A day at Blue Lagoon Island Starts With the Boat Ride

A day at Blue Lagoon Island or Dolphin Encounters begins on the dock at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, where only a 22 minute ferry ride stands between you and a breathtaking lagoon. Blue Lagoon Island Head Captain Martin Miller and the crew have made it their mission to make each of those minutes count toward a spectacular experience with the Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters teams.

In charge of nine boats in total, six of which are passenger ferries, Captain Miller has his work cut out for him, but the 13-year Blue Lagoon Island veteran knows his stuff. Starting with the basics, Captain Miller makes safety a priority from the moment the gangway goes down. While passengers step aboard and are greeted by the captain, a member of the crew ensures each person’s wellbeing on the gangway.

With two levels onboard, everyone is guaranteed a comfortable seat offering a magnificent view of Nassau Harbour and fresh trade wind breeze. For convenience, restrooms and a refreshment stand serving up snacks and cool beverages can be found on the lower deck. Background calypso music sets the tone for the rest of the journey while passengers pick their spots. As the boat departs from the ferry terminal, everyone onboard receives a warm welcome and safety briefing from the mate, who calls attention to life jackets and safety protocols in the event of an emergency.

With Paradise Island at their left, lagoon goers are treated to a peak at the island’s luxurious past and present. The Versaille Gardens (known as the Cloisters) is one of the island’s most popular landmarks. Dating back to 13thcentury France, the columns were brought to The Bahamas by Huntington Hartford. Views of the gardens precede those of stunning mansions located on Paradise Island’s eastern end and the Ocean Club Golf Course.

On their right, passengers can see the ‘Elvis Presley’ house – a large green and white home located on the New Providence side of the harbor. The home is where Presley is rumored to have stayed during his trips to The Bahamas. As the boat moves eastward, sightseers will notice Fort Montagu, the oldest fort still standing on New Providence, which dates back to 1741.

Making its way to the lagoon, the boat passes over the “sea gardens”, but those aboard will find no shrubbery there. Instead, if they look down, passengers will notice the changing patterns and colors of the water. Known as the sea gardens, this area offers lagoon goers the chance to see hues of turquoise, cerulean, aqua and green – a result of the varying depths of the sea and the growth of “sea grass” at the ocean bed.

As the boat nears Blue Lagoon Island, visitors will notice one more site of interest – that of Sandy Cay. Best known for its uncanny resemblance to the island in popular TV series “Gilligan’s Island”, Sandy Cay is just east of Blue Lagoon Island. With its cluster of palm trees and wide, sandy beach, Sandy Cay will take those who are old enough to remember the iconic show back to 60s, if only for a moment.

As the ferry docks at Blue Lagoon Island, the boat crew will begin to prepare for passengers’ descent. Those aboard will notice that they’re now in the famous lagoon. On the dock, there’ll be a friendly group of Dolphin Encounters and Blue Lagoon Island team members ready to take over from Captain Miller and his crew and ensure each visitor has an entertaining and enjoyable time as guests of Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters.

To find out more about visiting Blue Lagoon Island or Dolphin Encounters, contact their offices at (242) 363-1003 or on a toll free number at (866) 918-9932, or email info@dolphinencounters.com.