THE DOLPHIN DREAM IN THE BAHAMAS.

THe next trip to the Bahamas is now scheduled in 2010.

This marks the first trip we are doing in collaboration with Jonathan Bird Productions. Jonathan Bird has been running these trips to swim with wild Spotted Dolphins in the Bahamas for over 10 years now and Ocean's Edge is pleased to have begun an association with Jonathan.

There is simply no better bang for the buck in the diving world! You will have the opportunity to snorkel with the dolphins, dive pristine reefs, and even do a couple dives with Caribbean Reef sharks! All on a fantastic live-aboard boat with a great crew.

May is prime dolphin season. Bring your still or video camera and get eyeball-to-eyeball with a pod of Spotted dolphins every day for a week. We'll also do some reef dives, night dives and some shark dives. It's awesome and inexpensive.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the accomodations like?
You will spend the entire trip on the Dolphin Dream, an 85 foot live-aboard dive boat, where your gear will be taken care of, your food and drinks are included and you can do unlimited diving all for one price. The boat has 6 double staterooms (each can hold 2 guests) and 2 heads. The boat is air conditioned and the food is outstanding. Tanks, weights and belts provided.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins?
Prime dolphin season is April-June. The weather is more predictable in the spring. So far there has been a 100% success record in finding dolphins.

What are the dolphins like?
The dolphins are used to people and exceptionally playful and friendly. Like people, they all have personalities. Most like to play with people and come right over when we hit the water. Most prefer not to be touched, but some actively seek physical contact with swimmers (mostly women!) Swimming with wild dolphins that choose to interact with you is a truly wonderful experience that most people will agree is one of the most magical experiences of their lives.

What about the diving?
This trip is primarily for people interested in photographing and interacting with dolphins, so that will be the main goal of the adventure. However, we will do a reef dive or two everyday as well depending on the dolphin action. We can do several night dives as well. Diving is exceptional and the reefs are incredibly healthy. Dolphin interactions are done primarily with a snorkel, so even non-divers can participate. I highly recommend a good quality snorkel.

How is the food?
Delicious! Don't plan on losing any weight, even if you swim a lot!

How do we get there?
The boat leaves from West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday night and crosses the gulf stream to the Bahamas while we sleep. The next morning, we go through customs without even leaving the boat. Then we head out to the Little Bahama Banks (an area of shallow water where the dolphins hang out) and go diving!!

At the end of the week, we head back and arrive Friday morning in West Palm Beach. This means you buy a cheap ticket to Florida, not an expensive ticket to the Bahamas.

Are there any hidden fees?
No. Your Bahamas entry/exit fees are included in the charter price. Don't forget some cash for a tip for the crew. You will need your passport.

What about the crew and boat?
This is a U.S. Coast Guard approved vessel with two licensed captains on board. Wayne "Scott" Smith is the primary captain. Andy Pickrell is the second captain. Scott and Andy are the two most experienced dolphin trip leaders in the Bahamas. Scott has been leading these trips for 20 years.

Will I get seasick?
If you tend to get seasick, you would want to take dramamine for a couple days until you get your "sea legs." The seas can be flat calm or rough, depending on the weather and there is no way to control that. No guarantees on mother nature! The Dolphin Dream is a VERY stable boat.

I want to go! What do I do?
A $500.00 deposit holds your reservation. This is a popular trip. Book early and don't miss out!