Swimming with Dolphins in Great Exuma

Nowhere in the world is swimming freely with dolphins an easier and more exciting adventure than in The Bahamas. It is where countless visitors travel to relax on unspoiled beaches, take in stunning scenery, enjoy warm people, and of course, swim in the wild with dolphins. It has become a popular attraction in Great Exuma Bahamas. Numerous diving programs are offered throughout The Bahamas, making swimming with dolphins a comfortable and wonderful activity for tourists and locals alike. Part of the amazement lies in observing them in their natural habitat, as you dive into open waters along coral reefs.

Swimming with Dolphins
Thirty years ago, swimming with dolphins was less common an event than it is today. At the time, a diver would spot one, maybe two, dolphins. Now, the experience can include an entire family unit. Dolphin encounters take place around the globe, but The Bahamas is recognized as one of the great centers where swimming with dolphins is possible. Much can be attributed to the natural beauty of the countless islands and cays in The Bahamas. Wild dolphin encounters occur regularly in Bimini, Grand Bahama, the Abacos and Great Exuma Bahamas, just to name a few. You can touch, interact, and even hand-feed these amazing mammals in their natural habitat. But before you start swimming with dolphins, you might want to learn some facts about them.

Dolphin 101

Most dolphins have acute eyesight
They have a sense of hearing superior to that of humans
They have a well-developed sense of touch
They range in length from 1.2 m (4 ft) to 9.5 m (30 ft)
They can weigh anywhere from 40 kg (88 lb) to ten tons
They are social, living in pods (also called "schools") of up to a dozen mammals
They are found mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves
They are carnivores that eat mostly fish and squid
They use their sonar to communicate with each other
There are almost forty species of dolphin worldwide

Dolphins and Humans
Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent species. Numerous stories are told of dolphins protecting shipwrecked sailors against sharks by swimming circles around them. In many cultures, spotting dolphins during a sea voyage is considered a good omen. Swimming with dolphins is the closest encounter one can experience with these fascinating creatures. On your next trip to Great Exuma Bahamas, be sure to consider this once in a lifetime opportunity, an adventure that will create memories you will treasure forever.

About the Author:
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org.