Castaway Cay

Where ships dock

Walk off the ship; trams run around the island.

• Castaway Cay pier (Disney Cruise Line)

Best time to go

Disney visits Castaway Cay on its Bahamian and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral.

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so keep an eye on the forecast for summer and fall sailings.

Ship tour or go independent?

Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line's private island, so every paid activity here, from snorkel rentals to parasailing and cabanas, is sold by Disney, and there is no independent tour scene to book. That is fine, because so much is already included: the beaches, chairs, towels, BBQ buffets, soft-serve, Pelican Plunge, and the kids' and teen areas. Pick a paid extra only if it fits your day, and save your own-tour plans for ports like Nassau, Freeport or Key West, where booking independently gives you more choice.

• Cabanas are limited and can be reserved when your booking window opens, so plan ahead if you want one.
• Disney notes that port adventure prices can change without notice; check the list for your sailing before you go.
• Snorkel vests are required in the Snorkeling Lagoon. They are free at the rental huts and lifeguard stations.
• Leave drones, your own wagons, flotation devices and fishing gear on the ship; Disney doesn't allow them ashore.
• Guests 18 and older need a passport or government photo ID to go ashore and get back on board.

Getting around

• WalkShips dock at the island, so you walk off. Disney's island map also marks a bike and nature trail.
• TramTrams run often around the island. Stops are Kargo Handling, Scuttle's Cove, Pelican Point and Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach). Trams take personal and electric wheelchairs.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

The Bahamian dollar is kept at par with the US dollar, and the two are used interchangeably across The Bahamas. Disney's island pages don't say how purchases are paid ashore; ask Guest Services on board.

Must-sees

• Castaway Family BeachWalkableThe main beach area, with the gazebo, Sports Beach and Cookie's BBQ close by. Disney's map shows two family beaches and three swimming areas.
• Pelican PlungeWalkableA floating platform in the lagoon with two twisting waterslides, included and open to all ages. Ask on board whether it is open on your day.
• Serenity BayWalkableThe adults-only (18+) beach, with its own BBQ, the Castaway Air Bar, cabanas and massages at extra cost. It has its own tram stop.
• Snorkeling LagoonWalkableRent gear at Gil's Fins and Boats or Flippers & Floats and snorkel the lagoon. Vests are required and free.
• Scuttle's CoveWalkableA supervised play area for young kids, run by Disney Youth Activities counselors, with sandcastles, treasure hunts and games.
• Observation TowerWalkableA lookout tower marked on Disney's island map. The map also marks bike rentals and a bike and nature trail.

Free & cheap near the pier

• Beaches, chairs, umbrellas and towelsFreeCastaway Family Beach, the Teen Beach and adults-only Serenity Bay are included, with lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels.
• BBQ lunch and ice creamFreeBuffet lunch at Cookie's BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ, plus soft-serve and drink stations.
• Pelican PlungeFreeA floating water-play platform in the lagoon with two twisting waterslides, for all ages. Ask on board whether it is open on your day.
• Scuttle's Cove and Teen HideoutFreeSupervised activities for young kids at Scuttle's Cove, and a teen club for ages 14–17.
• Castaway Cay 5KFreeA self-paced 5K around the island with a finisher medal.
• Sports Beach and In Da Shade GamesFreeTetherball, volleyball and soccer on the sand, plus basketball, billiards and ping-pong in the shade.
• Character meet-and-greetsFreeDisney characters turn up around the island for photos.
• Life jacketsFreeLife jackets are available on the island at no extra charge.

Eat like a local

• Cookie's BBQ and Cookie's Too BBQIncluded buffet-style barbecue. Cookie's BBQ serves Castaway Family Beach.
• Hangar 98 BBQ (Serenity Bay)Included adults-only barbecue buffet at Serenity Bay, for guests 18 and older.
• Soft-serve and drink stationsFree soft-serve ice cream and drink stations around the island.
• Island barsConched Out, Heads Up, Sand Bar and the Castaway Air Bar serve frozen drinks, cocktails and beer. Disney lists the Air Bar's frozen specialty drinks as an extra charge.
• Olaf's Summertime FreezePaid specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups, near the Pelican Point tram stop.

Rainy-day backups

• In Da Shade GamesBasketball, billiards and ping-pong at the game pavilion.
• Covered seatingThe island map marks several covered seating areas, including Pop's Props and Boat Repair, Dig In, Gumbo Limbo and Grouper.
• Post office and shopsMail a postcard with a Castaway Cay postmark from the post office on the dock, then browse She Sells Sea Shells and the Bahamian arts and crafts stall.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution, because of crime (as of July 28, 2026)

• The State Department says most crime in The Bahamas happens in Nassau and Freeport.
• The State Department warns of strong currents and riptides. Swim in the buoyed areas and snorkel within your ability.
• Snorkel vests are required in the Snorkeling Lagoon and are free at rental huts and lifeguard stations.
• Hurricane season normally runs June 1 to November 30.
• If you need first aid, the island has stations; Disney asks you to contact the nearest cast member in an emergency.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Ships dock at the island, and guests walk off.

• Trams run often and take personal and electric wheelchairs, but not sand wheelchairs.
• Accessible restrooms are available on the island.
• The island map marks beach access points, first aid, AEDs and a service animal relief area.
• Check Disney's Guests with Disabilities page or Guest Services for beach wheelchair availability.