Let’s head 225 nautical miles from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Disney Cruise Line’s shipwreck themed Castaway Cay in the Bahamas near Great Abaco Island. The island is approximately 3 miles long by 2 miles wide however, only 55 of the 1,000 acres are actually developed.
Castaway Cay is unique in that it was the first private island to construct a pier for its cruise ships to dock. Guests can walk straight off the ship and onto the island. The cruise line does operate a complimentary tram from the pier to Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Point and a separate tram from Pelican Point to Serenity Bay. Guests can also walk the paved paths to any area on the island or utilize the beach strollers or wheelchairs provided.
Castaway Cay has one beach that is divided into two family beaches and Boat Beach. The adults-only beach, Serenity Bay, is separate from the family beach.
Both family beaches have lifeguards and racks of life jackets. There are complimentary loungers, beach chairs and beach umbrellas. The beach closest to the ship features a swim-out floating ropes course and is near the Scuttle’s Cove kids area and tram stop. The furthest beach is closer to the Pelican Point tram stop and features the Pelican Plunge floating water play area. The farthest end of the beach is reserved for cabana guests.
Boat Beach is the first beach you will come to when leaving the ship. No one sunbathes here as it is the spot for water sports. Guests will find water bikes and kayaks as well as snorkel gear to rent at Gil’s Fins and Boats
Furthest from the pier is the exclusive adults-only Serenity Bay. Serenity Bay has the same lounge chairs and umbrellas as well as cabanas. It also features its own barbecue pavilion, bar, massage hut and float rental.
No matter who you are, you will find plenty to do on Castaway Cay. The Gazebo features a DJ playing nonstop island music while guests are playing basketball, ping-pong or pool. Guests can swim out to the Pelican Plunge, a 2,400 square foot waterpark platform with two flume water slides and a bucket dump. There are designated areas on both sides of the family beaches just for snorkeling. Parents can drop their children off at Scuttle’s Cove while they enjoy Serenity Bay or an excursion.
And guests looking for excursions will want to check out a Banana boat ride or a Castaway Cay Fishing Adventure. Guests can also interact with stingrays during Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure or colorful fish and a possible shipwreck during Castaway Snorkel by Boat Adventure. There is a Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage, Parasailing or a Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure.
If meeting Disney characters is a priority, guests will not be disappointed while on Castaway Cay. There are plenty of spots for photo ops and various characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Captain Jack Sparrow are sure to make an appearance.
Lunch will be served while guests are on Castaway Cay. The main venues are Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ. These venues along with the buffet by the Serenity Bay tram stop all serve the same food from 11:30am to 2pm. Guests can choose from various grilled meats, sides, and desserts including soft-serve ice cream. Additionally, there are multiple bars around the island serving beer, wine, frozen margaritas and cocktails.
Only Disney Cruise Line ships visit Castaway Cay including Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream and Disney Magic.