Blue Lagoon Island Marks 40 Years of International Coastal Cleanup with Community Action at Yamacraw Beach

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September 25, 2025
Group of people on a beach holding signs

NASSAU, Bahamas (September 23, 2025) – For the 40th year, Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. (Bahamas Education of Animals and Conservation of Habitat) united hundreds of volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup, tackling marine debris at Yamacraw Beach and safeguarding The Bahamas’ eastern shoreline.


Since its founding, the cleanup has become a leading example of environmental stewardship, bringing together corporate partners, community groups and passionate individuals to combat marine debris. This year, volunteers from across New Providence worked diligently to clear litter from the beach and surrounding areas, collecting more than 530 pounds of debris. The waste will be audited by the Ocean Conservancy, with the data contributing to the world’s largest marine debris database – information vital to scientists and policymakers addressing ocean pollution.


“The turnout for our 40th cleanup is a testament to our community’s commitment,” said Te-Shalla Clarke, Blue Lagoon Island’s Education and Sustainability Officer. “This is more than a cleanup. It’s a powerful statement that we are united in protecting our oceans and preserving the beauty of The Bahamas for future generations. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers and sponsors for making this milestone event a success.”


People cleaning up litter at a beach; boy reaching into a dumpster filled with black bags.

Participants included Member of Parliament Zane Lightbourne and Team Z, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the Boys’ Brigade, Enusta Academy, the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), St. Andrew’s International School, and University of The Bahamas. They were joined by community partners including Island Luck, RBC, and the Rotary Club of Nassau. Sponsors included ALIV, AML Foods, Arawak Port Development, Bahamas Waste, Bahamas Wholesale Agency, Born Free Charters, Caribbean Bottling Company (Coca-Cola), Easy Car Sales, Everybody Wins Live, Lickety Split, Powerboat Adventures, and Sandy Toes.


“Each year, when our participants spend a Saturday morning cleaning one of our beautiful beaches, it opens their eyes to the bigger problem we face. They realize that something as small as dropping a candy wrapper may not seem like much, but when everyone thinks that way, it adds up to a serious trash problem threatening our precious natural resources,” commented George Richardson, GGYA Program Officer.

Group of people on a beach with a sign that says “Coastal Cleanup.” People smiling, sunny day.

Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. organizes cleanups and educational initiatives throughout the year to deepen appreciation for The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems. The International Coastal Cleanup is part of a global effort to remove trash from beaches and waterways, identify pollution sources, and inspire behavior changes that protect our environment.


For more information on future cleanups or to support these vital efforts, visit Project BEACH.


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), demonstrating its dedication to sustainable tourism and conservation. 


For more information, visit dolphinencounters.com.

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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 .
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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