Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Bahamas is as enthralling as its name suggests. With pristine beaches, coral reefs, and playful dolphins, it offers a can’t-miss experience in the Nassau area. 

Blue Lagoon Bahamas is a small island north of Nassau. Functioning as one of the premier day trip opportunities in the region, Salt Cay allows travelers to swim and interact with different species, including dolphins. It also features the hallmark white sand beaches and coral reefs that make the Bahamas famous. 

Blue Lagoon Bahamas: Enjoy the Swim With Dolphins Bahamas Experience

Cruise lines offer day passes for travelers looking to get to Salt Cay.

Salt Cay: A History

Salt Cay, as Blue Lagoon Bahamas is formally known, was originally a hideout for pirates and privateers. They used salt from the island to preserve their food, which came in handy as they waited for permission to enter Nassau Harbour.

Blue Lagoon Nassau (on Salt Cay island) is just a couple of miles away from New Providence.

During the 19th and 20th Centuries, the island changed hands several times. Despite being privately owned in World War II, the Allies used Salt Cay as a secret training facility. From lobbing grenades over the craggy cliffs to swimming laps around the island, the British and American teams made the most of their tropical surroundings. 

In 1993, a company called Dolphin Encounters purchased Blue Lagoon Nassau. Owned and operated by a local family, the company has put millions of dollars towards developing the island into the wildlife sanctuary it is today.  

What to See and Do at Blue Lagoon Nassau Salt Cay

1. Enjoy the Boat Ride

The boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas offers stunning views.

While the ferry to Blue Lagoon Bahamas is fast, you still get to see plenty of sites along the way. As you exit Nassau Harbour and make your way to Salt Cay, your captain will highlight different attractions as you pass them. 

2. Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter

This is the most popular reason to book a trip to Blue Lagoon – it’s famous Dolphin Experience;

The Swim With Dolphins Bahamas experience takes place at Salt Cay.

Once you arrive, you’ll get to start the best part of your tour – meeting the island’s animals. If you signed up for a swim with dolphins Bahamas experience, this will, of course, mean dolphins. Other marine animals include sea lions, sharks, and rays. 

Depending on the tour you signed up for, this portion of your island visit can look quite different from that of other travelers. However, you can count on it allowing you to get up close and personal with the animals. It’ll also be fun and informative!

While all the tours are worthwhile, the Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter is the most famous. 

3. Lounge on the Beach

Blue Lagoon Bahamas is home to an exquisite beach.

Like most of the islands in the Bahamas, Blue Lagoon Bahamas has a stunning beach. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, unwind, and get some sun. If it gets too hot, slip into the refreshing, crystal-clear water that surrounds the island. 

4. Enjoy Water Sports

The waters around the island are perfect for water sports.

For an additional price, water sports are also an option at Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas. This includes snorkeling, aqua biking, water paddling, kayaking, and more. 

The snorkeling, in particular, offers much to see. 

5. Explore Salt Cay with a Segway Safari

Segways are another way to traverse the island.

Blue Lagoon operates daily Segway Safari tours across Salt Cay. Another interesting way to visit the breadth of the island. Some areas of Salt Cay are only accessible on the Segway Tour and closed to regular public access.

Getting Into Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas

To experience Blue Lagoon Bahamas, you’ll need to sign up for a day trip to the island with Dolphin Encounters. These packages include round-trip ferry service, with some including additional perks, like a buffet lunch. 

The ferry ride itself takes less than 30 minutes, as Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas is only a few miles away from Nassau. While the fun starts once you arrive at the island, the tours are informative, as mentioned, with captains pointing out local landmarks and noteworthy places. These include everything from celebrity homes to historical sites.

While tours do operate if it rains, the company may cancel them if the weather truly sours. Ferries depart at the Paradise Island marina near the bridge that connects to New Providence. 

Prices for the tours (as of 2023*) range from $70 to $284. Cheaper packages include access to the beautiful beaches, with more expensive ones allowing you to meet dolphins, sharks, and other animals. 

Book a tour in advance to secure your spot.

Getting Around 

Once you’re on the island, you’ll participate in your tour package. That can include meeting animals, snorkeling, enjoying an eco-tour around the island, or just lounging on the beach. 

The island includes a bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The beach features hammocks, picnic tables, umbrellas, and chairs. There are also lockers to store belongings. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests… 

Like many Nassau tours, trips to Blue Lagoon Bahamas fill up quickly. Because of that, your best bet is to book a tour in advance, as opposed to trying to purchase a tour the day of. You don’t want to miss out on visiting Salt Cay! 

Blue Lagoon Bahamas: Enjoy the Bahamas Vacation of Your Dreams 

Blue Lagoon Bahamas is the place to swim with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and other animals. It’s a stunning island that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Given all that it has to offer, when you’re in the capital, make sure to sign up for a Blue Lagoon Nassau trip.

If you’re looking for other Nassau day trips: Rose Island, Pig Beach (Big Major Cay), and Clifton Heritage National Park are all great options. 

Looking for more travel guides and tips? Check out the rest of our site for articles, destination guides, interactive Nassau Islands maps, and more.