Some of the destinations and events mentioned on this post were complimentary or a media rate was extended as part of my attendance to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration–an invite-only conference held by Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island that is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. The beautiful island with crystal clear waters have plenty of fun activities for everyone in your family.
Castaway Cay is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay. In 1997, The Walt Disney Company purchased a 99-year land lease for the cay from the Bahamian government, set to expire in 2096, giving the company substantial control over the guest experience on the island. Here are some of our favorite activities and must do while visiting Castaway Cay
1. Castaway 5K
Sign up when you board the bruise. Even if you are not a runner you will have fun. It is hot out so make sure to stay hydrated. They have water stations during the race, however you can take a bottle water with you. It is not a competition and a lot of people walk it. You get a cool medal at the end of the race.
If you are participating in the 5K you are one of the first people to debark the cruise to Castaway Cay. You need to be 10 years old to participate, however you can go sign up the kids at the kid's club and they will watch the kids for you while you run/walk. It is a great way to get to see the Island. I took my camera with me to take some pictures as I was walking. You can leave your backpack in a storage area they have available, so you do not need to carry heavy stuff with you. 2. Take a bike ride
There are bikes available to rent. If you would like to save some money look at the packages that also include snorkel gear, tubing and even the Stingray adventure.
The bike ride is a great way to burn the calories that you have been eating (and drinking) during the cruise and it is also a good way to explore. The bike path is designed to help you see most of the island. This was my son's favorite activity while at Castaway Cay. 3. Castaway Cay's Stingray Adventure
Get into a 40,000 square foot lagoon with stingrays, learn about them and feed them. After feeding them you can snorkel in the area and take pictures and just enjoy calm swimming while looking at the animals. You are allowed one hour in the area to complete the activity.
When you check in, the give you a vest and snorkeling gear. Then you head to a seating area where they explain how to feed them and you learn about different type of species of stingrays. When it is time to get in the water, you get a floating table and a guide that provides you with food. The stingrays are already trained on how to get in the table for the feeding process. Once your table runs out of food, you can snorkel and swim around. At the end of the activity you get a souvenir pin because you "survived" feeding the stingrays. 4. Get a cabana massage
When the time to splurge and pamper yourself comes, do not hesitate on booking a cabana massage while on Castaway Cay. You will feel so relaxed after it. The views are amazing. The cabanas are located at Serenity Bay, the adults only beach in the Island.
This is an activity that you want to book in advance either before boarding the cruise or at the Port Adventure booth in the cruise. The cabanas are cute, the environment and music are very relaxing and your body will thank you after. Totally worth the money. I chose to have the massage with a view instead of at the Spa on the cruise because I knew the view was going to be breathtaking. I was right! 5. Go Snorkeling
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. We snorkeled at the stingray adventure and also with some snorkeling gear that comes in the package of tubing, snorkel and bike rental. I totally recommend the package as a way of savings. But you can also choose to snorkel without the other activities. You do not want to miss the possibility of seeing fish and even sea turtles. Look around because you might even find a hidden mickey or two.
6. Relax and enjoy the beach
There are plenty of lounge chairs and towels that allow you to seat, lay down and relax. Apply some sunscreen and sun bathe. Get a drink and read a book. You decide your way to enjoy the white sand and clear waters. If you get hungry do not forget to get free ice cream and snacks. Enjoy the BBQ lunch and cookies.
You can either choose to stay at the family beach or take your kids to the kid's club and head to the adult beach for some quiet time. Either way, just remember to chill and relax! When the time comes to get back to the cruise ship remember to take advantage shuttle (Tram) that you can also use to get around the island.
6 Comments
Debra Vera
3/13/2018 08:50:49 am
Oh my I need to do that stingray adventure, I always love interacting with animals
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Marjorie Salas
3/13/2018 09:03:35 am
Wow, all of these look so cool. I would really love to have a massage by the beach.
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Stephanie Greenfield
3/14/2018 09:30:19 am
One of the reasons I want to take a Disney cruise to go to this island. It looks so cool to have an island just for the people of the cruise and it does not look crowded at all
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Lorena Newman
3/15/2018 10:17:45 am
I am going next May and I want that massage on the cabana, I just checked and they offer it for couples, so we will be booking that. Thanks for the recommendation
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Kevin Rehder
3/22/2018 09:09:36 am
I want to feed the stinrays so bad. Next cruise we take it is going to be a Disney cruise for sure
Reply
Sherilyn Mescher
4/2/2018 11:19:12 am
Next month we will be on a Disney Cruise and I am booking a couples massage at one of the cabanas. So happy I found your blog, so much good Disney information
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