Blue Lagoon Dolphin encounter?

[Bambi]

We are interested in the encounter (not the swim) and dh and I have several questions.

1. Our cruise arrives in Nassau at 9:30 am and according to the shore excursion facts departure times for the encounter is at 9:15am. Is this the only time for leaving or are there later times also?

2. According to some sites it says children 3 and under are free with paying adult however some other sites say ages 3 needs to pay. Our dd is going to be 3 1/2 will we have to pay for her also?

3. The brochure indicates the excursion is 5-7 hours long. What is included in the 5-7 hrs? How long is the actual encounter?

4. If we are running late for our dinner on the cruise is there anywhere near by to grab a bite for dinner. Our dinner is at 5pm (I believe) and I worry we may miss dinner but don't want to eat somewhere that isn't recommended.
Thanks in advance

[Cinderella]

The 9:15 time is the meeting time on the ship. There is only the one meeting time you will get off the ship once it's cleared to go onshore.

The ages to pay are 3 & up. So you would have to pay for your daughter

I am not sure how long the actual encounter is but there is also time you can spend on the beach. On the return there are 2 ferries one at 2pm and one at 4pm.

Your dinner is at 6pm. If you miss that you can always eat at the buffet.

[Bambi]

Thanks Jo for the quick reply! Its great to know we will also get some beach time.