Swim with Dolphins Near Paradise Island

If you’re like a lot of people, you look forward to your vacation each year. Heck, most people spend the entire year planning their vacation. Which can be a little daunting sometimes. Of course, you simply can’t go wrong vacationing in the Bahamas. And if that’s where you’re headed this vacation, may we suggest you make sure you swim with dolphins near Paradise Island.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Heaven on Earth, then you have got to come and enjoy Paradise Island in the Bahamas! Located less than half a mile away from Nassau, this little island is considered the entertainment mecca of the Bahamas.

Visitors to Paradise Island enjoy its famed white-sand beaches along with historical attractions and myriad shopping, dining and entertainment options. No matter how young or how old you are, there is, quite literally, something for everyone in Paradise Island.

But by far the most exciting attraction in the area for people of all ages is to swim with dolphins at Blue Lagoon. In this article, we’ll share the different dolphin programs offered at the Dolphin Encounters facilty, as well as talk about some of the other interesting activities there are to do in the area.

Plus, we’ll give you a few ideas as far as where you should stay and the best time of year to visit. So you’ll definitely want to bookmark this page as it will be a great resource in helping you plan your next vacation.

Dolphin Swim Programs near Paradise Island, Bahamas

Of all the animals on the planet, dolphins have to be the most magical and mysterious. That’s why thousands and thousands of people wish to swim with them each year. Because to be up close to a dolphin is an amazing and memorable experience.

Dolphins also happen to be very intelligent and playful animals. This will become very obvious to you when you spend time in the water with them. You’ll also discover they seem to be just about as curious of us as we are of them.

If you’re one of tens of thousands of people who has always dreamed of swimming with dolphins in Nassau Bahamas, then you’ll definitely want to book your visit to Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island. Here are some of the programs you can enjoy at the facility:

The Royal Swim Program

For those visitors who are comfortable in the water and strong swimmers, the Royal Dolphin Swim program will be an unforgettable experience. The program is an hour long and will get you up-close-and personal to dolphins in their natural environment.

The program will start with a brief orientation, then your instructor will lead you into the lagoon where you’ll next learn all about dolphin behavior. After the instruction there will be a little time to have any questions answered. Once all of the questions are answered, it’s time to slide into the warm water and meet your new dolphin pals.

You’ll have the opportunity to kiss, hug and pet the dolphins in the deeper water. You’ll have about a half hour to do this, then you and the dolphins will move into a private area of the lagoon for the remaining half hour. Here you’ll get to enjoy shallow water activities that include boogie boarding, foot pushes and the amazing dorsal tow.

Also worth mentioning is that this program includes FREE BEACH ACCESS, so once your program has ended, you are invited to rest and relax on the beach and dream about the amazing experience you just had!

If you have children traveling with you, you may wonder if this program is suitable for them. Generally speaking, the program is best for children ages 8 and above who are solid swimmers and comfortable in the water.

So what do you do if someone in your group is too young or not a great swimmer? Don’t worry, Dolphin Encounters has an exciting program for you, too.

Book Your Royal Dolphin Swim

Book Your Regular Dolphin Swim

The Dolphin Encounter

Aptly named, this program is for little ones and those people who are not the greatest swimmers. The Dolphin Encounter program is also truly a memorable and unique experience. Not only will you learn all about bottlenose dolphin habitats, but you also learn about their behavior, how they communicate and hunt.

Your program starts with a fun and interactive orientation, and at the end there will be time for you to ask any questions you may have. Once all of the questions have been answered, you’ll slip into the water where you’ll stand on a platform that is partially submerged in the water.

From this platform you’ll experience heart-warming hugs and kisses from your new dolphin pals. You’ll also get to watch your dolphin friend dance around and do some pretty spectacular acrobatics.

The trainers at the Dolphin Encounters facility are wonderful about combining hands-on experience, education and a lot of fun to make this adventure as memorable as possible! And, as with the Royal Swim program, this one also comes with FREE BEACH ACCESS, so when your time with the dolphins has ended, you are invited to relax or play on the beach.

Book Your Dolphin Encounter (non-swim)

Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas – Memories for a Lifetime!

It’s not just the amazing bottlenose dolphins that will make your time at Dolphin Encounters special, it’s also the staff. They truly have a mission to engage guests and help them learn all about the care and preservation of marine animals.

These dolphin encounters offered on Blue Lagoon Island are one of the top tourist attractions in all of the Bahamas and it’s easy to see why. This is not a business for the owners and operators, it is a work of love and they take the responsibility of caring for these animals very seriously.

You can tell the facility has a heart, because it offers numerous special education and marine conservation programs to both local schools and underprivileged children. Dolphin Encounters has also played a big part in helping the dreams of terminally ill children come true by participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other similar organizations.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that in 1996, Dolphin Encounters was chosen by Universal Studios to work on the movie “Flipper” starring Paul Hogan and Elijah Wood. The facility has also been involved in the making of several well-known commercials also starring some of their dolphins.

But we shouldn’t give all of the spotlight to the dolphins. The truth is the facility also has other marine animal programs you can enjoy such as a sea lion, shark and stingray program. There is simply something for everyone to enjoy. And, when your time at the facility is done, you will leave with not only wonderful memories but also a little more joy in your heart than you walked in with.

Getting to Blue Lagoon Island

The Dolphin Encounters facility is located on Blue Lagoon Island near Paradise Island.  If you are staying in the immediate area, you have one of three options to get to and from the dolphin facility.

Walk

Depending on which hotel you are staying at, you may simply be able to walk there and back. The weather much of the year is beautiful in the Bahamas, so taking a nice stroll is always enjoyable.

Of course, if you have little ones with you, walking any distance may not be ideal. In this instance, we recommend one of the following…

Taxi

You should easily be able to flag a taxi from your hotel and take that to the Dolphin Encounters facility on Blue Lagoon. If staying on Paradise Island, the trip should be around 10 minutes and will cost you about $5 per person.

Paradise Island Ferry

The Paradise Island ferry is a nice way to get to and from the Dolphin Encounters facility on Blue Lagoon Island. Visitors staying at hotels in downtown Nassau can be picked up at their hotel by either taxi or Johnson’s Bus Service for $12 per person round trip. The bus will drop you off at the Paradise Island Ferry terminal where you can catch the ferry to Blue Lagoon Island.

Paradise Beach Dr, Bahamas

Map

Top Accommodations on Paradise Island, Bahamas: Stay in Luxury

Paradise Island offers a ton of hotels and resorts and all different price points. Here are a few of our favorites.

Atlantis

Let’s start with the most famous and obvious choice. The Atlantis mega resort is more than an all-inclusive resort, it’s an experience. The exceptional thing about Atlantis is that one resort brings you multiple options when it comes to accommodations, dining and fun.

For instance, as far as accommodations go, you have your choice of more than five different accommodation options. Love eating? Well you’ll have access to 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges. Like to have fun? Well, Atlantis has a 141-acre water park and marine habitats, plus champion seaside golf and tennis.

Everyone should experience Atlantis at least once. Having said this, we should mention that if you are seeking a calm mellow vacation with no screaming kids, then Atlantis is not the best choice for you. But our next accommodation on the list might be.

Atlantis Bahamas
One Casino Drive
Paradise Island, Bahamas
+1 242-363-3000

Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas – All Inclusive

The Warwick is Paradise Island’s premiere all-inclusive “adults only” resort. Enjoy a calm on-harbor vacation experience. The youngest person allowed on these premises is 16 years of age, so you won’t have to hear toddlers screaming at the top of their lungs because they are hot and thirsty and mommy and daddy can’t find their sippy cup.

Many rooms overlook the beautiful harbor marinas and are beautifully appointed. When you are not playing with dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island, you can relax at the Warwick’s private harbor.

This hotel offers five delicious dining options and tons of fun in the form of cocktail lounges, a casino and weekly fishing tournaments. If you’re looking for adult fun and entertainment, you can’t go wrong here.

Harbour Dr
Nassau, Bahamas
+1 242-363-2560

Paradise Harbour Club & Marina

The first thing you notice about this resort is the striking waterfront setting. But this dynamic view is only part of what makes this hotel an ideal location for your vacation. Located on almost 3 acres, the resort is also home to a 22-slip marina.
From lovely and well-appointed king-sized hotel rooms, junior suites as well as one-and two-bedroom apartments, numerous dining options and a laidback vibe, this is a great resort with a lot to offer.

Paradise Harbour Club & Marina,
Paradise Island Drive
Paradise Island, Bahamas
+1 242-363-2992

Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Here’s a cool little loophole for families who maybe don’t have the biggest budget to spend. When you stay at the Comfort Suites in Paradise Island you automatically gain complimentary access to the Atlantis resort, including all of their family fun activities like

the Aquaventure Water Park, Tidal River Rapids, Beaches, Pools, Theater, The Dig and other marine habitats. You also have access to a complimentary full American breakfast buffet, free wi-fi and free parking.
Hands down if you are a family looking for value, Comfort Suites is your best bet.

Paradise Island Dr
Nassau, Bahamas
+1 242-363-3680

Top Things to Do In and Around Paradise Island: Explore & Enjoy

While we definitely feel swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island should be at the top of your list of fun activities, there are some other excellent activities to be had in and around Paradise Island.

Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour

One of the best things you can do when in a new location is to go on a guided tour to get to know the local sights. This 2 and ½ hour historical tour will introduce you to some of the most exciting and famous attractions like the Queen’s Staircase, John Watling’s Distillery and the beautiful beaches of paradise island. The local guides are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and you are sure to have a ton of fun.

This package tour is also great because they will pick you up from your Nassau port (for cruisers) or your hotel. You’ll then take a drive through the historic downtown district on your way to the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, where you’ll get to sample this delicious classic Bahamian dessert.

Your day will be filled with tasty treats, both to the palate and the eye and you will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Snorkel the Ruins of Atlantis

You want thrills? You get them during this 60-minute program that includes an amazing 30-minute snorkeling adventure in a protective, enclosed environment amid the sunken ruins and artifacts of the lost city of Atlantis.

While snorkeling through the Ruins Lagoon, you’ll get the opportunity to swim alongside vibrantly colored fish and spotted rays in this stunning underwater setting. While the ruins aren’t actually the real one from Atlantis, a lot of time and thought has been given to make the setting look incredibly real.

But what’s very special about this adventure is that you are helping support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, an organization that helps create and promote solutions for numerous marine conservation challenges from coral reef degradation to marine species in decline. What a great way to say thank you to all of the amazing sea creatures you see on your trip. And you and your family get to have a whole lot of fun. Talk about a win/win!

Mandara Spa for That Pampered Touch

Of course, no vacation is complete without a little pampering. When on Paradise Island, there is one place to go for all your pampered needs, and that is the award-winning Mandara Spa at Atlantis.

This very awesome spa combines ancient Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies, and natural elements indigenous to The Bahamas. This isn’t your ordinary massage – this is something far greater and potentially more healing.

There are both warm and cold plunge pools to enjoy as well as steam and sauna rooms. Couples can also enjoy the Couple’s Spa Suite. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

10, One Casino Drive
Paradise Island, Bahamas
+1 242-363-2000 ext. 65900

Essential Local Information for Paradise Island: Plan Your Visit

Weather

If you’ve never been to the Bahamas you may assume that the weather is perfect year-round. Well that depends on your idea of perfect. The truth is, summers in the Bahamas can be downright hot, humid and, well, kind of oppressive. Winters, on the other hand, are more comfortable, being a bit drier and windier.
Over the course of the year, the temperature in the Bahamas can range between 66°F to 90°F and is rarely below 59°F or above 93°F. So, when is the best time to visit? Well, that depends on how hot you like your vacations? Most people enjoy the milder temperatures that can be had in the spring or fall. Of course, that’s when Paradise Island is also the most crowded. You really just have to know what do you want more: the perfect temperature or less crowds. Choose wisely!

Festivals & More!

The Bahamas always have something awesome going on year-round. You can find out what may be happening during your vacation by visiting this website.

Helpful Travel Links

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce

Nassau Airport

Without question, Paradise Island in the Bahamas is a beautiful place to visit, offering many wonderful activities for you and your family to enjoy. We highly encourage you to check out the dolphin programs on Blue Lagoon Island so you can have an experience that will last a lifetime!