Castaway Cay is one in every of Disney Cruise Line’s non-public island locations within the Bahamas. It’s a well-liked port of name with many cruisers citing it because the spotlight of their cruise.
Themed round a shipwreck, it presents the prospect to get pleasure from life on an idyllic island paradise with white sandy seashores, heat azure seas, loads of moist and wild adventures, actions and household enjoyable.
Try the main points beneath and plan your excellent day as a castaway on this unique cruise island!
The place is Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is 73 miles north of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This beautiful 1000-acre island is within the South Abaco district, close to Nice Abaco Island. The island lies 167 miles east of Miami and 120 miles north of Disney’s second island vacation spot at Lighthouse Level, Eleuthera.
Can Anybody Go to Castaway Cay?
Like most non-public cruise islands, Castaway Cay was developed as a vacation spot solely for Disney cruise friends to get pleasure from. To go to, you’ll want to e book a Disney cruise that has this vacation spot as a port of name. The island has a staff of everlasting residents employed by Disney Cruise Line to maintain the island in good condition.
How Do I Get Ashore?
Once you arrive at Disney’s Personal Island, no tenders are required. As soon as the cruise ship has docked alongside on the pier, cruisers can step ashore and begin to benefit from the tropical surroundings, white sandy seashores and thrilling actions that await.
By the best way, Disney ensures that just one cruise ship at a time can go to Castaway Cay, so that you by no means must share the seashores and actions with anybody apart from your shipmates!
Is it Simple to Get Round Castaway Cay?
Disney offers seaside strollers and wheelchairs for passengers to make use of whereas on the island.
Courtesy Trams
For these with restricted mobility or younger households in tow, the primary cease after stepping ashore ought to be the tram station. It transports passengers to totally different spots across the island freed from cost.
The principle service runs from the top of the pier to Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Level. Hop on and off as a neat option to discover the island or experience to your pre-planned spot and relax for the day. Observe that the Household Seaside is a 15-minute stroll from the pier! A second tram service runs from Pelican Level to Serenity Bay.
Strolling
Nature lovers will get pleasure from an amble round this island, and there’s loads to see. Stroll alongside the shore, go to Marge’s Barges Dock, the place boat excursions depart, and go to the Gazebo for stay music.
Cruisers can even discover the wilder aspect of the cay on nature trails. The two.5km paved strolling/ bike path has a loop resulting in the commentary tower. There are just a few water stations alongside the route.
Bike Leases
In case you fancy somewhat train earlier than dinner, you possibly can hire bikes and discover the entire island. You’ll be able to experience alongside the previous airstrip or head off exploring the island’s vegetation and birds in peaceable, undeveloped areas.
Which Castaway Cay Seaside is Greatest?
A number of stunning white sand seaside areas permit friends to search out their very own house on Disney’s non-public island resort.
Boat Seaside
The primary seaside you’ll come to when leaving the ship is Boat Seaside. It’s not a seaside for sunbathing. Adjoining the primary seaside, that is the place to search out watersports leases, together with water bikes, tubes, floats, and kayaks at Gil’s Fins and Boats. You may also hire snorkel gear from the shack.
Household Seashores
All of the household seashores are on the southwest aspect of the island. They’ve calm waters because of the offshore reef, making it the proper snorkeling lagoon.
Closest to the ship is Scuttle’s Cove children space and tram cease. It’s the placement of the children Oceaneer Membership and the Monstro Level Whale Dig.
The furthest a part of the Castaway Household Seaside space is served by the Pelican Level Tram Cease. That is the place you’ll discover the Pelican Plunge floating water play space with a number of water slides. Children will love the splash space and dump bucket, water cannons and two water slides (a tube slide and an open slide). Life jackets can be found for younger riders.
The 2 Household Seaside areas are divided by Pelican Level, a rocky breakwater with a bar. These principal seaside areas have restrooms, lifeguards and calm lagoon waters, making them ultimate for households with children to swim and play safely. Children will love the play space with a rope and slide into the ocean. Nearer to the ship there’s a Spring-a-Leak Splash Pad for water play.
Seaside chairs, hammocks, and shady umbrellas can be found however you’ll want to get ashore early to safe one of the best areas. There’s a separate space on the household seaside that’s solely for friends with cabana leases.
On the far finish of the Household Seaside is Teen Seaside, an space with a lot of sports activities gear, seaside volleyball and so on. It’s ultimate for many who need somewhat extra motion.
The Household Seaside is a 15-minute stroll from the pier so that you may wish to use the tram when you’ve got children!
Serenity Bay
Furthest from the pier, Serenity Bay is a peaceable adults-only seaside solely for adults aged 18+. It even presents yoga courses with beautiful sea views. It’s a protracted trek from the pier so make use of the devoted tram service that runs from Pelican Level.
It has adjustable lounge chairs, a Serenity Bay BBQ pavilion, bar, restrooms, float leases and a therapeutic massage hut. The water is extra right here uneven because it doesn’t have the safety of a breakwater, not like the Household Seaside. The Windsock Hut has float leases.
The rental of personal cabanas contains a great deal of extras akin to snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, floats, sunblock, snorkeling gear and free bike rent.
What’s the Climate Like for Castaway Cay?
The Bahamas has year-round heat sunny climate with some cooling sea breezes to ease the new summer time temperatures. Winter is the height season for cruising within the Caribbean and Bahamas, and daytime highs are typically between 74 and 76°F.
The remainder of the yr is a nice 77 to 88°F. The wettest months are August and September with brief afternoon showers, however the solar shortly reappears.
The nice and cozy air implies that the encompassing seas are at all times heat, starting from 73°F in January to 82°F in midsummer. There may be little or no tidal motion within the Bahamas.
What Can I Do on Castaway Cay?
The Gazebo
Continuous leisure and music are discovered on the Gazebo, with a resident DJ spinning island music. Take part basketball competitions, ping-pong tournaments, foosball, and pool tables within the shady beachside pavilion.
Pelican Plunge
Pelican Plunge is a 2,400 sq. ft. waterpark platform moored simply offshore from the primary seaside, so you need to swim out to make use of it. It has two flume water slides together with a coated tunnel. Be careful for the large bucket dump! The minimal top is 38 inches and people beneath 48 inches should put on a life vest (offered).
Children Golf equipment
Dad and mom can get pleasure from some child-free time by making use of the Scuttle Cove supervised actions for kids aged 3 to 12. They provide the identical enjoyable because the onboard Oceaneer Membership and Lab. Teenagers aged 14-17 have their very own Teen Hideout.
Massages
The onboard Spa strikes beachside throughout your day at Castaway Cay. Take pleasure in a soothing seaside therapeutic massage in a shady cabana close by and sound of the waves. Different companies embrace hair braiding.
Buying
Castaway Cay has two colourful shops promoting necessities akin to sunscreen, seaside toys, hats, handicrafts, and souvenirs that you simply received’t discover anyplace else (even on-board!).
There’s additionally a Put up Workplace, one of many first buildings you’ll see as you stroll alongside the pier. It sells postcards and real Bahamas stamps with a Castaway postmark. That is one place the place you’ll want to pay in money (US {dollars}) and can’t cost to your World Card. I’m certain family and friends will like to obtain such a enjoyable “Want you had been right here” memento within the put up!
Watersports
Boat leases can be found from Gil’s Fins and Boats. Select a paddle boat or aqua bike and work off your lunch or go exploring in a kayak. For the extra adventurous, go parasailing and revel in a chicken’s eye view of the island.
You may also hire inflatable toys and floats from Flippers and Floats to reinforce your go to and work off these energy!
Snorkeling within the clear turquoise waters simply off the Household Seaside is my absolute favourite factor. The clear calm waters and white sandy backside make it straightforward to identify colourful fish.
There’s a Uncover Path and two sunken submarine-ride autos that had been scuttled within the lagoon. They had been initially a part of Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea experience in Orlando’s Walt Disney World. .
The next prices apply for watersports leases:
AquaTrike, $30 for half-hour
Chiliboats Waterbikes, $30 for half-hour (ages 14+)
Float or tube, $15 for the day
Paddle boat, $20 for half-hour for 2-seater boats or $25 for a 4-seater
Sea kayak, $20 for half-hour on a single kayak (ages 14-plus) or $25 for a double kayak
Snorkel gear, $22 (ages 5 to 9) or $38 (ages 10-plus) for the day
Stand-up paddle board, $20 for half-hour (ages 14-plus)
Alternatively, you possibly can pre-purchase a Castaway Cay Getaway Bundle that features one hour’s bicycle rental plus snorkeling gear and a float or inside tube to make use of for the day. It prices $50 for adults and $30 for kids as much as the age of 10.
Disney Characters
In fact, assembly a Disney character is a magical second for children, and the place higher than as a part of your day at Castaway Cay?
Most of the characters, together with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Captain Jack Sparrow, could be seen sporting seaside apparel. They hang around across the Put up Workplace, the Dig Web site, and Mount Rushmore, all nice spots for selfies, so be sure you convey a digicam.
Excursions, Excursions, and Add-on Experiences at Castaway Cay
Excursions and excursions can all be booked at Visitor Companies earlier than reaching Castaway Cay. E book early to make sure your house on one in every of these thrilling adventures…
Castaway Ray’s Stingray Journey
Take pleasure in a ship experience and interplay with these velvety soft-winged creatures
An unforgettable alternative for children aged 8+ to stroke a stingray
Departs from Boat Seaside.
Value $219 for a 2-hour tour
Excessive Getaway
Combines 4 adventures in a single fun-filled journey
Trip an inside tube, snorkel within the Caribbean, get up-close to stingrays (one hour journey) and end with a bicycle experience alongside the offshore nature path.
Nice worth for cash!
Value $95 for adults and $73 for teenagers aged 5 to 9
Parasailing
Aerial journey to see Castaway Cay from the clear blue skies above.
Departs from the dock on the finish of the pier
Value $140 for one hour (aged 8+)
Banana Boat Trip
Exhilarating experience that at all times finally ends up with a dunking!
Value $45 for half-hour of enjoyable
Fishing
Fishing excursions embrace gear, bait, allow and useful suggestions
Departs from the dock on the finish of the pier
These excursions are sustainable catch-and-release excursions
Value $210 for a 3-hour tour
Scenic Boat Voyage
Glass Backside Boat Scenic Voyage to see corals and marine life in these crystal clear waters
Take heed to tales about infamous pirates and interesting tales of Bahamian historical past
A one-hour tour prices $59 for adults and $39 for teenagers beneath the age of 9
Snorkel Excursions
Trip a Inflexible Hull Boat as a part of a small group snorkel tour
Go snorkeling from the boat looking for coral reefs and marine creatures
A 3-hour tour together with gear prices $95 for adults and $75 for teenagers aged 6 to 9
What Meals and Drinks are Complimentary at Castaway Cay?
In terms of bars and eating places, Castaway Cay is an extension of the cruise ship. There’s a alternative of complimentary eating at snack bars and a number of other Cookie’s BBQ areas serving tasty burgers, barbecue hen, scorching canine, salads and loads of sides, desserts and seasonal recent fruit.
In order for you a correct sit-down meal, head to the restaurant at Serenity Bay. It’s for adults solely and contains some entrées not accessible on the different barbecue stations. The ribs are very good! You’re solely shipwrecked as soon as, so why not benefit from it!
There are many bars dotted across the island. They serve a full vary of beer, wine, frozen margaritas, and cocktails, however you’ll want to cost them to your Key to the World Card cruise account. Comfortable drinks and water are complimentary on the meals stations.
In case you fancy an ice cream, head to one of many thatched pavilions with tables and umbrellas exterior. They serve scrumptious free ice cream for dessert.
Which Disney Cruise Ships Go to Castaway Cay in 2024/2025?
The next Disney cruise ships supply 3, 4 and 5-night Bahamas cruises in 2024 and 2025. They depart from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral and have itineraries that embrace a day at Castaway Cay.
Disney Want
Disney Fantasy
Disney Dream
Disney Magic
What was Castaway Cay Like Earlier than Disney?
Initially named Gorda Cay, information present that the island was first settled in 1783. Someday later, a 2,400-foot airstrip was constructed, making it very engaging for bootleggers throughout Prohibition and later for drug runners.
In 1997, Disney bought a 99-year lease of the cay from the Bahamian authorities and started turning it into an thrilling dream vacation spot for cruisers. It was a very revolutionary plan. The primary process was to dredge 50,000 truckloads of sand to create a deep-water dock and pier.
This meant that Castaway Cay grew to become the primary non-public port island that didn’t must tender cruisers ashore. Simply disembark, stroll alongside the pier and really feel the tender white sand between your toes!
Disney has developed simply over 55 acres of this 3-mile-long island, leaving the vast majority of the cay in its pure state with Indigenous bushes for birds and wildlife. It has a staff of Disney employees who stay completely on the cay preserving every thing operating easily for every new cruise ship arrival.
Learn Additionally: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas – What You Have to Know
Castaway Cay proved so fashionable with Disney cruisers that they developed a second non-public island vacation spot in 2024. Lighthouse Level is on the island of Eleuthera within the Bahamas, about 120 miles south of Castaway Cay
Did Pirates Ever Dwell on Castaway Cay?
Once you go to Castaway Cay, spend just a few moments studying among the show boards and clues scattered across the island. Initially a secure haven for pirates, smugglers and bootleggers, the island has a make-believe historical past that’s worthy of the Disney identify!
It tells the story of three adventurers who set sail looking for fame and fortune. Sadly, they had been shipwrecked and washed ashore on the island, therefore the identify “Castaway Cay.”
Disney has added authenticity to the story with the stays of “shipwrecks” and makeshift buildings scattered round. The story actually raises a smile with adults, and youngsters might be wide-eyed with pleasure!
Cruisers may get the sensation of déjà vu because the cay has been used as a movie set in a number of movies, together with Splash (1984) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
What’s Included at Castaway Cay?
A day at Castaway Cay may be very reasonably priced for households as most common actions, akin to seaside chairs, meals, ice cream, and a few drinks, are included in the price of your cruise. The next facilities are complimentary:
Use of the household seaside and adult-exclusive seaside
Waterslides and splash zones
Seaside towels
Seaside chairs and umbrellas
Dwell music
Children and Teenagers Membership actions
Character appearances
Strolling trails
Grownup-only Yoga
Barbecue lunch
Limitless soft-serve ice cream
Limitless soda, tea and low
Tram transportation across the island
Count on to pay for:
Bicycle leases
Snorkel gear, floats and rafts
Personal cabanas
Port Adventures
Bottled water, alcoholic drinks and specialty drinks
Optionally available experiences and excursions
Suggestions For Having fun with the Greatest Castaway Cay Day
Get off the ship early as one of the best spots and chairs are on a first-come, first-served foundation. Don’t neglect to take your Key to the World Card ashore with you, ideally on a lanyard round your neck. You’ll want it to pay for alcoholic drinks and a few actions in addition to entry again on board!
Strollers, joggers, seaside wagons (for carting your stuff), and particular wheelchairs are all accessible at Castaway Cay. Simply ask a member of employees for help.
No want to fret about seaside towels. You can be given a towel earlier than you allow the ship. Convey your individual snorkel gear when you’ve got some. In any other case, you’ll have to hire fins and masks. Life vests are offered free for children.
There are many water stations across the island, so keep hydrated. Convey an empty insulated mug and fill it up to your seaside time. Convey your digicam or cellphone and share the expertise along with your social media followers.
Examine the schedule forward of time and discover out the place Disney characters might be hanging out for photograph ops. It’s an exquisite alternative to have a memento household photograph with a picture-perfect seaside background.
If you wish to hire a non-public cabana, there’s a restricted quantity, so pre-book with Visitor Companies as quickly as you get on board.
Keep in mind, you possibly can’t do every thing in someday on Castaway Cay. Prioritize just a few stuff you actually wish to do, after which get pleasure from enjoyable and absorbing the solar.
