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Alvin began to visit less and less, and eventually sold his land to a private company.Īn American living in Florida, who had secretly used the runway himself for years to smuggle drugs, was the man behind the private company that purchased Alvin Tucker’s land. Residents of neighboring islands saw up to six planes a day landing. Even when he tried to put a stop to it, he could not because – the police were supposedly in on it as well.Īnyone owning parts of the island were no longer welcome and were being chased away by men with large guns and Dobermans. Alvin heard rumors that his private airstrip was being used by drug smugglers to bring narcotics into Florida. The runway is no longer used for planes but does serve as a bike and tram path to Serenity Bay.Īs time went on this beautiful and isolated tropical hideaway was discovered by criminals and put to use. He is responsible for the 2,400 foot runway that still exists today. He purchased 150 acres of the island, one of the first investments and purchases he made in the Bahamas. The only way to get to the island was by boat, so his plan was to clear land for a runway for easier access. In the 1960’s, a businessman, Alvin Tucker, looking for investments flew over the island with a real estate agent from Nassau. Because the fertile soil was excellent for growing, locals from other islands would boat over and use the land to farm. Many years ago, Gorda Cay was originally used for farmers from neighboring islands. Markings showed the objects belonged to Spain’s King Philip IV, and that the treasures were aboard the San Pedro, a Spanish Galleon that sank in 1733. Two treasure hunters from Nassau in the 1950’s came across a few objects just off the shoals of the island including three coins and a 72 pound silver ingot. The island offers many hidden alcoves and was believed to provide great hiding spots for pirates to anchor and lie in wait to ambush passing ships. The island was located just north of a trade route used at the time.
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It took eighteen months, $25 million and 50,000 truckloads of sand to transform Gorda Cay into Castaway Cay, a castaway-themed island with buildings designed to look like they had been built from timbers following a shipwreck.Īlthough never completely confirmed, it is rumored that pirates frequented the island in the early 1700’s. The island, Gorda Cay, is actually owned by the Bahamian Government and Disney leases the island from them. It is commonly believed that Disney owns Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line welcomes you to the island paradise of your dreams, Castaway Cay.” Visitors to this island can still see the original structures built by the explorers and take part in many of the same pleasures our castaways enjoyed years ago. Though castaway on this island, they had no desire to leave due to the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise. Through mild mishap and extreme good fortune, they located the objects of their desire–sunken treasures and the secret of youth. They brought along their families and a diverse crew. “Three explorers set sail to the scattered islands of the Bahamas in search of fame and fortune. When you first arrive on the island you see the island’s story: It is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay.Īs with all things Disney, Imagineers create a backstory and history for every attraction, shop or show, and Castaway Cay is no different. The island is 3 miles long and consists of 1,000 acres, but only 55 acres are developed. Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas which serves as an exclusive port for Disney Cruise Line ships.