Hire a guide to help you find the dolphins and to assist you in your interactions with them. As of 2010, at least half a dozen companies offer dolphin tours.
WildQuest offers week-long retreats on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, where guests can relax and connect with wild dolphins every day. The staff at WildQuest prides themselves on minimal intrusion of the dolphins. According to their web site, they "conduct dolphin swims with respect and awareness."
Dolphin Encounters offers two programs to swim with both wild and tame dolphins: the dolphin swim, which finishes with the footpush where guests stand on two dolphins and are propelled across the lagoon; and the dolphin encounter where guests stand on a waist-deep platform to experience the dolphins.
WildQuest
800-326-1618
wildquest.com/index.html.
Dolphin Encounters
P.O. Box SS 6257
Nassau, Bahamas
866-918-9932
dolphinencounters.com
Decide what type of dolphin encounter is best for you. Some companies offer a waist-deep platform where you can interact with tame dolphins. Other companies take you in a boat to swim with wild dolphins in open water. Non-swimmers and the mobility-impaired will feel safer in the first situation.
Your guide will give you an orientation about what behavior is acceptable. More interaction is possible with tame dolphins. Some companies advertise kissing, hugging and dancing with dolphins. This may be fine with tame dolphins, but be sure to give wild dolphins a little more space. Listen carefully to your guide and be ready to follow instructions.
Enjoy your time with the dolphins. For many people, a up close visit with a dolphin will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
