Nassau Dolphin Encounter

[atm55]

Does anyone have experience with this excursion? It's suppose to last 4 - 4.5 hours - can someone break that down for me? How long to the lagoon, how long with the dolphin, etc. I'm worried about the robbings in Nassau, but I'm assuming that this would be a save excursion since it is sponsored by DCL. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[es45]

Does anyone have experience with this excursion? It's suppose to last 4 - 4.5 hours - can someone break that down for me? How long to the lagoon, how long with the dolphin, etc. I'm worried about the robbings in Nassau, but I'm assuming that this would be a save excursion since it is sponsored by DCL. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

My family enjoyed the excursion very much. I thought it was very safe; a CM accompanies you from the ship, through the port, to the shuttle boat. The trip to Blue Lagoon is about 2030 minutes. You'll have a brief talk about dolphins (20 minutes) and then you'll be split into groups and will get another talk about your particular dolphin (15 mins.) The experience lasts about 30-45 minutes for your entire group. You'll then have an opportunity to watch the other excursions, view the other dolphins, sea lions, and the turtle. Or you can enjoy the beach there. You can also purchase pics (expensive, but hey, where else can you get one of you smooching with a dolphin?) and other souvenirs at their shop. Another ride (20-30 minutes) and you are back at the port.

 

[sabrecmc]

We did this in September. We met on the ship at about 9:45, I think. Check in took a bit of time. As I recall, it was a short, guided walk from the ship to the boat that takes you to the lagoon. That boat ride was maybe 30-40 minutes? You got to see some of the lovely homes on the shores of Nassau, which was nice, but otherwise, its just a boat ride.

Once at the lagoon, we had a 15 minute educational presentation before heading down to the dolphin area. We were broken into two groups of about 6 or 7 people each and each group had its own dolphin and trainer. We were down in the water on a raised platform most of the time, interacting with the dolphin. We were not doing the "swim" just the "encounter." We got to pet it, dance with it, feel its teeth, feed it fish, hug it, get a kiss, have a picture, etc. Each person got to have their turn, so we were probably in the water a total of 45 minutes start to finish. It was really fun. After that, we had time to shower and change (nice showers, btw), have a snack, shop and play at the beach for a bit before we caught the first boat back, so maybe an hour or so of "free time"? Just guessing. I wasn't wearing a watch (can you tell?).

My 3 year old and I had a blast. I was really pleased with the amount of interaction and she was thrilled. We bought the DVD and she still loves to watch it.

 

[trinibjill]

We just did this in Nov & I have done it one other time a few years ago.

It is all the last two posts say it is.

To get to the excursion you walk thru town - no problem there. Just a short walk & there are a bunch of people.

I would say if you go thru town & walk up and down the street it could seem intimidating. Especially, if you are by yourself. If you look scared you might be taken advantage of. Don't talk to anyone and walk like you are all that.

 

[Cheryl726]

To those that have done this excursion, is it worth the $$? I would love to do this, but it seems expensive. Thanks for the advice.

 

[trinibjill]

It's worth every penny. Yes, I've done it twice.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

I did this excursion and loved it. Bought a couple of pics from it -- had one made into a mousepad.

 

[es45]

To those that have done this excursion, is it worth the $$? I would love to do this, but it seems expensive. Thanks for the advice.

IMO, it's worth it. Because of the expense, we won't rush back to do it every time we sail on the Wonder. However, I'm positive that we'll visit Blue Lagoon again.

 

[trinibjill]

Try it you'll like it

 

[atm55]

We did this in September. We met on the ship at about 9:45, I think. Check in took a bit of time. As I recall, it was a short, guided walk from the ship to the boat that takes you to the lagoon. That boat ride was maybe 30-40 minutes? You got to see some of the lovely homes on the shores of Nassau, which was nice, but otherwise, its just a boat ride.

Once at the lagoon, we had a 15 minute educational presentation before heading down to the dolphin area. We were broken into two groups of about 6 or 7 people each and each group had its own dolphin and trainer. We were down in the water on a raised platform most of the time, interacting with the dolphin. We were not doing the "swim" just the "encounter." We got to pet it, dance with it, feel its teeth, feed it fish, hug it, get a kiss, have a picture, etc. Each person got to have their turn, so we were probably in the water a total of 45 minutes start to finish. It was really fun. After that, we had time to shower and change (nice showers, btw), have a snack, shop and play at the beach for a bit before we caught the first boat back, so maybe an hour or so of "free time"? Just guessing. I wasn't wearing a watch (can you tell?).

My 3 year old and I had a blast. I was really pleased with the amount of interaction and she was thrilled. We bought the DVD and she still loves to watch it.

How much are the pictures and/or DVD?

 

[trinibjill]

How much are the pictures and/or DVD?

Not real sure, but, I think it was $25 or you can get a package with pictures big, medium & small (like keychain size) & DVD for $39

 

[atm55]

Not real sure, but, I think it was $25 or you can get a package with pictures big, medium & small (like keychain size) & DVD for $39

When I was in Mexico the cruise recommended not using your credit card on the island and to pay with cash. How is it in Nassau? Should we bring cash or is it safe to use a credit card?

 

[trinibjill]

When I was in Mexico the cruise recommended not using your credit card on the island and to pay with cash. How is it in Nassau? Should we bring cash or is it safe to use a credit card?

I used my credit card & the total was $35. on the Dolphin portion. But, in town I don't think I would use it. You'll see what I mean.

 

[kimkarli]

Anyone post some pictures?

If you book the blue lagoon dolphin encounter, do you have to pay extra to stay on their beach for awhile?

 

[trinibjill]

Anyone post some pictures?

If you book the blue lagoon dolphin encounter, do you have to pay extra to stay on their beach for awhile?

No, book an early swim with the Dolphins & hang out on the beach. Or vice versa. I think I would do dolphins first just in case I got too much sun on the beach. Then just go back with a later boat. I saw people doing what you ask.

 

[codygirl5150]

Does anyone know the various meet times for this? I'd like to do the earliest one so that i can have a little shopping time before getting back on the ship.

 

[atm55]

Our encounter is scheduled for 2:00. Can we take an earlier shuttle to take advantage of the beach and shopping?