Excursion info?

[mrsv98]

We are thinking about going on the Wonder toward the end of Jan...woo hoo! Last time we went, DD was a baby, but this time she will be 5 1/2 and ready to do more. We were thinking about doing the Dolphin Encounter in Nassau. The age limit says 3 and up but the description isn't great. Is there anywhere we can get a better idea? I looked in the FAQs but didn't see anything (or missed it).

Thanks for you help!

 

[UGAFan0829]

The Dolphin Encounter is awesome. The DH and I did it back in January, and loved it.
A ferry takes everyone doing the Encounter over to Blue Lagoon Island. From there, you go over to Dolphin Encounters. First, you have a brief overview with one of the trainers. They go over the parts of the dolphins and give you a little history, etc. After that you are in the water with the dolphins. You are in water that comes up to your waist (for the average height adult). It's actually a platform that you are on, and it is shaded, so that's a nice thing. Each family takes a turn having a picture made with the dolphin, and then after that, they take about 5 familes into the water at a time to do the actual encounter. You can shake fins with them, rub their bellies and do a couple of other things. It really is a lot of fun. The only reason that I can think of for an age limit would be that the water may be a little deep for the little ones. Other than that, I can't think of any reason that they wouldn't enjoy it. They also video the whole thing, and you have the opportunity to buy the video and pictures at the end. (I believe that you have to tell them if you want a video before hand.) After that you are pretty much free to do whatever you want on the island. We went over and had our lunch, (you will get a ticket for lunch), and then took the ferry back over to do some shopping.
I hope this helps you a little more. If there's anything else you want to know about it, just ask.

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks for the info! DD is just mad to swim with Dolphins so this sounds just the ticket. She doesn't swim but has her own vest, will they allow that? We can always hold her (she is a little bitty Pixie ) but she would have more fun if she could interact on her own.

What else is there to do on the island? Is there a beach? Also, did you sign up on the ship or beforehand? TIA, hope I am not bugging you!

 

[UGAFan0829]

No way are you bugging me.
I am sure that yout DD would love the Encounter.
We actually called and reserved ours ahead of time, as I was afraid that it might sell out if I waited too long. I really think that you would enjoy it. The trainers make it really fun, they get the dolphins to do some really cute and funny stuff.
Of course you could hold her if you needed to, and I am pretty sure that they would allow her to wear a vest. I know that they do have wetsuits there for people to use if they want, and I think that they may have lifevests there as well. (I know they use the vests for the swims.)
As far as other things to do on the island, I think there were certain designated places that you could swim. There were lots of trees with hammocks tied in between, but they were almost all full when we were there. There was also a DJ there playing music and games. We didn't wander around too much. After we left the Encounter, we ate, laid in a hammock a while, and then took the ferry back.

 

[kksmom]

We just booked on the Wonder for 1/26 - 1/29. Our DD will turn 6 on 1/28 - so our DD's are pretty close in age!!!

We were also looking at the Dolphin swim and had the same question. Thanks for asking it.

It sounds like they will be okay - which is very good news!!

 

[mrsv98]

DD will be 6 in April so they are close! I think this will be a great trip if we can get it organized.

Any other info out there? TIA!