Study the basic differences between the two types of dolphin experiences so you have a thorough understanding on how they differ. They are both expensive choices so to understand the differences will clarify the pricing difference between a dolphin encounter and a swim with dolphins and will help you decide which one is right for you.
Research the two major dolphin tour operators in Nassau Bahamas for positive experiences and good recommendations. The two reputable dolphin tours are operated by the Atlantis Bahamas at Paradise Island and by Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island. A lot of this research can now be done over the internet via travel websites like TripAdvisor. Select the Bahamas as the destination and look under their "Attractions and Things to Do" links for current reviews and good recommendations.
Define encounter and you will see it means that it is a brief face to face meeting. On a dolphin encounter you will spend your time in shallow, waist deep water, standing on a platform with the dolphins and you will have some limited interaction with them. You will have the opportunity to pet them and they will perform a few tricks for you. Dolphin encounters are usually held in larger groups than are the swim with dolphins. Dolphin encounters are the cheaper alternative and are perfect for people who are not comfortable in deep water or who need to adhere to a strict vacation budget.
Book a swim with dolphins' excursion if you want a more involved social interaction with the dolphins. A swim with dolphins is held in deep water (usually in a controlled lagoon environment). Participants will be required to wear life vests and the majority of the time will be spent in the water with these amazing creatures. The dolphins will dance and swim with you and you will most likely have an opportunity to get dolphin kisses and feed them from your hands. The swim with dolphins is usually done in a smaller, more limited personal group and lasts a little longer than the dolphin encounters. Both places finish their swims with an exhilarating "foot push" which is when the dolphins push you through the water with their noses on the bottom of your feet. The swim with dolphins is the more expensive choice but offers a truly personal experience.
Consider the age requirements set by both the Atlantis Bahamas and Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island. This is important if you are traveling as a family and will have young children with you. Currently, at Atlantis Bahamas there is no minimum age for their dolphin encounter while their minimum age is 10 for their swim with dolphins. In comparison, Dolphin Encounters has a minimum age of 3 for their dolphin encounter (free until the age of 4) while their minimum age is only 6 for their swim with dolphins. These age restrictions are of course subject to change, so one should always check their current age limits prior to booking either place.
Look at the locations and time. The Atlantis Bahamas Paradise Island is in a very convenient location in Nassau, reached easily by taxi from just about anywhere on the island. It's also only about a 15 min. taxi ride from the port if you're on a cruise which stops in Nassau Bahamas. To reach Blue Lagoon Island one must take a ferry to the island from the Ferry Terminal Building (which is also reached easily by taxi). It is not a complicated process to go to Blue Lagoon Island and is a pleasant trip but it does add about 30 - 45 minutes travel time in each direction to the total time involved. (Transportation to and from the island is included in the price of the excursion.) Blue Lagoon Island is beautiful and the total time involved is approximately 3 - 3 1/2 hours but if you have time restraints it is another factor you might want to consider.
Compare prices and plan your excursion budget. The Atlantis Paradise Island offers their excursions at different prices during different seasons while Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island offers the same price year round. At both places the encounters are significantly less expensive than the more personal swim with dolphins.
Reserve your dolphin excursion early as they are done in small groups and can fill up well in advance.
