Activities and Rentals
Private cabana rentals are expensive, yet they book up quickly, so if you can afford it, sign up early. Beachside massages are available for a lesser fee in private open-air cabanas at Serenity Bay. Massage time slots fill up fast, so reserve a spot as soon as your activity window opens after you’ve booked your cruise.
While relaxing on the beach is desirable, some seniors and their families seek watery excitement. My preferred water activity is snorkeling. If you don’t have your own equipment you can rent it at the Snorkeling Lagoon. There are two underwater trails, Discover Trail for beginners and the Explorer Trail for more experienced snorkelers. Both trails have submerged surprises, so bring along a waterproof camera. Can you find the hidden Mickey?
Feeling adventurous? Rent a bike in the morning before it gets too hot and explore the island. Rent a wave runner, a float or inner tube, kayak, paddleboat, aqua trike, or stand-up paddleboard for some oceanic fun. Bicycles and most water based equipment can be rented the day of your visit, or you can make a reservation ahead of time when your activity window opens.
Castaway Excursions
Looking for more to do on Castaway Cay? Sign up for an excursion or a Getaway Package.
Most excursions have guides and can last from 30 minutes to three and a half hours, Some excursions may have different prices for adults and children ages 5 to 9 depending on the intensity of the excursion. Choose from banana boat ride, fishing adventure, stingray adventure, snorkel by boat adventure, glass bottom boat scenic voyage, parasailing, or a walking and kayaking nature adventure.
The Getaway Package offers snorkeling equipment and float or inner-tube rental for the entire day plus a one-hour bicycle rental. The Extreme Getaway Package has everything in the Getaway Package plus a one-hour stingray adventure.
Shopping
Castaway Cay logo merchandise can only be purchased on the island, so buy while you are there. The shops sell everything imaginable, key chains, swim wear, Disney character merchandise, and beach items. Bahamian crafts and souvenirs are sold by locals, some of whom make the items such as shell jewelry and straw bags. You won’t need cash or credit cards. All purchases are made through your Key to the World card including at the Bahamian shops.
Disney’s Castaway Cay Fun Facts
*A visit to Castaway Cay is so popular DCL has select Disney itineraries that visit it twice in one cruise.
*Near the ship dock is a working post office where you can purchase stamps and mail postcards to family and friends.
*The air strip on the island is a functioning runway for Disney Company and private planes.
*To build the dock, Disney dredged 50,000 truckloads of sand from the Atlantic Ocean.
*Solar panels located in the backstage area of the island are the main power source for utilities for the 140 Disney crew members who are permanent residents of Castaway Cay.
*Researchers are working with DCL to restore the island’s coral reefs and crew members help protect the nests of the endangered loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on the island’s beaches between April and September.
Castaway Cay is a fun stop on any Disney cruise and you will want to return many times over.
To discover more about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay or about Disney cruising for seniors in general join the Disney for Seniors Facebook Group, the original online community for Disney luvin’ Seniors!
To read another Disney Cruise Line related article from a senior’s perspective by the author, here is the link to A Disney Cruise For Seniors On A Budget!
