Disney’s Castaway Cay–a favorite cruise stop!
Disney’s Castaway Cay is a favorite stop for many Caribbean and Bahamian Disney Cruisers. A day at Castaway Cay is relaxing and yet full of fun. Most Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries stop for one day at Castaway Cay. Many people want even more time on Disney’s Private Island so they book two consecutive cruises or cruise. Some cruisers book far enough ahead that they are able to book one of the coveted itineraries with two port days at Castaway Cay.
Activities to do on Castaway Cay
There is plenty to do on Castaway Cay to occupy your entire day. There are family activites, adult activities, teen activities and kids activities. Something for everyone in the whole family!
Activities for Families on Disney’s Castaway Cay
Pelican Point
Pelican Point is the family beach area. After getting off the tram you will see a peninsula that divides the family beaches. If you want to play in the water go to the right. The complimentary Pelican Plunge waterslide and water-play area is anchored on this side. The lagoon is shallow which is great for little ones.
To the left of the peninsula you will find the hut to rent water equipment such as floats, boats, paddleboards, or snorkeling equipment.
Both sides of the beach offer complimentary lounge chairs and towels.
Beach sports such as volleyball, tetherball and soccer are nearby.
Items to Rent to Maximize your Fun
- floats and inner tubes
- bicycles
- kayaks
- sailboats (must have prior experience)
- paddleboats
- catamaran
- snorkel equipment
- banana boat rides
- Cabanas–Pelican Plunge beach has a small number of private cabanas for rent. The price is somewhere in the vicinity of $600/day for up to 6 guests. It may seem frivolous but these covered cabanas are a wonderful haven from the sun. They are supplied with cushioned chairs and loungers, a hammock, a bar area, fresh towels, water, soft drinks, some snacks, sunscreen, a fridge, a safe, outdoor shower, and last but not least, a shaded deck. Plus, it also includes free use of snorkeling equipment, bicycles, and floats. For a family of 6, those things can add up making the Cabana rental more of a bargain. Cabanas are VERY popular. Many cruises they are snatched up by the Concierge cruisers, and Platinum Castaway Club members (another reason to book concierge or take just one more cruise).
In Da Shade Pavillion
Located near the family beach the In Da Shade Pavillion is a great place to get out of the sun and still have fun. There might be character dance parties, free throw and ping pong tournaments, fooseball tables, giant chess and checkers.
Castaway 5K
This free fun-run takes competitors on a tour of the developed parts of the island. It is open to everyone 12 and over and it’s not just for runners. Joggers and walkers are welcome too! Oh, and there is a medal at the end.
Port Adventure Excursions
Since Castaway Cay is a port desitnation it must have some exciting excursions! Most of these are 1-3 hour activities so choose wisely. Is the excursion worth the time you are missiing from relaxing on the beach.
- Bottom Fishing–3 hour catch-and-release fishing trip in the waters around Castaway Cay. ages 8 and up.
- Glass-Bottom-Boat Excursion–45 minutes-1 hour total trip–travel out about 15 minutes to a location where you feed the fish and then watch the frenzy. all ages
- Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure–your chance to feed and pet small and medium sized stingrays plus a lesson on stingrays, skates and sharks. ages 5 and up
- Parasailing–float hundreds of feet in the air for 5-7 minutes behind a speed boat. The whole trip lasts 45 minutes-1hour depending upon the number of guests. ages 8 and up
- Walking a Kayak Nature Adventure–Walk on the nature trail behind Serenity Bay beach with a guide. Once you reach the beach you will head out in kayaks. As you will be ocean kayaking pay attention to the tides. Morning tours are usually better than afternoon. This is a 3-hour tour for ages 10 and up.
- Watercraft Ski Adventure–This is a thrilling 1-hour excursion on a WaveRunner to a secluded beach (the same one you kayak to without all the hard work) and possibly the island opposite the beach. The WaveRunners and not the beach or nature talk are why you want to book this tour. ages 8 and up
Activities for Adults on Disney’s Castaway Cay
Serenity Bay
Serenity Bay is the adult-only area on Castaway Cay. In this area you will find a rental booth, massage cabanas, and the Castaway Air Bar. Cabanas are also for rent over here at around $400/day for up to 4 people. Amenities at the Serenity Bay Cabanas are similar but don’t include snorkel equipment. There are only 5 cabanas over here so they go quickly.
There is a tram stop so you don’t have to walk all the way over to the quiet side of the island.
Activities for Kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay
Just like the ship, Castaway Cay caters to kids and has special areas just for them.
Spring-a-Leak
A water-play area near Pelican Point. Great for the little ones who are not as comfortable in the ocean water-play area.
Scuttle’s Cove
This area is like an extension of the Oceaneers Club on the ship (ages 3-12). The activities over here are supervised by Oceaneer’s Club cast members so parents can comfortably leave their children to play. Also just like on the ship, cast members will have a number of activities ready for the kids.
The Hide Out
Designed only for teens this area is tucked away off the beach. Teens have the freedom to come and go as they please. Cast Members are ready with sports games (volleyball and ping pong) and other scheduled activities. This is also a great place for teens to just hang out.
Where to Eat on Disney’s Castaway Cay
There is no need to go back to the ship to eat during your day on Castaway Cay. All day long food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for guests to enjoy. There are a selection of covered and uncovered dining areas not too far from the family beach area. Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ is the place to grab some grub to fill you up. Then just take your food over to one of the dining areas. Cookie’s is on the far end of the family beach closest to the ship. Cookie’s Too is behind the Pelican Plunge beach.
Serenity Bay has it’s own restaurant just for grownups. Often there are special dishes found here that aren’t at Cookie’s. So, it might be worth a wander down to this area just to see what’s available.
Alcoholic Beverages
While all non-alcoholic beverages on the island are complimentary (not including specialty drinks) the alcoholic beverages cost extra. There are a few different locations where you can get a frosty cold beverage for your day on the beach.
- Summertime Freeze–near the Pelican Peninsula
- Heads Up Bar–on the Pelican Peninsula
- Sand Bar–right near Cookie’s Too BBQ
- Castaway Air Bar–on Serenity Beach
Well, I think that about sums up all the ways to spend your day on Disney’s Castaway Cay! Do you have a favorite Castaway Cay activity? Is Castaway Cay a favorite cruis port or definitely one on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like to find out more about cruise itineraries with a stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay please contact me! Let me help you plan that relaxing beach day you have been waiting for!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Other Disney Cruise posts you might like:
- Which Disney Cruise ship should I choose?
- Planning a family reunion? Consider a cruise!
- What makes a Disney Cruise special!
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