Dolphin Excursion @ Nassau

[bskts4bj]

I know that the Dolphin Encounter is available, but we'd like to participate in the Dolphin Swim instead, which isn't offered through DCL. Has anyone done this before and if so, how did you get from the ship to Blue Lagoon and back again?

TIA!
Brenda

 

[Ashley24]

We did the Dolphin Swim last October and I highly recommend it. We took a taxi to the pier which is located between the two bridges leading to and from Paradise Island where Atlantis is found. When you reserve the swim, they will send you a brochure with that information on it. I just showed my taxi driver the brochure where it said to go. From there it was easy. There is an area at the pier for those going to Blue Lagoon. After a short wait, they took us on a quick boat ride to the island. Afterwards, they took us back to the cruise ship pier so it saved us a taxi ride back. Enjoy!
Ann

 

[lovethatdisney]

I did the dolphin swim a number of years ago off of another cruise ship. It is fabulous especially if you are a dolphin lover! I would highly recommend it. I hope to take my husband & son to do it this year on our Disney cruise in August.

How much did the cab cost? How far is it from where the ship docks? Could you walk to the pier?

 

[EMT-319]

No, it is too far to walk.

It is the same pier that the water taxi (from the Cruise Ship to Atlantis) goes to.

Land taxi is around $ 4 per person. It is a 5-10 minute drive.

 

[npdman]

If you are planing an August Cruise I would try to book "NOW". I just tryed to book the Swim today for July and they are full. There is only one day on Nassau, if it is full you don't go. I was really looking forward to this excursion but will now either see atlantis or stay onboard.

 

[lovethatdisney]

Thanks for that update - it gives me a kick to get it done. I'll email them today!

 

[Kim Marie]

We just did the Dolphin Swim and it was unbelievable!! Yes, book it now directly with the Dolphin Encounter people--they only have groups of 10 and offer it 3 or I think 4 times a day--we did the 2nd swim because the 1st one was at 8:30 a.m.--make sure you buy the video--we had some people in our group who did the dolphin encounter and they were disappointed they did not do the swim--Good Luck!!!

 

[SpfAkf]

I have notice that DCL offers a dolphin swim at Unexso in Freeport. Other than price and having to make your own reservation yourself, Is there any big difference in what they offer?

SPFAKF

 

[professorandmom]

I'd love to find the answer to this question above - as well as say hello to the last poster who is on the same cruise...
anyone know which dolphin encounter is "better" Freeport or Nassau. I know the swim would be great but I think it is too much for my 9 year old twins (don't know how confident they would be in that deep water even with the life vest on).

UPDATE: OK, after another half hour in the search engine, I have seen a plentiful mix of horrible/wonderful reviews of Freeport dolphins. It seems many of the horrible posts were older - any recent cruisers with experience ?????

I appreciate ANY advice!
Barbara

 

[SpfAkf]

To all,

We have decided not to do the dolphin swim. It sounds like it would be fun, but for the price it would cost for two and the short time you would spend with the dolphins is not worth it to me. When you do the math they are making just over $5.00 a minute.

Stephen & Angela

 

[lovethatdisney]

I would agree that it is expensive, however, its a once in a lifetime pleasure!

I did the swim a few years back in Nassau and it was well worth it... especially if you enjoy dolphins. In August, we will be on the DCL and my husband, son and mom will be giving it a try. I am going as an observer since Ive already done it. It is a bit prohibitive to do it twice. My family is so excited and I am excited for them. I'll just have fun taking pictures!

If you can swing th cost, I highly recommend it. And, remember its not all about them "ripping you off" . The facilities are very nice and its expensive to care for these animals.

To those that book a trip, have a great time!

 

[SpfAkf]

To all,

I know I have said we are not going to do the dolphin swim,but it seems to hard to pass up a once and a life time experience. Besides, it's just money. I know I do not have much time, but would like to know which swim to do. Nassau or Freeport? We are also interested in waking around Atlantis. Is there time if swim is done in Nassau?

Thanks,

SpfAkf

 

[lovethatdisney]

You would definitely have time to do both. In Nassau, the swim times are 8:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 3:30. The boat leaves the dock at the scheduled time and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. The swim would start at the top of the hour, for an hour (including a video to start). Then another 20 minutes to get you back to Paradise Island.

Sorry, I dont have any info on the swim in Freeport. I hope someone else can help you out.

 

[Griggle]

Hi! Just something to keep in the back of your mind...

DS just did the Dolphin Encounter in Nassau this past Friday (and loved it!)....The Dolphin Swim (which looked GREAT) occuring during his timeframe had 4 no-shows, so, they came over and asked his group if any wanted to upgrade to the swim - ....I jumped at it, got a reduced rate but, then DS was too scared to go .... while I know it's a risk to take, and if your heart is set on it you shouldn't take the chance, just letting you know that anything is possible.....