24 Fun Things To Do On Castaway Cay For Families (Disneys Private Island)
Castaway Cay is a Disney private island in the Bahamas. It is awesome! If you are planning to visit and want to learn more about all of the things to do on Castaway Cay, you are in the right spot!
We recently went and enjoyed all of the activities at Castaway Cay. This Bahamas Disney island is so fun! I am excited to share with you all of the options of what to do on Castaway Cay!
In this post, we are going to focus on all the fun things to do on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. This will include the free things to do on Castaway Cay, all of the Castaway Cay activities and rentals available, food options on Castaway Cay, and some amazing Castaway Cay excursions.
I know you are going to have an amazing time! Let’s check out all of the awesome Disneys Castaway Cay things you can enjoy when you visit!
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Important Information About Disney Castaway Island
We are going to answer as many questions as you might have about visiting the Castaway Cay Disney Island Bahamas Port. These Castaway Cay tips will help you know exactly what to expect!
How Do You Say Disney’s Castaway Cay?
Okay, good question. I always want to say Disney’s Castaway “K” but this is incorrect. You say Disney Castaway Key!
Who Can Visit Castaway Cay Disney Island?
You can only visit the Disney private island in the Bahamas if you are on a Disney Cruise Ship. Castaway Cay is a Disney Cruise port!
Are There Strollers on the Castaway Cay Island?
Yes, there are strollers that can roll on the sand. These are free but are limited to a first come basis.
What is the Best Age for Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is great for all ages. There is something for everyone from the splash pad for toddlers to the adult-only beach, not to mention the kid’s clubs in between!
What is Free on Disney’s Castaway Cay?
- Swimming
- Beach
- Slides (Pelican Plunge)
- Splash Pad
- Lunch
- Ice Cream
- Kids Club (Scuttles Cove)
- In Da Shade Games
- Character Meet and Greets
- 5K
- Trams (Transportation)
What Do I Need to Get On and Off the Boat?
As an adult, it is good to bring both your license and Key to the World Card. Kids will only need their Key to the World Card.
Our Experience
My husband and I wanted to run the Castaway 5k. We left our kiddos with grandparents so they could meet us later. If the kids are not in the same stateroom as grandparents they can not get to the island without jumping through hoops. They had to go to customer care so they could exit the boat with our kids.
Getting back on the boat was no big deal. My 16-year-old was able to board solo without adults.
We will answer more questions as we go along!
Map Out Disney's Castaway Cay
When we arrived we were sure to check out the Disney Private Island Castaway Cay map. This map will let you know exactly where to go.
Castaway Cay is not very big or developed. There are large beach areas (family and adult), bike paths, souvenir shops, and food establishments.
Getting Around the Castaway Cay Private Island
You can easily walk the entire island but that is easier said than done when you have little kids. Disney is amazing and provides tram service to different areas of the island.
One tram will provide service to/from the boat to the family beach areas. Another tram picks up those who want to go to Serenity Beach (The adults-only area)
Fun Things To Do at Castaway Cay
Now that we have some of the logistics in place, lets get to the fun part. Here is a list to help you know exactly what to do on Castaway Cay.
1. Castaway Family Beaches
The Castaway Cay beach is really nice. The sand is perfect and the water is so blue!
There are plenty of beach chairs to choose from. We went in January and the Castaway Cay weather wasn’t great. I think most of the people stayed on the ship. There were lots of beach chairs to choose from.
I imagine during the summer or warmer times of the year this beach could get crowded!
There are two family beaches. There will be two tram stops, one for each beach. Both areas have a food pavilion and ice cream station located nearby.
Castaway Cay Tips
One thing that is awesome about Castaway Cay is the amount of Sea Shells on the beach. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Castaway Cay. You will find a ton of cool sea shells. Most are not broken!
2. Swimming at Castaway Cay
Wow, the water is clear and beautiful. Most times of the year this is a magical paradise. January it is a little too cold for me.
My kids, on the other hand, dived right in and enjoyed the swimming dock just offshore. The cold water did not bother them one bit.
Are There Life Jackets Available?
Yes, lifejackets are avaialbe. There are lifejacket stations in a few places near the beach areas.
3. Pelican Plunge Water Slide
One of the best fun-free things to do on Castaway Cay is Pelican Plunge! These water slides plunge right into the clear water of the ocean.
Pelican Plunge is located closer to the second-family beach area. Unfortunately, on the day we went the slides were closed. If they had been open, I guarantee my kids would have gone one them!
Building a sand castle is one of the best things to do at Castaway Cay! This is a fun free Castaway Cay activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Castaway Cay Tips
I think my kids spent hours playing in the sand on Castaway Cay the day we went. I highly suggest purchasing a sand bucket and bringing it with you on your cruise. You can buy them on the Bahamas Disney Island for an absurd price or just plan ahead and get them on Amazon.
5. Spring a Leak Splash Pad
If you visit Castaway Cay with little ones in the spring a leak splash pad is a great place to bring a busy toddler. They can run around and get wet!
It is in an enclosed area which makes it easier to watch your little kids. It has a nice covered area where you can watch your kids.
6. Visit the Post Office on Castaway Cay
The post office on Castaway Cay is a fun stop on the island. You can buy a few postcards and send them to yourself!
You can buy stamps at the post office or Bahaman stamps on board at guest services. The post office is not always open but you can always mail yourself a postcard or even a message in a bottle (found in the souvenir shops) in the drop box near the post office.
The mail does take a while to get to you. It can be as little as 3 weeks or up to 2 months.
7. In-Da-Shade Castaway Cay Private Island Retreat
In-Da-Shade is a great place for teens and families to hang out. There are ping pong tables, foosball, basketball hoops, pool tables, and many large outdoor games.
This area is shaded and close to the lunch venue. We were able to play a little foosball with the teens. It was a fun area with lots of games.
8. Character Meet and Greets
The Castaway Cay character meet and greets are awesome. There are characters you might not see all the time.
The Castaway Cay weather was so bad when we went that, characters did not make an appearance.
What Characters are on Castaway Cay?
Rumor has it, that Captain Jack Sparrow is sometimes found on the island! You will always find the Fab 5. (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy). Pluto, Chip & Dale, and occasional Captain Hook and Smee are also found on Castaway Cay.
Typically there are lots of locations around the Castaway Cay island where they hang out. Mount Rushmore, Dig Site, Post Office, Cookies BBQ, Summertime Freeze Drink Stand, Sometimes by the dock in afternoons and evenings.
9. Castaway Cay 5K
One of the best things to do at Castaway Cay is run the 5K. You can run at any time of the day.
Of all the Castaway Cay activities, I was most excited about the 5K. I love running and getting medals!!! If you complete the 5K you get a Castaway Cay medal. It is a fantastic souvenir and absolutely free!
To participate you will go to the bike rental station and they will show you a map of the route you will run. The route will take you on the backside of the island and down to Serenity Bay and back.
I loved running the Castaway Cay 5K.
Fun Things to Do at Disney Castaway Cay (That Cost Extra)
So far we have listed out a lot of fun things to do on Castaway Cay. All the items listed above are free things to do on Castaway Cay.
Now we are going to start listing some fun Castaway Cay activities that have a fee associated with them.
10. Rent a Tube
How does floating in a tube on the ocean sound?! There is a daily charge to rent tubes. It is less than $15 for the entire day.
If you plan to send the entire day enjoying the ocean and floating this is a perfect option for you.
Where Can I Rent Tubes on Castaway Cay?
You can rent the tubes from the Family Beach, Flippers and Floats, and Serenity Bay.
11. Rent a Float Mat
If you would rather rent a float mat, these are also available Flippers and Floats. Daily fees apply to float on the mats as well. It is around he same price as the tubes.
Both are great ways to enjoy the beautiful Castaway Cay island views.
12. Water Aqua Trike on Castaway Cay Island
Looking for what to do on Castaway Cay? Located closer to the ship dock is a beach area that is not for swimming. There are lots of fun water toys to rent. So if you are wondering what to do on Castaway Cay I have a few options for you.
Our Experience on Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay
We rented a water Aqua Trike. It was around $30 for 30 minutes. This activity is for those 5 years of age and older.
These are a lot harder than they look! It is an excellent workout!
I took my son out for about 15 minutes and my husband took my daughter out for 15 minutes. My quads were burning after 15 minutes.
We had a lot of fun!
13. Rent Paddle Boards at Castaway Cay
There are also paddleboards to rent in this area. This is a fun Castaway Cay activity that you can try out!
Paddleboards are for those 14 and up and cost about $20 for a half hour of fun.
14. Rent a Kayak on Castaway Cay
We saw lots of people out on the kayaks. Kayaking was perfect for January because you could still be out on the ocean without necessarily being in the Ocean.
The kayaks are around $25 for 30 minutes. Those who are 5 years and older can participate.
15. Rent a Chiliboat on the Disney Private Island
I had never seen a chiliboat before visiting Disney’s private Bahama Island.
These cycle boats have a propeller that goes under the water. As you peddle you can get out on the water at a good speed. This is exercise!
Each of these boats has two seats, you will probably want someone who can share the workload of moving the boat.
You must be at least 14 years old with an adult to rent one of these.
We love to snorkel! The Disney private island has a special area designed just for snorkeling.
There is a shipwreck site and a submarine site. There are different color buoys that indicate where Disney objects and other objects are located beneath the surface.
As I said earliy, the water was way to cold for me, so I took my kiddos and went back to the Disney Wish ship. My husband on the other hand took the opportunity to see what snorkeling at Castaway Cay was like.
Snorkeling at Castaway requires snorkeling gear. It is almost as much to rent the gear (around $38) on Castaway Cay Island as it would be to purchase your own on Amazon before you go and bring it.
Our Experience Snorkeling on Castaway Cay
We always bring our own snorkel gear, my husband was able to jump right in and start exploring! I think it is 100% worth bringing snorkel gear to Castaway Cay.
He loved snorkeling and had a fun time!
17. Renting Bikes on Disney Castaway Cay Bahama Island
If the Castaway Cay weather is nice and you want to enjoy a little exercise, renting a bike is the perfect thing to do on Castaway Cay! There are a lot of bikes available. They also have baby bike seats attached to some bikes.
There are bike paths on the backside of Castaway Cay Island. We did not rent bikes but ran most of the paths.
Bikes are around $15 to rent for 1 hour.
18. Castaway Cay Excursions
There are some fun Castaway Cay excursions you can book before your cruise. You will do this through the app or online.
Castaway Cay Excursions
- Catamaran Ride
- Sting Ray Adventure
- Castaway Cay Fishing Adventure
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Parasailing
All of the excursions were canceled the day we went. So be prepared if that happens. The Castaway Cay weather plays a big role in if these
19. Food on Castaway Cay
There are three main lunch pavilions. One at all three beach locations. There are ice cream stations at each pavilion.
Castaway Cay Food Locations
- Cookies BBQ
- Cookies Too
- Serenity Bay
There is a buffet with hot dogs, brisket, hamburgers, salads, and much more. I was not really impressed with the food. The food on the ship was a lot better in my opinion. However, I did not go try the Serenity Bay offerings which include cajan chicken, Maui Maui, and steak.
I wish I would have tried the food at Serenity Bay!
I did have a lot of ice cream which was available at all three locations!
20. Disney Castaway Cay Cabana's
Word of advice, If you want a Castaway Cay Cabana you better book it ASAP. All of the cabanas were booked out!
The Castaway Cabanas can range but most are over $800 for the day.
Our day on Castaway Cay was such a gloomy day. We walked around the Cabana area and they were mostly empty.
These Cabanas have direct access to the beach and are isolated from the crowds. It would be wonderful to book one on a sunny warm day!
21. Disney Castaway Cay Kids Club Scuttles Cove
Scuttles Cove is designed for kids 10 and under! There are games and sand pits to play in.
We checked it out but I think because it was such a gloomy day they didn’t have too much going on. Like I said earlier, most passengers stayed on the boat!
My younger kids didn’t really want to go in and play! But if you want to sneak away to Serenity Bay this is the perfect place to take your kids and relax.
22. Hideaway Teen Area
My 16-year-old and I walked around to check out the teen area. It was empty. There was some music playing with an area to hang out in but nothing special.
There were lots and lots of volleyball nets, so if your teens love to play this would be the perfect place to hang out.
23. Serenity Bay Adult Only Castaway Cay Beach
I wanted to check out the adult only section Castaway Cay Bahama island. I took the tram and headed down.
There is a nice beach with clear water. However, I can see why this area was for adults. The wind was blowing and the water was rough. On the family side even with the wind, the waters stayed calm. At Serenity Bay it was choppy.
There is a bar and restaurant located in this area. There are not as many beach chairs or Castaway Cay activities on this side of the Disney private island. But if you just want to come and relax this is a great spot.
24. Shop for Souvenirs on Castaway Cay
One of the best things to do on Castaway Cay is get a souvenir! There are lots of different shops around the Disney private island. Some were full of clothing, some beach toys, and others had special souvenirs from Castaway Cay.
Castaway Cay Shops
- Buy the SeaShore
- She Sells SeaShells and Everything Else
- Bahamian Retail
We were able to find some fun Disney pins. It is fun to walk around and look at all the fun merchandise.
Fun Things to Do on Castaway Cay
There are so many fun things to do on Castaway Cay. You will be happy to know that you will not be bored!
Our experience was kind of rainy and cold in January but hopefully, you will have a perfectly sunny day with lots of warm beautiful water to swim in! I know you will enjoy all of the Castaway Cay activiites on Disney’s private Bahama island!
Have so much fun!
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It’s a dream of mine to one day do a Disney cruise and visit Castaway Cay. It looks like such a fun place, especially for Disney lovers. The float mat looks like my idea of a relaxing time!
The water is so blue and pretty. Very inviting to relax on a mat.
So much fun reading about Castaway Cay! I had no idea that Disney had this special island….I’m always learning about Disney’s fun and tucked away little surprises…love that! I wish my kids were still little so that I could take them here, although sounds just as fun for “big kids”! 🙂
My kids loved Castaway Cay, it is fun to relax and enjoy the beauty
Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas looks like so much fun with so many activities to do! And cool that you were able to run a 5k here!
I love running, so I was super excited to do it!
Castaway Cay looks like a fun way to spend the day! I’d want to kayak. However there are so many fun activities available.
There are so many fun ways to relax and have fun!
Castaway Cay looks like an amazing and super fun place to visit! I love that it’s a private island.
It is such a cool island to explore!