Castaway Cay Guide

Disney's Private Island Paradise in the Bahamas

The Disney Wish moored at Castaway Cay, seen from the island through the sea grape and palms

Castaway Cay is Disney's private island paradise in the Bahamas, exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. This 1,000-acre island offers pristine beaches, water activities, and Disney magic in a tropical setting.

Included in most Bahamas & Caribbean cruises
Two family beaches and one adult-only beach
Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks
Ships dock directly at the island (no tenders!)

πŸ–οΈ Beaches

Family Beach

The main beach area with calm, crystal-clear water perfect for families. Features water play areas, floating platforms, and easy access to food and facilities.

Pelican Plunge water play areaSnorkeling lagoonBeach equipment rentalsNearby dining
πŸ’‘ Arrive early to claim the shaded spots near the Pelican Plunge area!

Serenity Bay

Adults-only beach (18+) on the other side of the island. A peaceful retreat with its own bar, massage cabanas, and stunning views.

Adults only (18+)Massage cabanas availableCastaway Air BarQuieter atmosphere
πŸ’‘ The tram ride to Serenity Bay is scenic and relaxing - don't rush!

Scuttle's Cove

Supervised kids beach and activity area for children aged 3-12. Part of the Oceaneer Club experience on shore.

Supervised kids activitiesAges 3-12Shallow waterCounselor-led games
πŸ’‘ Great option if parents want some adult time at Serenity Bay!

πŸ—ΊοΈ How the island is laid out

  1. Off the gangway

    Ships tie up at the pier, so you walk ashore rather than tender. The tram picks up just past the arrival area and runs the length of the island β€” you can walk the whole way instead, but it is a long, shadeless stretch to the far end.

  2. Family Beach

    The first stretch of sand you reach, and where most of the day happens: the snorkelling lagoon, the offshore Pelican Plunge platform, beach rentals and the nearer of the two BBQs.

  3. Scuttle's Cove

    The supervised kids area, ages 3–12, sits alongside Family Beach β€” close enough to hand children over and stay on the same side of the island.

  4. Serenity Bay

    The adults-only beach (18+) is at the far end and is the one stop genuinely worth the tram. Its own bar, its own BBQ and the massage cabanas are all out here, well away from the family side.

Disney’s own map of the island is in the Navigator app and handed to you at the gangway on the day β€” always the current one.

🏝️ Private Cabanas

Private beach cabanas offer the ultimate Castaway Cay experience with dedicated service, comfortable seating, and exclusive amenities.

Family Beach Cabanas

$549-$649πŸ‘₯ Up to 10 guests
  • βœ“ Private cabana with lounge furniture
  • βœ“ Complimentary snacks & beverages
  • βœ“ Floats and snorkel equipment
  • βœ“ Dedicated service

Serenity Bay Cabanas

$399-$549πŸ‘₯ Up to 4 guests
  • βœ“ Adults-only setting
  • βœ“ Champagne welcome
  • βœ“ Premium snacks
  • βœ“ Massage booking priority
Insider Tip

Cabanas book up FAST at the 120/105/90/75 day window - set an alarm for midnight Eastern!

If you miss the cabana booking, keep checking - people do cancel!

🍽️ Dining on the Island

Cookies BBQ

FREE

Main buffet-style dining with BBQ favorites. Complimentary for all guests.

BBQ ribsGrilled chickenBurgersHot dogsCorn on the cobColeslaw

Cookies Too

FREE

Additional BBQ option near the family beach. Same delicious offerings in a convenient location.

BBQ favoritesFresh fruitIce cream

Serenity Bay BBQ

FREE

Adults-only dining at Serenity Bay with the same great food in a quieter setting.

BBQ selectionsPremium saladsFull bar nearby

Castaway Air Bar

Bar near Serenity Bay offering cocktails, beer, and wine. Additional cost.

Frozen drinksCocktailsBeer & wine

🎯 Activities & Excursions

Snorkeling

Explore the underwater snorkeling trail with sunken treasures including a hidden Mickey statue!

Equipment rental available Family Beach lagoon

Parasailing

Soar above the island for breathtaking views of Castaway Cay and your Disney ship.

$$$ Boat launch area

Bike Rentals

Explore the island's nature trails on two wheels. Family bikes and kid trailers available.

$ Near the ship dock

Float & Tube Rentals

Rent inflatable floats to relax on the calm Caribbean waters.

$ Both beaches

Stingray Adventure

Wade into shallow water and interact with friendly Southern stingrays.

$$ Stingray encounter area

Glass Bottom Boat

See marine life without getting wet on this guided boat tour.

$$ Boat launch area

🎟️ Featured Excursions

Stingray Adventure

$52adult / $42 child

Get up close with friendly stingrays in a shallow water environment

1 hr Ages 5+Easy activity
What to bring:
SwimsuitSunscreenTowel

Parasailing

$129per person

Soar high above Castaway Cay for breathtaking views

1 hr Ages 8+Moderate activity

Weight requirement: 90-375 lbs

What to bring:
Comfortable clothesSunglasses with strap

Bicycle Rental

$13adult / $11 child

Explore the island at your own pace on a single-speed cruiser bike

Easy activity
What to bring:
Comfortable shoesWater bottleSunscreen

Family Beach Cabana

$549per person

Your own private slice of paradise on the family beach

Easy activity
What to bring:
SwimsuitSunscreen

Prices as listed by DCL; verify current pricing when booking.

πŸ’‘ Insider Tips

Insider Tip

Get off the ship early! The best beach spots and cabanas are claimed within the first hour.

Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it - the rental lines can get long.

Insider Tip

The underwater snorkeling trail has a hidden Mickey - look for it near the mermaid statue!

Ice cream at Cookies BBQ is complimentary - don't miss the soft serve!

The Post Office actually works! Send yourself a postcard with the Castaway Cay postmark.

Insider Tip

Stay until the last tender - the island is magical as the crowds thin out in the afternoon.

Serenity Bay is worth the tram ride - the peaceful atmosphere is incredible for couples.

Kids can start earning their Castaway Club Junior badges at the island activities!

Ready to Visit Castaway Cay?

Most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises include a stop at this magical island. Disney’s newer island day is on Eleuthera β€” the Lookout Cay guide.

Find Cruises to Castaway Cay