Ahoy, Andrea!
Welcome back to planDisney! It sounds like you’re preparing for a fintastic under-the-sea adventure and hoping to explore some of the incredible marine magic at
Disney’s private island destinations—with your own snorkel gear in tow and dreams of spotting a hidden Mickey beneath the waves!
Let’s dive right into it: YES, you can absolutely bring your own snorkel gear to both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay! Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or just dipping your flippers in for fun, both islands offer Guests the chance to snorkel at no extra cost—as long as you come prepared and follow a few simple rules.
One important thing to know: all Guests must wear a snorkel vest while snorkeling, regardless of experience. The good news? These bright yellow vests are provided at no cost at the snorkel rental locations. If you're like my crew and prefer to keep things simple, you can also opt for one of the yellow life jackets found near the beaches—especially helpful when you just want to float along and channel your inner Crush.
At Castaway Cay, you’ll want to head to either
Gil’s Fins and Boats or Flippers and Floats to grab your vest before swimming out to the Snorkeling Lagoon,
located just off the Family Beach. The lagoon is protected by a breakwater, so the water generally stays calm and is perfect for beginner snorkelers—even little guppies as young as five! My family and I have spotted all kinds of sea life there, from fish and crabs to sea urchins, starfish, and even stingrays. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the legendary submerged Minnie statue and other hidden treasures scattered throughout the lagoon—it's like your very own Finding Nemo adventure!
Now,
over at Lookout Cay, the vibe is a bit more open-ocean and wild—kind of like stepping into the world of Moana, where the sea really calls you. You’ll want to stop by Flippers & Fins to
grab your snorkel vest or check in with the Cast Members there. They’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including important safety tips and staying within the designated white buoy markers. Due to the lack of a protective barrier and a more natural wave environment, Guests must be at least 10 years old to snorkel here. It’s a bit more adventurous, but that also means the chance to see even more marine surprises just beyond the shore!
One more tip from a salty sea dad: if you're packing your own snorkel gear, I recommend rinsing it thoroughly with fresh water after your day in the ocean. The showers near the restrooms work great for this—and it keeps your gear ready to go for your next aquatic quest!
I hope this helps you get your flippers in a row as you prepare for an unforgettable day of snorkeling magic at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay! With your gear in hand and some Disney know-how in your back pocket, you're all set to make a splash and uncover the wonders hiding just beneath the waves.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin