Blue Lagoon Excursion - Nassau
We departed the Celebrity Silhouette in Nassau and took a short walk around the port to board our shuttle boat. The ride to Blue Lagoon Island was incredible. We got views of Sandals Resort, incredible homes, and gorgeously blue water in all hues. As Nassau retreated into the background, anticipation grew as we passed small islands and communities.
As we pulled up to a Blue Lagoon Island, also known as Salt Cay, we witnessed a tall wall concealing the cove within with nice signage and a lighthouse. We crossed through the narrow opening into a secluded cove of pristine beaches, lush vegetation, with nice clear water in the bay.
Our guide led us off the boat and through a roped area right near the dock. We discovered that we had our own private (with the rest of our small group) beach separate from the public beach area where some of the larger boats had docked and released their guests. We had access to normal beach chairs, as well as cabanas. We also had access to floaties and other gear that cost the public guests extra.
We relaxed in our cabana as our guide brought us a complimentary rum punch (alcoholic drinks after that were easily purchased from the nearby bar). We were treated to a beachside buffet with takes on local dishes including fruits, chicken, rice, beans and more. The setting was serene as we laid around soaking in the sun, reading, and enjoying each other's company.
The water was nice and crisp, but not too cold to enjoy as we floated around chasing fish and talking to our neighbors. Since there was a limited number of us, this was a perfect way to relax and enjoy the beach. I can’t imagine battling for space with the masses that were in the public area.
If you grow a little antsy from all the relaxation, Blue Lagoon Island has walking trails that take you all over the area. One trail even takes you all the way around the island through the vegetation and up to that historic lighthouse we saw coming in. We chose to walk around the animal areas and were able to catch the end of the Sea Lion encounter, some playful racoons, and a trainer working with Dolphins on some tricks.
The island isn’t just a beautiful oasis. It comes with many amenities. Besides the trails and animal areas, there are also dining areas and a bar right between the private and public beach. There is a shop, and a rental kiosk for everything from snorkeling equipment to beach ready wheelchairs, making this a surprisingly accessible excursion.
For the kids, besides the animal encounters, there was also a huge inflatable play area in the shallow part of the lagoon with a protective net around the area to keep the little ones from floating away. The giant bouncy inflatable had plenty of areas to keep all ages occupied, and we saw plenty of adults playing and laughing alongside the kids.
As we headed back towards the port, the sun slowly set and we all took in the beautiful hues of the water and sky as jet skis and other boats zipped around us with locals and tourists alike enjoying their last hours of sun for the day.
Overall, the Blue Lagoon Island excursion provided a pleasant and relaxing day trip. It's a great option for those looking for a laid-back beach day with easy access from the cruise ship. While the island offers animal encounters, the beaches and water alone make it a worthwhile visit. I wouldn’t say it’s a great way to engage with the culture of Nassau, but it is perfect for a straightforward, enjoyable day in the Bahamas.
