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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Castaway Cay, Bahamas Cruise Port Guide

Your guide to Castaway Cay — Disney's exclusive private island in the Bahamas. Family beaches, adult beach, activities, dining, and what to expect.

Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas — one of the most beloved private island destinations in all of cruising. Located near Great Abaco Island, it is exclusively available to Disney Cruise Line guests — no other ships call here. Disney's signature attention to detail is evident throughout: the island is impeccably maintained, fully staffed by Disney cast members, and designed to give every age group their own dedicated space.

There are separate beach areas for families, adults (Serenity Bay, 18+), and teenagers. An inland area has bike rentals, watersports, a stingray interaction program, and Disney character meet-and-greets for the little ones.

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Know Before You Go

Disney has been continuously upgrading Castaway Cay — new cabana options and expanded food offerings have been added. If you want a premium beach cabana, book the moment your reservation window opens as they sell out almost immediately. The island can get very crowded when Disney parks multiple ships — check your sailing for island capacity.
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Hot Tip

Walk or bike to Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach) even if you're traveling with kids — drop the kids at the family beach first, then escape to Serenity Bay for a quieter stretch of the same beautiful water.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas – Quick Facts

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Currency‘Key to the World’ Cards provided by the Cruise Line will keep track of all purchases.
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LanguageEnglish
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WiFi & PhoneNo Wifi is currently available on the island.
BAHAMAS WEATHER

Where You Dock in Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

Cruise ships dock directly at the pier which leads straight onto the island — no tender required. Simply walk off the ship and you're on Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay Map

Map of Castaway Cay — disneycruiselineblog.com

Getting Around Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Transportation options once you're ashore.

🚶 Walking

All distances on the island can be easily walked. The layout is straightforward and well-signposted — most guests navigate entirely on foot.

🚋 Free Tram

A complimentary tram runs around the island to help you get between areas quickly. Great for getting to Serenity Bay at the far end without the walk.

🚲 Bike Rental

Bikes are available to rent on the island — a fun way to explore at your own pace and reach quieter parts of Castaway Cay.

Disney's Castaway Cay

Things To Do in Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Make the most of your time ashore.

🎯 Three separate beaches, a waterslide, snorkeling, character meet-and-greets, and watersports — Castaway Cay packs a full day of activity into one island:

Pelican Plunge — A floating platform and ocean playground in the shallow water for kids, including a very popular 25-metre waterslide into the ocean. All areas carefully monitored for safety.

Snorkel Lagoon — A roped-off snorkel area adjacent to the family beach. Equipment available to rent — a great introduction to snorkeling for first-timers in calm, clear water.

Disney Character Meet-and-Greets — Disney characters appear on the island in island-themed costumes. A unique experience you won't find at most private island stops.

Serenity Bay Spa — Open-air massages on the adults-only beach. Book through the ship in advance as appointments fill quickly.

Paid Activities (Book in Advance)

  • Stingray Encounters — An up-close interaction program in calm, shallow water
  • Parasailing — Views of the island from above
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tours — See the reef without getting wet
  • Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding — Full watersports rentals available
  • Bike Rentals — Explore the island at your own pace
  • Beach Cabanas — Private rentals on the Family Beach or Serenity Bay with a stocked fridge, loungers, and shower. Book the moment your reservation window opens — they sell out fast.

Beaches & Outdoors in Castaway Cay, Bahamas

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

🏖️ Castaway Cay has three dedicated beach areas — something for everyone:

Family Beach

The main beach — wide, well-shaded with umbrellas, and calm water. Complimentary chairs available. The snorkel lagoon is a roped-off area adjacent to the family beach, included with your visit.

Serenity Bay

The adults-only beach (18+) at the far end of the island. Quieter and more relaxed with a full-service bar and open-air spa massages available. Worth the short tram or bike ride from the main area.

Teen Beach

A dedicated area for teenagers — giving older kids their own space away from the family beach while staying in a monitored, safe environment.

Shopping in Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Where to shop and what to look for.

💳 Payment: All purchases are charged to your onboard account using your Key to the World card — cash and credit cards are not accepted on the island. Items can be delivered back to the ship so you don't have to carry them around all day.

She Sells Sea Shells and Everything Else

The first shop you'll encounter coming off the ship — often with the largest selection of Castaway Cay t-shirts, hats, towels, and beach essentials. Exclusive Disney island-themed merchandise.

Buy the Seashore

Located further into the island near Pelican Point and Olaf's. Offers more unique Castaway Cay items including runDisney merchandise if you've participated in the 5K.

Bahamian Retail (Cultural Illusions)

Find authentic Bahamian arts, crafts, and souvenirs here — located near the family beach area. A good spot for something local rather than Disney-branded.

What to Buy

  • Exclusive gear — T-shirts, hats, and beach towels featuring Disney characters in island themes
  • Beach essentials — Sunscreen, swimwear, waterproof phone bags, beverage holders
  • Collectibles — Pins, magnets, and unique figurines only available on the island

Dining in Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Where to eat and drink ashore.

🍽️ Complimentary BBQs are available at several locations across the island — included in your cruise fare. The food is casual island fare: burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and sides.

Serenity Bay has its own dedicated BBQ area for adult guests, along with a full-service bar.

Good to know: All dining on Castaway Cay is included — there are no additional food charges. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and charged to your Key to the World card.

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

  • Stingray Adventure — Guided wading experience with stingrays in a shallow lagoon. ~$35–$50 per person. Book through DCL in advance.
  • Snorkeling Equipment Rental — Self-guided snorkel in the lagoon. ~$10–$15/person, included with some packages.
  • Bike Rental — Single or multi-person bike rental for island exploration. ~$10–$15/hour per bike.
  • Parasailing — Parasail over the island for aerial views. ~$90–$110 per person (tandem options available).
  • Float & Tube Rentals — Single floats and tow-tubes for the lagoon. ~$10–$15 each.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

Is Castaway Cay only for Disney Cruise Line guests?

Yes — Castaway Cay is a private island exclusively operated by Disney Cruise Line. No other cruise line visits this island.

Is food included at Castaway Cay?

Yes — lunch at the two main pavilions (Cookie's BBQ and Cookie's Too) is included with your Disney cruise fare. Alcoholic beverages are not included (unless you have a drink package) and premium snacks/treats at some kiosks are separately priced.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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