Things to do in the Bahamas: your guide to a day trip to the Blue Lagoon

By Lebawit Lily Girma, Jan 2020

If you're looking for some fun outside of your bustling resort in Nassau or on Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon Island makes for an easy daytime escape. This small offshore isle, also known as Salt Cay, lies just three miles northeast of Nassau, and embarking on a daylong excursion there is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas. Whether you want to relax with a book on a quiet white sand beach, engage in water sports, tumble down slides at the inflatable aqua park or explore nature trails, there's plenty to see and do on Blue Lagoon.

Brush up on the basics

Choose a daytime package that includes round-trip boat transportation, lunch and access to all of the water sports equipment available. Access to the beaches, water park and facilities, which include changing rooms and showers, are included with all packages. There are also dolphin and sea lion encounters, and plenty of tours and self-guided activities on and off the water.

The boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island could easily rank among the top things to do in the Bahamas. The double-deck catamaran cruises from the Paradise Island ferry terminal through Nassau's scenic harbor at a gentle speed, leaving lots of time to take in the stunning white sand shoreline and check out the homes of the rich and famous, which the captain will be glad to point out for a photo op.

Snorkel from shore for a peaceful escape on the secluded end of Blue Lagoon Island.

Go snorkeling right off the beach

On the back end of Blue Lagoon Island, away from the main beach, is a white-sand, crescent-shaped shore with gentle waves that offers seclusion and adventure for adults. Snorkel off the shoreline to spot colorful corals and small tropical fish.

Enjoy water equipment and land sports

Board a clear-bottom kayak from the water sports kiosk and head out on the calm lagoon facing the entrance to the island. Or rent a water bike or paddleboard (or slip beneath the waves on an underwater scooter) to explore what's below the surface.

If you prefer to keep your activity on land, go for beachside sports and partake in a round of beach volleyball, soccer or table tennis. Or pick up your favorite board games for some light competition on your lagoon-facing beach chairs.

Tour the island on Segway

Learn how to ride a Segway and zip your way around Blue Lagoon Island with a guide. Hear the history of the island, stop along trails to view and get close to the island's native flora and explore a secluded beach path. The tour ends with a climb up the island's tower for views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean surrounding Blue Lagoon Island.

Learn about the native flora and fauna of Blue Lagoon Island on a nature hike.

Hike the island's nature trails

Blue Lagoon's lush, wild landscape is a prime habitat for nesting birds; you'll notice them in the dense rows of trees that run close to the shoreline as your boat approaches the dock. Walk around the island and learn about native plants and birds while cooling off along its trails. End your walk with a climb up the tower for panoramic views.

Tuck into a beachside lunch, then relax in a hammock

The daily fresh buffet on the island, stocked with grilled burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, will satisfy your post-adventure cravings. The lunch area is shaded, spacious and just a few steps away from the main beach. In the afternoon, grab one of the free tubes or floating noodles to enjoy the Atlantic's calm waters and drift aimlessly under the sun. There are also hammocks, if you'd rather fall asleep on the beach.

Whether you're looking for a quiet escape in lush tropical island scenery or a fun adventure away from your resort in Nassau or Paradise Island, a day trip to the Blue Lagoon Island is an excellent pick.

Get your Blue Lagoon Island adventure started when you book your Bahamas trip today!