Disney Cruise Line has created the ultimate private island experience at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.
Situated along popular pirate sailings routes, some believe it was an actual hideout for buccaneers in the 18th century.
Today, Disney has transformed the 1000 acre Gorda Cay, as it was formerly known, into a popular port of call on many of its Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Before starting an adventure to Castaway Cay, here is what you need to know.
What's the weather like?
Located in the northern Bahamas near the Abacos islands, Castaway Cay tends to have milder temperatures (high 70s) in winter with drier conditions.
Summer brings more rain, with temperatures reaching into the high 80s. Expect greater humidity levels and lots of sunny weather during these months.
Late summer and early fall are more likely to have a rain shower and a tropical storm on occasion. Ocean temperatures follow a similar pattern throughout the year.
Going onshore
Disney cruise ships can dock in Castaway Cay, which is a much easier option than tenders. For convenience, there are trams to bring passengers to different parts of the island.
Guests need to be certain to bring their Key to the World cards for any purchases such as drinks or souvenirs. Towel service is complimentary.
Since it is docked, some guests choose to go back to the ship for lunch; however, there are plenty of dining options onshore that are just as delicious!
Things to do
Ocean
Castaway Family Beach is the central hub of activity with a stunning Bahamian beach and lots of loungers and umbrellas. Swim in the water, snorkel in the lagoon or enjoy activities, music, and dancing.
Pelican Plunge is a 2400 square foot kids' play area located in the water. Children must be able to swim to enjoy the water slides and play area. Spring a Leak, a splash pad for younger kids is another option.
Serenity Bay is an adults-only area with a separate beachfront and its own restaurant, bar, and cabanas. Guests can even enjoy a relaxing massage while there.
On land
There are no pools at Castaway Cay, but there are many other things to do. The sports beach is the spot for volleyball and soccer among other games. This is also where guests can get water equipment rentals.
- Bike rentals start at $13 for adults and children.
- Float and tube rentals start at $13 for adults and children.
- Snorkel Lagoon equipment rentals start at $34 for adults and $18 for children.
- Stand up paddle board rentals start at $19 and are only available for guests 14 years of age and older.
The Teen Hideout is a sanctuary for 14-17 year olds to have their own private space away from parents.
Kids Da Shade Game Pavilion has lots of fun games like table tennis, pool, basketball, and foosball in a supervised environment. There are character meet and greets in various locations.
Read more: Top 20 Fun Things to do at Castaway Cay
Other activities and shore excursions:
Water activities:
- Aqua Trike
- Fishing
- Stingray Adventure
- Waterbikes
- Jet Boat Tour
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Paddle Boat
- Parasailing
- Kayaks
- Standup Paddle Board
- Float / Tubes
On land:
- Bike rentals
- Walking trails
- Water activities
Cabanas
Hanging out in beach themed cabanas with ocean views is the perfect way to spend a day. There are three main cabana types at Castaway Cay:
Family Beach Cabanas - starts at $549 and includes:
- Snorkel equipment and sand toys
- Floats, tubes and bikes
- Safe for valuables
- Refrigerator and shower
- Lounge chairs, hammock and patio
- Bottled water and soda
- Light snacks – fruit and chips
- Cabana host
- 6 guests
Grand Family Beach Cabana – starts at $899 and includes:
- Snorkel equipment and sand toys
- Floats, tubes and bikes
- Safe for valuables
- Refrigerator and shower
- Lounge chairs, hammock and patio
- Bottled water and soda
- Light snacks – fruit and chips
- Cabana host
- 10 guests
Serenity Bay Cabanas – starts at $399
- Located in adults only area, so all guests must be 18+
- Safe for valuables
- Refrigerator and shower
- Lounge chairs, hammock and patio
- Bottled water and soda
- Light snacks – fruit and chips
- Cabana host
- 4 guests
Food and Beverages
Complimentary food, water and soft drink are provided at no extra cost at Castaway Cay. There are several venues on the island.
Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too Buffet offer food from 11:30 -2pm. Lunch options include hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches and BBQ pork ribs. Serenity Bay (adults only) has a little more on the menu, most notably a delicious ribeye. Plant-based options are provided upon request.
Guests get to enjoy soft-serve ice cream, cookies and fresh fruit for dessert.
For those thirsty beachgoers, there are bars spread out over the island, including Castaway Air Bar, Sand Bar, Heads Up Bar, and Conched Out Bar. Just like onboard, alcoholic drinks are an additional cost.
Interesting Facts about Castaway Cay
Although a relatively undeveloped island, there are some interesting facts for visitors:
- There is an operational post office onshore. Guests can mail friends and family a fun souvenir card postmarked Castaway Cay, just make sure to bring some US dollars for stamps.
- Cast members say that portions of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed there, although no actual pirates have been found.
- The island hosts a 5 km run called the Castaway Cay Challenge.
- It has a 2,400 foot long airstrip. Originally built in the 1960s as part of a development project, it was later abandoned.
- There are some noteworthy environmental programs. Disney is working on coral rejuvenation by transplanting long-spined sea urchins for growth. They also monitor endangered loggerhead sea turtles and have installed solar panels to supply the island's energy needs.
Read more: What is the Disney Castaway Cay 5K?
How to visit Castaway Cay?
There are plenty of 3- and 4-night Bahamian cruises and 7-night Caribbean cruises departing from Port Canaveral with a stop in Castaway Cay.
With the addition of the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line moved the Disney Dream to Miami, Florida, offering cruisers with another embarkation port with itineraries sailing to the Caribbean and often including a stop at Castaway Cay.
Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy sail to Castaway Cay.
Castaway Cay Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Disney Navigator App work onshore?
Yes! Guests are able to use their apps while on Castaway Cay.
Does Castaway Cay offer complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas?
Yes, these are not an additional fee.
Does Disney Cruise Line have any other private destinations?
As of March 2023, this is Disney Cruise Line's only private destination. By the end of 2024, however, Lighthouse Point will become Disney's second private escape for their cruise passengers. Unlike Castaway Cay, it will not be its own island. Rather, it will be located on the western side of the island of Eleuthera about three miles from Princess Cays.
The want Lighthouse Point to be a "...tropical retreat immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility of The Bahamas--and inspired by this island nation's rich culture, traditions and stories."
While building up the area, they have been working in close collaboration with local artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors to help bring this one-of-a-kind destination to life in a way that pays homage to The Bahamas.
Per the released itineraries through Summer 2024, cruisers will not be able to visit Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point on the same 3- or 4-night cruise. To visit both, you will have to take a 7-night cruise.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
