Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Bahamas

Recently we went to Paradise Island in the Bahamas. While we were there we decided to do an excursion to Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas. Our experience was amazing having a dolphin encounter and relaxing on an amazing beach with inflatable slides. It was a must-visit for anyone going to the Bahamas.

"Their missions is to inspire and engage our guests to learn more about marine animals and to preserve and protect our extraordinary ocean environment through educational, sustainable, interactive, authentic Bahamian experiences." They even rescued many sea lions after Hurricane Katrina.

We were staying at Atlantis in the Bahamas and it was very convenient to get to the Ferry. It was just a short 10-minute walk from our room. Our ferry was scheduled to leave at 10:00 am and it was suggested to arrive for check-in about 45 minutes in advance. We checked in and got our bands which had our dolphin encounter time on them. Here is the ferry we went on. We felt totally safe as masks were required and they limited the amount of people.

The ride to Blue Lagoon was about a half-hour and we got to see some beautiful homes on the way over. Some where owned by people like Oprah, Beyoncé, and Michael Jordan.

Some views of our journey.

When we arrived at Blue Lagoon it was gorgeous.

It looked totally like paradise!

But before we could start exploring we had to get prepared for our dolphin encounter as it was scheduled first at 11:00 am. We headed straight across off the boat as directed and checked in. While we were waiting we saw some beautiful dolphins.

They were so adorable and seemed excited for their play date with us.

They also have other programs such as Sea Lion Encounters, Stingray Encounters, and Swimming with the dolphins which includes a foot push by a dolphin. You can see all of those programs here.

We were gathered into a seating area and told some rules of where we could and couldn't touch the dolphin. People could ask questions and the first group was counted out for their encounter. We walked down to a platform and were given life vests and a locker to put valuables. This tented area is where our encounter was. We all sat along the edge and were called in by group to the platform in the water.

We entered the water and got to see this cutie, Clifton. We started by each bending down a bit in the water and hugging him.

All these pictures and a video were taken by Blue Lagoon staff and sold after the fact. Keep in mind that you may not bring any cameras or phones in the water and if you have observers with you they will only see your back.

Look at that pure joy on my face.

Then he came back to us one by one to dance with. This was adorable.

We got down and boogied with him. He gave me a few splashes after my dance.

He really liked Lauren's dance.

Afterward he spun around splashing away. During the encounter, he also swam out into the water and did some tricks that were very impressive.

We then got to rub his back and stomach as he swam by us.

It was so cool.

Here is video of our dolphin encounter.

After this fun, we were ready to hit the beach. We headed over the bridge to the beach.

Here you can see some of the inflatable equipment they have.

The beach is gorgeous and has two bars and a place to eat.

We grabbed some chairs and hopped in the water to cool off.

I love that they had tubes to float around in.

We then decided to go over and get lunch which was included.

There were hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wings, salad, and a drink of lemonade/iced tea/lemonade.

Now that the kids were fueled up they decided to go on the inflatables. It took a lot of upper body strength but they made it to the top to slide down.

This required another wristband and they needed to get life jackets.

There were also kayaks and other water sports you could pay extra to experience. But honestly, for us, relaxation was now on the menu and we got some drinks. The kids even enjoyed some virgin frozen daiquiris.

There were also some pretty places to take pictures.

Such beauty everywhere you look.

So gorgeous!

Here you can see a ping pong table.

I highly suggest a visit to Blue Lagoon if you are in the Bahamas.

Learn all about their programs and book reservations in advance: https://www.dolphinencounters.com/

Disclosure: I was provided with a Dolphin Encounter, access to the inflatable slides, and lunch for promotional purposes. No other compensation was received, and as always all opinions are my own.

Air Canada Horror Story From Toronto to Boston

We recently went to the Bahamas to Atlantis which I will be writing about soon but first I want to share our horrendous experience on Air Canada returning to Boston. There is no short story to this so bear with me. (Note this is not a sponsored post)

Image credit @AlicePond3

It all started when we got off the plane at Toronto Pearson International Airport. They have a bizarre system that herds people in a room to scan boarding passes and then you wait for your initials to display on a video screen. It is like hitting the lottery when you see your name as our family cheered and we continued on to the next screening. Once we got past this, we thought we were good to go. We were so wrong.

This is what transpired:

• We arrived at the gate at 6:00 which is the time that boarding was supposed to start for a 6:30 pm flight. When we arrived, it was empty at the desk, but we could see the plane at the gate.
• We continued to sit there waiting for a gate agent for two and a half hours with no updates, no one at the gate, and no food options open (even the vending machines were out of order). When approaching another gate agent, I was told I have no information for you and you have to go to Customer Service which was quite a walk. My husband went to Customer Service to be yelled at why are you here, we have no information!
• We watched the monitors continue to update our flight time moving it at 1/2 hour increments to eventually taking it off the display and then reappearing back.
• Finally, a gate agent appeared and told us that she would start boarding us soon. She went on to the plane and then came back about a 1/2 hour later and was on both a phone a walkie-talkie. She then announced she had bad news that our flight crew had timed out and that our flight was canceled. She went on to say don't approach me I can't help you. Everyone needs to go to Customer Service. She ducked out so quick it was like watching a cartoon seeing a character run away with a puff of smoke.
• The whole plane worth of people headed to Customer Service where low and behold no one was there. We all stood there for god knows how long waiting, I was tweeting along with others. Some were trying to call Air Canada. We could see two Air Canada employees above us through the glass just looking down at us not helping.
• Finally, a baggage person from Air Canada showed up and we all gathered around to hear the announcement. We had been rebooked on a flight the next day at 2 pm and we could go to a hotel. They sent him as the sacrificial lamb as he couldn't do anything and really didn't know all the rules of the airport.
• We were then sent up to Customs and put into a line to exit the airport, but the fun doesn't stop there. An announcement was then made by a scary Customs person saying if you flew from Bahamas or Athens to come to the side and we would not be allowed entry into Canada and would need to remain in the airport!!!!
• At that point, we were taken upstairs to a holding area. Luckily a really nice lady who worked at the airport (and we found out wasn't even supposed to be working that day but came in) and told us if we had a US passport and were vaccinated she was working on getting us entry. She was a savior and came back and walked us down to two Customs agents that checked our documentation and allowed us out of the airport. We were lucky to get a nice Customs agent who scanned our Covid tests and let us through. Another family was taken to another room as we all had just done the rapid Antigen Covid test as we were just passing through Canada and the US requires the quick test. Canada requires the PCR test. Luckily after a bit of them talking they let them leave.
• We hopped on a shuttle and went to the hotel I booked while all this was going on. We finally settled in our room by 12:30 am. We returned the next day and the vibe was hilarious. It was like a reunion of stranded travelers and we all bonded and talked over our experience. We also had a lawyer on the plane that took all of our names and information and we are now part of a Facebook Group to discuss.
• Our gate was moved twice, and it really wasn't looking promising but eventually an hour late we did take off.
• Our concerns over our luggage were soon realized as we arrived in Boston and only 2 bags came out on the carousel. One of ours happened to be 1 of those 2 bags. But 99% of the plane was missing bags. We also found out that people saw them putting bags of sand on the plane to weigh it down due to the lack of luggage. Also, at the gate, we waited in Toronto as they said they were counting bags. I guess counting to 2 takes a while. When looking online it says they are still trying to locate the luggage.
• What we later found out is this hell had been going on with Air Canada and the Toronto Pearson Airport. See the article here and here. We also found out that they were holding people on other planes for 2-3 hours saying there were backups at Customs (though Customs said they always blame us, we didn't have backups) therefore the gate agent took too long to come to our gate and by then the flight crew had timed out and could not continue to work.

The lack of communication was crazy!

Due to the Canadian Transportation Agency, we should be entitled to compensation which is why we formed a group for power in numbers to fight.

Also, multiple laws were broken by them with no communication.

I will post any updates on this craziness as I have it.

Update: We have been credited our baggage fee and are receiving a check for our hotel and food. As for the flight disruption claim they said we are not entitled to the $1000 for our flight delay of over 9 hours as it was related to Covid. I am continuing to fight this.

Conway Scenic Railroad Take a Ride With Your Furry Best Friend

While visiting the White Mountains New Hampshire we love to take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. It was our dog's 3rd birthday and once I found out the train allows dogs I knew this would be a perfect outing for her to celebrate.

Shellie the Sheltie was ready to ride!

We chose the Bartlett Valley Train which is an hour and forty five minute ride. You can find all schedules on their website and I also have reviews on my blog linked in this post to all of their excursions.

Evan has always loved trains so this has been an annual trip for us.

 It is a relaxing ride as you listen to the narrator tell you more about the area.

 The Valley Train is a great option if you are not sure how long kids or dogs can be entertained on the train. This birthday girl could have rode the train all day.

She took a little snooze on the ride.

There are two Valley excursions, Conway which is 55 minutes and Bartlett which is one hour and 3/4. If you are interested in a longer ride here is my review of the Crawford Notch 5 hour ride which is a lot of fun.  There are also dining options which can be found here. There are lovely views.

 We were in Coach as dogs are only allowed in Coach.

We have traveled in First Class as can be seen here.

 I love the wicker chairs and big windows to look out.  There is also a snack bar in this car and the narrator for your ride is on this train.

The part I enjoy the most is the beautiful views from the train.

 Gorgeous! 

It is so lovely just relaxing and looking at the mountains.

Evan has always loved when they bring the engine from one side of the train to the other for the trip back to the station. 

 I know you will enjoy taking a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.

So will your furry best friend!

Follow them on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ConwayScenicRailroad

Twitter:  @ConwayScenicRR

Disclosure:  I received 4 Train tickets in exchange for this post.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.