Ahoy, Lindsey! Welcome aboard planDisney! I am so glad you sailed in with this great question!
How exciting that your
Disney Cruise Line adventure is just over the horizon! Any time I have a cruise countdown going, the days seem to crawl by because I am counting down every moment until I hear that departure horn and step onboard!
I have visited
Nassau, Bahamas many times, and choosing between these two Port Adventures really comes down to personal preference. I am happy to help you navigate the waters by walking you through the differences so you can chart the best course for your family.
Dolphin Encounters are truly unforgettable. My daughter still has her photos from our Dolphin Port Adventure hanging in her room, and she says it was a top three best day ever! For both Blue Lagoon and Atlantis, the minimum age for the Dolphin Swim experience is 6. This means your 4 year old would not be able to participate in that specific program or be inside the swim area while you are participating. You would need another adult to stay with your little one during that time. The great news is that both locations offer Dolphin Encounter experiences that do allow younger kiddos to join in on the fun!
Atlantis Dolphin Cay Playtime with Dolphins and Aquaventure lasts about 60 minutes and includes time to change into swim gear, an orientation with a marine mammal specialist, a 30 minute in water interaction, and the opportunity to view and purchase photos. Getting there involves about a 15 minute motorcoach ride, along with roughly 15 minutes of walking to the pick-up location and about a half mile walk once at Atlantis to reach the Dolphin area. Depending on your scheduled tour time, there should be plenty of time either before or after your experience to enjoy the beach and waterpark before heading back to the ship.
At
Blue Lagoon Island, the Dolphin Encounter includes a delicious lunch along with your Port Adventure and takes place in a beautiful all-natural ocean pool. You will have about 15 minutes of interactive time with the dolphins, as well as a memorable up close encounter. You arrive in style aboard an approximately 35 minute double decker ferry cruise through Nassau Harbor. Depending on your tour departure and return time, you should have ample time to soak up the island atmosphere and enjoy the beach after your encounter.
Personally, we tend to choose Blue Lagoon as our Port Adventure. The clear water, relaxed lagoon setting, and scenic boat ride feel more our speed, but truly, you can’t go wrong with either option. Both experiences offer an incredible Dolphin encounter that is sure to leave your family with memories that will stay afloat long after you return home.
Lindsey, your cruise will be here before you know it, and I hope it is smooth sailing filled with sunshine, smiles, and magical family moments. Please come back anytime you need help as you continue planning!
Wishing you calm seas, happy tides, and a warm ocean breeze!
Kimberly