Where was The Blue Lagoon filmed?
1980
City Locations
Turtle Island (Fiji), Jamaica (Jamaica), Nanuya Levu Island (Fiji), Comino Island (Malta), Champagne Bay (Vanuatu)
Location Types
Beach/oceanview, Nature, Rustic
Location Styles
Beachfront, Tropical
About The Blue Lagoon
Randal Kleiser directed the 1980 romantic survival flick The Blue Lagoon, which was adapted from Henry De Vere Stacpoole's 1908 novel with the same title. Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins shared the screen in the lead roles, while Basil Poledouris composed the musical score and Néstor Almendros worked as cinematographer. The Blue Lagoon is a coming-of-age story that follows two children who find themselves stranded on a tropical island in the South Pacific. They are soon thrust into an unfamiliar world without society's guidance or limitations. As their young bodies go through the changes that come with puberty, they take to skin-dipping in the tropical waters and find themselves falling deeply in love. Columbia Pictures released the movie to commercial success, despite being highly criticized for its screenplay, execution, and Shields' performance. Néstor Almendros' cinematography earned him an Oscar nomination. Christopher Atkins was also nominated for a Golden Globe as a new star, and both he and Shields received Saturn Award nominations. The sequel, Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991), picks up after the events of the first movie and reveals that Richard and Emmeline have tragically passed away, with their son being rescued. In 2012, the Lifetime Network adapted the story for a made-for-TV movie titled Blue Lagoon: The Awakening. Several other films associated with the story have also been released over the years, for instance, the Indian movies Teri Baahon Mein (1984) and Jaan Ki Kasam (1991), while Ina (1982) took its cues directly from both The Blue Lagoon and The Emerald Forest. These films focus on themes such as teen lust, child marriage, and their consequences in the state of Kerala.
The Blue Lagoon Locations
The Blue Lagoon is a classic romance drama set in the tropical paradise of Fiji. The majority of the scenes were shot at Nanuya Levu, a privately owned island in the Yasawa Group of islands situated in the Western part of Fiji. Nanuya Levu's unparalleled beauty served as the backdrop for the epic love story, creating an enchanting atmosphere of untouched nature and wide beaches bordered by crystal-clear lagoons. Nanuya Levu also offers visitors stunning views over neighboring islands, as well as a variety of activities such as snorkeling and fishing amongst its many coral reefs and other stunning underwater ecosystems. Not only that but with lush rainforests full of exotic birds and intriguing wildlife like iguanas, which were previously unknown to Nanuya Levu before they appeared on-screen, it's no wonder why The Blue Lagoon production team chose the island as a filming location! Overall, a trip to these exotic destinations would certainly be worthwhile. With its wealth of natural beauty and secluded surroundings, the corner of Fiji should be on every wanderlust’s bucket list. Of course, any visitor should take care to respect local customs and traditions as much as possible when visiting any Fijian island. Having said that, travelers are sure to enjoy uncovering some hidden gems from the movie while exploring this majestic island nation!
Fun Fact:
Brooke Shields was cast as the lead, Emmeline Lestrange, based on her performance in Pretty Baby, while Jodie Foster, Kelly Preston, and Diane Lane all auditioned for the role. Willie Aames was considered for the role of Richard Lestrange.
Shipwrecked on an island scene in The Blue Lagoon
Nanuya Levu Island, Fiji
Toward the end of the Victorian era, nine-year-old Richard (Glenn Kohan) and seven-year-old Emmeline (Elva Josephson) Lestrange as well as their galley cook, Paddy Button (Leo McKern), face a shipwreck that leaves them stranded in a lush haven in the South Pacific. Dedicated to their wellbeing, Paddy looks after them and issues a “law” forbidding them from exploring the other side of the island where he had witnessed a sacrificial altar with bloodied remains. He also warns them about consuming any scarlet berries found on it. However, his warnings come too late when he passes away after indulging himself in an intense drinking spree. Left to their own devices, Richard and Emmeline seek refuge in another corner of the exotic island and start rebuilding the home they once had. Nanuya Levu Island is an idyllic paradise located off the north coast of Viti Levu, Fiji. The lush greenery and crystal-clear turquoise waters make it the perfect getaway for those seeking ultimate relaxation. Whether you're up for fishing, snorkeling, or just a day spent laying on a secluded beach, Nanuya Levu Island provides all of this and more. Nanuya Levu Island, Fiji is easily accessible by air or sea. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Nanuya Levu Island from Nadi Airport in Fiji by plane. Alternatively, there are also several daily ferries departing from Port Denarau, near Nadi, with a voyage time of around 3-4 hours. Once on the island, it’s easy to explore with various boat tours and local transport options available for travelers.
Skinny dipping scene in The Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon, Kemmuneti Street, Comino Island, Malta
Upon reaching puberty, Richard and Emmeline take a dip in the ocean. Noticing her growing attraction to him, Emmeline takes a step back and does not share her peculiar thoughts with Richard. Unexpectedly, she gets her first period which overwhelms her. She refuses Richard’s offer to check if she got injured from the experience. Comino Island's Blue Lagoon is a stunning spot located in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Gozo. Surrounded by white cliffs, the lagoon boasts crystal clear waters, making it one of the most picturesque settings in Europe. Whether you're searching for a destination primed for relaxation or jonesing for an action-packed adventure involving snorkeling amidst fish and coral reefs, the Blue Lagoon can provide all this and more. Reaching the Blue Lagoon in Comino Island is easy from Malta or Gozo. There are regular ferries running between these islands and Comino, some of which even make a stop at the Blue Lagoon itself. Alternatively, book an organized tour, complete with guides, to avoid worrying about transport. The journey usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, either way.
Richard realizes he is attracted to Emmeline scene in The Blue Lagoon
Jamaica
Richard eventually realizes that he is attracted to Emmeline. She goes to the forbidden side of the island and observes an altar. She associates the blood with the crucifixion of Christ and comes to the conclusion that the altar represents God. She attempts to convince Richard to join her in prayer on the opposite side of the island. Richard is in disbelief at the suggestion of violating the law, which sparks a heated argument between them. Jamaica is an island paradise located in the Caribbean Sea. It offers visitors a plethora of activities to enjoy, from lounging on its world-famous beaches and exploring its lush rain forests to attending jazz festivals and immersing yourself in the nation’s intoxicating nightlife. Jamaica is perhaps best known for its reggae music scene and spicy jerk chicken, two of the elements that visitors must sample on a visit to the Caribbean nation. Getting to Jamaica from the United States starts by catching a direct flight from most of the major cities in the U.S., such as New York and Miami. Connection flights are also available through other airports in North America. If you're looking for a more adventurous journey, taking a cruise ship can be a great option. Cruise ships depart from various ports around the U.S., offering an exciting way to explore the Caribbean.
Emmeline steps on a fish scene in The Blue Lagoon
Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
Emmeline gets stung by a venomous stonefish. She is weakened by the poison and requests Richard to take her to God. Richard carries her to the altar on the island and places her there. After Emmeline's recovery, they both swim without clothes in the lagoon. Feeling the chemistry between them, they get intimate. With white sand beaches, hiking trails through jungle terrain, coral reefs for snorkeling or diving, and plenty of delicious seafood to try out, Champagne Bay n Vanuatu's Espiritu Santo island is truly an unforgettable place. Located in the South Pacific, the island houses a variety of wildlife such as bats, sea creatures, and tropical birds living in the area. The beach has been said to have a bubbling champagne-like effect due to the unique rock formations under the surface of the water. This perfect combination of beauty, adventure, and relaxation makes Champagne Bay one of the most sought-after destinations in Vanuatu. To get to Champagne Bay on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo island, fly into the main city of Port Vila, located on the country's main island of Efate. From there, take a ferry to Santo Island and then take a taxi or bus to Champagne Bay. It's also possible to fly directly from select cities in Australia and New Zealand to Santo Island. If you're looking for a more adventurous way to get to the island, consider a trip aboard a cruise ship. Cruise ships depart from cities around the Oceania region and usually make at least one port of call in Vanuatu, allowing you to explore the country while enjoying comfortable accommodation during your journey!
Conclusion
After setting off on a journey to San Francisco, Richard, his father, and Emmeline, his cousin, soon find themselves in trouble as the vessel they are traveling on is about to explode. With barely any time to think, the three use a lifeboat to escape, with their cook Paddy Button as well. They soon become separated from their father and uncle amid all the chaos. Stranded at sea with no food or water in sight, the trio eventually comes across an untouched paradise. There, Paddy quickly teaches them various essential skills such as fishing, hunting, and constructing makeshift items. After a few months, Paddy finds some rum on the shore and gets incredibly drunk, eventually passing away in the night. Richard and Emmeline, now alone and feeling frightened, relocate to another spot on the island and start rebuilding their home from scratch. With time passing by, the two teenagers take care of their small corner of paradise but hormones and attraction between them start interfering with their friendship. One day a passing ship does not receive the signal fire lit by Richard. Furious, he throws Emmeline out of the house they built together but she is soon found barely alive by her former friend. This event brings an understanding that there are real feelings between them as Richard manages to save her life. The relationship between them develops naturally while they learn more about life when Emmeline becomes pregnant and neither of them knows what’s really happening.