Dolphin Encounters

Dolphin Encounters began in 1989 when two bottlenose dolphins from a defunct aquarium in Nassau were rescued to be relocated to a large seawater dolphin habitat on Treasure Island (a.k.a. Great Guana Cay), Abaco, Bahamas. Soon after, six more dolphins joined our marine mammal family in Abaco. This created the foundation of what is today known as Dolphin Encounters in Nassau.

The Abaco facility enjoyed instant success. In order to provide the state-of-the-art care for the dolphins, the company opened a new facility on Salt Cay (Blue Lagoon Island), only 3 miles from Nassau, The Bahamas 

 

One of our dolphins in the 'Flipper' Movie

The dolphins were carefully moved to the beautiful natural seawater facility on the island, better known as Blue Lagoon Island. In 1995, the facility underwent a multi-million dollar expansion and was re-named Dolphin Encounters. The expansion project enlarged the dolphin habitat to over three acres in surface space and created depths of up to 25 feet. A modern fish preparation kitchen, photo/video lab, bathroom and changing facilities, gift shop and other amenities were also constructed.

 In 1996, Dolphin Encounters was chosen by Universal Studios to help produce the movie "Flipper" starring Paul Hogan and Elijah Wood. The company provided three dolphins - Fatman, Jake & McGyver - to play the famous aquatic star, and two trainers for a period of five months. The movie was filmed in the Bahamas, near Clifton Pier in Nassau, on the western side of New Providence. Dolphin Encounters was also involved in the making of several well-known commercials for companies such as Sony, Visa and Heineken and several music videos, all of which were filmed in the Abacos. Some of our dolphins, Shawn and Fatman, also starred in the Mary Kate & Ashley Adventure Film. 

Dolphin Encounters Ltd. is a member of IMATA, the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, the largest organization of its kind. In 1997, Dolphin Encounters also became a member of the prestigious Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, confirming its status as one of the top marine parks in its field.

During its short history, Dolphin Encounters has transformed itself from a dolphin rescue project with two dolphins and three employees to one of Nassau’s foremost tourist attractions with seventeen dolphins and over 130 dedicated staff. Our natural seawater lagoon has facilitated nine successful births, including three calves by our oldest female Princess, one of the original dolphins.

Book In Advance

You really need to book well in advance otherwise you could be dissapointed.

Restrictions for The Swim-With-The-Dolphins Program:

  • Guest age 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a responsible, paying adult with a ticket for the swim. Parent or guardian must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Guest age 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult (with any paid ticket) to sign the liability waiver. Guest must have the ability to swim to participate.
  • Guest must have the ability to go up and down ladders to access platform.
  • For your safety, pregnant women are not allowed in swim program.
  • For your safety, guests age 5 or younger are not allowed in swim program & may observe for free if attended on the dock by a responsible parent or guardian with an observer ticket.

Restrictions for The Close Encounter Program:

  • Guests age 3 or younger participate for free if accompanied in the program by a responsible, paying adult with a ticket for the encounter. Parent or guardian must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Guests ages 4 to 12 may participate at full price & must be accompanied by a responsible, paying adult with a ticket for the encounter.
  • Guests wishing to upgrade from the Encounter to available Swim spaces may apply the value of the encounter ticket toward the purchase of the upgrade.