Dolphins at Bimini/Bahamas

The wild dolphin encounters experienced on the Little Bahama Bank over the past twenty years have been fantastic. 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. Their interactions may range from playing with us in the water or surfing in the bow of the cruising boat, to feeding and taking care of their young. Watching the newborns grow and interact with each other and with us is a wonderful experience. We observe their lives in every facet, and they are very generous.

 

We do not condone the touching, feeding or harassment in any way of dolphins or any other wildlife in the area. Nature sets the rules, and we have seen how beautifully this works.

 

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!
 

The main focus is to protect & respect the dolphins in their home and to do our best to give our guests the experience of a lifetime in a safe and unique environment.

Swim with wild dolphins with Jacqueline Russel

Jacqueline personally researched the boats that can go to these unique areas, by going out to sea on them herself. She's compared the quality and success rates of the different vessels. She's taken into consideration the comforts, and amenities provided aboard.  She's looked closely at the success rate of actually getting to swim with the dolphins, and the relationships formed between the dolphins and the human groups.  Naturally she wants to go on the best available, and get great value for money, so those are the ones she has chosen for 2005.

You get 7 nights accommodation onboard, 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 can spend maximum time with the dolphins.   Most importantly, these are not trained dolphins, no humans feed them.  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.

On seven-night trips six full days are spent in the dolphin areas. We will swim with the dolphins whenever they come to our boat. 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.  On 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 do not get into the ocean every time the dolphins arrive.  If you have got the energy and you want to get into the water every time you are very welcome to. When we are not playing with dolphins, we can enjoy the pretty tropical fish, the warm ocean, the top sun deck, the music, the movies, the food, the stars at night, and new found friends.

 

These fully inclusive week long trips to the beautiful Bahamas depart from, and return to, Palm Beach Florida.  Palm Beach has it 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, West Palm Beach.  As we travel in a group, booking direct with the charter boat, price is kept to a minimum. Boarding is at 8pm Saturdays unless otherwise stated.

The purpose of this trip is to create an awareness of the fragile balance of nature and the need to nurture a relationship based on understanding and respect. We will attempt to channel the emotional impact of the experience towards ways for you to improve and adjust your attitude towards nature and towards yourself and others.

This will be an experience you'll never forget!

accomodation:  onboard  - The Eagle Our home for the week will be the comfortable 120ft/36.5m Eagle, a strong US Coast guard certified and inspected live aboard dive vessel with state of the art GPS navigational equipment, and Radar. The Eagle has VHF and single side band radio, satellite phone, and an E.P.I.R.B. (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). There is a 16ft zodiac, and two automatically deploying life rafts on board in case of emergency. The Eagle has two powerful 1271 Detroit Diesel engines. A fresh water maker, two generators and two air compressors.   The cabins are small but the beds are comfortable with fresh cotton sheets and soft blankets. Some cabins have a small wardrobe, others a hanging rail with coat hangers. All cabins are carpeted, and have good under-bed storage for soft ollapsible bags. There is a large full-length mirror in each cabin.  The central air-conditioning vent can be closed if desired.  There are power outlets (110volt USA 2 flat pin type plug) for electrical items.   The crew are friendly, very professional and glad to help at any time with problems or questions you may have. The Eagle has a full crew, plus at least two experienced full time captains on board for all trips. There is also a dive master/deck hand, a talented chef and on some trips a holistic massage therapist.

dates:

June 11th - 18th 2005: WHITE SAND RIDGE DOLPHINS

 7 nights all inclusive cruising - Special guest speaker DR JASON CRESSEY, whale and dolphin expert. Jason shares dolphin myths and legends, gathered from his travels around the world (Jasons new book will be out soon). 

July 2nd-9th 2005:  SCUBA AND FREEDIVE CAY SAL'S PRISTINE REEFS PLUS BIMINI DOLPHINS. 

 7 nights all inclusive cruising - Featuring the very best of the Bahamas plus a 4th July party. 

July 16th-23rd 2005:  WHITE SAND RIDGE DOLPHINS.

7 nights all inclusive cruising - Special guest SWISS THERAPIST CHRISTINA. 

July 23rd-30th 2005: BIMINI ATLANTIS ROAD DOLPHINS. 

6 nights all inclusive sea plane - GUEST NATURALIST, all ages and nationalities welcome. 

July 30th-Aug. 6th 2005: WHITE SAND RIDGE DOLPHINS.

7 nights all inclusive cruising - SPECIAL FAMILY RELAXATION TRIP, all ages and nationalities welcome. 

If  none of the above dates work for you, please email me, other dates might be available.

included: 6 full days in dolphin areas 7 nights accommodation on board Air-conditioned cabins: Doubles, twins, 3 and 4 berth 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 Dolphin safety briefing Dolphin swim/snorkel lesson (1st Day) if required Dolphin watch information for those who want to be volunteer lookouts Scenic cruising on our vessel and home for the week the 120ft/36.5m Eagle TV/DVD/Video/Stereo + large selection of movies and books for passenger use Large upper sun deck with sun loungers for sun by day and stars by night Large back deck, easy access to and from water Fresh hot water deck shower for after swimming Ample toilet and shower facilities, with shampoo, good quality hair conditioner and soaps provided Large bow area for watching and photographing dolphins ride bow wave

Maximum 18 passengers (sometimes less);

Bahamas crossings take 4 hours each way.

CRUISING FROM FLORIDA TO THE BAHAMAS
The first morning crossing is a great opportunity to look out for dolphin riding the bow wave of the boat.

The return crossing is usually sunset or evening (62 mile/100km crossing).

not included:

- flights to and from Palm Beach (for international guests flights to Miami might be more convenient)

- additional accomodation at Miami, Palm Beach before or after the expedition

- additional meals at island & private expenses & tips

price

EUR 1,447.00 per person

(for other currencies please contact me)

organizer:     Jacqueline Russel

She has been involved in many forms of wildlife and environmental conservation since the early 1980's. She has been actively involved in the protection of dolphins, whales and manatees. She feels very strongly that a deeper understanding and spiritual connection with nature can only serve to benefit the human race, and in turn help us know how to protect the creatures and everything else that make this planet beautiful.

attn: no interaction with wild dolphins whatsoever can be guaranteed.