Dolphin Encounters — Attraction in New Providence

I did stingray swim, dolphin swim and sea lion encounter.

I cant say enough good things about my experience. I can't pick a favorite out of my experiences bc they were so categorically unique and positive. I have never been so overwhelmed with happiness.

STINGRAY SWIM REVIEW The stingray trainer Quan (spelling?) had a special bond with the rays. There was a genuine fondness between him and the stingrays. They flocked around him, rubbing against his legs the way a cat would. They demonstrated such affection that I previously did not know they were capable of. Quan was very friendly and knowledgeable and I learned alot. The stingrays - not unlike cats - were quite territorial with him which was both amusing and endearing. They were less than thrilled about my presence in such close proximity to their man and the vibe I got from them was "who's SHE?" Quan was able to coax 2 of the more curious rays into letting me rub their bellies. But respecting what made the animals comfortable was his #1 priority as it should have been. Great experience.

DOLPHIN SWIM REVIEW Then there was Zoe the dolphin who I got to swim with. I could write forever about the 30 minutes I was permitted to swim with her. She is the best animal on earth. Sweet, chatty, and would need breaks periodically to chase her sister who kept trying to steal Zoe's fish. The trainer made it sternly clear to us humans that we were on Zoe's time - not the other way around. If Zoe wanted breaks, Zoe would take as many breaks as she wished. The trainer was great but her primary concern was the safety and welfare of Zoe, as it well should have been.

My one regret with Zoe is when the trainer asked her to do a trick with me where Zoe would extend her body out of the water, and allow me to touch her front fins (in exchange for fish). Zoe swam obligingly toward me but in the moment I was paralyzed with fear. As excited and happy as I was, this is still after all a dolphin and the trainer would tell you I was the first one in the water with her. I was so excited. I was SHOCKED by this random outburst of fear but there it was. The trainer gave the command to Zoe and, eying me, Zoe remained level in the water, ignoring the command. She remained in front of me, eyeing me. But kept a distance between us.

The trainer then instructed me to turn my back on Zoe which would tell Zoe she hadn't listened. I wordlessly obliged. The trainer reissued the command and Zoe emerged from the water in front of me in all her glory permitting me the grand privilege of touching her fins. I feel bad bc I feel I should have communicated to the trainer that Zoe didn't do the trick the first time bc i was scared. And as I write this last sentence - I'm aware I sound insane so I'll stop there.

I could write about Zoe for pages and pages. I love that dolphin. She is the best dolphin in the world. Just the most incredible soul.

SEA LION ENCOUNTER REVIEW Bringing us to Charlotte the sea lion. What can I possibly say about Charlotte that would do her true justice? Regal. Of noble blood. Magnificent. Sophisticated. High maintenance. Entirely aware of her own magnificence and subscribed fully to the belief it was natural for her to have many admirers who of course travel from far and wide for the privilege she would bestow upon her subjects as to rub her royal feet.

I could never choose a favorite. One of the best experiences of my life. So grateful to Blue Lagoon for facilitating these experiences in a manner that clearly lets the visitor know they are but a guest on a stunning island in which the animals are the royalty.

OTHER Special shout out to the amazing staff👏 y'all rock! Speaking for myself alone, I didn't go to drink by a beautiful beach or sit in the sun. I went to Blue Lagoon for the animals. I was escorted from one activity to the next by a charismatic young man without whom they never would have been able to pry me away from Zoe's habitat. He made sure I got where I needed to be on time providing an island walking tour along the way. I want to say more but I'm...

What a disorganized mess this was. We booked it from our cruise. Two adult & one child for the dolphin encounter. We were herded onto a ferry with out any instructions or information at all. It was extremely crowded people coughing and maskless. Upon arrival to Balmoral after what seemed a long boat ride we were just left off on dock.

There were people just for beach day, dolphin swim, dolphin encounter or string ray encounter. No one knew where to go or what to do. The buildings were all very run down and dilapidated as was the whole area, pools were green. Everyone except the beach crowded entered a building as we waited for instructions.

At last Dolphin encounter group was taken to beach area and told to put our belongings into a wooden cabinets. No cameras allowed or phones allowed so put in bag with valuables in unlocked cabinets. These cabinets not only didn’t lock but couldn’t even latch closed as handles were gone and wood rotting. Everyone in Dolphin encounter, dolphin swim and string ray encounter used these same cabinet. No employee stands watch over them so anyone can help themselves to your things. So be advice take no valuables.

Our group was divided into two groups of 12 and entered the water. The trainer we had gave very little information on the Dolphins. Disappointed as We wanted an educational moment for our child. They basically took each little group with in the 12 so 2 to 4 people at a time to take photos with the dolphin about 4 different poses. Two of each person by themselves two with of group. That was it for over $300 we spent on excursion. Then you are stuck at beach all day no way back to ship. Gift shop closed only one restaurant that served only hamburgers or turkey burgers with chips….nothing else and $15 @. Beer was $11 fancy drinks $15 and when we were there they accepted only credit cards No Cash. Only one girl behind bar so wait time was long. We felt like captives with basically nothing to do after the 20 minute photo shoot with the dolphins were over.

We went to buy pictures as only way to have photo memory since you can not take your own. They were $155 plus $20 for each person in group. They were not that great technically and you only receive little disk no actual photo’s. We only wanted one photo but you have to buy the whole package. Absolute rip off! Again the photo shop was run down, dirty and they were very disorganized chaotic and rude. Now pictures for those doing string ray encounter were only $90 which makes no sense.!

We were not alone on our opinion of the tour. Many people on the return ferry ride could be heard talking about the run down island, the disorganization, the extreme over charging because they have you captive on the island.

We have been on over 35 cruises and taken many many shore tours. This is the only time we have ever done a review as we feel it was that bad and such a rip off cost wise. Done Dolphin Encounter in Costa Maya and it was so much more involved then just photos. Which you also had to buy but they worked with...

Absolutely wonderful experience. All the workers were very friendly and helpful! I did the "Royal Dolphin swim" with my 6 year old son and we both enjoyed every minute of it. This excursion was worth every penny. One thing I always look for when I do animal encounters is how well the animals are treated and you can definitely tell these guys are well taken care of and enjoy what they do. While waiting for my encounter I got to witness someone (possibly a vet) examining one of the dolphins eyes. He added drops and then would use his scope to check him out. The dolphin worked so well with him during this, you could tell this was not his first eye exam. These dolphins are so well trained and friendly and our guy who we were with for the hour was named Dvano. He was awesome! Very upbeat and made sure everyone had a perfect amount of time with the dolphins. He worked well with the dolphins and he treated them so well and that's what I love to see most. He answered any questions I had and was so interactive with my son and made sure he was having the best experience! It was a group of me and and 2 other families so it was the perfect amount of people. 8 of us in all. I see alot of complaints about the $100 to get all your pictures but to me that's a positive. That's honestly how you get the best photos and with it just being me and my son I couldn't be more grateful that they were the ones taking the photos so I was able to have the best photos and actually enjoy the moment with my little one and not have a phone in our face to capture every moment myself. It's not everyday you swim with dolphins. Pay the $100 for the photos and be happy to just enjoy the moment without a phone in your hand, I know I definitely did! Boat ride was a breeze and quick, we had just enough time to explore the island a bit and enjoy our lunch which was good! Thank you everyone who made this such a...