Blue Lagoon Island is Proud to be Authentically Bahamian

Posted: July 8, 2019

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July 8, 2019

Blue Lagoon Island is proud to be Authentically Bahamian. From the ownership, to the staff, to even our animals, this number one rated attraction in Nassau, Bahamas is truly a Bahamian company at our core.


Local Bahamian Ownership


The island has been owned by a local family for nearly 40 years. On October 1, 1979, Ludwig Meister purchased what is officially known as Salt Cay from John T McCutcheon, Pulitzer Prize-winning American newspaper political cartoonist.


McCutcheon and his family had dubbed their private island retreat Treasure Island. Meister renamed it Blue Lagoon Island after the stunning turquoise blue lagoon at the center of the eastern end of the island.


Today, his sons operate Blue Lagoon Island as the number one attraction in the Bahamas, continuing the Bahamian ownership.

A narrow, green, island strip surrounded by bright turquoise water under a sunny, blue sky.

An Act of Compassion in The Bahamas


Meister’s original vision for the island – which he could see from his home in Nassau – took a different turn a few years later when he visited the recently closed Nassau Seafloor Aquarium to purchase old nautical themed artifacts.


In a tank at the aquarium were two dolphins. He asked about them and was advised that they too were for sale.


He couldn’t put those dolphins out of his mind. He owned property in Abaco and figured at the very least he could give them a comfortable place to live out the rest of their lives.


So he bought them, hired a team to care for them and moved them to Abaco. A few years later they relocated to Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island was born.


One of those two dolphins, Princess, is still a part of the Blue Lagoon Island beloved animal family. She is 52 years old and in November, 2018, she had a calf, affectionately named Duchess.

Two dolphins swim in clear turquoise water, one slightly ahead of the other near Blue Lagoon Island.

All Bahamian Team


When you visit Blue Lagoon Island, one of the first things you will notice is that our team is Bahamian. In fact, more than 96 percent of the 320+ staff members are Bahamian. This guarantees that with every interaction, you will have an authentically Bahamian experience.


Chat with our team about where in the Bahamas they hail from and even ask them to teach you some Bahamian words and phrases. It’s technically English, but we use a strong dialect and some really unique words when talking amongst ourselves!

Five smiling women in orange shirts and khaki pants pose in front of a

Bahamian Dolphins, Sea Lions and Stingrays


Not only are our humans Bahamian, but most of our animals are too! Twenty-one of our Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins were actually born at Blue Lagoon Island. The majority of our California Sea Lion squad was born here too! And all of our Southern Stingrays are native Bahamians.


Did you know we also have three rescued raccoons on Blue Lagoon Island? Left Foot, Right Foot and Barefoot were all rescued on nearby New Providence and given a home with the best daily care on our little piece of paradise. Raccoons are not indigenous to the Bahamas, so cannot be released into the wild.

Raccoon on a wooden structure, looking at the viewer with a slightly open mouth.

Authentically Bahamian Experience


When you visit Blue Lagoon Island, you will experience some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, pristine water and even native flora, fauna and wildlife.


You can also enjoy our Bahamian Village to ensure that even if you spend just a few hours in Nassau, you get an authentically Bahamian experience.


Watch in amazement as conch, tomatoes and onions are sliced and diced to make a delicious Bahamian conch salad at the Conch Shack.


Get your hair braided – island style in the Hair Braiding Shack. Be sure to apply sunblock to your scalp in between the braids before heading back out into the sun.


Take a photo next to the brightly colored directional signpost at the eastern entrance to the Bahamian Village. The names of various other Bahamian islands, as well as a few international destinations, along with the distance in miles to get to them, are painted on repurposed pieces of coconut palms!


Grab some friends and plait the May Pole – it’s a Bahamian tradition going back to the days of Emancipation from slavery.

Palm tree decorated with colorful, painted fish cutouts on a beach, Blue Lagoon Island.

Try Some Bahamian Food


Whether you enjoy our buffet lunch in Shifting Tides restaurant or on one of our VIP beaches or order from the extensive a la carte menu at the bars, you will get a chance to taste some delicious Bahamian food.


Peas n Rice is a Bahamian staple made with pigeon peas. Scoop up a big spoonful to put on your plate. We also enjoy sweet fried plantain, pickled beets and of course, bbq chicken. At the VIP menu, be sure to try the fish – our guests rave about it! From the a la carte menu you can give our favorite seafood – conch – a try. We have conch fritters – battered dough with chunks of conch, sweet pepper and seasoning – and cracked conch – beaten flat to tenderize it, then battered and deep fried. Yum!


And as we celebrate Independence during the month of July, we have added another Bahamian favorite – macaroni and cheese – to the buffet. This baked, creamy, cheesy dish is nothing like the Kraft dinner you grew up on!

Hand reaching for fried food on a white plate at Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas. Beach and palm trees in the blurred background.

Bahamas Independence


On July 10, The Bahamas celebrates its 46thbirthday. Throughout this Independence month, Blue Lagoon Island is decorated with the colors of the flag – black, gold and aquamarine, and will have special activities for guests to better understand and appreciate what it is to be Bahamian!

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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