It looks like Jack Sparrow has finally found his paradise island
Ahh, how we love private islands and a cozy beach! Every major cruise company out there has their own slice of heaven in the Bahamas, and it’s no different with Disney Cruise Line. Actually, they have two private islands now! We are talking about Castaway Cay and Lookout Point, with Castaway Cay being their OG Island and one of the main things that comes to our minds when we think about Mickey relaxing and getting a nice tan.
Disney’s Castaway Cay is awesome and certainly a contender for Famvia’s “Best Private Island,” going head-to-head with Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay. Castaway Cay has everything you’d want in a gorgeous private island in the Bahamas, from multiple beaches to waterslides, a splash zone, great complimentary restaurants, and, of course, Goofy in shorts—something you can only find here in the Bahamas.
Castaway Cay features amazing beaches and tranquil, crystal-clear waters that are a trademark of the Bahamas. While this place can get a bit crowded (something expected with Disney), there isn’t a standalone, huge waterpark like you’d find at CocoCay. However, there is a fun waterslide at Pelican Plunge and some splash zones for your little ones.
What we like about Castaway Cay
Do you like beaches? Well, Castaway Cay has three of them: Family Beach, Serenity Bay, and Sports Beach. Family Beach is considered the main beach since it’s located closer to the ship and offers plenty of umbrellas and amenities for everyone to use. Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach for guests aged 18 and over who want to relax or perhaps get a massage at the local spa. Finally, Sports Beach is for those who want to stay active with volleyball, soccer, or other activities. Unfortunately, I don’t think you can hire Mickey to your soccer team. Bummer.
The good news? All the beaches are great. The sand is clean and pristine, and the same can be said for the water. However, Family Beach can get really crowded, so it might be a good idea to walk a bit and find a spot at the edge as soon as you exit the ship.
There are lots of activities offered here as well, from snorkeling to glass-bottom boats, power catamarans, and fishing. Snorkeling is a fan favorite, but you should probably bring your own equipment if you plan to explore the depths of Castaway Cay, as renting snorkeling gear for the day costs around $40 per person.
Pelican Plunge is the main water play area. It’s not very big, but it’s charming, with two waterslides and a splash area. The weird thing about Pelican Plunge is that you need to swim a bit to get there, so small children might not be able to enjoy it. However, there is a splash area on the beach called Spring-a-Leak that is perfect for young children. There is also a climbing area with a rope course right in front of Family Beach that young guests might like. You can also find a childcare center inside the area that is basically a Kids Club called the Scuttle’s Cove, which is great for kids ages 3-10, and also a great option if parents want some alone time.
There are also many meet-and-greets around the island. Most of these are random, with characters often just walking around, but make sure to check your Disney app for a schedule of their appearances throughout the day. Some of the characters you might encounter include the classics Mickey, Minnie, and Donald, as well as Captain Jack Sparrow and Chip 'n' Dale. They’re dressed in unique outfits you won’t see anywhere else, as they’re enjoying a nice day at the beach too.
A lot of things in Castaway Cay are free too! Food is basically free everywhere, and soft drinks are included as well. You just need to pay for alcoholic beverages and the activities, which is a nice plus.
What we don’t like about Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is amazing, though just short of perfect. One area where the island could improve is by adding a dedicated area or even a single restaurant exclusively for Concierge members. Concierge staterooms are quite expensive with Disney Cruise Line, so an exclusive area on Castaway Cay would be a fantastic addition. Perhaps a private beach or a brand-new restaurant just for them? Something like that would significantly increase the value of these rooms. However, for now, there aren’t many additional benefits for Concierge members at Castaway Cay.
There is one perk, though! Concierge guests can rent cabanas before most other guests. These cabanas sell out quickly, so if you aren’t a Platinum member or staying in a Concierge room, you might need to say goodbye to the cabanas.
Castaway Cay can also get quite crowded. Depending on the time of year, Family Beach can become very crowded with people everywhere. It also gets quite hot, so be sure to drink plenty of water. This can also mean that lines for meet-and-greets may become very long, so just be patient and wait your turn to get a picture with Donald in his Hawaiian shirt. That guy is stylish!
Castaway Cay FAQ
Is the food included at Castaway Cay?
Yes! All food at Castaway Cay is complimentary for guests. There isn’t a specialty, paid restaurant on the island.
Does Castaway Cay have a waterpark?
Castaway Cay doesn’t have a large waterpark like the one at CocoCay. However, there are small splash areas and waterslides. The biggest thing compared to a waterpark would be Pelican Plunge, which includes two waterslides and a splash zone.
Can I spend the night at Castaway Cay?
Unfortunately, overnight stays at Castaway Cay are not permitted.
Are drinks included at Castaway Cay?
Yes! Water and soft drinks are included in Castaway Cay. However, you do need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages.
Do I need a boat to get to Castaway Cay?
No, you don’t need a boat to reach Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay. You simply disembark from the ship and you’re there!
