Castaway Cay is a Disney-owned island specifically for passengers on Disney cruise ships. Weather permitting, most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises stop at least once at Castaway Cay. We’ve cruised three times to The Bahamas, and while we might skip the port activities in Nassau, we never miss an opportunity to visit and participate in Castaway Cay excursions.
What can you do at Castaway Cay? There are standard activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sliding down the “Pelican Plunge” (a floating platform with water slides at the family beach). And there are shops and things to eat (especially if you like barbeque and ice cream). Or you can just chill on a hammock or beach chair (been there… done that). But there are also other activities that can tempt your more adventurous side.
Parasailing
The first time we visited Castaway Cay was our 50th birthday, and we were determined to try something we’d never done before. Hello parasailing! For two people who are afraid of heights, this seemed an odd choice. But after hearing about this activity from friends who’d tried it, we thought we’d give it a go. So first thing in the morning, after getting off the boat, we headed to “Marges Barges” and checked in.
There were eight of us on our motor boat, and after cruising out of the lagoon, they sent us up in pairs for the thrill of a lifetime! We were fairly high up, but we felt very secure in our “rigging” and weren’t scared at all. Our captain slowed down enough for each couple to have their feet splash in the water before speeding up and heading into the air again. It was a beautiful view, and the water was so blue and clear, you could see the bottom. We felt very safe, and it was really fun. A note for families regarding this particular port adventure… participants must be at least eight years old to participate. As of November 2022, it costs $129/person, but prices are subject to change at any time.
Stingray Adventure
Next up on our list of Castaway Cay excursions was “Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure.” For this port adventure, you go to the “Stingray Hut” at the start of the family beach and get an orientation lesson about stingrays before entering the “shallow waters of stingray lagoon.” Then you get up close and personal while you feed the stingrays in the lagoon. They enter a specially designed “feeding tray” and take the food right out of your hand!
You can feed them and pet them before they leave the “tray” and head back to the lagoon. After feeding them, you don snorkel equipment and can swim around the lagoon with the stingrays for another 30 minutes. Another note for those with kids… participants must be at least five years old to take part. And as of November 2022, it cost $56 for those ages 10 and up, and $45 for ages 5-9, again, subject to change at any time.
Castaway Cay 5K
It was our second trip to Castaway Cay (November 2017), where we took part in the Castaway Cay 5K run/walk. The morning we arrived, they herded us as a group to the start line, and off we went. Unfortunately, not being used to the heat and running on the tarmac of the “landing strip” really took its toll. But aside from the heat, it was a fun experience on a lovely bike path. And every finisher received a medal commemorating their achievement. There are also t-shirts you can purchase in the shops.
The best part of this adventure was it was absolutely free! However, participants must be at least ten years old to sign up. Also, we’ve recently read that they no longer start people in a mass start. Instead, you sign up, run/walk at your leisure, and pick up your medal when you finish.
Bike Rentals
The last excursion we recommend? It took three visits before we tried the bike rental. But the third time was a charm, and we finally experienced the bikes, and riding around the island on a lovely day in May. All bikes are one-speed, and after checking in, you simply find the bike that fits and head off.
After shakily getting our bike legs back (we hadn’t ridden bikes in several years), we took the trails to the observation tower. We dutifully figured out the messages on the flags flying on the tower and then headed over to Serenity Bay for lunch and a ride past the Cabanas. We originally thought one hour wouldn’t be enough time, but the length was just right. The cost for one hour is $13/person, and participants must be at least three years old.
What Castaway Cay excursions have you tried? We haven’t tried the kayaks, snorkeling in the lagoon, any of the “boat” rentals (paddleboats, fun cat, or waterbikes), or the stand-up paddle board rentals. Maybe next time?
Request a Quote Today
