Bimini · Bahamas

Professional Photo & Video Included

Swim with Wild Dolphins
in Bimini, Bahamas

A 5-day small group expedition led by a marine biologist. Wild encounters, ethical practices, and the kind of moments that stay with you forever.

July 2027 Season
5 days 4 days at sea
Max 7 guests
$3,500 USD per person
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Bimini, Bahamas· Wild Dolphins· Marine Biologist· Ethical Encounters· Max 7 Guests· 80–90% Encounter Rate· 35 min from Miami· Professional Photo & Video· Bimini, Bahamas· Wild Dolphins· Marine Biologist· Ethical Encounters· Max 7 Guests· 80–90% Encounter Rate· 35 min from Miami· Professional Photo & Video·

The expedition

The friendliest
dolphins in the world

Wild Dolphin Expedition · Bimini, Bahamas · 5 Days

The first time I swam with wild dolphins in Bimini, I came up to the surface ecstatic in joy. From something I still don’t have words for. They had come toward us curious, full of life, twirling, spinning. Looking me directly in the eye. In that moment I wasn’t a visitor in their world. For a few minutes, I was part of the pod.

I’ve been back every year since 2021. And every single time, something in me resets. That’s why I created this expedition: to share something that changed me, with people who are ready to be changed by it too.

Wild dolphins in Bimini, Bahamas
The Expedition

What we’ll experience together

Five days, four afternoons in the water searching for wild dolphins — and every morning a different ocean adventure. Scroll to explore what’s waiting for you in Bimini.

Swim with wild dolphins
Swim with Wild Dolphins Atlantic Spotted & Bottlenose
Swim with Wild Dolphins Atlantic Spotted & Bottlenose 4 afternoons · 80–90% success rate

The heart of the expedition. Wild, free dolphins that choose to interact with you — on their terms. Every encounter is different. Every one is unforgettable.

Swim with stingrays
Swim with Stingrays Shallow turquoise water
Swim with Stingrays Shallow turquoise water Every expedition

Glide alongside gentle wild stingrays in the crystal-clear shallows of Bimini. Calm, close, and completely surreal.

Snorkel with sharks
Snorkel with Sharks Reef sharks · Sapona Wreck
Snorkel with Sharks Reef sharks · Sapona Wreck Every expedition

Snorkel alongside reef sharks and explore the legendary Sapona shipwreck — where turtles often cruise by. Not scary. Breathtaking.

Professional underwater photos
Professional Photo & Video Included in your trip
Professional Photo & Video Included in your trip Full experience captured

Every moment with the dolphins, the stingrays, and the sharks — captured by a pro. You just show up and be present. The memories arrive in your inbox.

Talk with marine biologist
Talk with a Local Scientist Decades of dolphin research
Talk with a Local Scientist Decades of dolphin research Every expedition

A marine biologist who has studied these specific dolphins for decades joins us for a private talk. She knows their names, their families, their stories.

Visit the Dolphin House Museum
Visit the Dolphin House Bimini’s iconic dolphin museum
Visit the Dolphin House Bimini’s iconic dolphin museum Every expedition

A one-of-a-kind landmark built entirely by one man over decades — covered in dolphin mosaics and ocean art. A Bimini must-see.

Enjoy local beaches
Enjoy Local Beaches Bimini, Bahamas
Enjoy Local Beaches Bimini, Bahamas Free time

Explore the island, soak in Bahamian culture, try local food, and walk beaches that feel like the edge of the world.

Every expedition is different — but dolphins, stingrays, and sharks have shown up on every single trip. That’s what makes Bimini so special.

Why Bimini

Why Bimini Is One of the Best Places in the World to Swim with Wild Dolphins

80–90%
Encounter Rate

They Choose You

Most wildlife encounters are one-sided. Not here. The Atlantic spotted dolphins of Bimini are naturally social — and part of that means genuinely interacting with humans. They swim toward you, examine you, play with you. The encounter goes both ways. That’s what makes it unforgettable.

The Water

The Clearest Water on Earth

Warm, shallow, and impossibly blue. Bimini’s waters offer visibility up to 30 meters — perfect conditions to see every detail of every encounter.

Accessibility

35 Min from Miami

One of the most accessible wild places on Earth. A direct flight from Fort Lauderdale or Miami — or a 2-hour ferry. Another world, just around the corner.

Memories

Take memories home

Every expedition is guided by Valentina Kochian — marine biologist, freediving instructor, and photographer. The package includes unlimited edited photos and videos for you to take home. Memories that will last a lifetime.

The Details

Trip Logistics

Day 1

Arrival & First Dolphin Search

Arrive in Bimini, settle in, and gather for lunch and our expedition briefing. In the afternoon, we head out for our first dolphin search. Come back, check in and have dinner.

Day 2

Stingrays & Dolphins

Morning: swim alongside gentle wild stingrays in shallow turquoise water: one of the most surreal experiences Bimini has to offer. Afternoon: second dolphin search. Every encounter different from the last. During dinner, a local scientist will make a presentation for us about the dolphins.

Day 3

Sharks, Shipwreck & Dolphins

Morning: snorkel with reef sharks and explore the Sapona, a beautiful shipwreck where turtles might also appear. Afternoon: dolphin search. More magic.

Day 4

Free Morning + Dolphin House & Dolphins

Morning: Visit the island’s iconic Dolphin House and have some free time to explore the island or go to the beach. Afternoon: our final dolphin search, our closing experience in the blue.

Day 5

Departure

Slow morning. Heart full of ocean.

Included

  • 4 wild dolphin searches (afternoon, 3–4h each)
  • 1 snorkel tour with wild stingrays (3–4h)
  • 1 snorkel shared tour with reef sharks + shipwreck (3–4h)
  • Dolphin House fees
  • Talk and donation with local marine biologist (decades of dolphin research)
  • 4 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
  • All in-island transportation
  • Snorkel & freediving guidance + safety support
  • Local operators with decades of experience
  • Professional photos & GoPro video of the full experience
  • Bahamian taxes

Not Included

  • Flights or ferry to Bimini
  • Meals
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Snorkel gear
  • Tips for local crew
  • Anything not specified

The group stays at Big Game Resort in Bimini — a comfortable hotel just a few steps away from where we depart each day. Easy, relaxed, and never rushed.

You’ll share a double room with another guest — each person has their own bed and a private bathroom. The hotel has a pool for afternoon downtime, and beautiful beaches are a short walk away.

We usually have breakfast and lunch here. Dinners are in different restaurants of the island.

Private bathroom Pool Beach access Dive shop access Group breakfasts Restaurants nearby
Traveler Reviews

What People Say

Real reviews from travelers who joined us in Bimini. All 5 stars — July 2026.

The best marine wildlife interactions I’ve ever had on an expedition.

Ethical, mutually curious encounters that were not just happening by luck, but as the result of careful planning, informative preparation, and a group of ocean lovers who were willing to follow Valentina’s instruction and let the encounters happen naturally. Behind the scenes, Valentina’s attention to detail, exploratory research, logistical knowledge, and informative communications gave us the best possible foundations for a successful expedition. We were well informed about travel, lodging, weather, daily timelines, and most importantly, dolphin behavior! With solid preparation and a lot of positive energy, we were able to locate and swim with dolphins on all four days of our expedition. The encounters were guided by Valentina and each drop was tailored to the dolphins’ behavior — we were able to observe a variety of different behaviors, all on the dolphins’ terms. We had so many beautiful, mutually curious encounters with both spotted and bottlenose dolphins. On top of all that, Valentina and her local team were able to help with photography, freediving, transportation, dining, and every other thing that came up along the way. This was my third expedition with Valentina over 6 years, and I highly recommend that, if you’ve read this far — you’ve found the right guide, and you should book your trip with Freefall Academy.

Kyle C. Banning, California · July 2026 · Solo

Dolphin Bliss in the Bahamas!

Another incredible experience with Freefall Academy — the setting was perfect, the attention to detail impeccable and the time with bottlenose and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins was unparalleled. The absolute pleasure of having Valentina as our expedition leader — we need an extra star for this superlative tour!

Skye R. July 2026 · Solo

Such a transformational experience!

Unforgettable ocean adventures, wild dolphin encounters, and deep soul connection. Valentina is such a wonderful person with lots of knowledge, great professionalism and a big open heart. Her connection with the ocean and dolphins is truly amazing. This trip gave me so much love ❤️

Martina W. Chicago · July 2026 · Solo

We are already planning a 2nd trip.

We went to the Bahamas with Freefall Academy for a 4-day ocean safari and had an amazing experience. Valentina is an expert guide and took care of everything. The wildlife we saw was incredible and we can’t wait to go back.

Jenny D. July 2026 · Friends

Unforgettable wildlife!

Valentina was an amazing host! A great mix of wildlife and education as we went. I have very limited snorkeling experience but Valentina was patient with me and by the end I was a natural. So much fun!

Kelly M. New York · July 2026 · Couples

A really wonderful week.

Valentina put together a great experience with a variety of ocean trips. The guides she sourced were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and combined with her expertise made for a very enriching week. If you get the chance to go with her, jump on it!

Emil B. New York City · July 2026 · Couples

Met and exceeded every expectation.

We were a small, intimate group. Valentina is so knowledgeable and takes great care of you and the wildlife. The Bimini wildlife was abundant. I hope to go back.

Katie July 2026

Beautiful inside and out.

Valentina has incredible love and respect for the ocean and all that reside in it. I had an amazing time and look forward to my next adventure with Freefall Academy 💙

Kimberly July 2026
Reserve Your Spot

Pricing & Availability

$3,500 USD / person
Reserve your spot with a $1,500 deposit
🐬 Special offer

Book both dates (July 7–11 & July 11–15) and get $500 USD off your total.

Is This For You?

Who This Trip Is For

Comfortable Swimming

No freediving or scuba experience needed — but you should be a confident swimmer, comfortable covering at least 200m in open water.

On Their Terms

This isn’t a show. Some days the dolphins play with us for hours. Other days they’re just living their lives — and that’s beautiful too. You respect that.

Looking for Something Real

Not a resort. Not a party trip. You want a small group of like-minded people and an experience that stays with you long after you’re home.

Patient — It Pays Off

The best encounters don’t happen on command. You’re willing to wait, to float, to be still — and when it happens, you’ll know exactly why.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

No certification needed. This is a snorkel-based experience. You do need to be a confident, independent swimmer — comfortable covering at least 200m in open water without assistance.
Nothing in the wild is guaranteed, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. the sighting rate here is around 80–90%, which is remarkably high. But these are wild, free animals living their lives and that’s exactly the point.
During our 2026 expeditions we saw dolphins 8/8 days, we swam with them 7/8 days and we had incredible top notch swims 6/8 days. It’s usually if we have a windy day when it can get harder.
This is something we care deeply about. We never chase, touch, or feed the dolphins. We enter the water quietly and let them decide if they want to interact. Sometimes they play with us for a long time. Other days they’re just doing their thing: feeding, resting, traveling, and we observe from a respectful distance. Both are beautiful. The encounter always happens on their terms.
A 35-minute direct flight from Fort Lauderdale or Miami into North Bimini Airport (NSB) — or the Balearia Caribbean ferry from Port Everglades (about 2 hours). Both are easy. We’ll send everyone who books a full logistics guide with recommended flights, timing, and everything you need.
Yes — most people on our expeditions travel solo. The small group format (max 7 guests) makes it very natural to connect. Many guests leave as friends.
Yes, our boat has a bathroom on board. We know this matters, and we made sure of it.
Every dolphin search, stingray swim, shark snorkel, and water moment is captured by Valentina. You’ll receive all the footage and photos after the trip. No extra cost.
Please read our full terms at freefallacademy.net/terms-and-conditions. We recommend travel insurance for all expeditions.

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