The newest island destination in the portfolio of Disney Cruise Line is unlike anything else offered in the cruise industry. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a private escape on the public island of Eleuthera, Bahamas. As much as I love Castaway Cay, Disney's original private island, Disney outdid themselves by bringing Disney magic without completely masking the natural beautiful, and rich culture of the Bahamas. And one of the best ways to witness this natural beauty firsthand is to dive in and snorkel! It's a romantic Disney Cruise Line experience.
The snorkeling at Disney Lookout Cay is one of the best natural snorkeling experiences I have ever had. For a romantic underwater adventure together, or for a family adventure, rental snorkel equipment and enjoy the waters of Lookout Cay is a must-do.
Here are three important things to know before you dive in. And if you love spending time with your love in a blissful paradise, consider these romantic islands in Florida.
Snorkeling at Disney Lookout Cay
- Flippers and Fins Location
- Safety and Age Requirement
- What You'll See
Flippers and Fins Location
When I first set foot upon Lookout Cay, after disembarking the tram, I felt pretty grumpy. I missed my beloved Disney's Castaway Cay, the original private island. It is a precious place, but it is an imaginary place, nearly devoid of true Bahamian culture.
Plus, there is not much signage on the island and I felt frustrated that I couldn't find my way at the start. Thankfully the many Disney Cruise Line crew at the island destination are friendly and willing to help.
We found Fliips and Fins to pick up our reserved snorkel equipment near the gorgeous beach. It is right on the shore overlooking the immaculate ocean. Disney Cruise Line kindly provided us with snorkel rentals as part of a hosted media trip.
After placing our belongings on some available beach and lounge chairs we walked a few stepped and immediately began our swim into the big blue world.
Later in the day, I had the privilege of speaking with Joey Gaskins, Jr. a native of the island who know works with Disney. “I started working with a senior executive team and Disney Cruise Line in 2018 when they were going from community to community to understand what the community needs were and how they wanted this place to represent the story of a lot of history and culture. They wanted to achieve the highest environmental standards and work with Bohemian artists and artisans. This is where you see the final product really come to life.”
“The Goombay Cultural Center here at Lookout Cay is the social engagement culture representation and the center of Lookout Cay, and you really feel the heartbeat of the Bahamas.”
- Joey Gaskins, Jr – Public Relations, Disney Cruise Line Bahamas and The Caribbean
Safety and Age Requirement
When renting snorkel equipment on Lookout Cay you must wear the provided bright yellow life jacket. We didn't realize it was a requirement and initially snorkeled without them. It took under five minutes for the life guards to call us out on their megaphone and walked some life jackets out to the water's edge for us.
Secondly, you must be age 10 or older to rent snorkel equipment at Lookout Cay. There is a truly natural snorkel experience. At Disney's Castaway Cay snorkel equipment rental is available for ages 5 and up.
The reason Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has a much higher age requirement is because this is a natural open ocean environment. Over at Castaway Cay, there is a shallow, manicured snorkel area with a manmade barrier out in the water.
However, we knew about the 10 or older age requirement and brought our own equipment for our son. He has snorkelled with us before and my husband & I know how to tag-team to make sure we are close to our son and monitoring how he is doing. We checked with multiple Disney crew members and they required that he wear a provided life jacket – which we would have done regardless, for extra safety.
What You'll See as You Snorkel
At first as we immediately entered the sparkling clear ocean water I felt some disappointment at the sights. Although the water is beautiful and the sand is silky soft, we only saw one fish for the first few minutes. Little did we know what awaited once we made our way to the reefs.
There are big white buoys in the water to make a barrier that guests are not meant to cross. There are Disney lifeguards on jet skis patroling the area. We swam as close to the barrier as we could, and that's when we noticed the dark reefs through the water.
With a few paddles we made our way to the reefs. What beauty!
The reefs are small and not brightly colored, however the fish were plentiful. We spotted many small tropical fish like the brilliant Blue Chromis, Grunts, and more.
Snorkeling at Lookout Cay costs $38 per person. It's a bit hefty when you think of the overall cost of a Disney Cruise, however, it is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural environment around you.
My husband and I said repeatedly how glad we were to have experienced snorkeling in these waters. And, hearing your own breath as you swim among beautiful fish and natural reefs is a way to truly relax on your Disney Cruise vacation.
Featured image provided by Disney Cruise Line Media Relations