Disney's private Bahamian island is the kind of shore day that makes kids forget they're on a ship — and makes parents forget to worry. Ships dock right at the pier, the BBQ lunch is on the house, and characters show up in their beach clothes.
Ships tie up directly at Castaway Cay's dedicated pier — just walk off the gangway and you're on the island.
💡 Pro move: Only one Disney ship docks at a time, keeping the island uncrowded relative to public cruise ports.
Castaway Cay has a single dedicated pier used exclusively by Disney Cruise Line.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Cruise Line (all ships) | Castaway Cay Pier📍 | Docked |
Many activities are included with your cruise; paid Port Adventures add water sports, rentals, and guided experiences.
The main beach has calm, clear water, complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Pelican Plunge is a large floating water-play structure with two water slides — free and usually a hit with kids.
Book your Disney cruise →Adults-only stretch of beach on the far side of the island with its own BBQ lunch spot, bar, and calmer vibe. Take the tram — it's worth the ride.
Book your Disney cruise →Explore a purpose-built snorkeling lagoon with sunken Disney-themed surprises — a submarine, a sunken ship, and a Mickey Mouse statue. Snorkel vests are required and provided free; gear can be rented or you can bring your own.
Book snorkeling gear →A guided educational experience where you wade into an enclosed lagoon to feed and touch southern stingrays under Cast Member supervision. Ages 5 and up.
Book stingray adventure →A complimentary, self-paced 3.1-mile run or walk along the island's paved paths. No registration or fee — finishers receive a Mickey medal at the bike rental station. A favorite for runners who want a unique destination.
Book your Disney cruise →Kayaks, paddleboards, aqua trikes, parasailing, jet skis, and glass-bottom boat tours are all available as add-ons. Book in the DCL Navigator app before departure — popular options fill fast.
Book water sports →Castaway Cay is fully walkable along paved paths; the tram handles the longer haul to Serenity Bay.
Walk straight from the gangway past the Kargo Handling tram stop through a lush, themed corridor to the main Family Beach and Scuttle's Cove. Pass the gift shops and Cookie's BBQ along the way.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the Family Beach, follow the paved path past Pelican Point toward Mount Rustmore — a giant pile of colorful oil drums painted with Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Great photo stop. Continue to the bike trail or loop back.
Climate normals for Castaway Cay, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 10 | 6:59 AM | 5:40 PM |
| Feb | 74°F / 23°C | 72°F / 22°C | 6 | 6:45 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 6 | 7:19 AM | 7:18 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:46 AM | 7:33 PM |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 12 | 6:23 AM | 7:49 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:17 AM | 8:03 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:27 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:43 AM | 7:45 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:56 AM | 7:13 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 17 | 7:09 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Nov | 78°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | 12 | 6:28 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:50 AM | 5:20 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The ship docks directly at the island pier. Most beaches and attractions are walkable from the gangway within 5–15 minutes.
Complimentary open-air trams run continuously between the pier, family beaches, and adults-only Serenity Bay throughout the day.
Bikes are available to rent on the island for self-guided exploration of paths and the beach areas.
Upcoming cruises that call at Castaway Cay, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.