Plizio Visual Lab

Blue Lagoon Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

Blue Lagoon Island, officially known as Salt Cay, is a private island located approximately five kilometers northeast of Nassau, boasting a rich history and significant ecological value. During the 19th century, the island served as a stopover for vessels transporting salt from the surrounding regions, which gave rise to its original name. Today, it is primarily famous for its secluded lagoon featuring crystal-clear, shallow waters that provide convenient conditions for water sports and nature observation. The island is home to the Dolphin Encounters program, an internationally recognized facility dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals, where guests can interact with dolphins and sea lions in natural lagoons. Geographically, the island is defined by its dense coconut palm groves and pristine sandy beaches, which act as a natural buffer against the open Atlantic. During World War II, the island was utilized by the British Navy for training exercises, adding to its diverse historical narrative. Currently, Blue Lagoon Island blends luxury ecotourism with educational initiatives regarding Bahamian marine life, serving as a vital component of the local tourism economy.

Location: Bahamas
Top sights: Dolphin Encounters · Athol Island
Nearby: Sandy Point (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	23	25	26	28	29	29	29	28	25	24
Rain mm	38	33	40	61	127	162	130	154	164	119	68	40

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The highly easy on the eye, exclusive journey is typically achieved by making use of exceedingly comfortable local ferries or specially organized, fully professional boat tours that depart very directly and swiftly from the heavily frequented main harbor in nearby Nassau.

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Best season

The stunningly beautiful, totally private island fundamentally features truly fantastic, wonderfully sunny weather completely year-round, although the slightly milder, highly pleasant winter months are very frequently widely considered by many guests as the absolute best time to visit.

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Terrain & paths

Extremely well-maintained, utterly flawless sandy beaches, totally flat, highly wheelchair-accessible walking paths, and completely tranquil, very shallow swimming lagoons deeply characterize the exceedingly relaxed and wonderfully barrier-free tropical landscape.

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What to bring

High-quality swimwear, highly sufficient, strongly water-resistant sunscreen, a very large beach towel, and perhaps an excellent waterproof camera for the many totally thrilling animal encounters are definitely the very most important and greatest companions.

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Parking

All personal private cars absolutely predictably remain behind on the very busy main island; right there, there are sufficiently large, highly well-guarded parking garages and paid lots located very closely to the main ferry terminals squarely in Nassau.

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Safety

Absolutely all the lovely beaches are highly professionally supervised, and the very shallow water is completely and wonderfully safe, though, of course, the totally standard, strict rules for any and all supervised, organized animal interactions absolutely apply.

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Time needed

The vast, overwhelming majority of totally enthusiastic guests eagerly book half-day or even completely full-day long excursions in advance to firmly ensure they truly have perfectly sufficient, fully relaxing time out on the gorgeous beach and right in the lagoons.

Geography

Area

0.1 km²

Coordinates

25.09440, -77.26670

Facts

The island's official registered name is Salt Cay.
It is located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of Nassau.
The island was used as a salt collection and storage point in the 1800s.
The Dolphin Encounters marine mammal facility was established here in 1989.
It served as a military training site for the British Navy during World War II.
The island features a large internal lagoon that is protected from ocean currents.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sea Lions at Blue Lagoon Island3 km · SExplore →

Fort Montagu5 km · SExplore →

Saint Matthew's Anglican Church6 km · SExplore →

Nassau Water Tower8 km · SExplore →

Arawak Cay Fish Port10 km · SExplore →

Cowpen Road Industrial Strip12 km · SExplore →

Baha Mar Resort14 km · SExplore →

Wade's Green Plantation15 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Blue Lagoon Island (2)

Dolphin Encounters📍 landmark

Dolphin interaction program on a lagoon, allowing visitors to swim and play with dolphins.

Athol Island📍 landmark

Small island near the coast, known for its beaches and clear waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Blue Lagoon Island located?

Just a short boat ride away from Nassau.

What can you do there?

Swim with dolphins and sea lions or simply relax on the beach.

Do you need to book in advance?

Yes, especially for animal encounters, advanced booking is highly recommended.

Is food available there?

Yes, day packages often include a buffet lunch.

Is the island suitable for children?

Absolutely, the shallow, calm water of the lagoon is well-suited for families.

Blue Lagoon Island: where is it located?

Blue Lagoon Island is located in Bahamas.

Blue Lagoon Island: what is there to see?

Highlights include Dolphin Encounters, Athol Island.

Blue Lagoon Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Blue Lagoon Island: why is it worth visiting?

Blue Lagoon Island, officially known as Salt Cay, is a private island located approximately five kilometers northeast of Nassau, boasting a rich history and significant ecological value.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →