Nassau dolphin encounter vs. Discovery Cove

[ShannonRT]

We're cruising the 4-night Wonder in December and will probably do the Blue Lagoon excursion in Nassau. My question is...should I pay the extra $ for the dolphin encounter since we will be visiting Discovery Cove next March? It seems like a lot of money and DC will probably be much better anyway right? I would love any input from folks who have done both. Thanks.

 

[ShannonRT]

Anybody?

 

[poconoboatniks]

HI Shannon,

Can't help you with the DC question. I can tell you that the Blue Lagoon Dolphin swim was incredible. Blue Lagoon will ask if anyone wants to upgrade to the swim if they have openings.

We did the Dolphin swim in St. Maarten/Anguilla in 2004 and the Blue Lagoon in Feb. 2005. Blue Lagoon is beautiful and the dolphin swim was great. While you are waiting for your turn, BL staffers give a very educational talk about dolphins and their habitate. My 11 yr old remembers quite a bit from her talk. They spoke about the perils humans pose to dolphins and there was a photo of what has been done to dolphins in the past. The photo was graphic, but it made a point with everyone there. There were 2 dolphins with us during our session in the water. We fed the dolphins, danced with them, hugged them and kissed them. The toe push was beyond words. Did you see Rob and Amber's wedding (Survivor Rob/Amazing Race Rob & Amber)? Amber went to the Blue Lagoon and they showed some of what they do with you and the dolphins.

Maybe someone else can answer your Discovery Cove question.

Poconoboatniks

 

[tcmata]

How long does the session with the dolphins last?

Thanks!

 

[Jsme]

HI Shannon,

Can't help you with the DC question. I can tell you that the Blue Lagoon Dolphin swim was incredible. Blue Lagoon will ask if anyone wants to upgrade to the swim if they have openings.

We did the Dolphin swim in St. Maarten/Anguilla in 2004 and the Blue Lagoon in Feb. 2005. Blue Lagoon is beautiful and the dolphin swim was great. While you are waiting for your turn, BL staffers give a very educational talk about dolphins and their habitate. My 11 yr old remembers quite a bit from her talk. They spoke about the perils humans pose to dolphins and there was a photo of what has been done to dolphins in the past. The photo was graphic, but it made a point with everyone there. There were 2 dolphins with us during our session in the water. We fed the dolphins, danced with them, hugged them and kissed them. The toe push was beyond words. Did you see Rob and Amber's wedding (Survivor Rob/Amazing Race Rob & Amber)? Amber went to the Blue Lagoon and they showed some of what they do with you and the dolphins.

Maybe someone else can answer your Discovery Cove question.

Poconoboatniks

How do you just book the swim? We are considering doign this on our next family cruise in November 2006. I know my children would love it. DO you know the cost of the swim?

 

[poconoboatniks]

Blue lagoon website's is:

www.dolphinencounters.com

The swim is $165 and the encounter is $85. DCL does not offer the swim, so you have to book with BL directly. The website says the swim is 1/2 hr., but I seem to remember it lasting longer. Just be careful of the departure time of the Wonder and return time of you excursion to BL. Try to book earlier in the day. The taxi to the ferry is approx. $10 + tip.

Poconoboatniks

 

[purplern]

We did DC in Dec 2003. I havent done the Blue lagoon. DC was beautiful but I dont think I would do it again. We were in a group of 8, Everyone got to pet the dolphin. Then he did some tricks and everyone got to kiss him. Then you swam out into the deep and he brought you back. Then you got your picture taken with him and the total time with the dolphin was 30 mins per group not per person.
It is beautiful but I think we were spoiled because 2 days before we were in the water with manatess for 2 hours! That was the best.

 

[Jsme]

Blue lagoon website's is:

www.dolphinencounters.com

The swim is $165 and the encounter is $85. DCL does not offer the swim, so you have to book with BL directly. The website says the swim is 1/2 hr., but I seem to remember it lasting longer. Just be careful of the departure time of the Wonder and return time of you excursion to BL. Try to book earlier in the day. The taxi to the ferry is approx. $10 + tip.

Poconoboatniks

Thanks. I knew DCL did not offer this, but I am always leary to pre book an excursion. You just never know what might happen that will keep you from making it to port.

 

[ShannonRT]

Thanks for the info.

 

[lbgraves]

I believe that we will wait & do the Discovery Cove with the kids in a couple years. There is just so much more that you can do there & you have the entire day there. They include a meal & a 7 day pass to Sea World or Busch Gardens too, so there is alot more value to that IMO.

 

[ShannonRT]

I think you're right. We'll be at DC in March 2006. That's a lot of $$ at Blue Lagoon. I think we'll still do the BL beach day excursion, just not the dolphin encounter. I think relaxing on the beach all day in that beautiful place will be just perfect!!

 

[prymsu]

I have been to DC twice now. The first time I did the dolphin encounter and it was wonderful. It is world class snorkeling there and you do get seven days admission to sea world and busch gardens included in your price. That time i went with a friend.

The second time my family went and i went for a much cheaper rate because you can pay a lot less if you are not doing the dolphin encounter, but yet you still get everything else that is included in the price. This way i was able to get some good photos, and not need to purchase the ones that DC takes during the encounter.