First thing’s first: cay is pronounced like key.
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Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and for many families, it ends up being the favorite day of the entire cruise. You step off the ship and straight into a beach day that feels effortless, well organized, and unmistakably Disney.

From calm beaches and character sightings to kids clubs, water play areas, and quiet adult-only spaces, Castaway Cay offers something for every age and travel style. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of your day.

The Beaches at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is home to three main beach areas, each designed with a different vibe in mind.

Family Beach

Family Beach is the largest beach on the island and the closest to the ship. This is where most families naturally gravitate, especially first thing in the morning. You will find rows of lounge chairs and beach chairs under bright umbrellas, hammocks tucked between palm trees, and calm water that is great for swimming.

This beach is ideal if you want easy access to food, restrooms, character sightings, and activities. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle, or rent a tube and float for the afternoon. If Family Beach is your priority, it is best to head there soon after you disembark, as shaded seating fills up quickly.

Serenity Bay

Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach for guests 18 and older. It is tucked away on the far side of the island and feels noticeably quieter. The water is calm, the seating is spacious, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

This is the spot to read a book, take a nap in a hammock, or enjoy an open-air massage. There are also fitness classes like yoga offered nearby in the morning. If you are traveling without kids or planning some adult-only time while the kids are in Scuttle’s Cove, Serenity Bay is a must.

Sports Beach

At Sports Beach you will find volleyball, soccer, tetherball, and access to several water equipment rentals. It is a great option for older kids, teens, and anyone who prefers activity over lounging.

Things to Do on Castaway Cay

You can keep your Castaway Cay day simple or pack it full of activities. Both approaches work beautifully here.

Water Play and Rentals

There are plenty of ways to get out on the water, including snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailboating, aqua trikes, and glass-bottom boat rides. Rentals are available around the island, and some activities can be booked in advance as Port Adventures.

One of the most popular attractions is Pelican Plunge, a floating water play area anchored offshore. It features two waterslides and a giant water dump bucket. Guests must be able to swim out to it, and height requirements apply for the slides. It is a favorite for older kids and teens.

For younger kids, Spring-A-Leak is a splash pad designed just for little ones. It is shaded, playful, and perfect for toddlers and early elementary-aged kids who want to cool off without deep water.

Scuttle’s Cove Kids Club

Scuttle’s Cove is the complimentary kids club on Castaway Cay for children ages 3 to 10. It is fully supervised by Disney youth counselors from the ship and includes beach games, crafts, water play, and themed activities.

There is also a dedicated splash area and Monstro Point, a whale-bone excavation site where kids can dig and explore. Lunch is served inside the club, which is especially helpful if you have Port Adventures booked.

There is no nursery on the island, but the nursery remains open on the ship for an additional fee.

Port Adventures

There are several excursions available for an extra cost that allow you to see the island in a whole new way. Tours range from 30 minutes to a few hours, all the way up to full day getaway packages.

You can soar 600 to 800 feet over Castaway Cay on a parasail, or climb aboard a glass bottom boat for a guided tour of the island’s reefs.

One of the most popular and memorable excursions is Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure. This one hour experience is available for guests ages 5 and up and gives you the chance to feed, pet, and even snorkel with more than 60 stingrays. The experience also includes a short educational session led by a marine specialist who shares interesting facts about these incredible animals.

If you are looking to add something extra to your Castaway Cay day, Port Adventures are a great way to do it.

Character Meet and Greets

Characters appear all over Castaway Cay throughout the day, often in tropical outfits you will not see anywhere else. You might spot Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Chip and Dale, or Captain Jack Sparrow.

Some meet and greets are scheduled in the Navigator app, but many pop up randomly along walking paths, near Cookie’s BBQ, or by iconic backdrops like Mount Rustmore. Walking instead of taking the tram often leads to surprise character sightings.

Teen Hideout

Teens ages 14 to 17 have their own space at Hideout, located near Sports Beach. It is designed as a no-adults zone where teens can relax, listen to music, and hang out with other cruisers their age. Activities for tweens and teens are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

The Castaway Cay 5K

The Castaway Cay 5K is a complimentary, self-paced run or walk that you can complete anytime after getting off the ship. The course is clearly marked and winds through scenic parts of the island.

There is no registration required. Once you finish, stop by the bike rental hut to receive your finisher medal. It is a fun souvenir and a great way to see more of the island early in the day.

Dining on Castaway Cay

Lunch and nonalcoholic drinks are included on the island.

Family dining is available at Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ, which serve barbecue favorites, sides, salads, and soft-serve ice cream. These locations typically operate from late morning until early afternoon.

At Serenity Bay, adults can enjoy lunch at Hangar 98 BBQ, which offers similar fare with a quieter atmosphere.

There are also several bars and drink stands around the island serving smoothies, frozen drinks, cocktails, and beer. Olaf’s Summertime Freeze is a favorite for kids thanks to its Frozen-themed smoothies.

Shopping on the Island

Castaway Cay has a few small shops offering island-exclusive merchandise you cannot find onboard. You can shop for souvenirs, pins, beachwear, and Bahamian crafts.

There is no need to carry cash. Purchases are charged to your onboard account using your Key to the World card.

Cabana Rentals

For families or adults looking for extra privacy, Castaway Cay offers cabana rentals at both Family Beach and Serenity Bay. Cabanas include shaded seating, a hammock, a private shower, snacks, drinks, towels, and a call button for service.

Cabanas are limited and often book quickly, especially for guests with higher Castaway Club status. If this is something you want, it is important to book as soon as your activity window opens.

Helpful Tips for Your Castaway Cay Day

Bring your Key to the World card for everyone in your party. You will need it to get on and off the ship.
Eat breakfast onboard before heading ashore. Only lunch is served on the island.
Apply sunscreen before leaving the ship and reapply often. The Bahamian sun is strong.
Pack light. Towels, life vests, and beach chairs are provided.
Bring water shoes or an extra pair of flip flops. The sand and paths can get hot.
Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for activity times, character locations, and Port Adventure details.
Walk the paths if you are able. You are more likely to see characters than if you take the tram.

Why Families Love Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay combines the ease of a Disney cruise with the feel of a perfectly planned beach day. There is no pressure to do everything, no need to manage logistics, and no stress about transportation or food.

Whether your family wants a full day of activities or a slow afternoon in the shade, Castaway Cay makes it easy to do what feels right for you. For many families, it is not just a port stop. It is a highlight they talk about long after the cruise ends.

Disney Castaway Cay Guide