I’ve spent countless days on Castaway Cay, and the Getaway Package is the one thing that consistently elevates the experience.

Disney Cruise Line calls on many different ports all over the world and, while I haven’t been to all of them, I can already tell you my favorite one: Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.

Many of Disney Cruise Line’s Caribbean routes stop at Castaway, and some itineraries will even make two stops (affectionately known by cruising mega-fans as “double-dip itineraries”). Any day at Castaway Cay is a good day in my book, but if you really want to make the most of your time on this slice of tropical paradise, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. You need the Castaway Cay Getaway Package.

The Castaway Cay Getaway Package is the key to unlocking a truly magical day on the island.

The Castaway Cay Getaway Package: An Overview

The Castaway Cay Getaway Package makes it easy to explore the island and its sights. Photo by Danny Shuster

The Castaway Cay Getaway Package bundles three family-friendly activities into one convenient package. It’s a smart way to snorkel, swim, bike, and event float during your time on the island. This package is a 3-in-1 deal that comes with a discounted rate on snorkel equipment for the day, a float or inner tube rental for the day, and a one-hour bicycle rental.

While it is possible for guests to rent these items individually on a first come, first serve basis while on the island, fortune favors the prepared with this package.

Your only time limit here (outside of the one-hour bicycle rental) is how long your ship is in port at Castaway Cay. So, you can feel free to take your time and really explore the island and all it has to offer.

How Much Does the Castaway Cay Getaway Package Cost?

Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay Getaway Package costs $54 per person (for guests ages 10 and up) and $34 per person (for guests ages 5 to 9).

For a full breakdown of what’s included and the latest pricing, visit Disney Cruise Line’s website.

If you plan to do at least two of the three included activities in the Getaway Package, then you’ll be saving money by opting for the package over individual activity rentals.

Plus, it does come with another big perk: You’ll get the added convenience of skipping the queue for standby rentals and going straight to the reserved line. That’s a time-saving benefit that gives you more of an opportunity to put your rented gear into use.

The Best Way to Use the Castaway Cay Getaway Package

The Castaway Cay bike path is where I recommend starting your day. Photo by Danny Shuster

When I purchase the Castaway Cay Getaway Package, I like to start off with a bike ride around the island. The paved trails are an excellent way to explore, and there are some really unique lookouts and hidden quiet spots most guests never see.

Follow the bike paths signs to the observation tower for a truly unique vantage point of your ship in port or, if you want to get away from the world and experience some serene island zen, take your bike all the way to Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach on the island), hang a right. and follow the paved road until you reach a dead end. Here you’ll find some benches, a water station, and the most tranquil ocean views under the comfortable shade of a lush tree canopy.  

By the time you’re ready to return your bike, you’ll want a dip in the water to cool down. Luckily, you can collect your snorkel gear just steps from the bike return.

Gear up and hit the water to explore Castaway Cay’s 22-acre snorkeling lagoon. You’ll see tropical fish and sunken Disney Easter eggs, including hidden Mickeys and statues of some of your favorite Disney characters. The snorkeling lagoon has a gentle entrance and soft sandy bottom, making this a perfect place for beginners to get used to their fins and breathing masks. There’s plenty of space in the lagoon, too, so you’ll never feel crowded in the water. However, you do have to swim fairly far out to find the best treasures and the most sea life. 

The lagoon offers plenty of space to snorkel and explore. Photo by Danny Shuster

At this point, you’ve worked up quite an appetite, so go indulge at Cookie’s or Cookie’s Too for a well-earned lunch break. I promise, all that physical activity will make the barbecue lunch buffet taste even better.

Next, it’s time for the cherry on top of your Castaway Cay Getaway Package treat: the float rental. Choose from an inner tube or floating carpet (I prefer the carpet), and let the gentle waves and perfect turquoise water melt all your cares away. Bobbing in the warm waters of the Caribbean, soaking up the views of the ship in port, and embracing the joyous atmosphere of Castaway is a true delight.

Compared to the pace of a Disney World trip, life on Disney Cruise Line vacations is slow by design. Take a tip from Moana and spend some time to see the line where the sky meets the sea, and you’ll feel the blissful relaxation of a day at Castaway.

If you take advantage of all the amenities that the Getaway Package has to offer I promise you’ll return to the ship happy and full of perfect island memories.