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25-31ST MAY 2025
When: 25-31ST MAY 2025
Open to: women and men
Group Size: 20 pax max Julie as group leader
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
This is a trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to share this magical experience with you. I spent a week at the Wild Quest Dolphin Retreat Center last May as part of the research for my book, Uncharted Waters.
During our week we will have creative writing sessions with Anne O’Connell , transformative art sessions with Diana Place and some fabulous energy practices with myself so you are in for a great mind, body and soul treat!
The Human- Dolphin connection:
Let’s come together as one human pod to meet pods of beautiful dolphins. Wild Quest is a wilderness experience we will move with awareness, sensitivity and minimal intrusion. We don’t touch, feed, chase or do anything that might disrupt the dolphins natural behavior.
This trip is for you if you love water, sailing, dolphins and want to experience wild animals in their natural environment.
We will be on the water around 6- 7 hours each day. You will enjoy lots of fresh air and open ocean. Some days the dolphins are all around us and we swim together for hours. Other days they hang around for a few minutes. Some days we may not see them at all – however since 1995 the Wild Quest team have seen dolphins four days out of five.
Brief Overview:
All pod members must arrive in Fort Lauderdale on SUNDAY 25th May 2025. If you choose to come earlier that’s fine! We will meet at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel on the 25th. Check in time is 4pm. All rooms have a marina view with balcony and are non-smoking. The room is included in your booking on a twin share basis. Dinner is own choice and at your own cost. I suggest we meet by the pool area around 6.30/7pm and gather at a table for a briefing, intro to each other and a light bite. Enjoy a restful nights sleep and make sure you are ready for an early departure tomorrow.
Magical days out on the water!
Exploring sites of interest : Healing Hole, Bimini Atlantis Road and the Fountain of Youth. Tuning into the wisdom of water and the dolphins Time together and time alone option to join daily sessions with Julie prior to and post sailing.
Brief Overview:
All pod members must arrive in Fort Lauderdale on SUNDAY 25th May 2025. If you choose to come earlier that’s fine!
We will meet at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel on the 25th. Check in time is 4pm. All rooms have a marina view with balcony and are non-smoking. The room is included in your booking on a twin share basis. Dinner is own choice and at your own cost. I suggest we meet by the pool area around 6.30/7pm and gather at a table for a briefing, intro to each other and a light bite. Enjoy a restful nights sleep and make sure you are ready for an early departure tomorrow.
Breakfast and Check Out!
We will be transported to the Executive airport for our private sea charter flight to Bimini. The flight takes 25 minutes and gives us a beautiful ariel view of the Gulf Stream. The total allowance on the plane is 18 kg per person so pack lightly. Land in Bimini , clear customs, taxi to the water taxi !
Taxi to the retreat centre. Check in and orientation by 10am. After check in we will go out for a sail to explore the magical Bimini blue waters. Lunch on board. Dinner al fresco back at the retreat centre. A good nights sleep.
Our New Daily Routine:
Rise and shine , sit on the jetty with your morning coffee and watch the sunrise. Breakfast al fresco. Morning activities with Julie. 11am each day we head out on the catamaran for the day. The boat has plenty of shade, viewing spots and space to move around Lunch on board. Swimming, snorkeling , dolphin watching. Return to the centre, relax, walk on the beach, reflect and chill before gathering for Dinner al fresco.
On Wednesday 28th evening we will head its town for a special group dinner ( approx 45/ 50 $ per head) . Enjoy meeting the locals and guest of the Island . Let loose on the dance floor to local island tunes.
Prepare to check out, breakfast, retail therapy ( Wild Quest Merchandise ) clear any personal expenses. 8.30 Transfer to the water taxi , taxi to the airport for our charter flight back to Fort Lauderdale. Onward fights home or stay in Fort Lauderdale depending on your flight connections.
Flight connections are best made after 2.30 if you are flying from Fort Lauderdale main airport and after 4.30 pm if you are flying from
Miami International Airport.
When: 25-31ST MAY 2025
Open to: women and men
Group Size: 20 pax max Julie as group leader
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
The Island
WildQuest Retreat is in the small fishing village of Porgy Bay on
the North Island. It’s a typical laid back funky Caribbean island where everyone knows each other. A few cafes serve good local food ; small stores caters for the islanders needs so choices are limited. Bring anything ‘ special ‘ that you might need. Local souvenirs can be picked up at the Straw Market or local tourist shops.
Weather
From April to November temperature averages 80-95 F – that’s hot! It is cooler on the boat with the ocean breeze. Water temperature is 77-85 F. Summer storms usually only last an hour or two. Hurricanes are possible – since 1995 WildQuest has had to cancel 9 programs due to wild weather. It is unlilkey but hurricanes do happen which is why it’s essential to have travel/ cancellation insurance that covers this possibility.
Massage
There are two excellent body workers on the Wild Quest team. Sessions cost $ 120.
Paying for things on the Island
Islanders prefer cash! Many shops take credit cards and you can use your card to pay for any items not included in the retreat program
(Merchandise/ personal expenses) US and Bahamian $ are accepted pretty
much everywhere. There is an ATM a short taxi ride from the retreat centre.
Tips
Tips and gratuities are normal for all service personal in the USA and Bahamas. Taxi drivers 1-2 $ Hotel Valet 3$ Hospitality 15-20 % Wild Quest crew – 150 – 200 $ from each participant recommended
Cameras
Cameras , Selfies and go pro sticks are fine – as long as you don’t; let them get in the way of being in the moment and really being with the dolphins. A Wild Quest photographer will capture the moments and magic leaving you free to enjoy. Photo’s are available as a digital download for $70.
Guest rooms are large, basic and clean.
All rooms are non-smoking and have a small fridge, hair dryer, AC and most with a private bath.
Sometimes there are power and water outages on the Island – surrender and chill until it returns! There are few single rooms and options for ocean views. Additional rates will apply and are subject to availability.
One night at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel on a twin share basis (25th May )
Transfer from the Hilton to the Charter Flight (only when booked through Wild Quest) Transfer from Bimini airport by taxi , water boat and van taxi 5 nights Accommodation on twin share basis at the Wild Quest Dolphin Retreat All meals – Breakfast & Dinner at the retreat centre. (except Wednesday 28th dinner)
International Flights to Fort Lauderdale
Airport transfers to the Hilton
Sunday 25th Dinner
Wednesday 28th Dinner – Domestic flight to Bimini – this can be booked through Wild Quest as a charter rate to include transportation from the Hilton Fort Lauderdale to the Executive Airport. I highly recommend you do this rather than make your own booking.
Flight price is around 450$ (TBC 3 weeks before departure )
Rental of snorkel equipment if you don’t have your own
Insurance – this must cover the cost of your trip in the unlikley event of weather preventing the trip going ahead. Please bring a copy of your insurance policy with you.
Please make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity on it. Check if you need a visa to enter the USA ( EST. ) Visa’s are on arrival for the Bahamas . Soft / sports bags are better. For the sea plane no bag may exceed 62 linear inches More information, updates and team zooms will be arranged leading up to the trip.
Equipment
We have the option to take our own mask, fins and snorkel or rent from Wild Quest. 25 $ for mask/ fins and snorkel.
A suggested packing list will be sent after booking.
There are options to cycle , kayak, dive, explore the town or simply chill out if you want to take a day off from the boat. Cycles are complimentary and there are two kayaks available at the centre. Diving – fees apply.
I look forward to sharing this magical journey with you …..
leaving a place better than we found it, traveling mindfully & supporting eco-friendly suppliers and communities
unique opportunities to reconnect to nature and awaken all your senses
unique opportunities to restore your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being immersed in the transformative power of nature