Who comes?
People from every walk of life from 3 months old to 80 years. Many women come by themselves. On average half the participants each week are women who have travelled on their own. Women experience it as a very safe and supportive program environment.
Is this adventure for you ?
This is not a resort hotel or cruise ship type of experience. It is a group retreat/wilderness experience program providing a supportive and loving environment to connect with ourselves, each other, the dolphins and the ocean.
Group participants usually help out with things like the dishes, etc. It often feels like we have become a 'pod' ourselves after a couple of days. It can be a very powerful, heartfelt experience. There is laughter and tears. Many great new friendships are made. Most people have a great time during this adventure; however, it is not for everyone. If you have concerns or questions, please call or e-mail us.
The island is small and quiet with few tourists. The Islanders are open and friendly, the children are delightful.
What will the actual experience be like?
Your experience will be unique, but we often hear the words 'blissful',
’healing,’ ‘relaxing, 'meditative' and ‘life-changing.' Usually we have excellent interaction with the dolphins in the Bahamas. However, this is a wilderness experience. The dolphins are free and it is up to them as to when the connection happens; how and when they may approach, communicate and interact with you. It's a small group, so you are assured the best possible dolphin interaction. You will receive personal facilitation and support.
Why don't you have one-day trips in Key West anymore?
Our experience in the past eleven years has shown us that it is necessary to have the optimum conditions to be able to fully experience the unique dolphin connection. This means:
1. Free, joyful dolphins that want to connect with us. This happens only when they are treated with respect and not pressured or disturbed by numerous day trip boats as happens in crowded tourist areas.
2. Time. It takes a few days in a supportive environment to have the deep
life enhancing experience that we have seen happen to many participants.
3. Warm, clear, unpolluted ocean. Our Bahamas location meets all these requirements. We are usually totally alone on the ocean with the dolphins.
It's magical and profound.
Will we disturb the dolphins?
Like any wilderness excursion it is important that it be undertaken with awareness and sensitivity. All Wildquest staff are educated and experienced in the practice of 'minimal intrusion'.
Where can I swim with dolphins?
It seems that wherever there is ocean there are dolphins of many different varieties. Our experience has shown that the Bahamas provides the best opportunity to connect intimately with dolphins in the wild as these dolphins choose to connect with us on a regular basis. The conditions are also perfect: warm, clear, shallow water and lots of nature and space. In this area over 100 dolphins are in the main pod, usually they are in groups of 2-8 when we connect with them. Many of the scenes in the beautiful IMAX movie 'Dolphins' were filmed in the Bahamas.
Do I have to be a good swimmer
All levels of swimmers and non-swimmers are welcome. We provide support for those who are aquatically challenged, including snorkel instruction and a variety of flotation devices. Some people tune into the dolphins from the boat. We have supported many to move into new possibilities and enjoyment of swimming and snorkeling.
How can I choose the best program?
Whether you choose to experience the Human-Dolphin Connection with WildQuest or another program, we have found some things that are generally important:
- If possible choose a program that uses its own boat, preferably a catamaran (two hulls) as in our experience this type of boat is very stable, and comfortable.
- Choose a program that allows enough time
for you to just 'be' and connect with the dolphins in a relaxed way. One that doesn't create 'pressure' on the dolphins and which supports respectful and sensitive interaction with time for the mystery to unfold!
- Using our own catamaran boat means we can be out most of the day being with the dolphins, cruising and exploring, having lunch on a deserted beach or coral reef snorkeling. It's great having the freedom to be spontaneous and 'go with the flow'. We are able to stay out longer when something wonderful is happening.
- Whenever possible choose a program that has an experienced facilitator on board to support you in having the deepest experience, educational, emotional and spiritual.
Sharks!!!
Yes there are sharks in every ocean, however during the past ten years we have never had any incident with a shark during any of our programs. It seems they stay away, especially when the dolphins are present. Also the water we frequent where the dolphins live is not deep, (you can see the sandy bottom). As far as we know, there have been no reports of problems with sharks in this area.
Seasickness and Fear of the Water!
Our boat, a catamaran, is very stable and doesn't roll from side to side so nausea is very rare even for those who are usually sensitive.
What actually happens on the boat each day?
Each trip affords us the opportunity to spontaneously create the day. When we are not watching or interacting with the dolphins we may be engaged in sharing, meditation, song, silence, swimming, snorkeling, having lunch, napping, alone time or relaxing on a deserted beach. The boat has ample space to move around with lots of shade. We have found that each day has its own unique quality and reflects what the dolphins and we bring to it. A celebration!
Children?
We encourage and welcome children. We enjoy their spontaneity, as do the dolphins. There are several special Family Weeks when young children can come. The program is interactive and educational. Children from infants to teenagers blossom and gain self confidence while expanding their horizons. The Family Week is always a time for lots of laughter, play and the special connection between children, the dolphins and adults.
Could the dolphins harm me?
These are "wild" free beings. This is a wilderness experience and anything is possible of course, however in our ten years of programs we have never experienced a dolphin harming any one. We are more concerned about being harmed by another human being somewhere in the world than by a dolphin! This is unfortunate but true. Dolphins have shown us that they are sentient conscious beings who behave in a joyful way toward us.
Our vision is to provide a meditative and joyful environment to experience the dolphins. We hope this information helps you to choose a program that is right for you and the dolphins.
