Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point

[kps7795]

I've done both and I prefer Castaway Cay

We have yet to visit Lighthouse Point but have gone to Castaway Cay at least 15 times. Even though we live only 30 minutes from the beach in South Florida, I believe that my kids have been to the beach at Castaway Cay more than they have been to the beach here in Boynton Beach. In fact, we installed a hammock next to our pool because my wife's favorite thing about Castaway Cay is lounging on the hammocks under the palm trees. Nonetheless, what did you prefer about Castaway Cay over Lighthouse Point?

 

[kps7795]

I will be sailing to Lighthouse Point for the 3rd time in May. 18th cruise with DCL, so plenty of stops at CC in the past. To me, I prefer LP.

We are in similar boats (pun intended, of course) being Pearl CC members who have yet to go to LP. What do you prefer about LP other than it being something new?

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

If you look at anything Bahamas related most people will say lighthouse point is one of the most beautiful beaches there is. The sand is pink and soft and the water is crystal clear. It’s just absolutely stunning. CC is nice but not as naturally beautiful.
At LP we had a cabana and we loved it. We took the tram to the other side to shop and check out the Junkanoo breakout.
One time at CC we did jet skis. Loved it and was just so much fun. I don’t think they have them at LP. I really think it depends on what you’re looking for.
The complaining about the walk from the pier on LP is wild. Hearing people complain about walking down a path in the middle of a beautiful ocean will never resonate with me.

 

[Gdes1]

If you look at anything Bahamas related most people will say lighthouse point is one of the most beautiful beaches there is. The sand is pink and soft and the water is crystal clear. It’s just absolutely stunning. CC is nice but not as naturally beautiful.
At LP we had a cabana and we loved it. We took the tram to the other side to shop and check out the Junkanoo breakout.
One time at CC we did jet skis. Loved it and was just so much fun. I don’t think they have them at LP. I really think it depends on what you’re looking for.
The complaining about the walk from the pier on LP is wild. Hearing people complain about walking down a path in the middle of a beautiful ocean will never resonate with me.

I tried looking on Google maps to see if the pier walk is actually much longer than from ship to the middle of family beach on CC and I really think it's the same. It's just the psychological difference of a long concrete pier vs a meandering path with different things along the way. I totally understand if someone has mobility issues, but they have a plan for that. I have some foot and joint pain, so I brought real walking shoes and didn't try it in flip flops.

I love Castaway but I'm also looking forward to going back to LP.

 

[lukemorenus]

I tried looking on Google maps to see if the pier walk is actually much longer than from ship to the middle of family beach on CC and I really think it's the same. It's just the psychological difference of a long concrete pier vs a meandering path with different things along the way. I totally understand if someone has mobility issues, but they have a plan for that. I have some foot and joint pain, so I brought real walking shoes and didn't try it in flip flops.

I love Castaway but I'm also looking forward to going back to LP.

Good call! 0.6 miles either way!

 

[Andrew96]

We are in similar boats (pun intended, of course) being Pearl CC members who have yet to go to LP. What do you prefer about LP other than it being something new?

The water and the beach are breathtaking.... the walk is fine for me, so that is not a deal breaker. I walk to the tram stop anyway for Serenity Bay when at CC (extra walking is my excuse to have more goodies). I think the elevated boardwalk is a great idea, and the fly issue has seemed to decrease over my three visits to LP.

The last few times I was at CC, the water had a little too much sea life, seaweed, algae, etc. for me. At LP it is nothing but clear water and sand, but that's just coming from someone who does not like anything touching them under water . Also, since the island is more south than CC, I have found the water temperature to be better - I was just there in December and while on the chilly side, not as cold as CC would be at that time of year. Both are great islands.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

I've been to both and prefer Lighthouse for the reasons mentioned, it's an amazing beach with a much more natural vibe. But, all opinions are subjective and personal so instead I would focus on the last part of your question..

Since some who are going have never been on DCL, what do you think, Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point for their first Disney private island experience?

Assuming you want the best experience for the people who have never been, how big of a classical Disney fan are they (Mickey Mouse etc)? If they are big fans of the Mouse, Castaway Cay is where I would go, it has a lot more classical Disney theming. If they are not big fans, Lighthouse is much more about the Caribbean culture and beaches so would go there. Either way, you can't go wrong in my opinion.

 

[steves100]

I will be sailing to Lighthouse Point for the 3rd time in May. 18th cruise with DCL, so plenty of stops at CC in the past. To me, I prefer LP.

Your the first person that I have heard say that. Was just on wish with stops in both...

 

[steves100]

Good call! 0.6 miles either way!

according to my Apple watch .48 miles. LOL

 

[justme0729]

Overall, we had a better day at Castaway Cay with a 3 and 1 year old because it was simple to get to, simple to get food etc. but I think Lookout is a more exciting destination at least for people with kids. The splash pad is a huge upgrade over castaway and the water is beautiful. However we waited in loooong lines for food, seating was far from the food, and it was a little tougher to find where to go than castaway which is basically just one main path. I would choose one with both islands- I want to go back to both!

 

[lorimay]

Just were at both last week.

I enjoyed lookout cay better than back in November. We had a perfect cool breezy day the beach was gorgeous. The sand awesome

But I am a Castaway girlie 100%.
Castaway has the Disney vibes whereas lookout cay feels more like a beach excursion to any Caribbean island
My grandchildren loved the water play area so much at Lookout. I really hope they put one in at CC.

 

[jwalk03]

Just returned from the Magic Cruise that stopped at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. I have been to Castaway before; this was my first time to Lookout. I have to say I am team Lookout 100%.

Lookout Cay is far more naturally beautiful than Castaway. I loved the sugar soft sand, and the dunes, and the electric blue water with real waves to play in. I really liked the boardwalks and the look and feel of the buildings they added. I can't wait to see it in a few years when all of the newly planted trees have time to really mature.

The long walk from the pier is really overblown. I get it could be difficult for those with mobility issues, but that's why they offer the golf carts. For everyone else- take those extra steps, you probably need them from eating too many ice creams on the cruise anyway!!

I actually really like that they did not try and build a "second" Castaway Cay. Lookout Cay is very different and a unique destination. One that I liked more than Castaway Cay.

 

[RedHead0186]

Depends on what you/they are looking for. If you want a relaxing beach day, then maybe Castaway (Lighthouse actually has slightly better beaches, IMO, but Castaway is built up a bit more so it's more relaxing). If you want a cultural experience then Lighthouse Point.

I like them both, for different reasons.

 

[asunutgirl]

Haven't been to LP yet but recently watched a National Geographic special on the development of LP. I'm thrilled that they built the long pier rather than dredged up the ocean floor. When we go, I'll walk to work off my dessert from the night before.

 

[Eeebee620]

I have been to Lighthouse twice and Castaway three times and recently was on the Fantasy that went to both. If you are looking for beach day I much preferred Lighthouse but for things to do Castaway seemed like the better bet.

Castaway felt very crowded, people who got off the ship late were having a hard time finding seats. It felt like people were everywhere. That said we loved kayaking and my kids enjoyed the water slide.

Lighthouse is gorgeous! The secret is if you are willing to walk farther keep going down the beach! Everyone seemed to stop in the main section and it got very crowded. We kept going down the beach and it was empty, had the beach to ourselves for a few hours, it was heaven! There was also a bar right behind us so no wait for drinks! While there were no loungers on the beach there were chairs and it was easy to pull them close to the water.

Might not be normal practice but we went back to the ship a little earlier (once it started getting busier) and there was no one waiting for the golf carts so we asked for a ride and they took us back. Minimal flies, spicy chicken sandwich FTW, highly recommended Lighthouse!!

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Loved LP. That beach was amazing and so relaxing. There were loungers and chairs on the beach and we had a great day on the beach.

 

[imbelle]

I've been to Lighthouse point twice and while very pretty, I much prefer the Serenity Bay at Castaway over the one at Lighthouse Point.

Serenity Bay at Castaway is more secluded and quiet, being physically removed from the family beach.

It's all one beach at Lighthouse Point with only a small sign to designate the separation. Even at the furthest available umbrella I could still hear music from the bar area.

Also, the last time I was at Lighthouse Point, they weren't letting people put up the umbrellas due to wind. That's a big fail for my fair skin.

 

[RedHead0186]

Also, the last time I was at Lighthouse Point, they weren't letting people put up the umbrellas due to wind. That's a big fail for my fair skin.

Ooh yeah, that would be problematic. When I was last at LP I would move every hour or so to be sure I was still under the umbrella. Not having that protection (plus sunscreen, of course!) would be really problematic for my fair skin!

 

[jwalk03]

I've been to Lighthouse point twice and while very pretty, I much prefer the Serenity Bay at Castaway over the one at Lighthouse Point.

Serenity Bay at Castaway is more secluded and quiet, being physically removed from the family beach.

It's all one beach at Lighthouse Point with only a small sign to designate the separation. Even at the furthest available umbrella I could still hear music from the bar area.

Also, the last time I was at Lighthouse Point, they weren't letting people put up the umbrellas due to wind. That's a big fail for my fair skin.

Even Disney can't control the weather!

 

[imbelle]

Even Disney can't control the weather!

Yet...until they find a way to monetize it!