Unique to Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, Castaway Cay is one of the most popular ports of call on Disney Cruise tropical itineraries. In fact, it is so popular that Disney offers “double-dip” cruises that make not one but two stops to its private island in The Bahamas. Although only 3 miles long and 2 miles wide, Castaway Cay offers vast fun and a broad range of activities - whether you want to dip your toes in the clear water and relax on lounge chairs under the sun, or if you want to get your adrenaline going with more intense pursuits.
On today’s blog post, we’re wrapping up our coverage of the Bryan Family’s March 2019 Western Caribbean adventure with a stop at Castaway Cay. Quite appropriate because Castaway Cay was the last destination they visited before heading back (sadly) to Port Canaveral.
The Basics
How do you get to Castaway Cay after disembarking the ship? Simple - you’ll walk. There are no shuttles to take or ferry boats to board. Just use your two feet to get there. If you need assistance, Disney Cruise Line staff is available to help you reach Castaway Cay.
The Disney Fantasy docked at Castaway Cay - a short walk from the ship to the beach.
You can walk along the paved pathways to reach the ultimate destination at Castaway Cay, the beach. Or you can take the tram; you’ll see the first tram stop only a short distance from the ship. The first family beach area tends to get crowded early as it’s the first stop and people are ready to claim their spots for the day, so you may want to continue farther to the second family beach area which is closer to the Pelican Plunge water slide.
Castaway Cay’s tram system is ready to escort you to and from various points on the island.
Like on the ship, there is a teen zone, kid’s area and adults-only section - fun for everyone! There are maps and signs nearly every step of the way for directionally-challenged folks like me to find these special spaces along with the restaurants, bathrooms and water equipment rentals.
Drop off your kids age 3-12 at Scuttle’s Cove, while you check out the adults-only Serenity Bay.
Also like on the ship, there is no need to carry cash or credit cards; you’ll make purchases for specialty beverages, Castaway Cay merchandise and rentals with your stateroom card. But it’s not necessary to spend on additional items as there is plenty of complimentary food, drink and ice cream!
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s what we love about Castaway Cay….
Castaway Cay 5K
This sounds crazy, but I ran a race while on vacation … in The Bahamas. To make matters wackier, I ran a race on the last day of vacation after six days of overindulging in decadent desserts, wonderful wines, and unlimited pizza, chicken tenders and ice cream. It was not easy, but totally worth the cramping.
Why, you ask? Well, I wanted to experience the race so I can tell you all about it. And I really wanted the medal - it’s super cute.
Although this is the starting point for the Castaway Cay 5K on the island, racers will register on the ship prior to the run.
Unlike most other cruise activities, you do not sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K prior to cruise departure. You will register at the Guest Services desk once you have boarded the ship. You’ll want to enroll on embarkation day as space is limited. If the race is booked up, keep trying throughout the cruise. People are bound to release their reservation - like someone I know who might be my husband ;)
The minimum age for running the race is 10. If you have an avid runner in the travel party who doesn’t meet the age requirement, ask the crew members in charge at the race. They have been known to make exceptions. Otherwise, your young runner may be able to run the race unofficially.
After being among the first to disembark the ship on Castaway Cay day (along with non-runners), we dropped off our towels and beach bags on chairs along the beach. The one person (aka, my husband) not running in our group was tasked with watching our gear. We then headed to the race starting point, gave race staff members our names, received bids and off we sprinted.
Although we visited in March, technically winter, it was hot. I wish I had run with a water bottle, although there are water stations along the way. There isn’t much shade on the course, and you’re running on pavement which makes it feel hotter. I’m embarrassed to share that my 70+-year-old father-in-law beat me, as did my 10-year-old son. BUT I DID IT! You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face after seeing the finish line, crossing the line and receiving my glorious medal. Now I wouldn’t feel so guilty to continue indulging at the Castaway Cay buffet ;)
Showing off our Castaway Cay 5K Medals - we did it!
Beautiful Beach
After an invigorating run and quick change in the amazingly clean bathrooms, it was time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Castaway Cay - swaying palm trees, soft sand and crystal-clear blue water. Because only one Disney ship docks at the island at a time, it never feels overwhelmingly crowded - even with 4,000 Disney Fantasy passengers descending upon Castaway Cay. When cruising on the Magic or Wonder, the original Disney ships with lower guest capacity, Castaway Cay truly feels like a remote paradise.
Castaway Cay feels less crowded when cruising on the Disney Wonder which has a lower capacity than the Disney Fantasy. Lots of room to build sand castles!
The beach is expansive with plenty of lounge chairs and shade. If you wake up late, don’t fret. You’ll find a great place to make a home base for your day at Castaway Cay. You may not be situated in the first row of chairs that are 20 feet from the water, but you’ll find chairs for you and your group. And the further you are from the water, the closer you are to food, restrooms and the trams that take guests to and from various points on the island!
Prior to cruise departure, guests have the opportunity to reserve luxurious cabanas on Castaway Cay, guaranteeing a private abode for your island day. Located on both the family and adult beaches, cabanas offer shade and more luxurious furnishings, as well as sodas, snacks, free snorkeling equipment and tubes, a private hammock, towels (no need to carry them off the ship) and a safe to keep your valuables secure. Because there are fewer than 30 cabanas on the entirety of Castaway Cay, the earlier your booking window opens for activities, the more likely you are to snag a cabana.
In addition to their own private abode, family beach cabana renters receive an additional bonus - an exclusive area of the beach just for them!
There is a substantial cost to reserve a cabana. Currently, Family Beach Private Cabanas start at $599 plus tax for up to six guests. The Grand Family Cabana is currently $949 plus tax for 10 guests, and the Serenity Bay Adult Exclusive Cabanas are $399 for four guests. You’ll pay $50 more per person in each of the cabanas, with each cabana having a set capacity.
There are lifeguards on all sections of the beach ensuring guest safety, as well as free life jackets for non-swimmers who want to enjoy the water.
Port Adventures and Activities
After enough lounging, you may have the urge to get your body moving - other than using your hand to lift your cold, frozen drink to your mouth! Castaway Cay has a variety of options for adventure including fishing excursions, stingray encounters and parasailing (my boys loved, loved coasting high in the air after initial trepidation). You’ll want to book these popular port adventures when your booking window opens.
Some activities, unlike the ones listed above, do not require advance reservation. On our visits, there was an abundance of land bicycles and tricycles, aquatic bikes, snorkeling equipment and jet skis available for rental - allowing for some spontaneity on vacation.
Water bikes, land bikes, jet skis and snorkeling equipment readily available for rent at Castaway Cay.
If your idea of adventure involves a lower heart rate, perhaps you’d be more interested in perusing the merchandise in one of the island’s quaint shops for Castaway Cay and Bahamian souvenirs.
You don’t have to spend money to have fun on Castaway Cay. There are water slides, water play areas, lagoons, exclusive areas for kids and teens, volleyball and football games on the sports beach, dance parties, and character meet and greets.
Located at the second family beach area, Pelican Plunge is popular with kids and kids at heart. Riders must be strong swimmers to reach the attraction as it’s in the middle of the water, and they must be 38 inches tall to ride the slide.
Bountiful Buffet
Like on the ship itself, you won’t go hungry while on Castaway Cay. There are three open-air eateries on the island serving complimentary lunch - two located at the family beach and one on the adult beach. The buffet features fresh fruit, salads, burgers and hot dogs, roasted chicken, chips, as well as cookies and other desserts. Disney does a great job accommodating diners with food allergies - just ask the servers who will help you select food items that meet your dietary restrictions.
My lunch tray at Castaway Cay - I opted for healthy items on a hot day. The giant cookie and pastry don’t count - I ran a 5K after all!
You should eat breakfast on the ship as the buffets open after 11 a.m. And for those of you who depend on coffee to start your day, make sure you grab a cup while on the ship because there is no simple, traditional coffee to be found on the island.
Since I can’t grab a cup of joe, I’ll settle for a fruity tropical drink while in paradise. There are plenty of bars throughout Castaway Cay serving frozen concoctions, cold brews and cocktails. There is an additional cost to partake.
Your kids will be thrilled that there is unlimited soda and soft serve ice cream and cones on Castaway Cay. To cool off further, you can purchase your kids specialty frozen drinks at Olaf's Summertime Freeze.
Double the ice cream, double the fun!
Serenity Bay
Saving the best for last, the highlight of any visit to Castaway Cay is the beach reserved for guests 18 years of age and older. Serenity Bay has a completely different vibe than the family beach - it’s a quiet, calm slice of paradise.
Finding peace and quiet at Castaway Cay’s adults-only Serenity Bay
Although physically removed from the action, it’s easy to find Serenity Bay. Simply take the tram at the Pelican Plunge stop heading for Serenity Bay. Upon arrival, you’ll see cabanas to the right and the BBQ buffet to the left.
With a lack of children throwing footballs and building sand castles, the beach scene is peaceful and serene. Serenity Bay’s open air bar serves the beachiest drink, the Konk Kooler. You can find Castaway Cay’s signature beverage at other bars, but I like to save it for my time at Serenity Bay. The concoction features dark and light rum, pina colada mix, and passion fruit and orange juice. The Konk Kooler is refreshing and perfect for a day at the beach - not too heavy or boozy.
Not disrupting the tranquil vibe, Serenity Beach’s entertainment consists of an acoustic guitar player, hammocks swaying with the breeze, plenty of lounge chairs on the beach and amazing views from the bar with Konk Kooler in hand.
Overlooking the beach, Serenity Bay’s Castaway Air Bar offers incredible views of the beach and a relaxing place to enjoy a Konk Kooker.
Despite visiting Castaway Cay twice, we haven’t done or seen it all as there are so many opportunities for fun and relaxation. Here’s to our next visit!
