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Diving on the Dolphin Dream liveaboard
The Dolphin Dream is for all—advanced and beginner divers, but especially for snorkelers. In fact, the excursion centers around snorkeling and swimming with dolphins—day and night. Read our snorkeling guide to prepare for this snorkeling trip and get the most out of your time in the water.
Departing from Florida, the Dolphin Dream’s seven-day itinerary heads toward the Bimini Islands, where most of the dolphins are concentrated, including bottlenose and spotted dolphins. These wild dolphin interactions can last from a few minutes to a few hours, but like any other wildlife encounter, be respectful and do not chase or touch the dolphins.
In between dolphin encounters, you can either snorkel or scuba dive on shallow reefs, where you can see turtles, stingrays, and even sharks.
Diving and snorkeling with the Dolphin Dream takes place either from the dive platform or the tender. You can rent snorkeling and scuba gear onboard at an extra cost, but if you’d rather not, here’s a list of basic snorkeling equipment you’ll need.
The captain of the boat, Captain Scott, has been swimming with dolphins since 1980, forging an exceptional relationship with them. This makes him an excellent boat captain and guide.
Highlights:
- Wild dolphin encounters, day and night
- Shallow reef dives
- Captain Scott has been interacting with wild dolphins since 1980
Onboard the Dolphin Dream
As a converted trawler, the Dolphin Dream maintains its original features while accommodating the diving and cruising lifestyle that are up to U.S. standards.
The Dolphin Dream is manned by Captain Scott, who has 40 years of snorkeling, diving, and sailing experience in this same area in the Bahamas. The rest of the crew is also from the United States.
The Dolphin Dream has five cabins. Four cabins have upper and lower bunk beds, and one cabin has a double bed. The total capacity is 12 guests. There are two bathrooms with showers and one outside shower.
The interior salon is on the main deck and has two benches, two dining tables, and a couple of chairs. There is also a television and a video/audio system. A counter separates the salon from the galley, and there is a bar, refrigerator, ice maker, coffee pots, and a sink. All in all, the Dolphin Dream has a homely and relaxing atmosphere.
On the upper deck, there’s the sundeck to lounge in the shade or look out for dolphins. There are also gear storage boxes.
The third deck, although small, offers the best views over the horizon and, of course, to see pods of dolphins playing and breaking the surface.
To get in the water, whether you’re diving or snorkeling, the Dolphin Dream has a shaded dive deck. There is also a camera table and freshwater rinse bins. From the dive deck, two sets of stairs lead onto the dive platform where there are built-in benches for scuba tanks.
Apart from snorkeling and diving, the Dolphin Dream also has fishing equipment onboard. The Bimini Islands are known as a great fishing destination, and its world-class fishing even attracted Ernest Hemingway.
Highlights:
- Homely atmosphere
- Small groups (12 people)
- Two shared bathrooms and showers
- World-class fishing
Dining onboard the Dolphin Dream
All the food onboard the Dolphin Dream is freshly cooked US-style. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner include meats, vegetarian options, starches, salads, and fruits. There are also snacks and refreshments consisting of nuts, sweets, and fruits.
For any dietary requirements, please contact the Dolphin Dream team directly.
All non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda, juice, and coffee, are included. Beer is available for a surcharge.
Highlights:
- Accommodates special dietary requirements
- Beer not included
Things we like:
- Captain Scott has been diving and sailing in the Bahamas since 1980
- Snorkeling with wild dolphins
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Small groups (12 people)
- Port taxes included
Things we don't like:
- Expensive compared to other liveaboards and for quality of boat
- Snorkeling and scuba diving gear rental surcharge
- Shared bathroom
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1983 |
| Max Divers | 12 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | No |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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