While Disney’s Castaway Cay in The Bahamas is a wee isle, 3.1 miles long and 2.2 miles wide, it is packed with so much to do, you might have a hard time deciding how to spend your time. There’s sunbathing, waterslides, bike trails, open-air massages, two water play areas, parasailing, fishing, a stingray interaction adventure and more. Caribbean cruisers aboard Disney’s Fantasy and Dream ships typically make one (or two) stops at this private island. To make the most of your visit, here are some dos and don’ts of Castaway Cay:
Don’t forget your stateroom key. You will not be able to disembark or reboard the ship without it.
Do take the tram. It’s a long walk from the ship to the beach but you can hop aboard a handy (and complimentary) shuttle to get around the island.
Don’t bring a stroller. There are free strollers, wagons and joggers available on Castaway Cay. There are even special wheelchairs made specifically for use on the sand for physically challenged cruisers.
Do rent an innertube for little ones. It provides oodles of fun for children for just a few bucks. Then you can sit back and watch the kids play while dipping your toes in the waves.
Don’t let go of your Corona. The plastic beach-friendly bottles may look cool but they tip easily, spilling precious beer all over the sand.
Do eat on shore. There’s no sense wasting beachtime eating on the ship when the food is tasty and free on Castaway Cay. There are three places to eat: Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ and a “secret” BBQ near Serenity Bay (the adult-only beach). The restaurant at Serenity Bay is solely for grown-ups and offers bonus entrees not available at the other two — like deliciously seasoned grilled steak.
Don’t pay for bottled water. There are plenty of coolers situated throughout the island where you can get a cup of cold filtered water for free.
Do work off your calories. Take a yoga class on the beach. Swim or snorkel off your lunch. Play volleyball or tetherball at Sports Beach. Rent a paddleboat, kayak or aquabike from Gil’s Fins and Boats. Play ping-pong, basketball and other games at one of two Game Pavilions. Explore the 1.5 miles of bike trails aboard a beach cruiser — child seats, kids’ bikes, and tandem bicycles are available for rental.
Don’t wait to buy memorabilia back on the boat. You can only get Castaway Cay gear and tchotchkes on the island.
Do relax. You could get Castaway Cay fever trying to squeeze too many activities into one day. Instead, pick a couple of must-dos that will please everyone in the family. The point here is to unwind, island-style.
Have you been to Castaway Cay? What are your thoughts about the island? Let us know in the comments!
A note from the Travel Mama: Thank you to Disney Cruise Line for inviting me to sail on Fantasy in 2012 and Dream in 2011!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
This sounds like a great break from the ship. Does the ship stop there only once per voyage?
All Disney Caribbean cruises include at least one stop at Castaway Cay. Some cruises include two days at this private isle.
I DO really want to go to Castaway Cay now! Great tips.
Great timing for this article. We will be there next week and I’ve been trying to get info on Castaway all week. This has been the best article I’ve read so far… mainly cause this is the first I have seen the little splash area. My one year old loves those.
Looks like an awesome place to visit! A little piece of paradise.
Renting bikes was definitely our family’s favorite thing to do. It was a little chilly when we were there in December so the water wasn’t too inviting. The weather was perfect, however, for biking and you can ride out to a great overlook tower, and see the whole island while riding on flat and easy paved bike paths. I will definitely do it again next time I’m there.
I LOVED renting a bike on Castawy Cay too, Megan! I felt like Julia Roberts in the movie, “Eat, Pray, Love” while peddling along the island’s gorgeous bike trails.
This is one great post! You were able to show how fun would it be in the Castaway Cay while sharing tips at the same time.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Emanuele. I’m glad you found the post helpful!
We are doing this in February. We have a waterproof camera. I would love to get some great shots from up in the air. But I also want some of us taken from the boat. I’ve seem some great ones with the ship in the background. Is there anyone official taking photos like that for purchase that you know of?
Amanda – Disney has “official” photographers available all over the boat and even at Castaway Cay. All different kinds of photo packages are available for purchase; I’m sure you will get some great shots. Enjoy your cruise! (So jealous…!)