Dolphin Encounters 🇧🇸

Escape to Dolphin Encounters, a natural seawater facility nestled on the private Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay), just one mile from Paradise Island and Nassau, Bahamas. Owned and operated by a local family, this award-winning destination originated as a rescue facility in 1989. You will explore over three acres of natural saltwater habitat housing native Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, including sea lions relocated after Hurricane Katrina.

Film enthusiasts will appreciate its rich Hollywood connection; the island hosted beach scenes for the movie Splash, while its marine animals starred in films like Flipper, Holiday in the Sun, Andre, and Slappy and the Stinkers, as well as Beyoncé's "Standing on the Sun" video. Beyond Hollywood fame, the park offers fascinating insights into marine conservation through its research efforts, photo and video lab, and education center. You can check out interactive experiences like the Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Encounter, Sea Lion Encounter, Stingray Swim, or a relaxing Beach Day.

The island also features convenient gift shops, a restaurant, and guest services to complete your visit to this historic venue, once frequented by 19th-century pirates.

What to see at Dolphin Encounters

• Natural saltwater habitat spanning over three acres on historic Blue Lagoon Island
• Interactive public programs including Dolphin Swims, Sea Lion Encounters, and Stingray Swims
• Famed Hollywood filming location featured in Splash, Flipper, and Beyoncé's music video
• Award-winning facility recognized by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, IMATA, and AMMPA
• Accessible destination providing waterproof wheelchairs for handicapped guest interactions

Visiting tips

Plan ahead for your boat trip, as traveling by water is the only way to access Blue Lagoon Island from Nassau.

How long: Half day · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Dolphin Encounters is easy to reach on Nassau’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nassau Public Library and National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nassau travel guide.