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 come on their own. Women experience it as a very safe and supportive program environment.
What will the actual experience be like?
Your experience will be unique, but we often hear the words 'blissful', healing', relaxing, 'meditative', 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. We offer personal facilitation and support to all our participants.
Why don't you have one-day trips in Key West anymore?
Our experience in the past six 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:
- Free, joyful dolphins that want to connect with us. This happens only when they are treated with respect and not pressured or disturbed by lots of boats and tourists.
- 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.
- 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 WQ staff are educated and experienced in the practice of 'minimal intrusion'. Our intention is always to connect with the dolphins with respect and awareness. We do not feed, chase or do anything that might disrupt their natural behavior. Only at the dolphins' invitation do we interact with them. Respectful, educational wilderness excursions like WildQuest programs are the preference of people wishing to experience these sentient beings in their natural environment. This is an alternative to captive dolphins that live short, unnatural lives having to perform tricks and provide entertainment for food. We contribute to Earth Island Institute and other organizations that actively campaign for the protection and freedom of dolphins.
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.
How can I chose the best program?
Whether you chose to experience the human-dolphin connection with WildQuest or another program, we have found some things that are generally important:
Could the dolphins harm me?
These are "'wild" free beings. This is a wilderness experience and anything is possible of course. However, in our six years of experience we have never experienced a dolphin harm any one .. . Our experience has shown us that dolphins are sentient conscious beings who behave in a joyful way toward us.
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.
A program that operates its own boat is able to go out anytime to connect with the dolphins and be able to stay out longer when something wonderful is happening.
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. In our experience we have found that around 6 hours is the optimum excursion time for respectful and sensitive interaction with time for the mystery to unfold.
Owning our own 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'.
Whenever possible choose a program that has an experienced facilitator onboard to support you in having the deepest experience, educational, emotional and spiritual.
Sharks!!!
Yes there are sharks in every ocean, however during the past six 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. We have ginger pills and tea onboard to help settle the stomach if necessary. Most people who come with a 'fear' of the ocean usually manage to move through it and experience freedom from that fear with support and help from Daya who has assisted many people.
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 a variety of flotation devices. Some people tune into the dolphins from the boat. Daya has supported many to move into new possibilities and enjoyment of swimming and snorkeling.
What's best? Staying on land or on a boat?
We have had programs previously where we live on the boat, however most people have told us that it is more comfortable staying on land than the sometimes cramped boat living conditions and it is a special blessing if the weather is windy. Our participants have told us they prefer having the freedom of being on the ocean most of the day and on land the rest of the time. The island affords beautiful sunset beach walks, alone time, exploring and shell gathering .
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. The boat has ample space to move around with lots of shade. We have found that each day has it 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. Check special Family dates.
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!
