Getting ashore
The ship docks, so you walk off. You are here only if a Disney ship calls. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island, about 3.1 by 2.2 miles. It is not a stop you can add from Nassau. Take the tram if the walk from the gangway is more than you want in the sun. Your ship’s note names the last time back aboard.
Watch-outs
Nassau is a different island. There is no boat into town from this pier. From age 18, bring a passport or photo ID, as Disney asks for one ashore. The beaches are open and the midday sun is strong. Take a hat and water. There is no taxi rank and no ride app. Do not follow anyone who offers a car off the island.
Getting around
A tram runs on the island. Use it if the sand and the heat are hard going. Paths link the beaches. There is no town street and no taxi queue. If you rent a bike, a one-hour rental is about $15, from age 3. Ride only where the staff point you, and leave time to return the bike before all-aboard.
Beaches
Castaway Family Beach is the family side. Serenity Bay is adults only. Teen Beach sits by the Teen Hideout. Pick the one that matches who you are with, because they are not next to each other. Chairs are set out. Bring the towel from the ship. Swim where the flags and the staff say it is all right.
Food
Cookie’s BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ are included. Eat there rather than looking for a café, because there is no town. The post office will stamp a card with the Castaway Cay postmark if you want one small thing to take back. Shops, if open, are on the island and close when the ship does.
Going further
There is nowhere further to go. Do not plan a trip to Nassau, Freeport, or another cay. Snorkelling and boating, when offered, stay with the island and with the ship’s list. Book those before you need the last tender, which on this call is the gangway, not a boat. If it is not on the ship’s sheet, stay on the beach.
What to do nearby
The day is the beach you chose, a swim, and the BBQ. The tram is the way between them. A bike is the extra if you want to cover more ground without a long walk in the sun. There is no museum and no old town. Children have their own beach. Adults who want quiet go to Serenity Bay.
Opening times & connectivity
The island follows the ship. It does not keep town hours. Be back by the time on your ship’s note. English is spoken. The money on the price boards is the Bahamian dollar, which sits at par with the US dollar. Wi-Fi is not listed, so do not count on it. Ask a Disney crew member if you need help.
Accessibility & mobility
The ship docks. You do not take a tender. Ask your ship about the gangway. The tram takes a personal or electric wheelchair, not a sand wheelchair. Beach sand is soft and not a level path. Families use Castaway Family Beach. Serenity Bay is adults only.