Caribbean sailings with Disney Cruise Line include a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

Every guest’s cruise fare includes access to the island and youth areas, a barbecue lunch buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, and self-serve ice cream. Guests can use their ship stateroom key cards to charge incidentals such as alcoholic beverages or rentals for bicycles, snorkel gear, or watercraft.

Follow the Signs to Island Fun

Only about 55 acres of the island is developed, and all facilities are within walking distance of the ship. Guests can use maps to easily navigate Castaway Cay.

If traveling with young ones, a fleet of strollers and wagons is available for transporting kids and gear around the island. Additionally, guests can use a tram to travel from the beach areas back to the ship.

Bring the Kids to the Beach

The crescent-shaped family beach is situated in a well-protected cove, ensuring no big waves or rip currents affect the area. Umbrellas, chairs, and hammocks are available at no charge, while tubes and floats can be rented for fun in the swimming lagoon.

Take the Pelican Plunge

Within easy swimming distance from shore, the Pelican Plunge is a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with two winding water slides that drop you into the ocean. Enjoy water cannons and other fun ways to get wet, with a lifeguard always on duty.

Keep Your Kids in Sight

If your kids enjoy the Pelican Plunge, grab lounge chairs on the family beach right next to it. This way, your children can access the water slides while remaining within your view.

Meet Your Favorite Disney Characters

There are opportunities to meet Disney characters on Castaway Cay, similar to those on the ship. Consult your “Personal Navigator” leaflet or the respective app to locate your favorite characters on the island.

Give Your Teen Some Chill Time

The Hideout is a secluded retreat for teens (ages 14-17) where they can relax, listen to music, or engage in beach volleyball and soccer. Teens can also opt for the optional Wild Side excursion, which includes activities like snorkeling, biking, and kayaking around the island.

Take a Break from the Sun

If kids are overwhelmed by sun exposure, consider visiting In-Da-Shade, an outdoor game pavilion featuring giant checkers, pool tables, foosball, Ping Pong, and basketball hoops. Scheduled activities are also available for tweens (ages 11-14), supervised by youth counselors.

Let Kids Join the Club at Scuttle’s Cove

For children who love the Oceaneers Club on the ship, Scuttle’s Cove offers supervised activities for kids aged 3 to 12. It features a 1,200-square-foot water play area with a soft wet deck along with pop jets, geysers, and bubblers. The Cove ties into Monstro Point, a dig site full of artificial whale bones.

Activities include:

• Gotta Get Soaked, a team challenge with water balloons and buckets
• Water Mania, water play for younger children
• Caribbean Beach Party, sandcastle challenges and bubble games

Give Little Ones Some Splash Time at Spring-A-Leak

Your little ones can enjoy splashing around safely at Spring-A-Leak, a splashpad equipped with fountains and geysers, along with bench seating for adults around the perimeter.

Pet a Stingray

One of the most popular shore excursions on Castaway Cay is the stingray experience. This activity allows adults and kids aged 5 and up to stroke debarbed Southern Stingrays during a demonstration, followed by snorkeling in a lagoon with the gentle creatures. (Price: $45/adult and $36/child age 5-9.)

Explore on Two Wheels

You can rent bicycles while on the island for $10 an hour, a perfect way to discover the designated bike trails and experience the beauty of Castaway Cay.

Fun fact: Before being purchased by Disney in the late 1990s, Castaway Cay was a stop for drug runners. Some bike paths follow the remnants of what was once an airstrip.

Sneak Away Without the Kids

If your kids want to join supervised youth clubs, consider unwinding at Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach on the island.

Enjoy an Empty Beach

While family beaches are filled with activities, the adults-only Serenity Bay remains tranquil and quiet, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests aged 18 and older.

Pull Up a Chair to the Water’s Edge

At Serenity Bay, you can pull up a chair and indulge in pure bliss.

Pose with the Fab Four

Mount Rustmore stands as an iconic location on Castaway Cay, serving as a popular meeting spot for memorable photos.

Say Hello to Captain Jack Sparrow

Keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow roaming along the beach. He’s always up for a conversation and eager to pose for photos.

Get a Picture With Olaf at the Post Office

Don’t miss the chance to send a postcard from the island’s post office, which offers unique Bahamian postage with a “Castaway Cay” postmark. While there, be sure to take a photo with Olaf from “Frozen,” who sometimes greets guests outside.

Admire Your Ship

At the island’s watersports beach, a range of rentals are available, including sailboats, kayaks, Jetskis, standup paddleboards, and more. Make sure to check out the impressive Disney Dream parked in the background.