Swim With Incredible Wildlife At This Popular Caribbean Island
Blue Lagoon Island, also known as Salt Cay, is a private island in the Bahamas that is lauded for its stunning natural beauty including crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and tropical foliage like coconut palm trees. Tripadvisor users are gushing on the message boards about this island that is only 3 miles from the capital, Nassau by catamaran boat; describing it as beautiful, amazing, and fun for the whole family. Most agree that it's a picturesque and idyllic destination for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Perfect for a day-trip from the capital, you can fill your day there by lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or even snorkeling near vibrant coral reefs among colorful fish.
Swimming with dolphins is an activity that many people want to cross off their bucket list, and Blue Lagoon Island is renowned for this. Dolphin Encounters, the local tour company that facilitates swimming with dolphins, notes that their dolphins have also made it in Hollywood, with one playing the role of "Flipper" alongside Elijah Wood, and others were featured in the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movie, "Holiday in the Sun," which was shot on location. Here's why you should make sure Blue Lagoon Island is on your itinerary for your next Bahamian trip, especially if you want to high five Flipper.
Swim with the dolphins and learn about their world
Dolphin Encounters offers visitors the unique opportunity to interact with bottlenose dolphins and learn about these intelligent mammals in a safe, eco-friendly tour. There are a few different dolphin experiences to choose from — visitors can play and swim with the dolphins in a natural ocean lagoon or partake in an interactive experience in shallow, waist-high water. Family-owned and operated, the company, which partners with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, places great emphasis on creating an authentic experience for everyone by accommodating guests with physical and/or mental special needs. The facility is wheelchair accessible and can even provide a waterproof wheelchair so that everyone can get up close with the dolphins. The company's website explains that you can still enjoy their dolphin tour even if you're hesitant or a non-swimmer, and one TikTok user agrees (as shown in the video above).
Part of Blue Lagoon Island's mandate is to protect the dolphins on top of interacting with them. "Blue Lagoon Island has for decades been committed to preserving and protecting the marine environment and to operating in a sustainable manner," Robert Meister, managing director of Blue Lagoon Island, told Eyewitness News. The island also offers a Sea Camp for students which is an outreach program designed to educate youth about marine animals and the importance of protecting and preserving the ocean environment through interactive, hands-on experiences.
Make sure to book well in advance
Blue Lagoon Island offers so much on land as well as in the water. While it is open to the public, there is a sense of seclusion and privacy. Many visitors find it to be a peaceful escape from the more crowded tourist areas in Nassau. The island offers scenic, panoramic views of the Bahamian waters and nearby islands, providing a tranquil escape and a serene atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding. So if you don't want to participate in any activities, just book an Island Beach Day ticket that's great for the whole family, or an Adults Only Beach ticket if you want more serenity and calm.
If you want to visit Blue Lagoon Island, remember that it is a privately owned island. That means, you can't just drop in! You have to book a tour in order to access the island, which customarily includes your round-trip catamaran excursion from Nassau. However, pay attention to the package you pay for, because while a tour that involves swimming with the dolphins will allow you access to the beaches, a tour that only includes beach access won't let you purchase a dolphin experience on-the-spot. The island's official website actually recommends that you book your experience three to six months in advance, and at the latest, one to three days if you're hoping for a cancellation.