Which Nassau Dolphin Encounter?

[dislvr74]

I've been leaning towards the Atlantis option because I see that they provide wetsuits. We are going in March and on our last trip in March the water was really, really cold. Can anyone comment on this? Frankly, I would like to book the least expensive option, but I know we won't enjoy ourselves if we are freezing the entire time and it doesn't look like wetsuits are available at the blue lagoon encounter.

 

[mousetravel]

I've been leaning towards the Atlantis option because I see that they provide wetsuits. We are going in March and on our last trip in March the water was really, really cold. Can anyone comment on this? Frankly, I would like to book the least expensive option, but I know we won't enjoy ourselves if we are freezing the entire time and it doesn't look like wetsuits are available at the blue lagoon encounter.

They do provide wetsuits. My DD wore one when she did it in 2009.

I went & found this on their website:

Amenities on Blue Lagoon Island include:
•Spectacular ocean and beach views – whether you are participating in one of our interactive animal programs or just observing, a visit to our beautiful island alone is worth it. Surrounded by turquoise blue water on all sides and covered with native coconut trees, lush landscaping and a natural lagoon, Blue Lagoon Island is an extraordinary private island that offers guests a glimpse of an untouched paradise

•Over three acres of natural saltwater habitat. Our dolphins and sea lions live in a rich, natural environment filled with fish, crabs, lobsters, shells and other sea creatures

•Tropical, all-natural surroundings on a private island unlike any other

•Orientation and Educational Displays

•Full photography and video services - our state-of-the-art lab will have your souvenir photos and DVDs ready before you leave the island

•A large souvenir and gift shop

•Lockers and changing rooms

•Indoor and outdoor showers

•Fins Café – offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks at reasonable prices

•Picnic areas

•Complimentary Wetsuits (in Winter and Spring)

•The facility is completely wheelchair accessible. We also provide a special waterproof wheelchair for guests to interact with our dolphins in the Dolphin Encounter program.

•Our Guest Services desk can answer questions or assist guests in any way

.

 

[dislvr74]

Thank you!

 

[onecoolwife]

Thanks for all the info! I will be booking the Dolphin Swim at the Blue Lagoon, and I am interested in knowing the price for the photo only package and the photo/video package. Does anyone know?

We just went on the encounter on Friday and walked away without purchasing anything because the people were rude that were doing the pictures and videos. We loved the encounter and the trainers in the water were wonderful!

The video was normally $59 but on special for $47 and the pictures the cheapest package with an 8x10 was $69 I believe. They would never give us a price for the package video and pictures but were trying to push the photo album for $119. You had to tell them up front you were buying this and then if you were they allowed you to interact more with the dolphins than the rest of the group and you were semi separated so no one else but your family was in the pictures. Was real disappointed they were given extra time just because they bought the expensive book. We passed on it because we brought our waterproof camera and were unsure of the quality of their prints.

Next time I think we will pass on getting off the boat at Nassau.

 

[Anal Annie]

Wow, Thank you so much - it looks like so much fun....were you nervous of the rock in front or do the dolphins stopped way before that! Looks like the Blue Lagoon is the way to go

No - they're further away than they look. I didn't know how to edit the contrast on the videos so they got washed out looking by that point. The dolphins stop pushing & you just sort of fall down into the water. I will say to wear a one-piece bathing suit if you have one or else you have to hold onto your bottoms when they take off on the beginning of the push!!

I have done both and much preferred the Atlantis encounter. On our recent trip we did the Atlantis encounter and we did the Blue Lagoon encounter about 4 years ago. It may have changed since then but in the Blue Lagoon encounter we had to sit on a metal bench in the water waiting to interact with the Dolphin coming off the bench to pet the Dolphin. It was somewhat of a confined area and I felt it was too short. On the Atlantis encounter there is a large man made type lake where you walk out to a point where there is a significant drop off. There are a number of groups out there interacting with different dolphins. Our group was about 8 people. We all had plenty of time to interact, pet, "kiss", "hug" and feed the dolphin. I felt rushed at the Blue Lagoon encounter, but not at Atlantis. Of course, if you also opt for the water park adventure, it is right there.

As I said, the Blue Lagoon encounter may have changed since we were there, but comparing my experiences between the two I would without hesitation choose the Atlantis encounter.

I think the encounters are a lot more limiting than the swims...that's why I would defnitely do the swim over the encounter. I watched an encounter going on right next to us (there was 1 of each going on simultaneously in the same area of the lagoon). The encounters have more people, therefore less personal time and they were just on that little platform. I am pretty sure our group had close to an hour in the water with the dolphins for the swim tho. At LEAST 45 minutes and it was limited to just 10 people.

 

[mousetravel]

You can find the complete list of photo prices here:

http://www.dolphinencounters.com/sealion-dolphin-photovideoorder.php

I bought "everything", whichever package that is!

But I was kinda dissappointed in the DVD, but I'm still glad I have it. When they are recording, they record everyone on the excursion, not just one person at a time because everyone gets the same DVD, so they put clips of each person on there (really fast clips, too. If you blink, you might miss something)

But even so, I am still glad that I did buy it anyway!!!!

I was very satisfied with our excursion. We didn't have one single bad experience. I have lots of pics & info in my 2009 TR (dolphin info starting on page 7 I think).

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

I have done both and much preferred the Atlantis encounter. On our recent trip we did the Atlantis encounter and we did the Blue Lagoon encounter about 4 years ago. It may have changed since then but in the Blue Lagoon encounter we had to sit on a metal bench in the water waiting to interact with the Dolphin coming off the bench to pet the Dolphin. It was somewhat of a confined area and I felt it was too short. On the Atlantis encounter there is a large man made type lake where you walk out to a point where there is a significant drop off. There are a number of groups out there interacting with different dolphins. Our group was about 8 people. We all had plenty of time to interact, pet, "kiss", "hug" and feed the dolphin. I felt rushed at the Blue Lagoon encounter, but not at Atlantis. Of course, if you also opt for the water park adventure, it is right there.

As I said, the Blue Lagoon encounter may have changed since we were there, but comparing my experiences between the two I would without hesitation choose the Atlantis encounter.

Do you have pictures you could post? Would love to see them! Did you get to spend any "beach time" while you were there too?

 

[alayne]

Would this still be fun in November? I would love for my DS7 to get to do this but I'm afraid it will be cold. Anyone done this in November?

 

[DisneyWhirled]

I have done both and much preferred the Atlantis encounter. On our recent trip we did the Atlantis encounter and we did the Blue Lagoon encounter about 4 years ago. It may have changed since then but in the Blue Lagoon encounter we had to sit on a metal bench in the water waiting to interact with the Dolphin coming off the bench to pet the Dolphin. It was somewhat of a confined area and I felt it was too short. On the Atlantis encounter there is a large man made type lake where you walk out to a point where there is a significant drop off. There are a number of groups out there interacting with different dolphins. Our group was about 8 people. We all had plenty of time to interact, pet, "kiss", "hug" and feed the dolphin. I felt rushed at the Blue Lagoon encounter, but not at Atlantis. Of course, if you also opt for the water park adventure, it is right there.

Ohhh, I'd love to hear more or see pics!

We did Blue Lagoon in 2009 (encounter) and loved it. This time, our friends are joining us and want to do an encounter. I want to see Atlantis, so we figured we would do the encounter at Atlantis and then the Discover Atlantis, so we get a bit of both!

I have not heard much about the Atlantis encounter at all. In fact, I was getting a little worried that it may not be any good. So, I thank you for your response!!