Have you ever wanted your own private island? Who hasn’t, right? If a private island isn’t in the cards for you, take a trip to Balmoral Island, a private beach resort. Balmoral Island is located on a small island off the coast of Nassau known as Discovery Island. Founded in 2013, its tranquil waters, white sand, and activities for the entire family make it a fun way to spend a day.

We were guests of the Nassau/Paradise Island promotion board, but all opinions are our own.

Balmoral Island

We visited Balmoral Island on a sunny June day. When we stepped off the boat, we were taken to the private beach area for Baha Mar Guests. We rented the private cabana for a day, but there are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The kids in our group immediately dashed toward the water, snagging some of the pool noodles and tubes available free for guests. The private beach is compact, but, on the day we visited, not very crowded.

The water is crystal clear and the area closer to the shore is shallow enough for preschoolers to splash and have a good time. It does get deeper, quickly, which allowed us to spend the afternoon floating lazily. There’s a prime area for snorkeling near the rocks on the right side of the private beach, although snorkel gear is an additional fee. The only thing to watch out for is some natural coral scattered across the ocean floor, which can be a pain if you step on it.

The private beach has several shaded areas and the comfortable hammock I noticed by one of the bars was in high demand. When I was leaving the island, I discovered a beautiful swimming pool I wished I had seen earlier. I’d have been over to try it out in a second! I later learned there are two pools on the island.

Drinks are available for purchase on the Island.

Other included activities are volleyball, ping-pong, and, my personal favorite, free Wi-Fi. Can’t miss that chance to tweet a selfie of the kids in the hammock! There’s a small shop available for any beach necessities or for souvenirs.

Before lunch, we broke into small groups for the Dolphin Encounter. Located at the Marine Park section of the island, this 30 minute-encounter allows guests to meet a new dolphin friend. My advice before beginning this tour: Wear water shoes or flip-flops because the ocean floor is rocky.

Our instructor shared how the dolphins were trained, the care they received, and gave us a complete anatomy lesson. We felt everything from his tongue and teeth to his skin. Our instructor was happy to answer any questions we had and was patient with Critter. She was very enthusiastic about seeing a dolphin “in real life.” All six of the children in our group talked about this encounter and how much fun they had for the rest of the day.

Excursions Available to Balmoral Island-

Beach Break- – This day excursion lasts approximately 4 ½ hours, including travel time. Guests can visit the beach, swim in the two pools, and play any of the games (ping-pong, volleyball, and more) available for guests. There is a kid’s section with kid’s toys. Lunch and drinks are not included.

baha mar nassau — *All of the kids enjoyed the water.*

Beach Break with Lunch- This day excursion lasts approximately 4 ½ hours, including travel time. It includes all the fun of the beach break with the added bonus of lunch from The Marketplace and a drink. Children under five are free, but their lunch is not included. Bring cash or credit cards in case of expenses. If it’s hot, you will want more than one drink.

Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day- This is a day excursion that includes the 30-minute dolphin encounter we experienced, as well as beach time. The experience lasts around 4 ½ hours, including the ferry ride to and from Nassau. Lunch is not included in the fee. Note: It states on the website that guests must be five and older to participate in the Dolphin Encounter. All guests 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bamoral Island — *These rocks in the VIP section are a great place for snorkeling.*

Dolphin Swim with Beach Day- Another 4 ½ hour beach excursion, this experience includes a 30-minute swim with the dolphins. Lunch is not included in the fee. Guests must be five and older and able to swim to participate. All guests 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

Stingray and Beach Day- This experience includes a 30-minute session where you will be able to pet, feed, and swim with the stingrays. Lunch is not included in the fee. Guests must be five and older and able to swim to participate and all guests 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

Food Available On Balmoral Island

No outside food or alcohol may be brought onto the island. However, there are a variety of bars and the Marketplace restaurant available where drinks, snacks, and lunches may be purchased. We had lunch at Marketplace, which includes American and Bahamian options. I sampled the Conch fritters, along with the Fish and Chips. Brittany had a salad, and Critter ordered chicken strips from the Kid’s Menu. The fish was local, freshly caught, and fried in a light batter with a mild fish taste. I’m not a fan of anything overpoweringly ‘fishy.” The conch fritters were not spicy and came with a creamy dipping sauce.

If you want to experience a local drink, try the Bahamas Goombay Punch, which tastes like a pineapple soda. Think of a drink similar to Jarritos Pina soda. Warning: This is very sweet. You might want to share it with a friend or family member. Food prices are comparable to what you would pay at an amusement park for lunch or drinks.

Tips To Know Before You Go:

*The boat ride from the Baha Mar is free. It’s approximately a 10-minute boat ride away from the resort.
*A VIP section is available for Baha Mar guests.
*Food and Beverages are available for an additional cost.
*Cruise Ship Visitors and Visitors from other resorts are allowed to purchase a day pass to the island. They have a separate beach from the Baha Mar guests. It’s approximately a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Nassau to Balmoral Island.
*Children ages 5 and under are free on day pass excursions.
*Be sure to bring your own towel.
*You can rent floats, paddleboards, and snorkel gear.
*Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.
*Photos may be purchased of the Marine Experiences and Encounters for an additional fee.
*Balmoral Island is open daily from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.