you add the snorkeling equipment to your day package, you can use them for as long as you like. While this is not the most amazing location for snorkeling as there aren’t any interesting reefs or anything like that, we did enjoy getting to see stingrays and sea turtles on our excursion. There is a snorkeling trail that will take you to see sunken treasures(placed there by Disney). But we actually weren’t told about the trail until after we returned our equipment.

You can see things like a sunken ship and loads of Hidden Mickeys underwater! In fact, you can even find a sunken submarine. The watery depths currently include two submarine-ride vehicles from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the now-retired submarine voyage ride at the Magic Kingdom. If you’re snorkeling and need the tips to find these things just make sure you look for the buoys, that’s where you will find the hidden treasures. Also, note that all snorkelers are required to wear yellow life vests as a precaution. We did not do the Stingray Adventure but it is by far one of the more popular excursions you can take advantage of if you want even more activities. Check out the Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rental Cost and Details.  

More Excursions on Castaway Cay

Plus, if you’re looking for extra fun, or perhaps have two days on your cruise that include this port, you can consider even more ambitious excursions. Here’s a quick look at other options you have when Booking Your Disney Cruise Excursions . Be sure to head to the Disney Port Adventures Page for costs and booking details. 

• Float/ Tube Rentals
• Aqua Trike Rental
• Banana Boat Ride
• Bottom Fishing
• Fishing Adventure
• Stingray Adventure
• Chilliboats Waterbikes Rental
• Crazy Horse Jet Boat Tour
• Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage
• Hobie Cat Rental
• Paddle Boat Rental
• Parasailing
• Sea Kayak Rental

Castaway Cay Character Meet and Greets

If you are traveling with children, or are a child at heart, there are plenty of meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters. We loved seeing our favorite characters in island wear. You can also send a postcard from the post office here as a fun souvenir for yourself or someone else! You will need cash for this as they are one of the only places on the island that do not accept your Key to the World card.

Mickey, Minnie and friends sport new Castaway Cay Cay outfits for sailing in 2024. Featuring colorful and bright suits, dresses and pirate gear, you can see this cruise roaming Castaway Cay, ready for photos. 

Castaway Cay Restaurants

So what is there to eat on Castaway Cay?! A lot! Just like the Disney Cruise ship, drink stations are available during your day and there are soft-serve ice cream stations too. Lunch is served at either Cookies or Cookies Too and they both serve BBQ buffet-style lunches from 11:30-2. And yes, all the food at these restaurants is included with your Cruise. We found the food was very good, so no need to head back to the cruise ship for lunch. If you’re spending your day at Serenity Bay, you won’t need to leave the adults-only area as you can get the same kind of food at Serenity Bay BBQ . We went right around 11:30 and found there to be plenty of seating. It started getting busier as it got closer to noon, so I recommend either eating closer to the beginning or end of lunch.

You can also grab specialty drinks at Cookies BBQ, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And if you need a drink, you can head to Castaway Air Bar on Serenity Beach, but drinks from the bar will cost extra. Even though alcoholic drinks are not included in your Disney Cruise, they can still be charged to your Key to World card.

Disney Cruise Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too BBQ Menu  

The current menu for Cookies and Cookies Too on Castaway Cay is below. Interestingly we couldn’t find this on any official Disney Cruise Line site, so this is pieced together from pictures we had of our lunch experience. We expect that as things change plant-based options will become available as well. 

• Lemon and rosemary marinated chicken rotisserie-style
• Braised BBQ and honey pork ribs
• Flame Grilled Cheeseburger / Hamburger
• Cajun-spiced, chargrilled Mahi Mahi with tomato, red onion, and lime salsa
• New York Hot Dogs with sauerkraut
• Corn on the cob
• Traditional coleslaw
• Couscous taboule
• German Potato Salad
• Tomato Salad
• Garlic bread baguette
• Apple and cinnamon-spiced cake
• Mini Banana bread loaf
• Fruit salad
• BBQ Potato chips
• Plain potato chips
• Fresh Fruit

Disney Pro Tip: If you want to make everyone jealous and enjoy a delicious sweet treat, grab two cookies from the buffet and make an ice cream sandwich! So good!

Castaway Cay Gift Shops

She Sells Seashells and Everything Else is the main gift shop located near the front of the island.  Here you can find Castaway Cay merchandise as well as sand toys, sunscreen, and more. Buy the Seashore is a smaller gift shop and has some of the same products. Know that you can’t grab this merchandise on the cruise ship, so if you want it, grab it while you’re on the island. There is also a small Bahamian store called Trinkets and Treasures. I’m not sure how “authentic” the merchandise is here, but they carry non-Disney-related apparel, like sundresses, tops, sandals, and sun hats and I believe they only take cash. If you are not planning to disembark on any other Bahamian island while on your Disney Cruise, then this is the place you will want to go if you’re looking for a “Bahamas” souvenir top.

Castaway Cay 5K Race 

If you’re Disney Cruise Itinerary includes a stop at Castaway Cay, then be sure to check out the Castaway Cay 5K race! This self-paced 5K brings you through the trails on Castaway Cay and is perfect for both kids and adults. You can walk or run it, and simply have to sign in at the bike rental kiosk on the island to get started. Once you complete your 5K, you can collect your Castaway Cay 5K Medal to take home. We love this as a meaningful Free Disney Cruise Souvenir, and since it’s part of an experience, one that you should proudly display! While not an official runDisney marathon race, we still loved this activity as a way to see the island and give us a bit of a challenge. 

Castaway Cay for Adults

If you’re looking for things to do on this island as an adult, then you’re in luck! Take a look at our Castaway Cay for Adults post for everything to do on the island. From biking to cabana rentals, massages, and bars, there is plenty to do if you’re looking for a relaxing kind of day away from the families.

See ya Real Soon!

The worst part of our island day was having to leave. We recommend staying right up until you’re called back to the shop if possible as it is so serene and you’ll get great photos without people.  This is one port that you are not at risk for being left on; the cast members do a full sweep of the island before the ship leaves. 

Whether you choose to explore and be active or just get some R&R on Castaway Cay, it is a true paradise island that you won’t want to miss on your Disney Cruise! It was our favorite part of our Disney Cruise and we can’t wait to go back! Are you ready to sail to Castaway Cay ? 

Melanie Renee

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ Save money on your Disney Hotel with Priceline
• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ French Quarter Lounge on the Disney Wonder
• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ New Disneyland Pixar Fest Snacks 2024
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Sunset Cruise Castaway the Day – Miami

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Sunset Cruise Castaway the day Miami

Our Castaway the day Sunset cruise departs from Downtown Miami daily.

This two hour excursion is the  perfect way to end the day. This Miami sunset cruise calls for sun dresses, sandals and chilled wine. Take advantage of one of Florida’s finest highlights upon our comfortable catamaran as we sail along the Miami Skyline and enjoy a beautiful sunset on Biscayne Bay or Miami’s South Beach.

Sails up, sea breezes and salt air increase everyone’s taste for fun. Calypso music and breaking waves provide a tropical rhythm. Look back at the land as the sun slips away casting fiery hues of orange and red.

This 2 hour excursion usually sails past Downtown Miami, Brickell key and under Rickenbaker Causway into the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay, or when conditions are favorable, into the waters of the Southern Atlantic and along the coast of South Beach.

With the engine off and sails up we raise our complimentary glass of champagne and toast another beautiful Florida Sunset. Cheers and laughter are the order of the evening’s we glide along tropical waters while swaying to gentle reggae and Floribbean beats. All the while keeping watch for dolphins Frolicking in the surf. As the sun slips below the horizon our focus turns to the magnificent lights of the Miami Skyline, voted as one of the most scenic waterfronts in the world. This, truly is Miami’s best way to end the day.

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Island Adventure – Miami

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure at our island destination during our day cruise from Miami. Experience the Miami lifestyle like a local on board our motor catamaran, Tranquility.

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Sunset Cruise Castaway the Day – Fort Lauderdale

A perfect way to end the day, taking in the breathtaking views. This Fort Lauderdale sunset cruise calls for sun dresses, sandals and chilled wine. Take advantage of one of Florida’s finest highlights upon our comfortable catamaran as we sail out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities Updated 2024 – Disney Cruise Line Private Island

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Which Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities are the best?

Now you have booked your Disney cruise you are probably very excited to be sailing to Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.

However, which are the best Disney Castaway Cay excursions? Which activities do you want to do on Disney’s Castaway Cay?

• Disney Castaway Cay Activities

Here is our guide to all the Disney Castaway Cay Activities and Excursions.

This article was updated in December 2023.

Castaway Cay Free Activities

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• Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure

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There are two main types of activities on Castaway Cay. Those you pay extra for and those which are included.

It is very possible to go to Disney’s Castaway Cay and not spend any extra money on activities.

Castaway Cay is a highlight of your Disney Cruise and is a favorite port for many cruisers. You can just relax on the beach and enjoy the ocean. No extra costs are needed.

However, there are some special Disney Castaway Cay excursions and activities that you may want to consider which cost extra.

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The most obvious thing to do on Disney’s Castaway Cay is to enjoy one of the beaches. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for everyone.

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have a great time, the Castaway beaches are beautiful, and a great way to unwind and relax.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Castaway Cay

There are two main beaches on Disney’s Castaway Cay: Castaway Cay Family Beach and Castaway Serenity Bay.

The most popular beach is the Castaway Cay Family Beach .

This is the first beach that you will see when you either take the tram or walk from the ship.

The island is small so you will not have very far to walk. If you prefer, there is a tram. Usually, the wait for the tram is not too long.

Disney’s Castaway Cay Family Beach is for everyone. You aren’t exactly going to be on your own out there, but the island is large enough so that you will not feel as though you are overcrowded.

If you are sailing on the Disney Wonder or the Magic, these ships are much smaller than the Fantasy and Dream. Therefore you are going to have a lot fewer people on the beach to share with.

The Disney Wish has the same amount of guests as the Fantasy and the Dream.

Castaway Cay Serenity Bay is the adult beach. Usually, this is quieter.

Of course, you don’t have children on the beach as this is strictly for the over-18s.

However, we have been on the beach sometimes when it seems to be just as busy as the Family Beach.

It really does depend upon the composition of your particular Disney cruise. Some just don’t have as many kids on board.

The ocean at Castaway Cay is mostly shallow and ideal for simply relaxing and enjoying gentle swimming. I am 5′ 4″ and can usually stand up in the water near the shore on the Family Beach.

One thing that you really might not expect at Castaway Cay is that the level of the ocean floor changes as the day goes on.

The sand on the bottom really does move! So always be aware that the depth can change.

There are plenty of lifeguards and there is a very clearly designated area where you are not supposed to go past. It feels very safe.

It also hurts your feet!

The sand is full of small shells and stones which can be really painful on the feet.

Particularly for the kids.

At the edge of the Family Beach is a part of the beach that is reserved for Concierge Guests only.

This, of course, is the best beach area as there are very few guests on it, particularly if you are sailing on one of the Disney classic ships the Wonder or Magic.

A popular attraction at the Family Beach on Castaway Cay is Pelican Plunge . This is a 2,400 floating platform out a short distance from the shore in a sectioned-off area of the ocean.

There are two water slides to enjoy. Lines do form, so if you want to go to Pelican Plunge it is best to do it as soon as you arrive on Castaway Cay.

You can read all about Castaway Cay Pelican Plunge here

You can enjoy all the beaches on Disney Castaway Cay for free. However, if you want to rent a float or inner tube this is a lot of fun.

Castaway Cay float or inner tube rental costs $13 for the whole day.

If you are sailing on a Castaway Cay Double Dip the price is $16 for 2 days. A double-dip is a Disney Cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay.

There really isn’t a need to rent one for everyone if you want to cut down on costs. We usually get one between the two of us.

What to Pack in Your Castaway Cay Bag!

The inner tube is the most popular. It isn’t exactly dignified getting on and off this! However, once you master the art of just throwing yourself onto it you will be fine!

The blue float is ok but we all prefer the inner tube. If you change your mind about which one you want, you can always swap it for the other kind.

Related Post: What is the Real History of Castaway Cay?

If you are feeling energetic the Disney Castaway Cay 5K is one of the most popular activities. The Castaway Cay 5K is free to enter and you even get a medal when you finish!

The emphasis is on fun rather than the race for the finish. Anyone can participate provided they are at least 10 years old. It is a lot of fun to take part in this informal Disney Castaway Cay 5K.

You no longer need to register to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K.

You can start the route at any time that you want. However, you are probably best to do this in the early morning before the heat of the day builds.

So, if you’re a runner, or even if you’re not, the Castaway Cay 5k is a great way to go sightseeing and get your legs moving. You’ll come away from this free run with more than a medal!

The Disney Castaway Cay 5K race really is meant to be fun. There are water stations along the route. Make sure that you take advantage of them and stay hydrated. Castaway Cay can get pretty hot, even at that time of the morning.

The 5K really is one of the most popular of the Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities.

How much does the Castaway Cay 5K cost? It’s completely free! What’s not to like?

If you’re looking for an early morning activity, and a great way to go sightseeing, renting a bike from the Castaway Cay Bike rental place is a great idea.

You can rent a bicycle on Castaway Cay for $13 an hour. A 2-day rental is $16.

They really are pretty flexible with this hour limit though – no one is actually watching the clock to make you return the bike on time.

There are a number of different-size bikes to choose from.

You can also rent a bike with a baby seat.

All riders under the age of 18 have to wear a helmet. It is optional but recommended for adults.

There are 1.5 miles of bike trails on Castaway Cay.

All of the trails are paved and it is very easy getting around the island. It is a lot of fun to explore places that you wouldn’t usually see.

There are a couple of lookout towers along the way. It is the same track that the 5K uses.

The sun can be pretty strong in Castaway Cay so always wear sunscreen. Also, it may be better to have your bike ride early in the morning. It can get pretty hot!

You will find a good choice of boat rentals on the beach close to the ship. Prices vary for these. Here are the prices for 30 minutes of rental time:

Sea Kayak 1 seater $18 2 seater $23

Hobie Cat $32

Aqua Trike $26

Paddle Boat 2 seater $16 4 seater $21

Fun Kat $31

Stand-up Paddle Board $19

Chiliboats Waterbikes $29 for ages 14 and up

For the Hobie Kat, you do need to have previous sailing experience.

Just be careful and be aware that the sun can get pretty hot out there! Be sure to always use sunscreen and wear a hat.

You get some amazing views of the ship out on the water so be ready with your phone or camera to take some pictures.

The best time of day to rent a boat at the Castaway Cay is early in the morning, or in the evening, when the beaches are less busy, and the sun isn’t as strong.

Snorkeling is very popular on Castaway Cay. You can bring your own equipment.

However, snorkel equipment is available to rent on Castaway Cay for $34 for adults and $18 for ages 5 to 9.

A Castaway Cay Double Dip 2-day rental is $45 for adults and $23 for children.

This is the price for an all-day snorkel rental. It includes a snorkel, mask, fins, and snorkel vest.

Consider going on your snorkeling adventure in the morning, to avoid the harsh sun, and experience the stillest water.

You can find out more details at Castaway Cay Snorkeling .

If you are looking for a thrilling banana boat ride this is available for $45. You do have to be at least 8 years old to participate.

It promises to be a high-speed ride along the Bahamas, allowing you both the thrill and serenity of the Caribbean.

This glass-bottom boat voyage is available for all ages.

The cost is $59 for adults and $39 for ages 3 to 9 and $39 for 0 to 2.

The voyage takes about an hour.

In this hour, you will see the beautiful wildlife surrounding the boat, in its natural habitat. Plus, the kids will love it too!

The Castaway Getaway Package lets you bundle some rentals, this will let you save money, and avoids the hassle of bringing in your own equipment.

This includes snorkel equipment, a float or tube rental, and a bike rental. The cost is $46 for ages 10 and up. There is a discount for children aged 5 to 9 as the price is only $26.

There is a Castaway Cay Double Dip 2-day price of $60 for adults and $33 for children.

If you know you are going to need all 3 of these rentals it will save you money. However, you must book this onboard the Disney ships as it is not available on Castaway Cay once you are there.

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure

Photo by Scott Ableman

This activity is great for nature lovers who love being in the water, and aren’t afraid of a little adventure.

This is a very popular excursion. It does get booked up so be sure to book online as soon as you can. There is a special Stingray area for this excursion.

Guests learn about these fascinating creatures and then get the chance to spend some time in the water snorkeling with them.

The Castaway Ray Stingray Adventure lasts about an hour and costs $56 for adults and $45 for children aged 5 to 9.

You do have to be accompanied by an adult if you are under 17.

You can see more detail about this Disney Castaway Cay excursion at

You can also have a Getaway Package and Snorkel with the Stingrays activity for $66 for adults and $51 for children aged 5 to 9.

There is a special excursion for teens available on Castaway Cay. Teens must be at least 14 to participate. This experience includes snorkeling, biking, and a high-speed boat ride.

The excursion starts with snorkeling in the Snorkel Lagoon. Then you will ride around the island on a bike.

For most teens, the highlight of this Disney Castaway Cay excursion is the high-speed boat ride.

The cost of this Castaway Cay activity is $54.

This activity is suspended right now.

This kayak and walking tour is only available to those aged 10 and up. The cost is $73 and the excursion lasts about 3 hours.

The first part of the Castaway Cay excursion is the guided walk which takes around 45 minutes.

Then you will board a double kayak to explore the tidal zones and mangroves around Disney’s private island. You finish your Disney Castaway Cay excursion with some time on a private beach.

This 3-hour Castaway Cay activity costs $73 for ages 10 and up.

This is a great activity for those with moderate levels of fitness and allows you to see a large amount of the island.

If you want an adventurous Disney Castaway Cay excursion this could be the one for you. Guests start on a Zodiac Rigid Hull inflatable and take a fast ride out to a deserted sandbar.

You get away from the crowds and can sunbathe or swim as you want. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a sampling of Bahamian rum.

This Castaway Cay port excursion is for ages 8 to 70. The cost is $77 per person.

This Castaway Cay package lets you bundle up various options so that you can save some money. It combines snorkel equipment rental, bike rental a float or inner tube, and the Castaway Ray Stingray Adventure.

The cost for this Castaway Cay adventure is $88 for ages 10 and up and $67 for children aged 5 to 9.

This is a great option for families who plan on getting around the island and want some adventure to boot!

This excursion is for adults only. The age range specified is 18 to 70 and the cost is $89.

If you enjoy snorkeling and want something more challenging then this could be the Castaway Cay excursion for you. You travel to a snorkel site on a Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable. The snorkel site is between 6 to 15 feet deep.

You will also get a sample of Bahamian rum after the snorkeling is finished – not good to combine the two activities!

You will most likely see more fish than you will closer to the shore.

This is the only way to rent a jet ski on Castaway Cay. It is a timed, guided excursion. The cost for 1 hour is $183 and you need to be at least 18 years old to drive a Wave Runner. Passengers must be 8 and up.

The guide will take you out to open waters before returning to Boat Beach after about 1 hour. Guests must weigh less than 375 pounds.

This Castaway Cay excursion will give you a very different view of Disney’s private island!

Parasailing is available for anyone aged 8 and up weighing between 90 and 375 pounds. Single rides are not guaranteed and you may be required to ride tandem, depending upon the weather conditions.

Your actual air time will last about 5 to 7 minutes. You will reach heights of between 600 to 800 feet.

This is certainly a very thrilling experience. The cost is one of the more expensive excursions on Castaway Cay. It is $129 for all ages 8 and up.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline kick, and a view like no other, this is a great way to try parasailing and make unforgettable memories.

This excursion also uses a Zodiac to take guests out into a snorkeling site. All equipment is included and you will spend about 90 minutes of actual snorkeling time. There is a snack and beverage provided on your way back to Castaway Cay.

The cost of this Castaway Cay Snorkelling Adventure is $122 for adults and $109 for ages 6 to 9.

There is an adult-only departure for $89.

If fishing is your thing you may want to think about this Castaway Cay excursion. Take a 2 person boat out with a guide.

All equipment is included. This is a catch-and-release fishing excursion. The cost is $259 for ages 8 and up.

This is a perfect activity for those who love to fish and a great way to share the love of fishing with the whole family!

With this excursion, you fish in the backwaters of Castaway Cay. The cost is $84 for this 3-hour excursion. You need to be at least 8 to participate.

If you enjoy fishing but are looking for something a little different, consider the Abaco Back Country Fishing Adventure which will add a sense of adventure to your fishing trip!

This is for anyone aged 8 and up who wants to ride a Wave Runner. This is for two people and you must share your Wave, Runner.

You do have to be 18 to drive, but anyone aged 8 and up can be a passenger. The cost is $183.

So if you’re looking for a thrill, and love being out in the water, this is the perfect activity for you and your loved ones. Just make sure you have an even number in your group.

If you prefer fly fishing you can take this Castaway Cay excursion. At $243 for anyone aged 8 to 70, this is the most expensive of all of the Castaway Cay port adventures.

You will be taken to a local flats fishing area. You may even catch a barracuda. As with all of the Disney Castaway Cay fishing experiences, all equipment is provided and it is catch and release.

Although on the expensive side, this is a great activity for fishing fanatics. The only thing you need is yourself, and some confidence!

You will be able to book most Castaway Cay Adventures and Excursions prior to your cruise. You can do this online. Also when you board the ships you can go to the Port Adventures Desk.

All excursions are subject to availability. Some do get booked up well ahead of time so if you know what you want to do be sure to book as soon as you can.

All Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities activities prices are correct as of July 2019.

Cancellations are fully refunded if they are made up to 3 days prior to your cruise departure date.

Which Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities do you want to experience?

CLICK HERE To Join My Disney Cruise Group With Exclusive Tips and Giveaways!

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Sunday 9th of July 2023

Seems like a lot of the watercraft options, like the jet skis, are still "suspended". Might anyone know when/if they're bringing these back?

Monday 10th of July 2023

Unfortunately I am not sure why these are still not offered or when they are bringing them back

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

Another great post Alison! I appreciate your time with posting all this great information. We can't wait to go!

Disney Cruise For Teenagers - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Sunday 1st of March 2020

[…] are lots of activities on Castaway Cay to choose from.  You can snorkel, paraglide, kayak, meet the stingrays, rent a bike. There are […]

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Castaway Cay looks way better than I could’ve imagined. So many activities, plus it’s Beach Fun with Disney Fun all in one place!

Friday 30th of November 2018

We never got to experience anything on Castaway Cay! We were evacuated due to a storm after 15 minutes of getting off the ship! :(

Really sorry to hear that! I hope that you get the chance to visit again one day.

Castaway Island Fiji

Island resort day trip.

Spend the day at one of Fiji’s most beautiful and popular resorts boasting two pools. Lunch and snorkelling gear are included.

• Description

Cruise out to Castaway Island on our high-speed catamaran, as we drop off/pick up passengers from other resorts enroute, then see the beauty of the resort stretching before you as you’re welcomed ashore. With 5 hours on the island, there is plenty of time to laze in the sun beneath swaying palms at one of their two beaches and enjoy snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters over coral reefs straight off the beach. A limit of 20 passengers per day means an exclusive small group trip complete with a day trip escort/host.

Activities The resort facilities include two fresh-water swimming pools, multiple bars, resort boutique, island massage, and a range of water sports equipment (note that a refundable deposit is required). Kids Club and motorised water sports are also available at an additional cost.

Food and Drinks A delicious two-course à la carte or buffet lunch is included in your day trip and drinks can be purchased at the resort. If you require a vegetarian option, please specify in the ‘special requirements’ box when you go through the booking process Timetable

Passengers travel from/to Port Denarau with the following schedule:

• Return pre-booked coach transfers to/from Port Denarau to/from most Nadi, Denarau, and Wailoaloa hotels/resorts. Check the coach timetable  here  for times
• Return vessel transfers from/to Port Denarau on our high-speed catamaran
• Two-course à la carte or buffet lunch (drinks are additional)
• Full use of Castaway Island Fiji facilities and 5 hours on the island
• Use of snorkelling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and sailing (a refundable deposit is taken)
• Exclusive small group trip with day cruise escort/host
• Two pools, one with a swim-up bar
• Optional kids club (3 – 12 years, additional cost payable at the resort)

What to bring:

• Cash or credit/debit card for optional purchases
• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen and hat

*Children are aged 5 – 15 years inclusive. Infants 4 and under are free of charge however their meals are additional and can be purchased directly from the resort. All pricing is in FJD, includes taxes, and is valid for travel until 31 March 2025. Bookings paid by credit card or international debit card will incur a 2.5-3% non-refundable administration fee.

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One of the best experiences I've had in a long time. The island was beautiful, super friendly staff always ready to help. Snorkeling and kayak equipment were complimentary. The food was great, and the infinity pool was something I'd never experienced. Highly recommended!

Best day trip in Fiji! Lots of activities, easy access to bus transfers and wonderful staff – very open and accommodating. If you're in Fiji it is a must do trip!

It was an amazing cruise with a delicious lunch and wine. We got to snorkel with colourful fish. We then spent the afternoon island hopping seeing other places we could stay. The Fijian show was excellent. We had a wonderful day.

This was so much fun. Staff were awesome. Island is great with plenty to do. Lots of room to sit around relaxing. Trip was well priced.

Sabre was an absolute dream experience. The boat is amazing and a real asset for Fiji, the crew were accommodating and fun. There was plenty of seating on the ship. I would recommend it to all. Thank you South Sea Cruise, yet another great trip with your company.

This was an absolutely fantastic trip and a lifetime highlight for us!!! We were greeted on the island with music and singing! The guides were exceptional and we saw sharks and turtles. Highly recommend!

Join @southseasailingfiji on board Sabre as they sail around the Mamanucas in search of the best swimming spots - no day is ever the same! ⛵ https://southseacruisesfiji.com/day-trips/south-sea-sailing/ 📽️: @skatesail

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Castaway Island Day Cruise

Set out on an exhilarating voyage to Castaway Island with a day cruise that promises a perfect blend of excitement and serenity. As travelers board the high-speed catamaran at Denarau Marina, they are in for an experience like no other.

The day trip, starting at $137.78 , is jam-packed with activities from beachside fun to underwater exploration. But that’s just the beginning; there’s a hidden gem awaiting guests at the heart of this tropical paradise that will leave them wanting more.

• Enjoy a day cruise to Castaway Island with beach activities and water sports.
• Indulge in a beachside lunch with tropical drinks included.
• Experience onboard entertainment during the high-speed catamaran cruise.
• Confirm pick-up details in advance and be prepared for a day of fun in the sun.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Behind The Scenes Guided Tour
• Fiji: Day Trip to Cloud 9 Floating Platform Including Food and Beverages
• CFC APPROVED Roundtrip Transfer – Nadi Airport to Wyndham Resort, Denarau
• CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer – Nadi Airport to Hilton Resort, Denarau

Tour Pricing and Inclusions

Offering a day cruise to Castaway Island starting from $137.78, the tour package includes a variety of exciting activities such as beach fun, swimming , snorkeling, kayaking , and windsurfing . In comparison with competitors , this tour stands out for its value for money , providing an extensive range of water activities that cater to different preferences.

While some competitors may offer similar packages, the comprehensive nature of this tour, combined with the affordable pricing, makes it a top choice for those looking to make the most of their day trip to Castaway Island. By including lunch at a beachside restaurant and tropical drinks, this tour ensures that visitors not only have a fun-filled day but also enjoy excellent amenities, enhancing the overall experience.

Logistics and Preparation Details

For a seamless experience, guests are advised to be ready 15 minutes prior to their designated pick-up time for the Castaway Island day cruise. Specific pick-up times for different hotels and resorts are listed, ensuring efficient transport arrangements.

In case of missing the transfer, individuals must organize their alternative transport . It’s essential to communicate with the hotel concierge to confirm the exact pick-up time and avoid any confusion.

South Sea Cruises should be contacted 24 hours before the cruise for coordination and transport arrangements. These logistics details aim to streamline the transportation process and enhance the overall experience for travelers embarking on this exciting day cruise to Castaway Island.

Experience Highlights and Kids Club

To fully enjoy the Castaway Island day cruise, guests can look forward to engaging in a variety of thrilling activities such as beachside pool relaxation, snorkeling, kayaking , and windsurfing , along with special amenities like the Kids Club for younger travelers. The Kids Club offers a range of entertaining and educational activities tailored for children, ensuring they’ve a fun and memorable experience during the cruise. Family-friendly amenities cater to both parents and kids, creating a delightful atmosphere for all passengers to enjoy together. From exciting water sports to engaging Kids Club activities , the Castaway Island day cruise promises an unforgettable adventure for the entire family.

Kids Club activities for endless fun and entertainment.

Family-friendly amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Memorable moments for parents and children to cherish together.

Additional Information and Accessibility

Guests can expect comprehensive details regarding logistics, confirmation procedures , accessibility, and group size for the Castaway Island day cruise experience. The cruise is not wheelchair accessible but does allow for strollers. Infants must sit on laps during the journey. It is recommended to contact South Sea Cruises 24 hours before the trip to confirm and arrange transport. The maximum group size is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience for all participants.

Cancellation Policy and Customer Reviews

The cancellation policy for the Castaway Island day cruise offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers. Customers appreciate this policy as it allows for last-minute changes without financial loss.

Regarding customer feedback :

Positive Reviews: Highlighting the excellent snorkeling opportunities, delicious lunch options , and top-notch services , visitors have raved about their overall experience.

Constructive Criticism: While some guests enjoyed the ferry trip, others expressed concerns about pricing and noise levels on board, suggesting areas for improvement.

Customer Satisfaction : Despite some drawbacks, smooth pick-up processes , quality catering service , engaging activities , and friendly staff interactions have left customers generally satisfied with their day cruise to Castaway Island.

Customer Experience and Disappointing Aspects

During their day cruise to Castaway Island, travelers have encountered both delightful experiences and disappointing aspects that have shaped their overall customer satisfaction .

While many enjoyed the smooth pick-up process, catering services , and friendly staff , some were disappointed by the lack of beach chairs, construction noise , and the impact of poor weather on service quality.

These aspects have influenced customer satisfaction levels and highlighted areas for improvement to enhance overall experiences.

Improving services such as providing more beach chairs, minimizing construction noise disruptions, and ensuring consistent service quality during adverse weather conditions can contribute to higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Addressing these disappointing aspects can lead to a more positive and memorable day cruise experience for future travelers.

Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance future day cruise experiences to Castaway Island, potential improvements could focus on faster ferry trips, more affordable pricing options, and reducing noise disturbances for a smoother overall journey.

Ferry Efficiency : Implementing faster ferry trips can reduce travel time, allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying the island’s activities.

Affordable Pricing: Introducing more budget-friendly options can make the experience accessible to a wider range of travelers, enhancing inclusivity and satisfaction.

Noise Reduction : Minimizing noise disturbances during the journey can create a more serene and relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the cruise.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Private Roundtrip Transfer – Nadi Airport to Doubletree Resort
• Nadi Airport to Shangri-La Fijian Resort – Private Mini-Van (1-12 Seater)
• Round The Island Day Trip- Viti Levu
• Mamanuca Island Explorer
• Half-Day Excursion to Fijis Cloud 9 With Transfers (Mar )
• South Sea Island Half Day Cruise

Common questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Beach Activities on Castaway Island?

Age restrictions for participating in beach activities vary. Some activities may have minimum age requirements for safety. It’s important to check with the activity provider for specific guidelines. Enjoying the sun and sea safely is key for all participants.

Is There a Minimum Number of Travelers Required for the Day Cruise to Operate?

For the day cruise to operate, there is no minimum number of travelers required. Group bookings are welcome, and the cruise accommodates solo travelers as well. All travel requirements are fulfilled regardless of group size.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is It Provided on the Island?

Snorkelers can bring their own gear for the day cruise adventures. Proper gear maintenance and snorkeling techniques are essential. To protect coral reefs, follow snorkeling etiquette guidelines. Enjoy the underwater world responsibly while exploring the marine life.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Using the Beachside Pool or Other Facilities on Castaway Island?

Facility fees may apply for using the beachside pool or engaging in water sports. These costs are typically additional to the base price and vary depending on the activity chosen. It’s advisable to inquire about these charges beforehand.

Is There a Designated Area for Storing Personal Belongings While Engaging in Water Activities?

When engaging in water activities, there are locker facilities available for safely storing personal belongings. This ensures that guests can fully enjoy beach fun without worrying about the security of their items.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour to Remote Village and School (Departs Nadi)
• Private Lautoka Shore Excursion Including Viseisei Village
• Heli-Ziplining Adventure in Fiji
• Kula Eco Park Admission Including Unlimited Jungle Water Slide Rides
• CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer – Doubletree Resort to Nadi Airport
• CFC APPROVED Roundtrip Transfer -NadI Airport to Fiji Beach Resort By Hilton
• PVT TRF From Nadi Airport Fiji to Hideaway Resort/Tambua Sands Resort
• Fiji Private Helicopter Tour Sleeping Giant and Koroyanitu Heritage Park
• Nadi Int Airport (NAN) to Lautoka – Round-Trip Private Transfer
• Private Transfer From Nadi Airport to Vuda Hotels/Lautoka Hotels
• Private Transfer From Nadi Airport to Suva City/Suva Hotels

To sum it up, the Castaway Island day cruise offers an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation, perfect for travelers seeking a tropical escape.

With seamless logistics, exciting activities , delicious meals , and onboard entertainment , this day trip is sure to create lasting memories.

Whether you’re snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters or sipping on tropical drinks by the beach, Castaway Island is a paradise waiting to be explored.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

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Castaway Island Day Trip

• Information
• Coach Transfers
• Terms & Conditions

Full Day Cruise - Castaway Island Resort

• Return pre-booked coach transfers from most Nadi, Denarau and
• Wailoaloa hotels/resorts
• Return ferry transfers via high-speed catamaran
• A delicious two course a la carte or buffet lunch
• Family pool and adults only pool
• Exclusive small group trip with day cruise escort/host
• 5 hours on Castaway Island
• Use of snorkelling gear is included (a refundable deposit is taken)
• Optional kids club (3 – 12 years, additional cost)

Daily Departures

All cruises depart and return to/from Denarau Marina.

Coach transfers

PLEASE NOTE:  All activity and package bookings are subject to availability. Fiji ground staff will reconfirm your booking within 24hrs. Occasionally, the dates and/or times selected may no longer be available. In such cases, every effort will be made to accommodate you with a date change or alternative option. Otherwise a full refund is provided.

Cancellations

All cancellations must be received in writing & are subject to a handling fee as stipulated in Fiji-bookings.com general terms and conditions .

South Sea Cruises policy:

• Cancellations within 24 hours or No Show = no refund.
• Amendment fees – Outside 24 hours, no Fees apply to amend to another South Sea Cruises Day trip or an alternative date, however if the new trip is subsequently cancelled, 100% cancellation fee applies.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Location: Mamanuca Islands Duration: 1 Day Categories: Tours and Day Trips

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The 7 Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries for 2024

W hether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

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Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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