Castaway Cay: Disney's Private Bahamian Island

Castaway Cay is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line — it doesn't appear on any other cruise line's itinerary and is not accessible independently. The ship docks directly at the island, making it one of the few private island stops where guests walk off the gangway and onto the island without tendering.

**Family beach areas:** The main beaches are a short tram ride from the ship (or a 10-minute walk). Pelican Plunge is a floating water playground anchored offshore with slides and climbing features. The 2,000-foot waterslide drops into the lagoon. Beach chair and umbrella access is included; some premium amenities are extra.

**Serenity Bay:** Adults-only beach at the far end of the island, a 15-minute bike ride or tram ride from the ship. Quieter, less crowded, with its own bar and grill. No guests under 18. Reservations for cabanas here are bookable in advance and popular.

**Activities:** Stingray excursion (wading encounter in a separate lagoon area), snorkeling from the beach, sea kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a bike path that circuits the island. Character meet-and-greets happen at the island's pavilion area for the first few hours.

**Food:** Complimentary barbecue lunch is served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at two locations on the island. Bars are a la carte.

Castaway Cay (originally Gorda Cay) is a 1,000-acre island in the Abacos chain of the Bahamas. The island had a colorful history before Disney: it was used as an airstrip for drug smugglers during the 1970s and 1980s, and the DEA conducted operations there. Disney purchased the island from the Bahamian government in 1997 and spent two years rebuilding its infrastructure, constructing the dock, buildings, and landscaping. The island opened as Castaway Cay in 1998.

Disney employs local Bahamian staff at the island and has maintained an agreement with the Bahamas government that the island contributes to the local economy through employment and the purchase of goods and services from Bahamian vendors. The name "Castaway Cay" was chosen to evoke the feeling of a deserted island while acknowledging the cay's origins.

**On foot:** From the ship's gangway, the main family beach area is a 10–15 minute walk along the island's main path.

**Tram:** Disney operates a complimentary tram from the ship to the main beach areas and back. It runs continuously; the wait is rarely more than 10 minutes.

**Bike rental:** Cruisers and tandems are available for rent by the hour. The bike path circles the island and provides access to Serenity Bay. Reservations can be made in the DCL app before sailing.

**Serenity Bay:** Accessible by tram (an extended route) or bike. The tram to Serenity Bay runs less frequently than the main beach trams — check the schedule posted at the tram stop.

Disney Cruise Line charges gratuities to your onboard account in pre-set daily amounts covering your stateroom host, server, and assistant server. Castaway Cay staff are covered under this structure.

- **Bar staff on the island:** $1–2 per drink is appropriate; the bars are separate from the complimentary meal service. - **Stingray excursion guides:** $5 per person is a kind gesture for the nature staff. - **Cabana attendants:** If you've booked a premium cabana, $20–30 for the day for an attendant who keeps the space stocked is reasonable. - **The onboard gratuity:** Disney suggests daily amounts per guest that cover the island call day as well — adjust if you feel strongly about a particular crew member's service.