Blue Lagoon Island sits about 3 miles northeast of Nassau, reached by a 25-minute catamaran ride from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. It is privately owned, which means you cannot simply show up — everything on the island runs through a booked package. That said, what the island offers is worth planning around. The setting is open ocean, not a resort tank, and the difference registers immediately.

How to Get There from Nassau and Paradise Island

From Nassau Downtown: Take a taxi to the ferry terminal for – per person. Alternatively, take the water taxi from Prince George Wharf to Paradise Island () and walk 10 minutes. From Atlantis, the terminal is a short walk through Marina Village. For guests at The Coral (formerly Beach Tower), follow signs for the main lobby exit.

Tip

  • Do not confuse the Nassau water taxi with the Blue Lagoon ferry
  • Book in advance; capacity is limited

The Beach Area and What to Do Without Dolphins

  • Cost: From 5 adults / children
  • Included: Ferry, BBQ lunch, lagoon access, aqua park

The blue lagoon island Day Pass includes your round-trip ferry, a grilled lunch, and full access to the hidden lagoon’s amenities. The lagoon is calm and shallow, perfect for families. Hammocks are strung between palms, and the inflatable aqua park keeps children occupied for hours. Blue Lagoon also offers an Adults Only section with a private beach and unlimited Bahama Mamas.

Tip

  • No outside food/drinks; alcohol available for purchase
  • Bring your own towel; not provided

Dolphin Programs: What Each One Involves

  • Dolphin Encounter: Waist-deep contact. From 5.
  • Dolphin Swim: Deep water foot push. From 0–0.
  • Sea Lion Encounter: Hugs and photos. Around 9.

The lagoon at Blue Lagoon Island is ocean-fed and open. Actual in-water time is 5–8 minutes per person within a 30-minute program. Book the Dolphin Swim if you are a strong swimmer; the Encounter is better for younger children.

Tip

  • Book Dolphin Swim 3–6 months ahead for peak season
  • Pregnant women cannot participate in the Swim program

Photography and Video: Costs and Rules

  • Personal cameras: Banned on animal platforms
  • Digital Package: 9 (photos) / 5 (photos + video)

The photo team captures every interaction from optimal angles. Stop at the Photo Lab on the island before you leave; images cannot be retrieved after boarding the return ferry. Personal phones are free to use in the beach and lagoon areas.

Tip

  • Buy packages before boarding the return ferry
  • Watch and photograph from the public dock area for free (distance shots only)

Optional Activities and Rentals

  • Snorkel gear: rental
  • Glass-bottom kayak: –
  • Nature walk: Included; access to the observatory tower for harbour views

The glass-bottom kayak allows you to see The Reef without getting wet. The nature walk to the watchtower offers the best elevated view of the surrounding cays.

Practical Details Before You Go

Blue Lagoon is cashless (Visa, Mastercard, Discover only). The island operates rain or shine, and collapsible wheelchairs are permitted on the ferry. Restrooms, showers, and lockers are available on-site.

My Honest Take

Blue Lagoon Island is the one day trip from Nassau that delivers exactly what it promises. The experience is quieter and less resort-packaged than Atlantis. Give it the full day—the ferry ride through Nassau Harbour alone is worth the early start.