Castaway Cay Cruise Port Guide

All attractions on Castaway Cay are easily accessible from the ship. For adults seeking tranquility, Serenity Bay is an exclusive, peaceful beach offering a quiet escape with its own bar and dining area.

Families will love the Castaway Family Beach, the hub of island activity, and the nearby Pelican Plunge, a massive floating water-play structure with two twisting water slides that drop you into the refreshing turquoise lagoon.

For a unique animal encounter, the Stingray Adventure allows guests to snorkel alongside and feed friendly stingrays in a controlled environment.

As a private island destination, Castaway Cay is a self-contained paradise where the day's adventures are all located on the island itself. There are no excursions or transportation offered to other nearby Bahamian islands or towns like Great Abaco.

Your exploration will be focused on the various zones of the island, from the bustling Castaway Family Beach to the secluded Serenity Bay. The closest you'll get to an 'offsite' destination is a boat excursion like a glass-bottom boat tour or parasailing that takes you into the waters immediately surrounding the island.

The cruise port is the island itself. Ships dock at a dedicated pier, allowing guests to disembark directly onto Castaway Cay without the need for tender boats. The main attractions, shops, and dining pavilions are just a short walk from the ship.

For convenience, a complimentary tram service operates continuously throughout the day, providing easy transportation between the dock, the family beaches, and the adults-only Serenity Bay, which is located about a mile from the pier.

There is no need for cash on Castaway Cay, as it operates as a cashless island. All purchases at the shops, rental locations, and beverage stations are charged directly to your stateroom account using your “Key to the World” card.

The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged one-to-one with the U.S. Dollar. However, the only place you might use cash is at the island's post office for purchasing Bahamian stamps, which accepts US Dollars.

Castaway Cay is an exceptionally safe destination, as it is a private island entirely managed and staffed by Disney Cruise Line. All guest areas are well-maintained and constantly monitored by staff to ensure a secure environment for families.

Standard water safety precautions should be followed, and lifeguards are on duty at all designated swimming areas, including the beaches and Pelican Plunge. It is perfectly safe to explore all designated guest areas of the island independently.

Castaway Cay enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round. During the peak cruise season from winter through spring, expect pleasant temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (21-29°C) with plenty of sunshine.

Summer months are hotter and more humid, with a greater chance of afternoon rain showers. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and while Disney Cruise Line expertly monitors weather patterns and alters itineraries for safety, it's a factor to be aware of when booking.

Light beachwear, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat are essential packing items no matter when you visit.

Getting around Castaway Cay is simple and complimentary. Paved pathways connect all the main areas, making it a very walkable destination. For those who prefer not to walk, a free open-air tram system provides convenient transportation between the ship's dock, Scuttle's Cove, Pelican Point, and the adults-only beach, Serenity Bay.

There are no taxis, public buses, or ride-sharing services on the island. For a more active way to explore, bicycle rentals are available for all ages to ride on the island's paths and even a former airstrip.

Shopping on Castaway Cay is a must-do for exclusive Disney merchandise. You'll find a couple of charming boutiques, such as "She Sells Sea Shells...and Everything Else!" near the family beach. These shops offer a wide range of Castaway Cay-branded souvenirs that you cannot find anywhere else, including t-shirts, beach towels, hats, and collectibles.

Prices are fixed, and all purchases are conveniently charged to your shipboard account. Be sure to visit the island post office to send a postcard home with the unique Castaway Cay postmark as a special souvenir.