Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounters
Family of 4
Beach day only: ~$70/person ($280 total).
Duration
4-5 hours (including ferry)
Best Ages
All ages (dolphin swim programs from age 6+)
About
Blue Lagoon Island (officially Salt Cay) is one of those places that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a screensaver. A 30-minute ferry ride from Paradise Island delivers you to a private island with white sand beaches, a calm turquoise lagoon, and some of the friendliest marine animals you'll ever meet.
The main draw is the dolphin programs, and they're legitimately well-run. The Dolphin Encounter is the most popular for families — kids stand on a waist-deep platform while Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swim up for interaction. They'll pet the dolphin's belly, get a "kiss," and watch the trainers put the dolphins through playful behaviors.
The whole experience lasts about 30 minutes in the water, with a briefing beforehand. Kids 6 and up can participate directly; younger ones can watch from the dock with a parent.
For older kids and teens wanting more adventure, the Dolphin Swim upgrades to deep-water interaction including a dorsal fin tow and foot push. There's also a sea lion encounter that's less well-known but equally charming, especially for toddlers and younger kids who might be intimidated by the larger dolphins.
But honestly, you don't even need to book a dolphin program to have an incredible day here. The beach-only package includes ferry transport, beach access, hammocks, a freshwater pool, and use of the calm lagoon for snorkeling. The water is shallow and protected, making it ideal for young swimmers. There are inflatable water toys, kayaks, and paddleboards available for rent.
Practical notes: the ferry terminal is on Paradise Island, and you'll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in. The island has restrooms, changing areas, a small gift shop, and a snack bar, though bringing your own food keeps costs down. Book directly through dolphinencounters.com — cruise ship excursion desks mark up the same packages significantly.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Book the earliest ferry departure to maximize beach time. Morning programs are less crowded and the dolphins are most active.
Wait Times
Pre-booked time slots, so minimal wait. Ferry departs on schedule — arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
Nearby Food
On-island snack bar serves burgers, hot dogs, and drinks. For a proper meal after returning, Frankie Gone Bananas at Marina Village or the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay are 15-20 minutes away.
Why Kids Love It
The boat ride alone gets kids buzzing — a 30-minute ferry across crystal-clear turquoise water to a private island that feels like a movie set. Once there, it's pure magic. The dolphin programs are carefully structured so kids feel safe while getting incredibly close to these animals.
During the Dolphin Encounter, kids stand on a platform in waist-deep water while dolphins swim up for petting, kisses, and even a dorsal fin ride. The trainers are fantastic with nervous kids — patient, fun, and genuinely passionate about the animals. Beyond dolphins, there are sea lion shows, stingray feeding, and a gorgeous lagoon beach where kids can snorkel in calm, shallow water.
The whole island has a castaway vibe with hammocks strung between palm trees.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Book the Dolphin Encounter (not the Swim) for kids under 10 — it's calmer, shallower, and they still get plenty of interaction
- Bring an underwater camera — the photo packages they sell on-island are pricey ($60+)
- Pack lunch and snacks, or upgrade to a lunch package when booking to avoid overpriced island food
- Apply sunscreen before the ferry because there's limited shade on the boat
- The sea lion encounter is less crowded and just as fun for younger kids
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Towels (not always provided)
- Cash for tips and extras
- Change of dry clothes for the ferry back
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Beach day only: ~$70/person ($280 total).
Dolphin Encounter package: ~$145/adult, ~$120/child ($530 total for family of 4).
Prices include ferry and beach access.
Tips to Save
- The beach-only package ($70/person) includes the ferry ride, beach access, hammocks, and use of the lagoon — a great deal even without dolphins.
- Book directly on dolphinencounters.
- com for best rates rather than through cruise ship excursion desks.