Blue Lagoon Island Partners with BREEF and the Island School to Provide Hands on Learning for BESS Scholars

Posted: September 1, 2023

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September 1, 2023

As her peers settle into their college dorms, Windsor School’s class of 2023 graduate, Maya Lindeman, has chosen a distinctive path. Instead of heading straight to college, Maya has embarked on a transformative gap year to gain practical experience—a decision she believes will significantly enhance her college journey. 


She was one of two students to be named a Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholar (BESS) program awardee. The year long program is offered in partnership by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Island School in Eleuthera. 

People interacting with stingrays in clear turquoise water; aerial view.

Maya has her sights set on a degree in Environmental Policy and Law and is confident that the hands-on experience gained during her gap year will provide her with an invaluable foundation for her ambitious academic pursuit.


The 18-year-old is spending two weeks working side by side with the educational and zoological teams at Blue Lagoon Island, learning about marine species, husbandry, which is the care of animals, animal training and the company’s sustainability practices.


BESS scholars spend a semester at the Island School and participate in a paid four-month internship with BREEF. As part of the internship, scholars spend two weeks working alongside organizations including Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation, IDEA Relief and Blue Lagoon Island.

A person kneels next to a pink dolphin in a clear turquoise water. A man watches them. They are on a dock.

“I’ve always had a strong passion for the environment, and I know I want to work in the field. These weeks at Blue Lagoon Island have been amazing as it really pulls me into the physical aspect of what it is I’ve been studying all along,” she said of her immersion at Blue Lagoon Island. 


The Blue Lagoon Island immersion is led by the company’s education supervisor Te-Shalla Clarke. She explains that the partnership with BREEF and The Island School is a natural one for the company. 


“We all have the same mission – to educate and protect our natural marine environment. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by exposing our youth to the importance of taking care of our incredible marine habitat. At Blue Lagoon Island we have a strong internship programme, so it is a natural link for us to host the BREEF BESS scholars, she said. 


Clarke was particularly excited to work with Maya, given her academic and career goals.

“We are governed by environmental policy and law, our accreditations are based on all of that, so having a Bahamian focus on that would be incredible,” she said, “it’s a great opportunity for Maya to have this sort of practical experience as she works towards her career goals.” 


BESS Scholars spend a day working with each of the different types of animals and their trainers as well as a day with the veterinary team at Blue Lagoon Island during their first week, and the second week they work closely with Clarke to decide which aspect of the business they would like to focus on. 


Maya was excited to spend time getting a better understanding of the company’s sustainability initiatives after spending a week learning about the company’s dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and nurse sharks, getting tips on how to tell the dolphins apart, assisting with meal prep in the fish kitchen and participating in program training sessions with some of the young dolphins. 


“Living in the Bahamas you can see right in front of you what you’re fighting for, and the impact hurricanes and climate change have on our islands, so it’s such a great opportunity for me to see first-hand what a company like Blue Lagoon is doing to help protect our environment and operate in a sustainable way.”

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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.
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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