Private island · Bahamas · Bahamas
Castaway Cay: private island guide
Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Abacos of the Bahamas, where ships dock at a pier and families spend the day on soft-sand beaches with Disney touches. Highlights include a snorkeling lagoon, kids’ and teen areas, Pelican Plunge water slides, the adults-only Serenity Bay and a complimentary barbecue lunch.
- Families
- Snorkeling
- Adults-only beach
- Disney cruisers
Photo: Warfieldian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Bahamas
- Region
- Bahamas
- Type of stop
- Private island
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- Purchases go on your Key to the World card; no cash needed.
- Best time to visit
- March–May
- Average highs
- 75–86°F through the year
About Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay, once known as Gorda Cay, has been Disney’s private island since the late 1990s, and it’s designed with the same attention to detail as the line’s ships. Wooden boardwalks, themed signs and Disney characters on the beach blend with palm trees, turquoise water and Bahamian music. Many Disney fans consider it the highlight of their cruise.
It’s perfect for families with children of all ages, and adults can escape to Serenity Bay, a quieter beach just for grown-ups. Because it’s a managed resort, it offers little local culture. If you prefer remote beaches or independent exploring, you may find it busy and structured, but for an easy, fun-filled family beach day it’s hard to beat.
Where cruise ships dock in Castaway Cay
Disney ships dock at Castaway Cay’s pier, so there’s no tendering. From the ship, you walk or take a free tram to the family beach, Serenity Bay and other areas. Free: beaches, loungers, the barbecue lunch, soft drinks at food areas, kids’ clubs on the island, Pelican Plunge, the Spring-a-Leak splash area and the Castaway Cay 5K. Extra cost: cabanas, snorkel gear, bikes, stingray encounters, boat rentals, massages, and alcoholic drinks. Purchases go on your Key to the World card. You can return to the ship at any time.
Best things to do in Castaway Cay on a cruise
- 1
Family beach and snorkel lagoon
beach
A long, curving beach with soft sand and calm water. Just offshore, a snorkeling lagoon has marked trails with fish, coral and submerged Disney surprises. Rent gear or bring your own. Floats and kayaks are also available.
- 2
Pelican Plunge
family
A floating water-play platform anchored in the lagoon, with two water slides and a big bucket that tips over swimmers. It’s free and popular with kids and adults alike. Life jackets are recommended.
- 3
Serenity Bay
beach
An adults-only beach for guests 18 and older, with loungers, a bar, private cabanas and massage cabanas by the sea. It’s quieter and more relaxing than the family beach. Take the tram or rent a bike to reach it.
- 4
Scuttle’s Cove and Spring-a-Leak
family
Scuttle’s Cove is a kids’ area run by Disney’s youth staff, with sandboxes, water play and activities. Spring-a-Leak is a free splash area for younger children, perfect for little ones not ready for open water.
- 5
Castaway Cay 5K
adventure
A free, untimed run or walk along the island’s roads, with Disney touches along the route and a medal at the finish. Register on board, and arrive early before it gets hot.
- 6
Stingray encounter
wildlife
Guides introduce you to southern stingrays in a shallow lagoon, explaining their habits and letting you feed them. It’s a gentle, family-friendly experience with limited capacity.
- 7
Bike trails and observation tower
nature
Rent a bike to explore trails across the island, including a path to an observation tower with views of the beaches, ships and turquoise water. It’s a nice break from the crowds.
Castaway Cay weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 7524 | 7524 | 7624 | 7826 | 8027 | 8328 | 8530 | 8630 | 8530 | 8328 | 8026 | 7725 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7222 | 7222 | 7323 | 7524 | 7826 | 8127 | 8429 | 8429 | 8329 | 8127 | 7825 | 7524 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.052 | 1.231 | 1.641 | 2.154 | 4.5115 | 5.0127 | 3.588 | 3.795 | 4.9124 | 4.5114 | 2.462 | 2.153 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Castaway Cay
Complimentary lunch is served at Cookie’s BBQ and other food areas, with burgers, chicken, ribs, fish, salads, fruit and desserts. Soft drinks and water are included at food areas, while alcoholic drinks are extra. Beach bars serve cocktails and frozen drinks, and Serenity Bay has its own lunch area for adults. If you’re traveling with picky eaters, the variety at the barbecue usually satisfies everyone.
Tips for your port day
- Get off the ship early to claim loungers and avoid lines at Pelican Plunge and the snorkel lagoon.
- Reserve cabanas and stingray encounters as soon as Disney’s pre-cruise reservation window opens for you; they sell out quickly.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats and water shoes; shade is limited at the family beach.
- Use the free tram to get around; the island is larger than it looks.
- Head back to the ship for a quiet lunch or nap if the beach gets too busy.
Cruise lines that visit Castaway Cay
Often on the same itinerary
Castaway Cay cruise FAQs
Which cruise line owns Castaway Cay?
Disney Cruise Line. Castaway Cay is its private island in the Abacos, in the northern Bahamas, and only Disney guests visit.
Is Castaway Cay a tender port?
No. Disney ships dock at the island’s pier, so you walk straight off the ship.
What is free at Castaway Cay?
Beaches, loungers, the barbecue lunch, soft drinks at food areas, Pelican Plunge, Spring-a-Leak, kids’ activities and the 5K run. Cabanas, rentals, stingray encounters, massages and alcoholic drinks cost extra.
Is there an adults-only area on Castaway Cay?
Yes. Serenity Bay is an adults-only beach for guests 18 and older, with loungers, a bar, cabanas and massage cabanas.
Can you snorkel at Castaway Cay?
Yes. The snorkeling lagoon has marked trails with fish, coral and hidden surprises. You can rent gear on the island or bring your own.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.