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If your family’s setting sail on a Disney Cruise and your cruise itinerary includes a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, go ahead and start packing the swimsuits and sunscreen, because you’re headed for pure island magic. This private Bahamian island, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, is a paradise built with families in mind. From little tadpoles enjoying Scuttle’s Cove to an exclusive hangout just for teens, there’s something for everyone on this dreamy island. Let’s take a look at all the kid-approved fun, broken down by age, along with some frogtastic family activities, Port Adventures and our top tips sprinkled in!
Disney Castaway Cay With Kids Overview
Nestled in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay is a 1,000-acre slice of Disney paradise. The island blends Bahamian beauty with Disney magic — think white sandy beaches, calm blue waters and picture-perfect spots where Mickey and friends just might drop by for a photo op.
Guests step right off the ship and onto the island (no tender boats needed), where friendly crew members are ready to welcome you with towels, smiles and plenty of suggestions for what to do next. The island is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate, with trams available if little legs get tired.
The island has dedicated areas and experiences designed for kids, teens, families and adults (hey, Mommy Frog needs her hammock too!). The island features a family beach, an adults-only beach (hello, Serenity Bay), a dedicated teen area and Scuttle’s Cove youth club. But that’s just the beginning of the froggy fun!
Disney Castaway Cay With Kids — Activities by Age Group
Castaway Cay Activities for Ages 3–10
Disney Cruise Line is known for its outstanding kids' programming, and that extends to Castaway Cay.
Scuttle's Cove
Scuttle’s Cove is a dedicated, fully supervised area just for kids ages 3 to 10. Staffed by the same amazing Disney youth counselors found onboard, this youth club is filled with island-themed activities, games and plenty of space to explore.
Parents can check-in their little adventurers and then head off to enjoy some well-earned downtime, maybe even at the adults-only Serenity Bay. But, don’t be surprised if your little tadpoles don’t want to leave when you return! Admission to Scuttle's Cove is free and reservations are not required.
Not sure if your tadpole will enjoy Scuttle’s Cove, or maybe you have a few questions before drop-off? We get it! Be on the lookout for open house hours. Just like the kids' clubs on the ship, Scuttle’s Cove typically offers an open house in the morning, which allows you to explore the space together.
On our last visit to Castaway Cay, the open house lasted about an hour, immediately after we disembarked from the ship in the morning. We were able to tour the area, meet the counselors and learn more about the day’s planned activities, which was super helpful and reassuring.
At Scuttle’s Cove, little cruisers can enjoy beach games, island-themed treasure hunts, seashell crafts and splash time in a sandy play area with water jets. There are even surprise character visits! These are just a few of the activities offered, and activities will vary by day. You’ll find the most up-to-date schedule and activity times listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Oh, and Scuttle's Cove serves lunch within the club (different from the kids' clubs on the ship), so if you're off on a Port Adventure, you don't have to worry about your child missing lunch.
Note: Castaway Cay does not have a nursery on the island; however, "it's a small world" nursery will remain open on the ship. Advance reservations are required and there is an additional fee for the nursery.
Monstro Point
Tucked inside Scuttle’s Cove is Monstro Point, a hands-on whale-bone excavation site where kiddos can pretend they’re paleontologists on a mission to discover ancient bones. It’s one of the most popular activities at Scuttle’s Cove and a great way for curious minds to dig, explore and learn through play! When Tad was little, we could not get him away from Monstro Point!
Spring-A-Leak Splash Pad
You'll find Spring-A-Leak splash pad near the Pelican Point tram stop, close to the second Family Beach. This splash pad is a ribbiting favorite for younger tadpoles! Mimicking a storm-damaged hut, Sprink-a-Leak has dripping pipes, gurgling jets, hissing misters and water jets that spray in every direction. It’s perfect for toddlers and early elementary-aged kids to run around and cool off. There is plenty of shade and seating for parents to kick back and relax while your little ones play.
Family Beach Area
Families who want to stay together can relax at the Family Beach. With gentle waves, plenty of loungers and powdery white sand that’s perfect for burying Daddy Frog’s feet or building castles, it’s a great way to enjoy the day together.
Disney lifeguards keep watch, photographers are around to snap beachside photos and you’ll find shaded picnic tables and unlimited soft-serve at nearby Cookie's BBQ.
Castaway Cay Activities for Ages 8–12
Older kids love Castaway Cay for the balance of freedom and fun. They can explore at their own pace while still enjoying plenty of Disney magic along the way.
In Da Shade Games
In Da Shade is a recreation area located near Castaway Family Beach and like the name implies, it's shaded!! This hub of high-energy fun includes basketball courts, ping-pong tables and even tetherball. Older kids can join in on friendly competitions, organized games or just shoot hoops while making new cruise buddies.
Water Sports and Snorkeling
If your family loves water adventures, Castaway Cay has plenty to dive into. At Gil's Fins and Boats, you’ll find rental options for water sports, including kayaks, paddleboards and aqua trikes.
One of the most popular activities at Castaway Cay is snorkeling. The Snorkeling Lagoon has a barrier that helps keep the waters calm. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the lagoon, even on stands positioned in the water.
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But what really makes snorkeling here really fun are the hidden treasures Disney has placed on the ocean floor. As you snorkel along, keep your eyes peeled for surprises like a Dumbo ride vehicle, a statue of Prince Eric from "The Little Mermaid" and even a submarine from the old "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" attraction.
Snorkeling gear can be rented on the island at Flippers and Floats rental station, which is near the Family Beach area. As of recent sailings, gear rental is around $44 for adults and $24 for children (ages 5–9) for the full day, and includes a mask, snorkel, fins and a safety vest. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer, but life vests are required for all snorkelers.
Olaf's Summertime Freeze
Olaf’s Summertime Freeze is a super cute smoothie stand that kids (and adults) will love. Inspired by everyone’s favorite snowman, this stand serves up fruity smoothie drinks in "Frozen"-themed souvenir cups.
Disney Castaway Cay With Kids — Tweens and Teens
Let’s be real, teen frogs need space! Castaway Cay delivers with areas designed exclusively for them where they can relax and hang out with frogs their age for a truly frogtastic day.
Teen Hideout
Tucked away from the Family Beach, Hideout is an exclusive location for teens 14 to 17. It’s outfitted with plenty of loungers, hammocks, music and games. Keep an eye on the activity schedule on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to see all the scheduled activities and events held at Hideout throughout the day. There are even activities for the Edge tween club, ages 11 to 14.
Activities for Thrill-Seekers
For adventurous teens, Castaway Cay has plenty to keep the adrenaline flowing. Port Adventures designed just for teens, such as The Wild Side Teen Adventure, combine a bit of everything: a high-speed boat ride, biking through scenic island trails and snorkeling (with supervision and guidance from Disney youth counselors). Other options for older kids and families include parasailing high above the island, bouncing across the lagoon on a banana boat or riding jet skis!
Castaway Cay Family Activities
You don’t have to split up to have fun. Castaway Cay is packed with family experiences made for time together.
Pelican Plunge
Pelican Plunge is a large floating water play area located just off the second Family Beach. It features two twisting water slides and a giant water bucket that dumps on swimmers below. It’s best suited for strong swimmers, especially older kids and teens, since you’ll need to swim out to reach it. Tadpoles must be 38” tall to use the slides, and anyone under 48” must wear a lifejacket.
Castaway Cay 5K
The Castaway Cay 5K is a free, self-paced run that you can complete anytime after you get off the ship — there’s no official start time or sign-up required. Typically, the course starts near the bike rental hut and winds through scenic island paths. It’s open to all ages, and you can walk, jog or run, whatever fits your pace.
That said, it's a good idea to start early in the morning when the weather is cooler and be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the course before you need to head back onboard. Once you’ve finished, head to the bike rental hut to pick up your finisher’s medal. The medal is super cute, but not as hefty as a traditional runDisney medal, but still a fun and memorable keepsake.
Beach Games
Throughout the day, you’ll find Disney Crew Members leading fun beach games like tug-of-war, giant beach bowling and hula hoop contests. Some of these activities are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, while others just pop up at random. If you come across one, don’t hesitate to jump in — they’re a great way to add some extra magic to your beach day. One of our favorite moments was dancing the “Electric Slide” with Mickey and Goofy on the Family Beach. Total core memory!
Character Meet & Greets
One of the funnest things to do on Castaway Cay is meeting Disney characters in their tropical outfits! You can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Chip 'n Dale and Captain Jack Sparrow around the island. Most of the official meet-and-greet times are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and many of them hoppen earlier in the morning, so it’s worth checking the app before you head out for the day.
Instead of hopping right on the tram to the Family Beach, we love walking the path because we almost always catch a few characters along the way. Disney photographers are usually nearby to snap a professional pic, but friendly crew members are always hoppy to take one with your phone, too.
Keep a lookout for surprise pop-ups — Chip 'n Dale, for example, are known to squirrel around near Cookie’s BBQ around lunchtime!
Disney Castaway Cay With Kids — Port Adventures
Disney offers Port Adventures on Castaway Cay that go beyond the usual beach day. On the Port Adventures booking page, you'll find ages listed for each activity, so you don't have to guess which ones will fit your family best. A few favorite options include:
- Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure: Kids 5 and up can feed and snorkel with gentle stingrays.
- Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage: Cruise above coral reefs and marine life without ever getting wet.
- Bicycle Rentals: Rent bikes for the whole family and explore scenic trails. You’ll even find a lookout tower with sweeping views of the island.
- Aqua Trikes and Paddleboats: These family-sized watercraft are a fun way to cruise around the lagoon.
- Get Up & Go Stand Up Paddleboarding: For older kids and teens who want to try something new and test their balance on the waves!
The window for booking Port Adventures varies based on your Castaway Club status. While things like tube and float rentals will be available day-of, other activities such as Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure are limited. To see the full list, head to Disney’s Castaway Cay Port Adventures.
Which Disney Cruises Visit Castaway Cay?
Several Disney ships include Castaway Cay in their itineraries, especially on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. Ships that typically stop at the island include:
- Disney Magic
- Disney Dream
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Wish
- Disney Treasure
- Disney Destiny (sailing November 2025)
Some itineraries feature double-dip stops, where your ship visits Castaway Cay twice during the same cruise. Talk about the ultimate beach bonus! For help choosing your ideal itinerary, check out our guide to Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2025 and 2026.
Helpful Tips for Families Before Heading Out on Castaway Cay
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind before you head off the ship:
- Bring your Key to the World card – Everyone needs it to get on and off the ship.
- Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated – The sun is strong in the Bahamas. Apply sunscreen before you leave the ship and reapply often. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. There are water stations around the island.
- Eat breakfast on the ship – There’s no breakfast available on Castaway Cay, so fuel up onboard before heading out.
- Toss in an extra pair of flip flops or water shoes – Sand and the walking paths can get hot, so a backup pair can come in handy.
- Bring only what you need – Towels and life vests are provided on the island, and beach chairs are plentiful. Keep your day bag light but include swimwear, flip-flops, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
- Pack a dry change of clothes – After a full day of water play and sand, it’s nice to have something dry to change into before heading back to the ship.
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app – You'll find character meet-and-greet times, activity schedules and Port Adventures listed there.
- Mind the lunch hours – Cookie's BBQ and Cookie's Too BBQ typically serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plan your day accordingly so you don't miss out.
- Walk instead of ride (if you’re up for it) – The walk to the Family Beach often includes character sightings you might miss if you take the tram.
- Pick up a souvenir – There are a few small shops on the island with Castaway Cay-exclusive merchandise. No cash needed, just use your Key to the World card to charge purchases to your onboard account.
Castaway Cay with kids is a day full of fun, sun and Disney magic. From beach games to character meet-and-greets, there’s so much for families to enjoy together. Pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and sense of adventure — this island day is one your kids won’t froget!
Related: Our Top 50+ Disney Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before Your Next Sailing
Hoppy planning!
