The Blue Lagoon is a classic romantic drama set in the south Pacific, where a young and naive couple is washed up on a desert island after falling off a sinking ship. The movie was filmed in Fiji, situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and made up of over 300 islands. It was directed by Randal Kleiser and starred Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins as the two lead roles.
Islands in Fiji have long been home to many stunning production locations, unspoiled coral reefs, white sand beaches, and lush tropical rainforests. Over the years, many directors have chosen to film here, including director Steven Spielberg for his movie Jurassic Park (1993). And it comes as no surprise that Kleiser chose the Fijian islands too — those location scouts must have known what they were looking for!
Originally, the island where the iconic Blue Lagoon was filmed was called Turtle Island, home to a Fijian tribe of around 100 people. In order to film, it was closed to the public — and before filming started, several adjustments were made to the island, including the addition of a few huts and some walkways, to fit the director’s vision.
Turtle Island is only 450 acres, but it still has some beautiful spots that can accommodate filming. The island’s sandy beach along the lagoon is its star attraction, surrounded by turquoise waters with plenty of fish and coral. According to the locals, the beach is the spot where actual blue lagoon exists.
There are two lagoons on Turtle Island: a larger lagoon and a smaller, sheltered lagoon. Water activities like kayaking, swimming, and boat rides can be experienced in the larger lagoon, while in the smaller one, one can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving.
In addition to the lagoon, Turtle Island also offers plenty of other sights to explore. A visit to the island’s villages and settlements shows the traditional lifestyle of its people, who are very welcoming to visitors. The island also has its own waterfall, where visitors can take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters. Nature lovers will love exploring the mangrove swamps and trekking in the forests.
Turtle Island has become a popular tourist destination since the release of The Blue Lagoon and is becoming increasingly more accessible to visitors as the island’s infrastructure continues to improve. Many people continue to flock to Turtle Island to experience the lush and serene beauty of the place, and the atmosphere and community vibe. The island is a great place to relax and indulge in some island living — just watch out for the occasional coconuts that can fall from the trees!