Ahoy, Adina! Welcome back to planDisney. It’s always a joy to see you here! It sounds like you have an amazing cruise planned for this summer, and I’m so happy to help you get ready for your next adventure.
While
Castaway Cay will always have a special place in my heart, Disney really raised the bar with
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. It beautifully blends Disney magic with the stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture of the Bahamas in a way that feels both authentic and enchanting.
Snorkeling at Lookout Cay is a unique and memorable experience. Unlike Castaway Cay’s shallow, manicured snorkel lagoon, the snorkeling here takes place in a more natural open-ocean setting, with currents, rock and reef environments, and marine life. It’s truly a “swim with the sea” kind of adventure! A quick note about age requirements: Children must be at least 10 years old to snorkel at Lighthouse Point due to the ocean setting. At Castaway Cay, kids as young as 5 can snorkel, thanks to the calmer, enclosed lagoon area.
If you’re looking to snorkel, the Flippers & Fins Snorkel Rentals kiosk is the place to go. Rentals include a mask, snorkel, fins, and the required inflatable safety vest, and you can use the equipment all day; just return it before heading back to the ship. Complimentary life vests are available at the snorkel rental station if you’re using your own gear.
Speaking of gear, Disney provides the traditional snorkel mask that covers the nose and eyes and uses a separate mouthpiece. If you’d like to reserve your snorkel rental ahead of time, you can do so through the
Port Adventures section of the Disney Cruise Line website under the Bahamas offerings. It’s always nice to have one less thing to think about once you’re in vacation mode!
But if you or your family prefer a full-face snorkel mask (which lets you breathe through your nose and mouth and often reduces fogging), you’re more than welcome to bring your own from home. Several years ago, I packed full-face masks for my boys and found that they made the experience more comfortable, especially for beginners. Just keep in mind they can take up a bit more room in your luggage!
And before you leave the island, make sure to stop by Disney T’ings and the First and Last Chance Stand for some adorable Lookout Cay-themed souvenirs. My teenage son picked up a beautiful drawing of the beach, and I couldn’t resist the handmade Disney-themed straw totes at Treasures of Eleuthera. They’re crafted by Bahamian artists and make such special keepsakes from a magical day in paradise.
Wishing you sunshine, snorkeling, and pixie-dusted tropical breezes, Adina!
Eean