Family Trips
Custom 3 to 7 day ocean retreats for active, adventurous families who love to play, explore, and grow together.
I’ve had people of all ages, from six-month old babies to people in their eighties, on my boat and in the water with the dolphins. Families from around the world. Any of the families pictured here would be happy to speak with you about their family dolphin retreat.
Imagine Your Family Here…
Warm, shallow banks glowing in the sun. Your kids are learning to spot dorsal fins in the distance. A curious pod of spotted dolphins turns towards our boat, matching our speed, riding the bow, and inviting you into their world. Their exuberance is infectious; everyone is excited!
You slip into the water together—no crowds, no rush. Just you, your family and a circle of wild dolphins, spiraling and playing in clear blue sunlight.
For many families, this trip isn’t just a vacation.
It becomes the story everyone remembers—
the summer “we swam with dolphins in the wild”.
What makes these trips different:
We’re not a theme park, and this is not a “check it off the list” tour. These retreats are designed as deep, joyful experiences for one active, nature-loving family at a time. A deepening of your connection to yourself, each other and the world around us.
Private, Intimate Time
Your trip is designed for you and your family. We keep our retreats small and personal so you can relax, connect, and follow the dolphins’ rhythm instead of a tight schedule. Nature welcomes us back into her gentle rhythm, your spirit takes a long, deep breath and lets it out with a sigh. You feel at home here, in the sea.
Respectful Dolphin Encounters
We meet the dolphins on their terms. No chasing, no crowding—just calm, respectful approaches and giving them the choice to come close, play, or move on. The result is often magical, playful, and surprisingly intimate.
Real Adventure, Real Comfort
From exploring reefs and shipwrecks to drifting with dolphins over white sand, these trips are full of adventure—balanced with plenty of time to rest, laugh together, and savor island life.
Optional activities: Fishing, Spearfishing, Sharks & Stingrays
There are a number of other adventures I’d love to share with you and your family if you’re interested, including feeding the stingrays in crystal clear shallow water, snorkeling with reef sharks at a popular shark divesite, fishing from the boat with a rod and reel, and also spearfishing. I’ve taught hundreds of people of all ages to catch their dinner in the warm shallow waters surrounding Bimini. Many families enjoy fishing during their trip, and cooking up their catch (or bringing it to a local restaurant to be cooked and served). Click here for more info.
Designed for High-Quality Family Time
Away from screens, traffic, and to-do lists, something opens. Kids’ natural curiosity takes over. Parents exhale. The ocean becomes a backdrop for conversations and shared moments you just can’t plan at home.
These dolphin retreats are ideal for families who:
- Love being active and outdoors, especially in and on the water.
- Enjoy trying new things together—snorkeling, boat days, exploring reefs, learning about ocean life.
- Value experiences more than souvenirs or “stuff.”
- Feel a special pull toward dolphins and the sea, and want to meet them as intelligent, playful beings.
- Are looking for something more meaningful than a typical hotel/resort week.
You don’t need to be expert swimmers – even non-swimmers are enjoying themselves in the water after the first day. I’ve worked with families whose kids grew up on boats, and others who are scared of the ocean and taking their very first ocean adventure. In an easy, supportive environment, everyone gets to relax and deepen their connection to the sea.
A Day in the Life on Your Retreat:
Every day is magical; shaped by the dolphins, the ocean and your desire for adventure. Here’s how a typical day in Bimini might feel:
Morning – Easy Start, At Your own Pace
You wake up at your leisure to sun on the water and maybe a late breakfast. Kids wander the dock, spotting fish and rays in the clear shallows. You might sleep in, go for a swim, read a book on the beach. We check in by phone and go over the day’s plan, ocean conditions, and simple “dolphin etiquette” so everyone feels confident and safe.
Midday – Out on the Ocean
We head out over shimmering sandbars and beautiful Bimini blue water. The ocean works its healing gifts on everyone. The ride itself is part of the magic—sea breeze, flying fish, the thrill of scanning the horizon together for dolphin fins. Kids love being our “official spotters.”
Dolphin Time – Meeting Them in Their World
When the dolphins choose to approach, we slow everything down. No splashing stampede—just a calm, joyful entry. You slide into the water together and let them come to you. Sometimes they’re zipping and spinning around your kids; other times it’s a slow, dreamy swim, eye-to-eye in the blue.
Afternoon & Evening – Reefs, Sunset, Island Time
We might snorkel a nearby reef or shipwreck, then cruise home under a changing sky. Evening brings showers, dinner, and the sweet tiredness that only comes from a full day at sea. Stories, laughter, and maybe one last look at the stars before bed.
A Natural Season & Limited Gatherings
These family dolphin experiences take place during the warmer months in Bimini, when conditions are best for being in the water together — typically from April through August.
Each year, we host a small number of family weeks — so that every experience remains personal, unrushed, and deeply respectful of the dolphins, the families, and the beautiful people and island of Bimini. It is our mission that our community members get to fully experience the magic of the dolphins and the ocean here.
The average family trip is from three to five half days or full days on my boat, ranging from 4k to 10k, with food and accommodations extra (in addition to local hotels, we have many local houses and apartments we like to recommend). We help you find the ideal flights and accommodations for you. PS: Bimini is only a 20 minute flight from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale!
Why Families Come Back
Over the years, many families have returned to Bimini with me—sometimes as the kids grow older, sometimes bringing new siblings or grandparents along.
These trips tend to become a touchstone—a shared memory of joy, adventure and connection your family carries forward. Parents often tell me they still think of their time with the dolphins when life gets hectic, and it brings them right back to that feeling of spaciousness and wonder.
Safety, Experience & Working with Kids
I’ve been bringing families to swim with wild dolphins and whales for decades, guiding ocean retreats in Bimini, the Exumas, the Baja and Yucatan of Mexico, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, and the islands of Maui and Hawaii. Over that time, I’ve learned that true safety comes from a blend of clear structure, calm presence, and deep respect for the sea.
On our family retreats, it is my pleasure to:
- Offer simple water briefings so everyone knows what to do and what to expect.
- Work with each person, young and old, at their own pace – easy guidance, lots of gentle encouragement.
- Keep a close eye on ocean conditions, boat traffic, and group energy so you can relax and enjoy being parents instead of logistics managers.
- Travel in a way that honors the dolphins and local environment: no chasing, no crowding, always giving them the choice to interact.
The goal is for everyone—kids and adults alike—to feel safe, supported, and free to fully enjoy the experience.
What We Handle & What You Handle
Once we confirm your custom trip dates, I’ll help you with the key logistics and questions so the planning feels simple.
We’ll cover together:
- Recommended travel plan to Bimini
- Lodging suggestions that fit your style
- What to pack for kids and adults
- Any special needs or requests your family has
You’re responsible for your travel to and from Bimini and your lodging, aand we are here to make recommendations to fit your preferences. We are your island guide and ocean host when you’re here.
Let’s Talk About Your Trip
These family dolphin adventures are designed to give you and your family the absolute best quality time together in a beautiful natural setting.
These experiences tend to resonate most with families who value presence, curiosity, and meaningful time together in nature.
If you feel that spark inside when you imagine your kids in the water with wild dolphins, I invite you to reach out and tell me a bit about your family, and we’ll explore whether this feels like the right experience for you.
These family dolphin experiences are offered seasonally and in a limited number each year, allowing the time together to remain personal and unhurried. If there’s a genuine resonance, simply fill out this form — no obligations — and I’ll personally read your note and reply so I can answer your questions and explore possible dates, logistics, and whether this feels like a great fit for your family.
“Best experience we ever had as a family” As a parent, you want to know your family retreat is going to be fun, memorable and safe. Listen to John and Kimberly’s experience (below) on their trips with us, in both Hawaii and in Bimini.
Family Dolphin Experience – Indication of Interest
This form is a simple way for us to begin a conversation and explore whether a family dolphin experience feels aligned for you.
There are no obligations — simply an opportunity to share a bit about your family, your curiosity, and what’s calling you.
Once you send me this form, I’ll personally read what you’ve shared and get back to you. I look forward to speaking with you!
