Dolphin Swim/Encounter Bahamas HELP!?!

[momtoty2001]

We are going to be in Nassau from 7am-4pm during our cruise in a few weeks and my kids are begging to swim with dolphins.

 

Would you recommend the Dolphin Swim or Dolphin Encounter at Discovery Cove? My kids are 9 and 10 and have never been swimming with dolphins.

 

Also, we would like to do some shopping at the Straw Market while we are in Nassau.. Will we have enough time to do a Dolphin Encounter/Swim and also shop a little before we have to be back at the ship?

 

Thank you!

[CruisinCrow]

Have you checked out dolphin swim at Blue Lagoon?

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/

 

We did the Dolphin Encounter there a few years ago. Good experience and a beautiful little island.

 

You'd be able to do the 10:30 swim, come back on the 1 o'clock ferry and still have some time for shopping.

[momtoty2001]

We are leaning towards either the Dolphin Swim or the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon but wasn't sure if the Swim is worth the extra $ per person?

[momtoty2001]

Just curious if anyone has experience with doing the Dolphin Encouter or Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon?

 

Wondering if it is worth $100 per person for the Encounter? We have 2 kids (9 and 10) that have wanted to swim with dolphins but not sure if its worth $400 for our family to spend on such a short encounter?

 

Would love to hear others opinion on this excursion or others that are fun in Nassau..

[CruisinCrow]

We did the dolphin encounter and it was great for half the price of the swim. No regrets!

[alligirl78]

Just curious if anyone has experience with doing the Dolphin Encouter or Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon?

 

Wondering if it is worth $100 per person for the Encounter? We have 2 kids (9 and 10) that have wanted to swim with dolphins but not sure if its worth $400 for our family to spend on such a short encounter?

 

Would love to hear others opinion on this excursion or others that are fun in Nassau..

 

 

We did the swim with my 2 boys (7 and 10 then) and it was the experience of a lifetime. It's a very involved, intimate encounter and they videotape it all for you (the photo video package is pricey but SOOO worth it to have the experience on video). My kids were SO ecstatic to do it. The foot push was amazing; it was well worth it for us. AND our ferry driver took us directly back to town so we could shop. Worked out great. (I booked independently..FYI)

[amocksun]

Hi, I know this is not what you asked, but I would like you to really reconsider supporting the captive dolphin industry. Dolphins often travel very large distances in the wild, and even the habitats that look large to us are traumatically small for them. Many exhibit signs of depression and some even attempt to harm themselves. The cute "tricks" that they do are not natural behaviors, but are reinforced by keeping the animals hungry enough to want food. The movie "The Cove" gives insight into the capture and trade, and these are some websites that give information on the issue:

 

http://www.wspa-international.org/helping/animalfriendlyliving/captivedolphins.aspx

 

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/captive_marine/facts/swim_dolphins.html

 

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/blood-dolphins/dolphins/opposition-dolphins-captivity.html

 

http://www.saddestdolphins.com/captive/captive.html

[pittnh]

Hi, I know this is not what you asked, but I would like you to really reconsider supporting the captive dolphin industry. Dolphins often travel very large distances in the wild, and even the habitats that look large to us are traumatically small for them. Many exhibit signs of depression and some even attempt to harm themselves. The cute "tricks" that they do are not natural behaviors, but are reinforced by keeping the animals hungry enough to want food. The movie "The Cove" gives insight into the capture and trade, and these are some websites that give information on the issue:

 

http://www.wspa-international.org/helping/animalfriendlyliving/captivedolphins.aspx

 

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/captive_marine/facts/swim_dolphins.html

 

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/blood-dolphins/dolphins/opposition-dolphins-captivity.html

 

http://www.saddestdolphins.com/captive/captive.html

 

 

I'm sure these are "objective", non-biased websites.....

[govgurl]

Hi, I know this is not what you asked, but I would like you to really reconsider supporting the captive dolphin industry. Dolphins often travel very large distances in the wild, and even the habitats that look large to us are traumatically small for them. Many exhibit signs of depression and some even attempt to harm themselves. The cute "tricks" that they do are not natural behaviors, but are reinforced by keeping the animals hungry enough to want food. The movie "The Cove" gives insight into the capture and trade, and these are some websites that give information on the issue:

 

http://www.wspa-international.org/helping/animalfriendlyliving/captivedolphins.aspx

 

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/captive_marine/facts/swim_dolphins.html

 

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/blood-dolphins/dolphins/opposition-dolphins-captivity.html

 

http://www.saddestdolphins.com/captive/captive.html

 

Amocksun, Weren't you just asking in another thread about Atlantis? You know they keep captive sea creatures at Atlantis as well, right? And judging by the recent pictures, in water much filthier and habitats much less humane than at Blue Lagoon. Not to mention the sharks they keep penned up to swim around the water slide and their own dolphin encounter (which I understand is far less "wild" than Blue Lagoon's). Yet, you had no problem considering buying a pass to Atlantis, which would have supported all of that (I've no idea if you actually bought one, just know you were asking about it)? Not to mention the economic and environmental damage that Atlantis wreaks on Nassau and the humans and wild animals who live in its vicinity. Not to mention the ocean pollution and air pollution that all cruisers are guilty of, which if anything, will be the greatest killer of marine life.

 

Even the most conservation minded zoos and aquariums can't keep animals in their natural habitats. That doesn't mean they're not treating the animals humanely or that the keepers don't care for them and keep them healthy. The Cove is a very disturbing movie about dolphin slaughter, I agree, but comparing that to Blue Lagoon is a little silly. I'm sure no one here, including yourself, wishes to see an animal come to harm. But let's all just recognize that there are none of us in a position to judge. Cruises aren't natural habitats for humans either!

[amocksun]

Pittnh - What motivation would the Humane Society, non-profit organizations and marine biologists have for exaggerating the effects of captivity? They clearly are honestly appalled and concerned about the animals.

 

Yes, I inquired about dolphin swimming and Atlantis a couple of months ago, but that is why I research first. Given what I've learned, I've decided to definitely not give them my business. We may rent a boat or jet skis in Florida and try to find wild dolphins, which is what some people I know have done.

 

If the truth of this trade doesn't concern you enough to prevent you from having your fun, that's your choice. But please don't try to convince yourself that there's some conspiracy against captive dolphins, and that they're really just as happy as wild ones, so that you feel better about going. There's no need to argue about it - if you still choose to patronize these businesses then that's up to you. All I asked is that you do the research and consider the conscientiousness of your actions.

[pittnh]

Pittnh - What motivation would the Humane Society, non-profit organizations and marine biologists have for exaggerating the effects of captivity? They clearly are honestly appalled and concerned about the animals.

 

because they all have an animal rights agenda

[alligirl78]

Hi, I know this is not what you asked, but I would like you to really reconsider supporting the captive dolphin industry. Dolphins often travel very large distances in the wild, and even the habitats that look large to us are traumatically small for them. Many exhibit signs of depression and some even attempt to harm themselves. The cute "tricks" that they do are not natural behaviors, but are reinforced by keeping the animals hungry enough to want food. The movie "The Cove" gives insight into the capture and trade, and these are some websites that give information on the issue:

 

http://www.wspa-international.org/helping/animalfriendlyliving/captivedolphins.aspx

 

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/captive_marine/facts/swim_dolphins.html

 

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/blood-dolphins/dolphins/opposition-dolphins-captivity.html

 

http://www.saddestdolphins.com/captive/captive.html

 

 

I have worked in dog rescue for YEARS. HSUS is a multi-million dollar lobbying business. Some of the work they do is good. But they are no where near as hands on as those of us walking through shelters and fostering homeless animals. They do promote an agenda, the same as the AKC or PETA or any other business out there.

 

I agree..to an extent..about captive animals. Dolphins didn't belong at a teeny tiny tank in Cedar Point, in Ohio. Most places are not set up to properly care for marine mammals. When an animal is kept only for profit, not properly cared for, fed, vetted and has no quality of life, I agree that it's wrong. But having dolphins at Sea World is vastly different than having dolphins at a side show tank for a carnival.

 

The dolphins in Blue Lagoon were happy, healthy, vibrant creatures that were in a lagoon..not a tank. The assertion that they only do tricks for food because they're starved is ridiculous. My dog is well fed and does tricks for food. And affection. He LOVES it!! He loves pleasing us, loves the attention and the extra treats! He wouldn't find a dog biscuit or dog food laying against a tree in the "wild" either. Those dolphins are intelligent, intellectually stimulated, loved, cared for and safe from tuna nets and idiot humans on boats and jet skis.

 

We were in the water with two mama dolphins who also had their "kids" with them. If those dolphins were under stress or not in an acceptable environment, they never would have delivered full-term, healthy babies. (We did not interact with the youngsters and there was PLENTY of space for them to steer very clear of us while staying inteh same lagoon with their moms). They were not caught. They were bred there.

 

Blue Lagoon offers a 45 min educational presentation on dolphins and keeping our oceans clean before your animal interaction. The educational and research value that a facility like this provides helps to ensure that the next generation of humans has more compassion than the generation before.

[Beelzie]

Can someone help me in deciding what to book, please.

 

I want to get up close to the dolphins but cannot swim. Is the 'Encounter' in very deep water (I'm assuming the Dolphin Swim is) and how does it differ from the Swim? I don't need to swim with them or be pushes by them...I just want to touch them and have a picture taken...hopefully, without drowning!! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Also, if I book with a private company rather than the cruise ship, do I need to do that before the cruise or can it be done when landed? TIA

[Beelzie]

Never mind, found info myself. :)

[genealogyfan]

I really enjoyed the dolphin swim with the same company - and liked the education program too - very informative

 

In fact I'm doing the same dolphin swim next year with a friend who hasn't done it yet

[apriljoanne]

I read on tripadvisor at Blue Lagoon you can get in the water and take a picture with a dolphin for just $20. Has anyone else seen/done this. I decided to go to blue lagoon based on this information so i hope its accurate! I was also wondering if Blue Lagoon was the only place among the bahamas ports that did something like that.

[CruisinCrow]

I read on tripadvisor at Blue Lagoon you can get in the water and take a picture with a dolphin for just $20. Has anyone else seen/done this. I decided to go to blue lagoon based on this information so i hope its accurate! I was also wondering if Blue Lagoon was the only place among the bahamas ports that did something like that.

 

Sorry, that information is incorrect. You can definitely go to Blue Lagoon as an observer for $25 and take pictures. But you won't be in the water with the dolphins. To be in the water, you'll need to do either the Dolphin Swim program or the Dolphin Encounter program.

 

You are allowed to use your own camera during the programs (make sure it's waterproof) or you can purchase photos taken by the photographer.

 

Here is all the information from the Blue Lagoon website:

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/

[scubagirrl]

Sorry, that information is incorrect. You can definitely go to Blue Lagoon as an observer for $25 and take pictures. But you won't be in the water with the dolphins. To be in the water, you'll need to do either the Dolphin Swim program or the Dolphin Encounter program.

 

You are allowed to use your own camera during the programs (make sure it's waterproof) or you can purchase photos taken by the photographer.

 

Here is all the information from the Blue Lagoon website:

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/

 

Actually.. yes.. it IS true. We were there a few weeks ago and there was a sign up saying that you could get your picture taken with the dolphin at a specific time. (I think it was noon and 3pm). It was $20.

 

Of course, this is in addition to your observer pass,animal program or beach day.

[CruisinCrow]

Actually.. yes.. it IS true. We were there a few weeks ago and there was a sign up saying that you could get your picture taken with the dolphin at a specific time. (I think it was noon and 3pm). It was $20.

 

Of course, this is in addition to your observer pass,animal program or beach day.

 

Wow, that's interesting! So if you're already at Blue Lagoon, you can pay an additional $20 to get your picture taken? Does that include the price of the picture too? Good information.

 

Thanks for the correction, Scubagirrl.

[scubagirrl]

Wow, that's interesting! So if you're already at Blue Lagoon, you can pay an additional $20 to get your picture taken? Does that include the price of the picture too? Good information.

 

Thanks for the correction, Scubagirrl.

 

Don't know.. we didn't do it. We just saw the sign.. I would assume so... but not sure.

[apriljoanne]

Thank you scubagirrl! I would have been really disappointed if that turned out not to be correct.

Cousincrow- the person i heard it from said it included picture and you could get a hug or kiss from the dolphin. Ill probably bring my own camera, too though

[CruisinCrow]

Thank you scubagirrl! I would have been really disappointed if that turned out not to be correct.

Cousincrow- the person i heard it from said it included picture and you could get a hug or kiss from the dolphin. Ill probably bring my own camera, too though

 

Cool! Have a great time at Blue Lagoon. It's beautiful.