Atlantis, Blue Lagoon or Balmoral for Dolphin Encounter

[Lessum]

We are looking at a shallow water dolphin encounter for me, hubby and 2 girls ages 4 and 7 in a few weeks. Does anyone have experience with any of these? I already know that both girls are eligible even with their age. For the dates we are there, Atlantis is actually significantly less money than the other options. I have heard the photos are OUTRAGEOUS though. But even with that and lunch it would still cost less.

 

Just wanted to hear if anyone had any thoughts?

[mjkacmom]

Blue Lagoon always gets better reviews. It is my understanding (but I could be wrong) that guests are welcome to use the beach at Blue Lagoon, but aren't allowed on the beach (or pools) at Atlantis with the dolphin encounter.

[TS8213]

Balmoral Island! So beautiful! We did the stingrays but the guests who did the dolphins said they loved it! Just by watching, they had a lot of interaction one on one with the dolphins. Plus, there were very few people because the excursion is so new still. I think the price was $104? and it would definitely be worth it. The only reason we didn't do it is because we had 3 children with us and it still would've been pricey for all 5 of us.

 

Also wanted to add that our children are 15, 9, 6 and 9 months and the beach was perfect for them. The water was crystal blue and so calm. They loved every minute of it. The catamaran ride to/from to the island was a fun one, too. Also, I'm not sure about the dolphins, but with the stingrays we were able to go in/out of the pen with them for the entire length of our time on the beach. Huge bonus.

Edited November 22, 2013 by TS8213

[firstalaskatrip]

I really enjoyed the blue lagoon. Nice boat ride out, pretty beach which is included with cost of animal excursions, and very well cared for dolphins in a clean area. Heard from people that did this and atlantis that the water at atlantis was not as clean. That was back in march though so not sure if it would be different now. You are also allowed to bring a waterproof camera into the water at blue lagoon to take your own photos in addition to being able to buy ones from them, and you can wander around to see the sea lions before or after. Would definitely go back to blue lagoon again if I'm in nassau.

[cvskult]

We choose blue lagoon I found it had better reviews we also got to spend the day on the beach after. Now unfortunately it poured and was miserable during the encounter and I did feel like it was like do this so they could take a picture we also missed out on some pictures due to the rain. We got to dance, hug and feed the dolphin though. Group size was about 10 I would say and it did feel like an assembly line just switching turns.

I would suggest the swim I think it would be worth the extra money not sure if it would be good for your youngest though.

[mjkulp00]

Can you wait until the day of and just get a cab to do any of these encounters?? I really don't want to spend the $$$ if it's going to be too cold, rainy, etc?? We are going in feb.

[OCruisers]

We really enjoyed Blue Lagoon ... but would only do it in the warmer months.

 

LuLu

[cvskult]

Can you wait until the day of and just get a cab to do any of these encounters?? I really don't want to spend the $$$ if it's going to be too cold, rainy, etc?? We are going in feb.

 

Most of the excursions fill up ahead of time maybe not as much in February I'm not sure but I would suggest making a reservation if you really want to do it.

[scubagirrl]

Can you wait until the day of and just get a cab to do any of these encounters?? I really don't want to spend the $$$ if it's going to be too cold, rainy, etc?? We are going in feb.

 

For the most part, these encounters fill up months in advance. Even in the winter months. Wet suit are provided by both Blue Lagoon and Atlantis, not sure about Balmoral.

[love2travelmom]

We loved Blue Lagoon when we did it and our daughter still talks about the encounter with "Andy" the dolphin!

[momof2cruiser]

Do I have to book thru carnival for either of these encounters or should I book on my own?

[d-train]

We chose blue lagoon based on reviews. We loved the dolphin experiences, and the beach is beautiful. Planning to go again next summer to enjoy the beautiful island!

[cruiseapril]

We booked Blue Lagoon through the ship so that we would be sure of our ferry time back to the peir.

[wrcjr98]

I can't find the Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon on Carnival website?

cruiseapril, were you on a different cruise line?

[cruiseapril]

Yes, we were on RCI.

 

 

The ferry ride is over a half hour each way- so that's why we booked a ship excursion.

Edited July 27, 2014 by cruiseapril