Questions about Dolphin Excursion in Nassau

[Amlee]

Anybody know if there is time to do both the Dolphins and the Garden and city bus tour?
Looking at a Navigator it looks like we can make both but don't want to over book.
Thanks.

You might could do the city tour and the dolphins, but I really don't think you could do all 3.

Booking through DCL

15 minutes to get off the ship and to the tour boat
30 to 45 minute boat ride to dolphin island
1 to 2 hours playing with the dolphins, waiting for the film to be developed, shopping, and waiting for the ferry boat to come back.
30 to 45 minute boat ride back to the ship.

So your looking at 4 to 5 hours for that excurison.

The city tour runs about an hour to an hour and half.

Don't forget lunch.


I haven't done the Garden tour as of yet (another reason to go back!) So I can't break down the times for you on that.

 

[disallday!]

Is your ticker right? Are you leaving on the DCL tommorrow? Have fun lucky gal!!

 

[Amlee]

Is your ticker right? Are you leaving on the DCL tommorrow? Have fun lucky gal!!

YUP! I leave in the morning bright and early to sail with the Mouse!!

 

[disallday!]

I still have a ways to go, but I'm truly enjoying counting it down and getting alot of tips from everyone here

Have a safe trip on your way! Take care

 

[Amlee]

I still have a ways to go, but I'm truly enjoying counting it down and getting alot of tips from everyone here

Have a safe trip on your way! Take care

Thanks and your's will be here before you know it! Time flies!

 

[cyberfilly]

The BIGGEST reason for booking with the cruise line directly is if something happens and you don't get back to the dock in time. The ship will wait for you. If you go out on your own, and the cab breaks, boat breaks, etc... Then the ship will sail away with out you.

If that's the case, I would like to therefore book the Blue Lagoon excursion directly with Disney, however we want to go "all out" and do the "Swim with the Dolphons", which Disney won't book for you. What are our options? We sure would like the ship to wait for us if the ferry boat breaks down and we can't get back in time! Yikes!

 

[Amlee]

LOL ok this is going to sound CRAZY, but if the times work out for you this COULD work. Also if Disney will let you do this.

If you could book the dolphin swim on your on and go EARLY as in first ones there. You could then book the DCL dolphin experance for an afternoon time. To keep from having to take the boat back to the ship, get with your group and then take it back to the island. Tell the excurison desk that you will already be there, so they won't count you as a no show. Then meet up with them at the island. I'm not sure if they will do this, but the worst they can tell you is no. That way you can catch the right boat back.

 

[Dalpal]

I just found this if it helps!

“If you look in the onboard excursion itinerary, it offers a dolphin program, which is run by “Dolphin Encounters” in Nassau. The cost through Disney Cruise Line is $99 for adults. My tip is that if you book directly through the Dolphin Encounters web site you will save yourself about $15 because the same program is only $85 for adults. They also offer a Swim-With-the-Dolphins experience which is a much more hands-on experience in deeper water (with life vests) for $165 which is NOT EVEN OFFERED by Disney. Moreover, these programs can be booked up to six months in advance, so you can secure your spot early, before all the other passengers! For more information, visit www.dolphinencounters.com.” (PassPorter/Gabriella B.)

 

[I M Grumpy]

Thanks for everyone's input.
Since I got mixed answers I went right to the man, I mean mouse.
According to DCL the Dolphin Excursion gets back to the boat about 30 minutes after the Garden tour leaves. Looks like dolphins and carriage ride at the straw market.
Whatever we do, it beats Chicago in December.

 

[Mdavison]

bumping thread up!

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

I saw this thread was bumped.

Mdavison - Have you decided to go on the dolphin encounter? If you still have questions let me know what they are and I'll answer them if I can. We did it last month. I wrote it up in my trip report (link below) and also posted on this board as well. If I can I'll be glad to answer your questions.

We would do it again in a heartbeat and plan to do the swim once DD is a bit older.

Kelly

 

[Mdavison]

MB Minnie Girl

Yes, we have booked our dolphin excurscion and are looking forward to it, only 29 more days to go ! I couldn't remember if you had booked it through Disney or through Dolphin Encounters? We had to book through Dolphin encounters because Disney was sold out, but thank goodness we managed to at least get a spot. DD7 and DD4 are going to be suprised as we have not told them. DD7 is a big animal lover. Also did you have any tips for the Dolphin excurscion that may help us when we are there??
Thanks again!

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

MB Minnie Girl

Yes, we have booked our dolphin excurscion and are looking forward to it, only 29 more days to go ! I couldn't remember if you had booked it through Disney or through Dolphin Encounters? We had to book through Dolphin encounters because Disney was sold out, but thank goodness we managed to at least get a spot. DD7 and DD4 are going to be suprised as we have not told them. DD7 is a big animal lover. Also did you have any tips for the Dolphin excurscion that may help us when we are there??
Thanks again!

You are going to love it!! So will your girls. Maddie is 6 and I didn't tell her until we were on the ship. She almost fainted so be prepared is my first tip.

We did book through DCL but had friends who booked through DE and all worked out fine. They did the afternoon excursion and even took the same ferry back with others who had booked through DCL.

Our excursion was in the morning...9:30 and we had plenty of time to relax and explore, play with the dolphins, grab a bite to eat, take photos, etc., then head back on the ferry with time to spare and to a little looking around in Nassau before getting back to the ship at about 3pm.

* Take snacks with you!! I was so smart and so prepared. I had packed snacks for this excursion and was very proud of myself for thinking of it...until I realized I was the idiot who left the food in our room! The snacks and drinks at BL are OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive at Blue Lagoon and you will likely want a snack after the encounter.

* Take a water proof camera! I was shocked that we were one of only 2 people who took one. You are at water level throughout the entire excursion so you are taking a chance with a regular camera. You can also take it into the water with you while DD's are getting their dolphin kisses.

* Take your regular camera also though for other photos - they give you lockers (with key) to place your things in.

* Be sure to take either cash or a credit card with you. They will video your encounter and take photos also. I knew ahead of time that I wanted to buy these and was so glad I did. The photo is priceless and the video is something we have watched over and over since returning home. The photo I strongly suggest as you do not know what quality the underwater camera will be (unless that is a digital one).

* Bring clothes instead of just a cover up. I knew that Maddie wanted to go into the Straw Market after the encounter but it didn't occur to me that I would be uncomfortable with her walking around downtown Nassau in nothing but a small little cover up. So if you plan on hanging out in town a bit, before or after - have the kids wear real clothes or take them with you.


If I think of anything else I will let you know. In the meantime, have fun planning and if you have any more questions ask away.

You are going to have the time of your life! Oh, one more tip - have camera ready for DD's faces when you give them the news about the encounter.

Kelly