Disney Magic at Lookout Cay. Photo Jill Weinlein
Disney Cruise passengers arriving at Disney’s newest island experience, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will appreciate how clear and blue the water is everywhere one looks.
Located on the island of Eleuthera, the walk along the pier from the ship to the entrance of Lookout Cay is about a half mile. There are golf carts available to shuttle those with mobility issues.
On the pier is a cold water station for guests to fill up their reusable water bottles or for a quick cool drink. Disney crew members hand out icy cold towels to guests when they arrive at the Lookout Cay tram terminal.
Lookout Cay Harbor. Photo Jill Weinlein
The open-trestle pier from the ship to the tram terminal and harbor of Lookout Cay is long because Disney followed a high level of environmental conservation by extending the pier to prevent dredging a ship channel. This design addressed a number of environmental concerns to protect water flow, marine life, coral reefs, and sediment when building the pier.
While walking on the pier, guests will see schools of large and small fish in the clear water. ‘Our focus was protecting marine life and coral reefs,’ said Bradley Watson, a Bahamian environmentalist. ‘We have put Fish Castles underneath the pier for fish to discover and have already noticed the coral underneath is flourishing.’
Disney will continue following a high level of environmental and conservation stewardship and awareness of the sensitivity of the natural environment, so guests and locals can continue to discover the beauty and wonder of this special southernmost tip of Eleuthera.
Sculpture of local critters. Photo Jill Weinlein
As Disney does so well, Disney designers partnered with Bahamian artists, historians, naturalists and cultural ambassadors to bring this uninhabited area of the island to blossom with life. ‘Our number one goal is celebrating Bahamian culture, architecture and design, while telling stories and preserving the natural environment,’ said Watson.
Those walking to take the tram to the other side of the island will notice a rock sculpture with five indigenous creatures known to roam the island.
Once on the tram, the voices of Sandy Crab, Lizzie the Curled Tail Lizard, and others share enlightening stories about the island. Keep a look for one of the Money Moths, known to land on people and bring them luck and hopefully a little money in the near future.
Serenity Bay. Photo Kate Weinlein
Adults may want to head over to Serenity Bay, an 18+ area at Lookout Cay. It’s one of the prettiest and quietest spots on the island. According to Symonette, ‘The sun, limestone and calcium carbonate in the sea create the water to be so clear. The Bahamas is known for its shallow water beyond the soft white sand with a touch of pink.’
Grab your fins and snorkel to see some of the colorful underwater wildlife. There are more than enough beach chairs and lounge chairs to relax on or bring a chair to the water’s edge to enjoy the calming rhythm of waves gently lapping the shore.
Beachside Cabanas
The Beachside Cabanas at Serenity Bay are available to rent for an epic day at Lookout Cay. Up to 10 guests who are 18 years and older, will enjoy this exclusive waterfront retreat where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.
Each cabana has a roof for sun and rain protection. There is a front and back door and windows that open to allow a Bahamian breeze to flow through.
Serenity Bay Cabana. Photo Jill Weinlein
Outside in the back of the cabana are glorious water views with comfortable chaise lounge chairs, and a freshwater shower to use after a day in the sun, sand and sea.
The interior of the well designed cabana has comfortable seating, a refrigerator stocked with water and sodas, a basket of fresh fruit, snacks, a safe for valuables, a cooling ceiling fan, plus plush beach towels and bottles of sunscreen.
The cabanas even have electrical outlets so guests can keep their devices charged to take lots of photos.
BBQ Lunch at Serenity Bay. Photo Jill Weinlein
The area also has open-air BBQ dining venues with serve-yourself options that include BBQ ribs, grilled chicken and fresh fish. An array of salads include Bahamian cole slaw and potato salad, rice and beans, and fresh fruit. Save room for the large chocolate chip cookies.
Adult exclusive bars serve a variety of tropical cocktails, beers and mocktails that are presented in colorful aluminum tumblers. These reusable cups keep beverages colder longer while guests recline on a beach lounge chair or float in the warm shallow turquoise blue water.
Goombay Cultural Center. Photo by Jill Weinlein
The heart of Lookout Cay is a colorful arts and cultural center named Goombay Pavilion. Guests can participate in special crafts and programs to learn about the Bahamian heritage, listen to lively music, and immerse themselves in the festive spirit of a Jankanoo street parade.
Local artists provide guests with opportunities to make a custom headdress, while learning about the soul and natural beauty of The Bahamas. Throughout gathering spaces and cabanas, local designers tell a story while enhancing the exterior and interior of these structures.
Minnie Mouse at a Junkanoo Parade. Photo Jill Weinlein
Specially designed attire for Disney’s characters was created by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer, Theodore Elyett. This talented designer’s first runway designs were applauded when he was 13 years old, in 1998—the very year Disney Cruise Line set sail. Each of the garments has a distinct Bahamian flair inspired by the bright and colorful spirit of Junkanoo, the country’s signature festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Lookout Cay. Photo Jill Weinlein
Inspired by the beauty of his homeland, Elyett’s creations reflect the culture and colorful hues of The Bahamas. “The beauty of Mickey and Minnie’s looks are that they are literally ‘Junkanoo Fun in the Sun,’” Elyett said. “When you talk about the print, pattern, color, texture of Junkanoo, they’ve got that.” Theodore is designing special styles for Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale to wear while enjoying the natural beauty of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
His designs have been worn by Miss Universe contestants, celebrities, brides, and government officials.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Photo Jill Weinlein
Disney Cruises now visits Castaway Cay and/or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point throughout the year on each cruise itinerary. This island day experience provides guests with a safe, carefree and postcard-pretty day off the ship.
