A day at Blue Lagoon Island Starts With the Boat Ride

Black and white icon of a calendar.
October 6, 2014

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.

Blue lagoon Island

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.


General

Read More Articles
February 5, 2026
NASSAU, Bahamas (February 5, 2026) – Blue Lagoon Island, the iconic private island destination just minutes from Nassau, will be opening a newly renovated and expanded Adults-Only Beach designed with sustainability at its core. The exclusive retreat was thoughtfully redeveloped to preserve and enhance the island’s natural landscape, creating a serene, eco-conscious space that blends seamlessly with The Bahamas’ vibrant environment. The revitalized area has been carefully integrated into the existing ecosystem, preserving the island’s natural rhythms rather than disrupting them. The result is a tranquil sanctuary that elevates the guest experience while honoring Blue Lagoon Island’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. “Our newly enhanced Adults-Only Beach reflects our commitment to both guest enjoyment and protecting The Bahamas’ natural beauty,” said Robert Meister, Managing Director of Blue Lagoon Island. “We’re proud to offer experiences that balance relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion for every type of traveler.” While the Adults-Only Beach offers a secluded sanctuary, the same commitment to nature and Bahamian hospitality extends across the entire island. Whether guests are seeking a quiet moment of luxury or a full day of family exploration, the Blue Lagoon Island journey is designed to immerse visitors in the best of the destination. The experience begins with a scenic boat ride across Nassau’s turquoise waters, setting the stage for a day of discovery. Once ashore, visitors can curate their perfect escape from a wide range of activities and amenities: Animal Encounters : Connect with the remarkable marine life through unforgettable dolphin and sea lion encounters or observe extraordinary birds in their natural habitat. Active Pursuits : Get adrenaline pumping with nonmotorized water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, or challenge friends to a game of volleyball on the beach. The Island’s Heritage : Explore the island’s hidden beauty on an Eco-nature Walking Tour discovering native plants and the history of the natural lagoon. Family Fun : Kids of all ages will love the inflatable water park, a safe and exciting water play area designed for endless giggles and fun in the sun. Relaxation & Serenity : Unwind and soak up the sun on stunning white-sand beaches, swim in the calm lagoon or enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Whether seeking excitement, family fun or pure relaxation, Blue Lagoon Island offers an adventure for every traveler — now enhanced with the new sustainably designed Adults-Only Beach Area. For more information or to plan a visit, go to dolphinencounters.com .  About Blue Lagoon Island Blue Lagoon Island inspires and engages guests to learn more about marine animals and to preserve and protect the extraordinary ocean environment through educational, sustainable, interactive and authentic Bahamian experiences. The island offers encounters with native dolphins, stingrays and nurse sharks as well as California sea lions, among many educational activities, including eco-nature walking tours that feature beautiful beaches, native flora and fauna. Blue Lagoon Island stands at the forefront of animal care and environmental stewardship in The Bahamas. As the first facility in the country to achieve certification from the American Humane Conservation program, it proudly maintains its Humane Certified status, with reaccreditation earned in March 2024. The island is also accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and holds membership in the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA). Celebrated for its innovative educational programs, Blue Lagoon Island is a recipient of the prestigious Bahamian Cacique Award and a proud member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Travelife, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable tourism and conservation. For more information, visit dolphinencounters.com .
Two women smiling, holding wine, at a Galentine's Day sip and paint event at Blue Lagoon Island.
February 2, 2026
Galentine's Day Sip & Paint $75 per person.
Family on a beach playing in the sand, ad for Blue Lagoon Island
January 20, 2026
PACKAGE INCLUDES: Roundtrip Boat Ride to Blue Lagoon Island Grilled Lunch Games & Activities Beach Access Beach Chairs, Umbrellas and Hammocks (Based on Availability) OFFER DETAILS: Discount Code: Use code LBCH25 Note: Cannot be combined with any other offer. For Resident or Resident Card holders only - ID required Book Your Trip Ready to go? Book online at https://www.dolphinencounters.com/programs/island-beach-day Contact Us: Toll Free: 1-866-448-9535 Reservations Line: 242-363-1003 WhatsApp: 242-828-3902