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The most incredible dolphin encounters are WILD DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS...

A wildlife expedition to snorkel with Atlantic Spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), and Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), in the warm crystal clear turquoise waters of the Bahamas. This area is well known by naturalists, photographers, and wildlife documentary makers, to be the best place for close up wild dolphin encounters on the planet.

Divers have been experiencing wild dolphin encounters on the Little Bahama Bank since the Early 80's. Recently these magical encounters in paradise seem to be getting more frequent. We approach the dolphins on their terms, with the understanding that we are in their world, and we respect their space. With our caring approach we have found that the dolphins gladly come to us. The dolphins enjoy riding the bow wave and swimming with the funny looking humans; maybe as much as we love swimming with them. Most people go home saying swimming with wild dolphins was one of the most amazing experiences of their life; the others just can't put it into words!

I've personally researched the boats that can go to these unique areas, by going out to sea on them myself. I've taken into consideration the comforts and amenities provided...The speed of the vessel...the food....everything.  The 120ft Eagle gives us the speed to cross the Gulf Stream in a few hours. We also have the advantage of being able to stay longer with the dolphins and get to the dolphin areas faster. We have a great chef...space to lay out in the sun....cool air conditioning to read or watch a movie if the mood takes us...and lots of new like-minded friends to hang out with.

Cabins on small ships are not too spacious....however its nice to have at least soft carpets and a comfortable bed with nice cotton bedding...and a door to close at night ... we have this on the Eagle. For summer 2008 we have all new beds and a new flat screen TV in the main salon for movies or evening dolphin presentations.

I've looked closely at the success rate of actually getting to swim with the different groups of Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins close up. We get very close....close enough to look into each other eyes and see there is someone there.... A lot of regular adventurers know particular dolphins on sight now....and the dolphins recognize us too. ....It's pretty cool.....

These trips are up to one week long, which means more time with the dolphins. We live onboard, so we do not have to waste time going to and from the island each day... this means we get maximum time with the dolphins. Most importantly, these are not trained dolphins, they are not fed by humans. These dolphins play with us because they want to, and for no other reason. These are WILD DOLPHINS, living free in paradise in the area of the White Sand Ridge, Bahamas. This is the correct way for you to see and swim with dolphins. Without a doubt this is the right way to let your children, and your grandchildren experience the joy of being free with a wild dolphin...It's no secret, it will change your lives.

As we travel in a group, chartering the whole boat for our own private use, price is kept to a minimum. The boat has some excellent features for dolphin encounters....water level dive platform for easy access to the water... under water ladders for easy access back onto the boat.... a great chef.... friendly crew .....and captains that know the areas we travel in like the backs of their hands.

On our 37m/120ft charter vessel we have a variety of cabin types and sizes......twins, doubles, and a couple of 3 and 4 bed cabins. There is a huge open top sun deck with sun beds, a nice forward deck for sunbathing and watching the dolphins, and a very large shaded aft dive deck.

On dolphin expeditions we will be staying in the prime dolphin areas until sunset every evening (weather permitting)....so we will be getting FULL days every day in the prime dolphin areas....all in the comfort of our own spacious live-aboard full service dive vessel....your home away from home....with chef to cook and do the dishes for you.

A photographers dream come true...You only need to snorkel to participate... On the Bahamas adventures we spend 5, or 6 days free diving and snorkeling daily. We see wild Atlantic Spotted and Bottlenose dolphins in the clear waters of the White Sand Ridge.

Close to the dolphin banks is 'sugar wreck' a beautiful shipwreck teaming with tropical fish life and colorful corals in only 6m (20ft) of 85f water.

Shark lovers and photographers can get some cool shots at the tiger shark and lemon shark banks where we spend a couple of leisurely breakfasts checking out these amazing animals. The sea level dive platform gives great opportunities for underwater photography of the sharks without entering the water... For scuba divers there is the ultimate in water option. This is a very special place where photographers from around the world come to film the fearsome 'tiger shark' and the lesser known 'snaggle toothed lemon shark'.

These fully inclusive week long trips to the beautiful Bahamas depart from, and return to, Palm Beach Florida. Palm Beach has its own airport(PBI). For International travelers it may be more convenient to catch a flight to Miami(MIA), then catch the five dollar Tri-Rail train from Miami International Airport to Mangonia Park Station, Palm Beach. www.Tri-Rail.org

If you book your flight with American Airlines you will receive an extra 5% discount off of their lowest internet fare available when you enter the Wild Ocean Adventures discount code at www.AA.com (I will send you this code when you book your adventure).


SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS:
On five-night trips, 4 days are spent in the dolphin areas. On six-night trips, 5 days are spent in the dolphin areas, and on seven night trips 6 days are spent in the dolphin areas. We will swim with the dolphins whenever they come to our boat, or when we find them. The dolphins are wild and free, they decide when and how long they will play with us. On average dolphin encounters last from between a few minutes to several hours.  The dolphins are always there, windy weather is our only enemy....that's why we choose the least windy months of the year to go. 

MOST DAYS WE HAVE MULTIPLE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE DOLPHINS.  A lot of people that come on these adventures cannot keep up with the pace of the playful dolphins, and don't get into the ocean every time.  If you have got the energy and you want to get into the water every time you are welcome to. When you are not playing with dolphins, you can enjoy the turquoise blue of the ocean, the warm breeze, the top observation deck,  the sun deck, the music, the movies, the food, the stars at night, and new found friends.  Sometime the dolphins come at night which is a very special and magical experience.
  DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURES

Snorkel and free dive with DOLPHINS for a week in the warm waters of the WHITE SAND RIDGE, BAHAMAS. 

These are the dolphins you see on tv.   The BBC, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and National Geographic have all made numerous documentaries on this group of friendly wild dolphins North of Grand Bahama....and on the very same boats we use. 

You can snorkel with them until your hearts content, and see colorful reefs, and the wreck of an 18th century British ship (the now world famous sugar wreck).  

These adventures are limited to a maximum of 17 guests plus myself. We will have 5,  6 or 7 night’s all-inclusive, air-conditioned cabin accommodation, and cruising, with full meals .  Professional chef, naturalist and dive master on board. There will also be a photographer or a videographer onboard so you can take your memories home with you on video/dvd or cd rom if you choose to.  These trips are relaxing - stress free - fun - and energizing ...

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FREE SPACE FOR GROUP ORGANIZER: If you have a group of 8 or more please contact me...you can get a free space for yourself as organizer. May/June/July/August dates for groups book up 18 months in advance ...so reserve your date early.

HEALTH WARNING: Swimming with dolphins may change your life !

Watch our videos....

ALL OUR DOLPHIN DAYS ARE FULL DAYS:
On Saturday evening we board our floating home for the week and make the 100km/62mile crossing from Florida to the Bahamas in the early hours. First thing Sunday morning our captain will clear customs, enabling us to have a FULL first day in the dolphin areas. You do not have to wake for Bahamas customs, you can sleep in if you choose to. We STAY IN THE DOLPHIN AREAS ALL WEEK. On our last day with the dolphins, we will stay with the dolphins until sunset, this gives us A FULL LAST DAY IN THE DOLPHIN AREAS.

INCLUDED:

4 FULL days in dolphin areas on 5 night trips:

5 FULL days in dolphin areas on 6 night trips;

6 FULL days in dolphin areas on 7 night trips;

Air-conditioned cabin accommodations;

Plentiful delicious meals, all prepared for you by the wonderful chef;

24 hour snacks & fruit for the midnight jet-lag munchies;

24 hour juice, soft drinks, pure water, tea/coffee/chocolate;

Scenic Bahamas cruising;

TV/DVD/Video/Stereo + large selection of movies and books for passenger use;

Large sun deck for sun by day and stars by night with sun beds: Bring your sleeping bag if you want to camp out here.

Back dive deck, has seating and is shaded with VERY easy access to and from water;

Ample toilet and shower facilities, with shampoo, good quality hair conditioner and shower gels provided;

Great dolphin watching and photography from the forward bow deck;

Bahamas crossing takes about 4.5 hours. You can look out for the dolphin and whales as we cross in daylight.

THE CREW:
The crew are friendly, very professional and glad to help at any time with problems or questions you may have. There are at least two experienced full time captains on board for all trips. One crew member is also a dive master/dive instructor, and another is a talented photographer/ideographic. The chef is exceptional, and on some trips we even have a massage therapist.

Click here to see photo's from dolphin trips


THE BEST WEATHER TIMES:

MARCH, APRIL, MAY: Occasionally windy but usually sunny. Excellent light and perfect visibility for underwater photography.

MAY, JUNE, JULY: Calmest seas, best time of the year for glassy flat warm waters, and very few storms.

JULY, AUGUST, SEPEMBER, OCTOBER: Tropical season. Slight chance of a storm but 80% chance of great weather and flat calm seas. Be aware that this is the season for hurricanes.....so make sure you have cancellation insurance that covers your live-aboard adventure cost and your flight cost. It is always advisable to have travel insurance incase you have to cancel, or something unforeseen happens.

The Bahamas are very tropical, this means that you can get a rainstorm anytime, but they normally do not last for long. The tropical season has the most rain, however storms are short lived and the weather is fantastic the rest of the time. For those interested in photography that require clearer visibility, earlier in the season ( May and early June) is usually excellent. Also the dolphins seem very playful the first few months that they see people at the beginning of each season which is a big plus.

So tell me again why is it you haven't done it yet ?

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SAFETY EQIPMENT ON BOARD:
Our home for the week is a comfortable strong US Coast guard certified and inspected live aboard dive vessel with state of the art GPS navigational equipment, and Radar. The vessel has VHF radio, cell phone, satellite phone, and an E.P.I.R.B. (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). There is a zodiac, and automatically deploying life rafts on board in case of emergency.  The vessel has two 12v-71 Detroit diesel engines,  a fresh water maker, two generators, and two air compressors. 

THE CABINS:
Cabins are small but the beds are comfortable with fresh cotton sheets and soft blankets.  All cabins have good storage for soft collapsible bags....and some have small hanging closets...  All cabins have mirrors, are fully carpeted, and are air-conditioned.  The air-conditioning vents can be closed in cabins if desired.  There are power outlets (110volt USA 2 flat pin type plug) for electrical items in every cabin.



IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Q - Should I buy travel insurance ?

A - Yes, it is always advisable to have medical and cancellation insurance that covers your live-aboard adventure cost, and your flight cost. Note I do not sell travel insurance...the boat recomends www.TravelGuard.com   and   www.DiversAlertNetwork.org.

Q - Are there any special skills necessary?
A - Well if you want to get into the water and swim with the dolphins you will need to be able to snorkel with a mask, snorkel and fins. If you have not snorkeled before, regular practice in your local swimming pool with the mask and snorkel will get you up to speed.  If you've never done this type of adventure before, I would suggest arriving in Florida a few days early, so you can practice with waves in the warm ocean as well.

NOTE: I can not stress how important it is to practice.  The first time I went on a wild dolphin adventure I went to my local swimming pool twice a week to practice for 6 months before my trip.  I am so glad I did, because having that confidence really helped me have close up dolphin encounters.

Q - What type of mask, snorkel and fins should I bring?
A - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, bad fitting or cheap snorkel gear can ruin your trip.  I recommend a US Divers/aqua lung Impulse 2, or Impulse 3 snorkel, MUST be fixed not flexi type.  It is the best type for wild dolphin encounters.  Also a good comfortable scuba divers type mask, with a nose pocket, that does not leak (test it well before you arrive).   And a comfortable full foot pair of fins that do not rub or chafe your heels. YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THESE ITEMS AT YOUR LOCAL SCUBA DIVE SHOP.  A $10 pair of dive socks are a great heel saver if your fins do chafe... I always wear a pair...

Q - What is the water like and what is the temperature of the water?
A - The water is clear and turquoise blue, and the water temperature is 23-27c/73-80f in winter/spring, 27-30c/80-86f in summer/fall.  Dolphin encounters tend to be in an area of shallow clear water, about 4-6m/15-20ft deep with a white sandy bottom.

Q - What type of dolphins can we swim with?
A - Wild Atlantic spotted dolphin and bottlenose dolphin too.  And you never know when you will come upon a friendly manta ray, or a curious turtle. 

Q - How quickly do the dates fill up?
A - May/June/July dates and public holidays can fill up 18 months in advance, especially with repeat guests.

Q - I am single and wonder will I get a cabin to myself?
A - Prices are based on sharing cabins. If there is space you may be able to have a cabin to yourself, you will not be charged any extra for this. However with a full boat it is more likely that singles will be in a shared cabin.  You can choose to pay for two people, then you would get a whole cabin.  People only really use the cabins at bed time, as there is so much to see and do in the day.

Q - When will the deposit and the final balance be due?
A - Deposit is US400.00 dollars per person and due at time of booking. Final balance is due 150 days prior to trip date.

Q - What will I need money for that is not included in the price of the trip?
A - You will need US50.00 in cash for the Bahamas departure tax on boarding.  There are souvenirs available on the boat (calanders, framed photos, t-shirts, dolphin prints, trip dvd).  Tipping the crew at the end of the week is customary on US cruise vessels.  You can pay for souvenirs or crew gratuities with US cash or US dollar travelers checks. 

Q - What should I bring that is not included onboard?
A - Your clothes; sunglasses(polarized are best on the ocean); a hat; 3-4 swimsuits; 2 towels; toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, shaving gel, sun screen (at least spf30 for the first few days, spf45 for fair skin); personal items; any medications you are on; camera, lots of film/memory; A GOOD SNORKEL, MASK AND FINS.  There is no bar onboard, but you can bring your own favorite bottle or beer with you if you like.

Q - Is there a first aid kit onboard?
A - Yes a very extensive first aid kit, the boat even carries oxygen for emergencies and the crew are CPR trained.

Q - Can I sleep out under the stars ?
A - Yes, but if you wish to do this please bring your own sleeping bag and thin exercise yoga mat/pad or inflatable bed, as the cabin bedding must stay in the cabins at all times.

Please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have about the dolphin trips. I have traveled the world, so if you need tips on the best ways to get to the Florida departure point I can help with that too.


Click for photos http://swimwithwilddolphins.freeservers.com/photo.html