Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Wild Atlantic Spotted Dolphins off of Bimini

Listen to the above podcast episode on how and where to swim with wild dolphins with Allison Stillman. Allison is an author, transformational leader, coach and an acclaimed aromatic alchemist. She is also a dolphin enthusiast and has spent years with wild dolphins and even has her own special way of communicating with them.

Allison leads a swimming in love retreat, spiritual retreat, where guests swim with dolphins and are immersed in love, healing, and heart expanded bliss with days filled with yoga and dolphins. Check out the schedule on Wildquest for upcoming trips.

Allison Stillman Interviews on Experiences You Should Have Podcast

Interesting Facts About Dolphins

* Wen dolphins sleep, part of their brain stays awake, and part of it goes to sleep. The brain takes turns keeping the dolphin safe. * Some species of dolphin understand when their genetics are at risk and may start reproducing with other families of dolphins. This has been seen in Bimini as the Atlantic Spotted dolphins have started reproducing with the Bottlenose dolphins.* Dolphins are very intelligent and even give each other names as they have individual whistles and recognize their and other's names.

Why Swim with Dolphins in the Wild at Bimini

The dolphins around Bimini are a mix of Atlantic Spotted dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. The Atlantic Spotted dolphins are known to be a friendly species of dolphin and are very social with humans and each other. The waters off of Bimini are the most amazing color of water, a perfect aqua color that will delight your eyes. In some states in the US, like Hawai'i, you can't swim within 200 feet of a dolphin (intentionally), however, Bimini does not have the same restrictions. Note, that when looking for an outfitter to take you out, you want to do it in the most conscious way possible. You want to go with a boat that doesn't crowd the dolphins and where people are very respectful of the dolphins, such as Wildquest.

If you search swim with dolphins, you may see images of people swimming with dolphins in theme parks. These dolphins don't have the necessary space and live about 12 years in captivity, whereas the average lifespan in the wild is 50 years.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins in the Wild

Best Time to Swim with Dolphins in Bimini

In Bimini, there are two people who have licenses to swim with dolphins and whales. WildQuest is one of the tour groups to use; a normal season runs from April until October. The age limit is about 6 or 7 years old to do these dive trips with WildQuest. They have life vests, boards, noodles; you'll always be taken care of.

How Much Does it Cost to Go on a Multi-Day Trip to Swim with Wild Dolphins

The average cost of one of these trips is $2,000 per person, not including airfare. The recommended tip on this trip would be $200-$300 cash per person. Check out a video of crew that went on the Dolphin Dream to swim with wild dolphins by Bimini.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GDhR7PXYvU

Gear Needed

* Mask* Snorkel* Fins

Note that you can rent gear, but it's a safe bet to bring your own mask and snorkel that is fit to your face.

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