Exploring the Discovery Nature Trail at Disney’s Lookout Cay

Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is still a fairly new destination for Disney Cruise Line. And while much of the area is still growing up, there is plenty to see and do. One of our favorite parts of this new island is the The Discovery Nature Trail. Winding around Disney’s Lookout Cay this is a unique self guided experience that you won’t want to miss. It’s a great way to learn about the local plants, and animals on the island while exploring everything Lookout cay has to offer.

Exploring the Nature Trail at Disney’s Lookout Cay is always a good idea. The Nature Trail will lead you though local flora on a semi paved trail and is a great way to spend some of your island time. Scattered along the trail, there is a variety of educational signage that teaches you about the wildlife and plant life native to the area, as well as the artists that have contributed to the trail. There are also water dispensers throughout the trail to keep you hydrated during your hike.

Landscape

So what might you see on the Disney Nature Trail at Lookout Cay? In addition to the beaches, you also see Coral Reefs, Salt Ponds, Limestone Cliffs, and the Historic Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point.

And while you’ll surely be in awe at the tropical landscape, you can also learn about the local flora and fauna along the trail as you walk along. While it only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to the lighthouse on the Disney Nature Trail, chances are you will find yourself stopping along the way. And if you have your phone with you, you can even learn more about everything you’ll see on the Disney Cruise Navigator App. Note that the QR codes on each side only work while connected to DCL-GUEST wi-fi network.

Animals

Along the trail you may see, and can learn about the animals via the podium signage. With bronze statues, information, pictures, and habitat info of each, here are a few of the animals on Lookout Cay.

• Curly-Tailed Lizard
• Great Lizard-Cuckoo
• Land Crab
• Money Bat Moth
• Queen Conch

Plants

And the same goes for plants and trees too. See a tree you’ve never seen before? Chances are it’s a native species, and one you can learn more about by looking for the signs on the trail.

• Lignum Vitae Tree
• Wild Sage
• Sea Grape Tree
• Horse Flesh Mahogany Tree
• Wild Sapodilla Tree

Artists

Lookout Cay honors many the local Bahamian Artisans, and luckily you can learn more about them too along the Discovery Trail. Local artisans who contributed to the trail art, and the little bronze creatures you see on each sign are Dorman Stubbs, Kishan Monroe, Imogene Walking, Philip and Michelle Kemp, and Antoious Roberts.

Lighthouse

Ready to visit the The Historic Lighthouse at Lookout Cay? When you get near the end of the path, there will be a fork in the trail. One will take you up to the historic Lighthouse that has given this area its name. And the other will take you down to the secluded beach. This area has really cool limestone rock formations. You can climb them and get really amazing views, but do so at your own risk as this area is unstaffed.

If you choose to go up at the fork in the road, you’ll find yourself at Lighthouse Point in no time! Once you get to the top, you can check out the historic lighthouse and learn more about it. And you can also enjoy amazing views from the top.

The Lighthouse at Lookout Cay was built in 1901 and originally shone light 14- 20 miles out into the water, to guide ships towards the shores of Eleuthera, without danger. With so many rocks and reefs along the shore, it was often the only way a ship could safely approach the island.

How to get to the Nature Trail at Lookout Cay

There are multiple entrances to the Nature Trail, but if you are already at the main part of Lookout Cay, the easiest place to access it is behind Sebastian’s Cove and the Reef & Wreck Bar. There will be a sign that says “Nature Trail Access”.

Discovery Nature Trail Map

The Disney Discovery Trail winds throughout a variety of places, but as you can see from the map, there are main landmarks that make this area extra special. The limestone cliffs are breathtaking and a MUST-SEE when you’re at the island. Luckily, the trail passes this area and offers ways to see the best views. The Beach in this area is also essential as it gives you the unobstructed views of the ocean beyond, being the islands farthest point. The Lighthouse is over 120 years old and the apex of the trail. If you don’t want to miss anything, be sure to stop and really take it all in; read the informational markers, take pictures and enjoy the journey.

Do you need the book the Discovery Nature Trail as an Excursion?

Nope! While there are many Excursions on Lookout Cay you can take, the Nature Trail is self led, and at your leisure. You will see there is a place to book the excursion through a guided tour on many of Disney’s itineraries. But this is not necessary. If you want some history and knowledge about the area, an excursion may be the right choice for you. But otherwise, it’s free to access for anyone at Lookout Cay.

Is the Nature Trail worth exploring at Lookout Cay?

We think so! Not only can you learn a bit about the area and its inhabitants along the way, but it’s incredibly scenic. And if you need a break from people, this is a great place for that.

Is the Discovery Nature Trail Accessible?

Yes, the Discovery Nature Trail on Lookout Cay is accessible and both the Nature Trail and the trail to the Historic Lighthouse have accessible path options.

Tips for walking the Nature Trail at Disney’s Lookout Cay

If you’re planning to walk the Discovery Nature Trail during your next stop at Lookout Cay, there are some things you should know.

Minimal Shade

The area is not well shaded, so be sure to bring sunscreen. There is an accessible boardwalk that will take you to part of the trail, but it doesn’t yet cover the entire route.

It’s Part of the Lookout Cay 5K Trail

The Lookout Cay 5k is really new and not completely marked, but part of the 5k does run through this area.

There are Water Stations

Though there are water stations along the trail, I would recommend that you bring your own water bottle if you’re planning to be gone for any amount of time as it can get really hot.

Wear Good Shoes

It’s easy to climb up the limestone cliffs as there are footholds that will lead you to the top. But be sure to have proper footwear, and be extra safe as there are no cast members in this area. You can also access the limestone cliffs without taking the trail if you prefer that. When you get to the Family Beaches, just turn right instead of left and follow the shoreline. It’ll take you there without using the trail.

Discovery Nature Trail Review

We loved this trail! If you’re someone who like to explore a little bit, this is a great way to spend some time at Lookout Cay. You can easily do the whole trail, along with some exploration of the cliffs in about an hour and a half. So it’s a great way to break up a beach day on your Disney Cruise vacation.

We loved learning about the wildlife and also really enjoyed the seclusion of this area. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for something to do that’s maybe a little outside of the box while you’re at Lookout Cay.