Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay Private Island

Disney’s Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that every Disney Cruise Line guest should visit.

Nestled in a coastal area resembling Castaway Cay, a small marina cradles several boats, shielded by rocky barriers and lush greenery. The partly cloudy sky allows the sun to dance on the blue-green waters, creating a serene and picturesque setting. — Castaway Cay

This white-sand paradise offers a blend of family fun, relaxation, and Disney magic, making it the perfect day-long getaway for Disney cruise vacationers.

Overview of Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay

A large cruise ship is docked near the tropical haven of Castaway Cay under a clear blue sky. There is a walkway with people strolling and lush greenery on either side. A wooden bin is in the foreground, with palm trees swaying gently in the background. — Disney Fantasy at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay, located near Great Abaco Island and formerly known as Gorda Cay, is accessible exclusively to Disney Cruise Line passengers. The island’s setup is uniquely designed for families, with various beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes.

Although Castaway Cay spans about 1,000 acres, Disney Cruise Line developed only 55 acres, leaving much of the island’s natural beauty untouched.

Beaches and Amenities

A sandy beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas at Castaway Cay is shown. People are relaxing under the umbrellas near the water. The ocean is calm and blue, with a small boat floating near the shore. Palm fronds hang overhead, and the sky is partly cloudy.

Castaway Family Beach is the island’s largest and most popular beach, featuring crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. Divided into family and teen sections, it’s ideal for lounging on beach chairs, relaxing in hammocks, or grabbing a refreshing drink at the nearby Sand Bar.

Serenity Bay, an adults-only beach, offers a quieter atmosphere with shaded areas, adjustable lounge chairs, and private cabanas. Both areas come with umbrellas and towels, which Disney Cruise Line provides.

Teens have their dedicated spot on Teen Beach, located on the west end of Castaway Family Beach. Kids can enjoy water activities and supervised play areas like Scuttle’s Cove and the Splash Pad.

Activities and Entertainment

A tropical beach on Castaway Cay boasts several palm trees, colorful sailboats, and pedal boats on the sand. A large cruise ship is docked in the turquoise water in the background, while the sky remains mostly clear with a few clouds.

Castaway Cay caters to guests of all ages, providing everything from snorkeling excursions in a specially designed lagoon to beach volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

For younger cruisers, Pelican Plunge offers water slides, water cannons, and spray jets for a splash-tastic experience. Those looking for a workout can participate in the island’s 5K run, earning a finisher’s medal as a memento.

The In Da Shade Game Pavilion is a fun spot with tetherball, ping pong, soccer, and basketball, while Spring-a-Leak provides an interactive water playground where kids can use water cannons.

Guests can also rent bikes to explore the island’s scenic trails or join a guided bike tour to learn more about the island’s history and environment.

Unique Experiences on Castaway Cay

Under the bright blue sky of Castaway Cay, a small wooden building with a corrugated metal roof and teal walls stands. Two tall wooden poles with white flags flank it, surrounded by palm trees and bushes. A sign reads "Air" with an arrow, blending rustic charm with island vibes. — Post Office

For a unique keepsake, visit the post office to mail postcards that carry the special Castaway Cay postmark. Stamps can be purchased on the ship or the island, though it may take a few months for the postcards to reach their destination.

Disney Cruise Line’s attention to detail shines at Castaway Cay, where signage across the island and small touches like souvenirs from the exclusive merchandise shops remind guests of their tropical escape. You’ll also find plenty of options for capturing memories, so pack a camera.

Dining on Castaway Cay

People sit at picnic tables under colorful umbrellas, including red, orange, and turquoise, set on a sandy area with tropical plants and trees around. The atmosphere is relaxed and sunny, evoking the charm of Castaway Cay’s outdoor cafes or beachside dining spots.

Dining is a breeze on Castaway Cay, with three barbecue spots: Cookies BBQ, Cookies Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ. Each location serves delicious barbecue favorites, including burgers, chicken, ribs, salads, and fresh fruit. The secluded adults-only BBQ offers a special steak option for those at Serenity Bay.

Guests can enjoy unlimited soda and ice cream, making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

If you’re visiting with little ones, consider grabbing an Olaf sipper as a souvenir from Olaf’s Summertime Freeze.

Shopping and Souvenirs

A scenic view of Castaway Cay reveals tropical palm trees and lush greenery dotted with pink flowers. A small wooden structure peeks out in the background under a clear blue sky, while a paved path gracefully winds through the foreground.

Castaway Cay has various shops offering unique island-themed merchandise, from t-shirts and souvenirs to Bahamian sand toys and sun protection essentials. Hair braiding is also available for guests wanting a Bahamian-inspired look to take home.

Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay

A costumed character resembling a duck sits in a red open-top vehicle on the sandy shores of Castaway Cay. Palm trees, colorful buoys, and turquoise waters shimmer under a blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

Sun Protection: Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly, as the island’s tropical climate makes sun protection essential. Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protection shirts are also recommended.
Bring Cash: The island’s post office accepts only cash for postcard purchases.
Strollers: Families with young children can rent strollers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tram Transportation: A tram stop near the dock and across the island offers easy transportation to various beaches and activities.

Comparing Castaway Cay to Other Private Islands

A sandy beach on Castaway Cay features lounge chairs and blue umbrellas under palm trees. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and a handful of people stroll along the shoreline by the calm water. A wooden building with a slanted roof peeks into view on the left.

Disney’s attention to detail and commitment to theming make Castaway Cay stand out among private islands. The tropical village aesthetic, character meet spots, and clean facilities elevate Castaway Cay as a premier destination.

Although smaller than Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney’s exclusive access to Castaway Cay offers guests a less crowded, more intimate experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are available at Castaway Cay?

Activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach games like volleyball. For an added thrill, try parasailing or join a glass-bottom boat tour to see underwater treasures.

Can I rent a private cabana at Castaway Cay?

Yes. Private cabanas are available for rent at Castaway Family Beach and Serenity Bay. They provide a mini fridge, towels, lounge chairs, and plenty of shade, making them a great choice for guests seeking extra relaxation and privacy.

Can I visit Castaway Cay without a Disney Cruise?

No, Castaway Cay is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests, which adds to the island’s secluded and private ambiance.

Doug Parker

Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.

Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay Private Island