Disney Cruise Lines Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney has added another private island to their portfolio with Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is located in the Bahamas.  This Cay opened on June 7, 2024, and the 700 acre property is the second island owned by Disney. The first island is Castaway Cay which sports 1000 acres. Both of the islands are located in the Bahamas and are about 114 miles apart. Lookout Cay is located on the island of Eleuthera on its southern tip. The island is roughly divided into three districts, north central and south.  The people in the north and central districts work at Lookout Cay, with Disney providing employment opportunities on the island.

Differences Between Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay

One of the main differences between the two islands is that Castaway Cay has a themed storyline of a shipwrecked castaway community. The majority of the buildings are made to look like they have been put together from supplies recovered after a shipwreck.  Lookout Cay takes a different tack that honors Bahamian culture. Located on the island of Eleuthera, the architecture is inspired by the colors, plants, shells found on Eleuthera.  For those cruises who have been to Castaway Cay, one of the most prominent differences that they notice will be that Lookout Cay is more spread-out than Castaway Cay.  

Wear Good Walking Shoes

The walk from the ship along the pier to the island is half a mile. Once you have gotten to the island off the pier, there is a 15 minute long tram ride from the main entrance of the island to the amenities.  You might wonder why the pier is so very long. In order for large cruise ships to dock close to ports, the area has to undergo dredging in order for a channel to be made deep enough to accommodate a large ship. With this long pier there was no dredging of the fragile coral in the area, which was one of Disney’s promises when constructing the Cay.  There is less shade on Lookout Cay than there is on Castaway Cay, so make sure you have packed your sunscreen. Numerous tropical palms are planted, but it will be a while before they offer the shade that is found at Castaway Cay, its predecessor by 25 years. 

Good To Know At Lookout Cay

Because of the long pier and Lookout Cay being spread out, it is not a practical option to go back and forth to the ship. Make sure that you bring everything that you need for the day.  Beach towels will be available on the island, so no need to bring towels with you.  As a rule, your time on the island will start about 8:30 am and you will need to be back on board by 4:45 pm.  Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination Map © Disney

Beaches At Lookout Cay

Photo courtesy of DCL News Today

Lookout Cay has a great expanse of beach. The waters are turquoise and the sand is white and powder soft. Lookout Cay will offer both family beaches and adult only beaches with different cabana spaces and eating locations.  Of the three beaches, Mabrika Cove is for families who rent cabanas there. This beach is the only one with a view of the cruise ship. The main part of the beach is where families tend to congregate, as the area is wide and long. This is the Family Beach.  There are also complimentary umbrellas and loungers here. The family beach is also close to the Rush Out Gush Out family water play area.  Here you will find two slides, water drums, fountains and more.  In the works is a dedicated space for toddlers.  Serenity Bay is for guests 18+ and is an adults only beach.  Along the nearby boardwalk, you will find showers and changing rooms. 

Cabanas At Lookout Cay

Mabrika Cove is located on the side of the island that faces Lookout Cay’s half mile pier. There are 20 premium family cabanas for rent, including four double cabanas that can accommodate larger groups.  Serenity Bay is the island’s adults-only beach area. Serenity Bay has a dedicated dining area with both food and drink. There are six cabanas available for rent. The Blue Hotel Bar and Serenity Bay BBQ are located there. 

Tours And Excursions At Lookout Cay

Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures for Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has 16 forms of recreation and port adventures. They include:
  • Bahama Bank Escape
  • Bike and Kayak at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
  • Certified Scuba Trip
  • Ebike, Sand, Snorkel and History Tour
  • Historical Nature and Awesome Buggy Tour – 2-Person
  • Historical Nature and Awesome Buggy Tour – 4-Person
  • Private Historical and Cultural Tour – SUV
  • Private Historical and Cultural Tour – VAN
  • Snorkel by Boat
  • Snorkel by Boat – Certified Scuba Observer
  • South Eleuthera Eco and Cultural Tour
  • South Eleuthera Eco and Historical Tour
  • Tropical Reef Safari Snorkel
Three additional Port Adventures are self-guided. They include renting bikes to enjoy the many paths of Lighthouse Point and the island’s Nature Trail. You can rent a banana boat for half an house or you can explore the waters of Lighthouse Point by renting snorkel equipment for the day.   

Weather:

The Bahamas has summers that are hot and oppressive, and mostly cloudy. Winters are warm, a bit muggy and dry. It is windy year round in the Bahamas.

Over the year, the temperatures vary from 70°F to 88°F and are rarely below 66°F or above 90°F.

The shortest day in the Bahamas is in December, usually around the 21st. The day has 10 hours and 35 minutes of daylight. The longest day is in June, usually around the 20th, with 13 hours, 42 minutes of daylight. 

The best time of year to visit Bahamas for general outdoor tourist activities is from early December to mid April, with a peak time in the second week of February.

Currency:

There is no need for currency on the island. Guests will use their Key to the World cards to charge purchases to their room. No cash is accepted at Lookout Cay. 

 

Wireless Internet:

 

 

Languages:

English

 

Where You Dock in Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Bahamas

Photo courtesy of DCL News Today

There is just one docking point at Lookout Cay, and once docked you can see the island from the ship in the distance. 

There is also a long bridge, a half a mile long, that takes you to the island, and some might be daunted by the length. 

There are trams that take visitors from the ship to the island, but the trams are mainly for those who might not be able to make the long walk.

Getting Around Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Bahamas

Photo courtesy of DCL News Today

Please note that the distance from the main entrance to the amenities on the island is a 15 minute tram ride. Guests are not allowed to walk it. 

In the Bahamas, they drive on the opposite side of the road than they do in the states, so be aware of this, too. 

Shopping In Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Bahamas

Specially designed merchandise for shoppers, much with a Disney theme. The merchandise for shoppers is made for Disney by local designers on Eleuthera. 

When you first get off the ship, The Landing has the First & Last Chance Stand as a place to shop. 

The other two shops on the island are Disney T’ings and Treasures of Eleuthera. Treasures has authentic Bahamian crafts from local artisans 

Dining In Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Bahamas

Photo courtesy of DCL News Today

True-True BBQ and True-True Two BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ are complimentary BBQ’s on the island. Lookout Cay has added some Bahamian specialties such as rice bowls as well as familiar favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs.

Bars around the island serve various beverages, including soft drinks, beer and specialty cocktails. The bars are Bows & Ribbon, Watering Hole Bar, Reef & Wreck Bar and Mangroves & Go. They are scattered around the island.  Sandsational Smoothie is near the Goombay Cultural Center. 

Things To Do in Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Bahamas

Lookout Cay has snorkeling along with kayak, bike rentals and banana boats. As this Cay is still in its early days, there will probably be more water activities added as time goes on. 
One of the port activities includes a cultural tour around the island communities. There is a stop at the famous caves of the island, visits to Junkanoo workshops and local shopping. 

Junkanoo is one of the Caribbean’s favorite carnivals. Colorful costumes, dance routines and street parades make up a big part of the celebration. 

Disney worked closely with local Bahamian designers to bring this carnival to life at Lookout Cay. 

 

 

 

RUSH! Is a Junkanoo celebration that is a combination of Bahamian culture with an added mix of Disney fun. This show takes place twice a day in front of the Goombay Cultural Center on Lookout Cay.