Head to head
Half Moon Cay vs Lookout Cay: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador) (Holland America & Carnival) and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Disney Cruise Line) on the things that actually decide your beach day — score, access, cost and vibe. Here's how they stack up, and who should pick which.
| Half Moon Cay | Lookout Cay | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Holland America & Carnival | Disney Cruise Line |
| Location | Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas | Eleuthera, The Bahamas |
| Getting ashore | Tender required (ship anchors offshore) | Ship docks alongside — no tender required |
| What's included | Included (beach & lunch); paid cabanas, horseback ride & excursions | Included (beaches, lunch, most activities); paid cabanas & excursions |
| Vibe | Classic, serene, beach-first | Artful, eco-minded, serene |
| Best beach | The main crescent — the whole point | Goombay Cultural Beach for vibe; the swim beach for calm water |
| Best for | Beaches, Relaxation, Couples, Families | Families, Beaches, Couples, Nature |
Editor's Scores are our editorial assessment, not user reviews. How we score →
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Who should choose which
Choose Half Moon Cay if…
- Arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising
- Calm, shallow water great for kids
- Famous horseback-in-the-sea ride
Choose Lookout Cay if…
- Beautiful, culturally rich design
- Eco-conscious and largely solar-powered
- Quieter than Castaway Cay
The verdict
Half Moon Cay edges it on our Editor's Score (4.8 vs 4.7), largely thanks to arguably the most beautiful beach in cruising. That said, Lookout Cay is the smarter pick if you value families and beaches. Use the full comparison tool to weigh them against the rest.