Online Brochure - What to bring

 Weeks Dolphin Schedule...  What to Bring...

We are the only live aboard dolphin swim organization that is just minutes from the dolphin grounds in Bimini in the Bahamas.

DAY 1 - Arrival from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to Bimini. Boarding the boat from 10:00am. On early arrivals feel free to explore the island and its beaches. As soon as all arrive we depart-weather permitting- for an anchorage off one of Bimini's beautiful beaches for an orientation. We spend the rest of the morning practicing and making sure that everyone feels comfortable with their snorkeling gear. What ever your abilities are--or lack of abilities. We will be there to help you. Safety is a very important issue with us.

Lunch is next. If everyone is comfortable with their snorkeling ability we head off the the dolphin grounds..

DAY 2 --5  Operating our dolphin swims in Bimini gives us the ability to check out many other natural blessings the Bahamas has to offer. Some of the most beautiful waters and reefs anywhere in the world. Deserted islands with incredible beaches. The Atlantis Wall or Bimini Road as the locals call it.
The big hearted, always happy to say hello citizens of the island, its food and music are all treats that we are able to enjoy during the week.

Our main focus is of course swimming and interacting with the dolphins in their environment. The dolphins and the weather dictate our schedule for the week. An encounter can last from a few moments to many hours, with from two to sixty dolphins participating.

Some weeks we swim several times a day, every day and some weeks there may be days without swimming with them. We have never had a week without an interaction. Weather can be much the same. Some weeks are flat calm and sometimes a few days can be windy, rainy and rough. These are things that are out of our control but also lends to a sense of awe in our environment as the weather and dolphins come and go at their own pace. Sit back and take it in and feel a smile stretch across your face.

P.S. We do not go out when the weather is rough-life is too short for that.

DAY 6- Departure time from the boat is 9 a.m. Friday morning after breakfast.


Flights to Bimini

Ft. Lauderdale-- Bimini Island Air-We have been working together for 10 years-they have a perfect safety record and have taken excellent care of both our crew and our guests.
We have a 8:30 to 9:00am flight with them every Sunday morning. Let them know that you are with Dolphin Expeditions for this flight. The return flight is 10:00am the following Friday. We recommend not to book your Ft Lauderdale/Miami to home until after 3:00pm Friday. Just to make sure you don't miss your connection due to weather or late island flight departures and arrivals.

Let BIA know that you are with Dolphin Expeditions and there is a discount for round trip tickets- $245.00. For reservations call 954-938-8991.

This season BIA will be operating out of FT Lauderdale International Airport-We are now arranging for free pickup at the Airport and Ccorporate discounts for our guests at the Comfort Inn.

You will land in South Bimini and then taxi to the boat. Everyone on the Island knows us --tell the taxi that you are joining us and they will take you to the "Beach Club" where we operiate out of. I am on quit a few of the flights to help with anything you might need.

Travel Info-

As of Jan 1, 2007 anyone entering the United States will need a valid passport.

<<<IMPORTANT>>>

Now our non-American guests need to make sure to fill out the ESTA forms-this is the link that will help you out-  http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx   This must be submited 72 hours prior to arrival to the US.

 Snorkel gear-
Quality snorkeling gear-please buy gear at a professional dive shop. Fins should be closed heeled with no booties- if you already have them its OK. Try to buy the largest fin blade that will fit you. Many dive shops have been trying to sell the new split fins and the Force fins-they are expensive and don't give the resistance or power (which means ease of swimming) of the solid fin. Recommended fins-Mares Volo Race or similar fin. Snorkel-the 'IMPULSE II' or similar snorkel-not the dry snorkel-our guests have had problems with the top getting stuck and not letting air in. MASK  any mask that fits your face comfortably and stays on when you breath in without the strap around your head. Please try to purchase the best equipment that you can afford and if possible practice before you join us to assure proper fit and comfort. This is to enhance your experience with the dolphins.

We will also spend all the time you might need to help you feel more comfortable and safe in the water. Whatever your skills of lack of-- we will be there for you!!!

Rental of snorkeling gear-This season we will be renting snorkeling gear to those who wish to. These are brand new, top quality masks, fins and snorkels. The best on the market. Please let us know when you sign up so that we can reserve the necessary gear for your needs. The price is 30.00 US for the week. There will also be a limited supply of masks, fins and snorkels available for purchase to those who might wish to upgrade or replace a broken piece of equipment.

If you are buying online or don't have a dive shop near you we recommend Austin's Dive Center Inc, we buy all of our gear from them and they know what our guests need. Ask for Doug and let him know you are going with Dolphin Expeditions and Geoff. He can recommend just what you might need with excellent prices. Order as much ahead of time as possible in case something doesn't fit so it might be exchanged.

Austin's Dive Center.    Prices will be better if you call.

Doug-305-665-0636
Toll free in the US- 888-665-0636
www.austinsdiving.com

What to Bring

Bathing suits (several if possible)
Shorts
T-shirts
2 Towels-any type you wish-big, little, with dolphins on them-or not...we supply really comfortable sheets...
Sun Hat, baseball type cap will help keep 50% of the sun off your face...

Light weight rain jacket-wind breaker
SPF 30 or greater SUN TAN LOTION -NO OILS -NO SPRAY LOTIONS
Lip balm
SUNGLASSES
Insect repellent
Washcloths, toothbrushes, etc.
Motion sickness pills (if you feel that it is necessary for you)

Flip flops are the best shoes- Bare foot, soft bottomed flip flops or Teva type shoes are fine for on deck--please no dark or black bottomed soles allowed...
On a boat- soft sided luggage is best

It is a good idea to bring a loose fitting pair of long pants-light cotton- and long sleave type t-shirt to wear in the water to keep from burning-especially for the first few days. We spend a lot of time in the water and most guests don't feel the sun through the water and can get very burned on the back of their legs,arms and necks---this is an important item.

While not necessary, the following items may make your trip more enjoyable.
Camera-film-disposable underwater cameras work very well.
Light blanket or sleeping bag for sleeping on deck if you wish-- its beautiful
Reading material
Binoculars
Musical instruments
Journal for keeping notes.