Wild Dolphin Adventures has been conducting the Wild Dolphin Adventure since 1995. It is a completley wild adventure... we don't feed them, we don't touch them, and we try to respect (our interpretation) of what they are saying on any given day. We are observing the dolphins "in the wild", in their environment, on their terms.
The trip lasts about 4 hours, dock to dock, and is usually based on sunset. We find that sunset is the most playful time and the dolphins are feeding and sleeping throughout the day, so though we might be able to see the dolphins if we left earlier, we feel we are less intrusive by leaving them alone during their "work" hours. We find the dolphins about 80% of the time, which means there is a 20% possibility that on any given trip we might not come across the dolphins. This can be disappointing for some....and ...it is what makes the other 80% of the time so incredible. They are choosing to come and interact with us.
What we believe occurs is that sunrise and sunset are important to the dolphins, as far as starting/ finishing their day. During the day, the pod will split up into smaller groups for feeding. They'll come back into the shallows to rest periodically through out the day, and, as the sun sets and the feeding is done, the groups will start to come together again. We call this time "happy hour"....it is why we head out when we do.
When the group first comes to the boat, they usually ride the bow wave. The staff is watching the behaviour of the dolphins, and, is looking to see if other dolphins are approaching. While this is going on, you'll be watching the show on the front of the boat. Our staff and researchers will be up front showing you which dolphins are here, and answering any questions you might have (*Bimini Undersea feels that researchers on the boat play an important part in our long term relationship with the dolphins. As well as cataloguing and conducting current, non invasive, research projects, the staff is there to answer any questions you may have. We also know that some of you just want to enjoy the show on your own terms, so ask as many questions as you like, or just enjoy the dolphins quietly. )
Each encounter is completely different. Usually we get to get in the water with the dolphins. Usually they interact closely with us. (in fact with little to no respect for personnal space!). But how long, how interactive and how many dolphins is completley up to the dolphins.
There are very few places in the world today where you can interact with an animal in the wild. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is truly life changing. To have a dolphin choose to interact with you, to look you in the eyes, is an experience that cannot be expressed in words.
