DOLPHINS AND SHARKS IN THE - Majestic Whale Encounters Private Small Group Tour
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Majestic Whale Encounters DOLPHINS AND SHARKS IN THE BAHAMAS Private Small Group Tour
"Swimming with Wild Dolphins has been described as one of the most thrilling, magical, and life changing experiences in the world"
At Majestic Whale encounters our mission is to
protect the world's oceans and all that's in it. We
believe if you love the ocean it will love you back. As
WHY US? active members of Whale Watch International we
promote responsible whale watching and dolphin
watching worldwide.
We aim to run our trip with maximum interaction and
minimal impact and we feel very honored to share
this incredible experience with like minded people.
As soon as you decide to join this epic journey, we
are here for you every step of the way. We are a
family run eco conscious business that prides
ourselves on a high level of customer service and
you can feel free to email us or call us with as many
questions as you like. Besides a truly unforgettable
trip, you will also make friends for life
Our motto at Majestic Whale Encounters is....
LOVE ...... PROTECT ......CONNECT
We always endeavour where possible to give back to the
animals and the countries we are privledged to visit. By
MAJESTIC GIVES choosing Majestic you can rest assured that you will be part
of helping communities, the animals and environments -as
BACK
the countries we visit allow us into their homes, villages and
lives... we take home a very special lifelong memory and
new appreciation and leave a little behind in return
For more information on our donations please click below
WE ARE TAKING 'PRE BOOKINGS' FOR THIS
2022 TOUR- HOW DOES IT WORK?
If you have a read below, it outlines a rough itinerary and outline of our Bimini tour for 2021. For anyone who is
really keen to hold a spot on this tour- we are taking a holding deposit of $1000AUD per person.
In October 2020 we will be confirming all details of the tour and the final itinerary. Anyone who has put down a
deposit will have the chance to get their money back if they are not satisfied with any changes that may occur.
Otherwise we will officially welcome you on the tour and arrange the remainder of the deposit.
There is only 10 spots for this exclusive tour, so please contact us as soon as you can if you'd like to put down
a holding deposit.
Majestic Whale Encounters were friendly, welcoming, professional, a great company and responded to all our enquiries and requests courteously and promptly, they went above and beyond in countless ways. They were generous, caring and simply delightful hosts who were always available to assist. As experienced travellers, it was wonderful to know we could let go, completely relax, and feel confident that everything was being taken care of without us needing to worry about any details. This was one of our best ever trips, and you guys were a fundamental part of that. Thank you so much - we will treasure these memories forever and are so grateful for all you did to ensure this unforgettable experience in a spectacular location. Libby NSW
SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS OF BIMINI Swimming with dolphins in the wild is incredibly magical. Our ability to instantly connect with these curious and playful marine mammals on their terms is so powerful and transformative. The more energetic we become, the more animated the dolphins are in their responses. If we twist and twirl and dive, the dolphins will follow suite, mimicking our every movement. It's like being a child again. At Majestic we aim to make your experience with the dolphins memorable and meaningful. And so our group size is no more than 10 guests maximum and we have exclusive use of a 46 ft catamaran. This guarantees you have a personal connection with these curious intelligent mammals and also ensures that you have every minute of your time to swim with them. If the dolphins are happy to swim with us for hours then that's what we do! This is an experience many people dream about but never have the opportunity to do. How long has it been since you experienced a holiday that really meant something to you? Immerse yourself in the world of Bimini's wild and friendly Dolphins.
INCLUSIONS 7 nights 8 days - North-South Bimini. Land based staying at Big Game Club Bimini -6 Full days on a Catamaran snorkelling with Great Hammerheads, Grey Nurses, Reef Sharks, Wrecks, Stingrays and of course Dolphins -Visit to the Bimini Shark Lab -Lunch on board daily -Snorkelling Gear -Scuba Divng for those that are certified (includes tanks and weights ) Bike Riding, Pool, Hammocks -All main meals + Bahamian BBQ night -Airport transfers -In water guide and Majestic Whale Encounters Guide
ITINERARY Day One Arrive at airport and be transferred to your accommodation and home for the next 7 nights Day two to seven Meet at 7am for breakfast at the resort restaurant and order off the array of breakfasts on the menu. The catamaran will then pick you up from the Jetty at your resort at 8am where we will head out for our day with the dolphins! After a full day on the water we return back to base at approx 4pm to relax with a cocktail or beer before dinner. Dinner each night will be at the resort restaurant Big Game Club Bar and Grill. Enjoy innovative cuisine and the best and friendliest Alice Town service with Indoor or outdoor seating. Meals include fresh seafood, salads, chicken, burgers, conch, steaks and pasta We will also attend a Bahamina Beach BBQ on one of our nights Other Activities include: Complimentary bikes Pool and hammocks Fishing Day Eight Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being transferred back to the Airport
B IMI N I Located just 50 miles off Florida’s coast, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, boasting miles of pristine beaches. Known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape, Bimini is historically significant. Visitors from around the world enjoy its historical complexity and renowned past, including Bimini Road, which some believe is a remnant of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis. Bimini consists of two main islands — North Bimini Island and South Bimini Island — and numerous cays. The history of Bimini is as fascinating as the islands themselves. Famed explorer, Ponce de León, was allegedly lured here in the early 1500s in search of the 'Fountain of Youth, and a site still bears that name today. Located just 50 miles from the United States, the islands served as a convenient offshore speakeasy and liquor store during the prohibition era. Rumrunners used to store their stash on the shores and in the S.S. Sapona, now a wreck in the water. And speaking of rum, Ernest Hemingway called Bimini his summer home and Jimmy Buffett spent time here while writing his book. Also of note, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the island in 1968 and composedparts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech while sailing with local boat builder, Ansil Saunders.
ABOUT BIMINI TOWN/SETTLEMENT Alice Town Size: 7 ½ miles long and ½ mile wide, and makes up a landmass of just nine square miles. Population: Approximately 1,988 Interesting fact Bimini was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite summer escapeThe island is known as the “Deep Sea Fishing Capital of the World” The first inhabitants on the island were the Lucayans, and the name "Bimini" means "two islands" in the Lucayan language.During the period of Prohibition in the United States, Bimini was a favorite haven and supply point for the rum-running trade. Some claim that the term "the real McCoy" was applied to the rumprovided by William S. McCoy, who used Bimini to transport whiskey to America during the Prohibition.
H OW TO G E T T O B IM IN I Only one airport serves Bimini: South Bimini Airport (BIM). Daily scheduled air service is available from Nassau, Grand Bahama Island and Florida and charter services can be arranged through any of the certified local and international carriers.
BIG GAME CLUB BIMINI Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina is a boutique resort situated close to everything in Alice Town in North Bimini. The accommodation includes beautifully decorated rooms and cottages. The resort guests can enjoy a fresh water swimming pool, shaded hammocks, complimentary water sports and LOTS more! The resort also is home to the Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, Sharkies Bar & Grill, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center and a 75-slip full service marina. We’ve spent our share of time around town, and hands down, relaxing with friends enjoying fresh conch salad, a cold beverage and watching the boats go by is about as good as it gets. Big Game Club has created a similar experience at the Big Game Club. Perched overlooking the marina and the mesmerizing bonefish flats beyond, the Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill offers the best in casual waterfront dining.
BIG GAME CLUB BIMINI Thirty-five of the Big Game Clubs best accommodations, each fully rebuilt and redesigned for the best in out-island hospitality, with the convenience of a ground level lanai room, opening into the gardens and pool, or a second floor room with a generous balcony and commanding view of the pool, gardens and the bonefish flats beyond. Rooms are available with a king bed or two queen-sized beds. All rooms come equipped with:27″ flat screen TV, Hair Dryer, Alarm Clock, Coffee Service, Digital In-Room Safe, Ironi, Ironing Board, Free Wi-Fi, Cable TV and oversize tub.
THE DOLPHINS OF BIMINI Atlantic spotted dolphins The Atlantic spotted dolphins off the coast of Bimini are thought to be resident animals - meaning that each individual is born and raised, has its own calves and lives out the entirety of its life in the waters immediately surrounding Bimini. Even though spotted dolphins are born without spots, they can be recognized by their individual spot pattern, which begins to develop around the age of 3 or 4. By tracking the population over time it is clear that we do in fact see the same individuals year after year. The markings of the Atlantic spotted dolphin varies enormously as it grows, and is usually classified into age- dependent phases known as two-tone, speckled, mottled, and fused. Calves are a fairly uniform gray-white, with one or no spots. When they are weaned, speckling occurs, typically between 3 and 4 years and lasting for an average of 5 years. Young dolphins considered mottled when it develops merging gray and white spots on the dorsal surface and black spots on the ventral surface. This usually happens between age 8 or 9. A fused pattern is reached when dark and white spots are on both the ventral and dorsal sides. As the animal matures, the spots become denser and spread until the body appears black with white spots at full maturation. The Atlantic spotted dolphin is medium-sized. Newborn calves are about 90–110 cm long, and the mature dolphin can reach a length of 2.26 m and a weight of 140 kg. They are usually found in groups of less than 50 individuals but sometimes travel in groups of up to 200. In coastal waters, groups usually consist of five to 15 individuals. Within these groups, the dolphins are sometimes organized by age or sex. Atlantic spotted dolphins blow bubbles through their blowholes as one way to communicate with members of their group. They also communicate with sound. .
THE DOLPHINS OF BIMINI Common bottlenose dolphins There are also common bottle nose dolphins found They have a short and well-defined snout, which is the off the coast of Bimini. At the moment, significantly source for their common name. The snout is not a less is known about these individuals, however, that functional nose; the nose has instead evolved into is slowly changing. Members of this species are the blowhole on the top of their heads. Their necks are recognized by nicks in their dorsal fins, which are more flexible than other dolphins due to five of their photographed as the animal breaks the surface to seven vertebrae not being fused together as is seen in breathe. These photographs are supplemented with other dolphin species. full body images from underwater video when possible. There does appear to be some residency pattern among what may be the coastal bottle nose dolphins. They are grey in color and may be between 2 and 4 m long, and weighs between 150 and 650 kg. Males are generally larger and heavier than females. They can live as long as 40–50 years. Sexual maturity varies by population, and ranges from 5–14 years of age.
IN TER A C TION WITH TH E D OLPH IN S The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is the most curious and playful of all the marine mammals in The Bahamas. On our Wild Dolphin Safari, we travel north past the Bimini Islands to the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank where these animals are most often found. Once a pod of dolphin find us, they enjoy surfing our boat wake and often giving us an impromptu acrobatic performance. When the time is right, we get into the water and play with these spotted beauties. The more energetic and excited we become, the more they respond. It feels as though you're in a real life dolphin documentary Bimini is home to some of the biggest, friendliest pods of dolphins in the world! Imagine diving down to swim with wild dolphins, to connect with and experience the world on their terms – curious, playful, but also powerful, wise, and most importantly – wild and free. Watch them as they come up close to say hello, and mimic our movements in the water and actively invite us to play with them. Have front row seats to witness wild dolphin behaviours, from mothers and calves, to playful juveniles and hungry dolphins hunting. This will be an adventure of a lifetime for any lover of the ocean – to see one of the most intelligent and friendly marine mammals in their natural environment – wild and free as they should be!
GREAT HAMMER HEADS OF BIMINI
The Great Hammer Head -Sphyrna Mokarran) is the
largest species of the shark family Sphyrna and are
mostly known for the shape of their large straight,
square, hammer shaped head and their distinctive tall
curve shaped first dorsal fin . They can reach a max
length of 18-20 feet!
Greater Hammer Heads once found in tropical oceans
throughout the worlds oceans are now considered
endangered . They're numbers gave greatly declined
due to over fishing and the harvesting of their fins.
During our tour we will also have the privilege of
visiting the The Bimini Biological Field Station “Shark
Lab” – Their mission is evenly divided between
education and research. The BBFS studies the role of
sharks in a tropical marine environment, especially
the Lemon Shark.GREY NURSE SHARKS AND RAYS
In addition to the beautiful great hammerhead sharks,
Bimini is home to many, many nurse sharks
(Ginglymostoma cirratum).
Unlike most other shark species, nurse sharks do not
have to actively swim to pump water over their gills
and breathe, so they spend most of their time as
sedentary bottom-dwellers. As largely nocturnal
hunters, they patrol the reefs and suction-feeding for
fish and invertebrates.
Bimini is a fantastic place to encounter a variety of
different ray species in the water, though few are as
friendly and playful as the local stingrays down at
Honeymoon Harbour. This idyllic beach down on Gun
Cay is home to a population of Southern Stingrays
(Dasyatis Americana) that anxiously await the arrival
of visiting guests. Guests can interact with these
frolicsome fish in a safe and exotic setting.OUR CATAMARAN Each morning at approx 9am our 46ft leopard catamaran will pick us up at the jetty of Big Game Club and take us to the crystal clear waters of the surrounding islands of Bimini in search of the islands and the worlds friendly resident dolphins Our very comfortable Catamaran is called "Big White"and is a 2010 Robertson and Caine Leopard 46ft. 5 Berth 4 bathrooms, air conditioned with large spacious indoor and outdoor lounge area and kitchen. It also has an aft deck bench seat that becomes a swim/dinghy platform Daily lunch is served at leisure we will have warm and aso cold lunches...pasta, burgers, mexican, build your own sandwiches, we also catch fresh fish and lobster as well as Conch for salads fresh from the sea.
What is the water and air temperature like?
Bimini is a sub tropical destination with pleasant temperatures
around the year.The average sea temperature in April in Bimini
is 23-30°C While the air temperature averages at 26-30°C
Beautiful in the water and out
FREQUENTLY What other animals can I see or swim with in Bimini?
Manatees
ASKED Seasnakes
Greater Hammerhead Shark
QUESTIONS Nurse sharks
Bull Sharks
Lemon Sharks
Reef Sharks
Queen Konch
Manta
Spotted, Yellow and Southern Rays
All sorts of fish life
I have dietary requests, can these be catered for? Yes of
course, just let us know upon bookingHow fit do I need to be to swim with Dolphins
The waters around Bimini are relatively calm and so you don't
need to be a strong swimmer, just confident snorkeling. We have
guides in the water to help you at all times but always say its a
good idea to practice with a snorkel before coming on the trip to
maximise your experience with the dolphins
FREQUENTLY Do we snorkel or dive with the dolphins?
We only snorkel and or free dive with the dolphins, interactions
ASKED with the dolphins are much more intimate without scuba gear and
QUESTIONS having no gear also allows you to free dive, spin around and play
with them. So it's something anyone can do
What are our chances of swimming with dolphins?
Dolphins are wild animals so we can never give 100% guarantee
but we do everything possible to maximise the chance of
swimming with them. As these dolphins are resident dolphins
(meaning they stay within the same area) and also the fact that
they tend to 'seek' out human interaction this gives us an
excellent chance of swimming with them. We also run our trips
over 5 full days with a very small group to maximise our chances!"Some things will always be stronger than time and distance.
Deeper than languages and ways
Like following your dreams and learning to be yourself
Sharing with others the magic you have found..."Tour Prices
DATES AND PRICES
April 13th-20th 2022
$5830USD- cottage
$5525USD- standard room
per person twin share
$1500USD deposit required at time of bookingYou can also read
