Concerns Raised At New Private Island – Is The Beach Eroding Already?

Disney Cruise Line guests have been raising concerns over worsening beach erosion at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, with some warning that the conditions outside certain premium cabanas may now pose a safety risk.

Lookout Cay officially opened in summer 2024 as Disney’s second private island destination.

While the Bahamian retreat offers a stunning mix of relaxation and entertainment, several guests visiting in 2025 noted that erosion along the shoreline near the Mabrika Cove Cabanas has created a hazardous drop-off just beyond their rental’s back stairs.

“You could see the beach wash away while swimming in front of it… There was no way we could have stayed and swam there safely.”

A guest who rented Cabana 21

While Disney Cruise Line had roped off some staircases due to the changing conditions, the guest shared photos and video showing a steep drop from their cabana deck down to uneven, jagged rocks – not the soft sand typically expected.

“When we got to the deck, we were shocked to see all the huge rocks in front,” they explained. “They were not smooth, and they varied greatly in depth, so you had to walk very carefully and slowly or you would end up accidentally falling into a hole or crack.”

The situation reportedly worsened when guests attempted to swim.

“The waves and current were so strong that we kept getting pushed back into the rocks,” they added. “The adults could barely stop themselves, and the kids were straight up being thrown into the rocks.”

Conditions Seem to Be Deteriorating Rapidly

While it has been known that the cabanas closest to the end of the Mabrika Cove area – particularly 16 through 21 – are rockier, multiple guests say the erosion appears to be accelerating.

Travellers who visited the cabanas just two months earlier reported that the beach looked vastly different at that time.

The sudden change has left recent guests calling for caution and recommending that others consider different cabana options until the area can be stabilised.

“I would not recommend booking a Mabrika Cove Cabana outside of cabanas 1 through 5,” said the same guest, who visited Lookout Cay on July 17.

They also suggested that adults sailing without children might prefer one of the six cabanas at the Serenity Bay adults-only beach instead.

Disney Likely Working on a Fix

Disney Cruise Line is widely regarded as one of the most safety-conscious cruise brands in the industry.

It’s unlikely the company would continue renting out the affected cabanas if there were an imminent danger to guests – though temporary measures such as roping off stairs may not go far enough for some travellers.

It’s also likely that longer-term fixes are already being evaluated, such as installing erosion barriers, sea walls, or planting native vegetation to stabilize the shoreline.

In the meantime, all 20 Mabrika Cove Cabanas remain available for rent, and they remain among the most in-demand amenities on Lookout Cay.

All of the Mabrika Cove Cabanas are fully furnished and designed to offer a luxurious beach day, complete with shaded seating, beverages, plush towels, a mini-fridge, power outlets, and even a smart tablet for ordering food and drinks.

Cabanas 3–19 are standard cabanas for up to 10 guests and start at just under $1,000 for six guests.

Cabanas 1, 2, 20, and 21 are larger Grand Cabanas for up to 16 guests and start at $1,375 for up to 10 guests.

Additional guests can be added to either type for $56 per person, up to the cabana’s capacity.

Until conditions improve, travellers booking cabanas at Mabrika Cove may want to double-check which number they’re reserving and stay aware of the changing shoreline.

Related Posts

• Castaway Cay Vs Lookout Cay: Which Is Best?
• Disney Magic’s Historic Visit to Lookout Cay: A New Era in Bahamian Cruising
• Cruises Are Offering Better Value Than Land-Based Breaks In 2025