Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes.

Q: Will I get to see a dolphin?
A: They are wild animals and we cannot guarantee that we will definitely see dolphins, however it is rare that we have a trip where no dolphins are sighted.

Q: Will I get to swim with the dolphins?
A: When we come across spotted dolphins, you will usually have the opportunity to swim with them.  Again, they are wild animals and may not stay around to swim with; however it is rare that we have a trip with no swimming opportunities. Passengers will be paired in teams that will alternate, so you may not swim with the dolphins every time they are encountered.

Q: Can I touch the dolphins?
A: NO.  We are strictly non-invasive. No touching, chasing or harassing is allowed.  It is important to respect that we are in their world, on their terms.

Q: Are there other swimming opportunities, such as reefs or shipwrecks?
A: Yes.  You may have the opportunity to snorkel a local shipwreck, as well as other reef areas.  Many of the places we anchor have interesting marine life; you are welcome to swim anytime we anchor.

Q: What other marine life, besides the dolphins, may I encounter?
A: The Bahamas has a rich variety of sea life.  You may see many types of fish, possibly crustaceans (if your eyes are keen enough!), conchs, corals, sea turtles (often seen from the surface, resting) and sharks.

Q: Are sharks or other large predators a problem?
A: This is a wild environment and sharks do live in the area.  The most common species are nurse sharks (fairly harmless), reef sharks, lemon sharks and the more dangerous tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks.  We often see nurse sharks, and occasionally reef sharks underwater.  Tigers, bulls and hammerheads are not seen as often, and usually from the surface, in which case we do not get in the water.  Sharks are part of the ecosystem, but usually mind their own business.  We have not had any problems with sharks in over 20 years of research.

Q: Do I need to bring snorkel or scuba gear?
A: You need to bring your own snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins); we do not have extras on board.  We do not allow scuba diving on board.  The water is shallow (average 10-40 feet) and the bubbles from the scuba can be distracting to the dolphins and research.

Q: What time of year is the best to come out?
A: Each time of year has its pros and cons; Early in the season, May-early June is often windier and has choppier seas; July begins hurricane season (and begins to be very hot).; August and September have the greatest risk of hurricane formation (though they can form any time starting in July).   However weather can change during any trip and time of year, and it is not guaranteed that a certain time of year is typical as is either good or bad.

Q: What happens during bad weather and if very bad weather/hurricanes occur?
A: During bad weather (choppy, windy) we will go to anchor spots that are in protected calm areas and wait out the bad weather.  We keep close track on weather, especially possible hurricane formation.  If a hurricane or a very bad weather system threatens to hit the study area, or Florida, for safety reasons we will have to cut the trip short, drop off any passengers in the Bahamas and return to Florida.  Trip costs are not refunded, and trip insurance is suggested, just in case.  This does not happen often, but must be taken into consideration as a possibility when making your plans.

Q: Is there sea lice present?
A: Yes, to varying degrees.  May and early June usually have higher amounts of sea lice present, however this can vary within a season and between seasons.  Sea lice is usually not a big problem, and if present, you do not have to get into the water.

Q: What is the water temperature; do I need a wet suit?
A: In May the water temperature is 78-79 degrees, a shorty suit or dive skin might be useful if this is too cool for you.  From June –Sept the temperature is warm, at 80-90 degrees, and no wet suit or skin is needed.

Q: Is this like a cruise ship?
A: No.  Although we do have fun while on the boat, we are a research vessel, and research takes precedence.  We work hard, and in turn have fun in between.

Q: What is the minimum/maximum age allowed?
A: There is no maximum age, however you should be able to get around easily, be comfortable on a boat and snorkeling in ocean waters.  Minimum age varies.  Unaccompanied persons must be 16 years or older with permission from a parent or guardian (some exceptions for slightly younger individuals depending on maturity level).  Younger passengers, 10+, may be allowed with a parent/guardian.

Q: Can I help with research tasks?
A: Yes.  We encourage passengers to help with as much as they want.  Passengers will participate in dolphin watches during the day, and other research tasks if they want.

Q: What is the boat like?
A: Stenella is a 62’ power catamaran (two hulls), which makes it a more stable, comfortable ride than typical mono-hull boats.  It has an air-conditioned cabin where all sleeping rooms, salon, bathrooms and kitchen are located.  The bridge has a hard top cover with isinglass windows that unzip to allow for breeze.  We have a barbeque and large picnic table on the aft deck for dinner.

Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A: There are 2 staterooms: one with 4 bunks and one with 2 bunks.  Each passenger gets one bunk and a drawer to place clothes and personal items.

Q: How many people will be aboard?
A: Number of people on board varies, due to passengers.  However our minimum is 6 and maximum is 10 on board at any time.

Q: What do I bring?
A: Look at general information sheet for details.  Space is limited on the boat; please try to bring a collapsible bag (such as a duffle).

Q: Is there drinking water and fresh water showers?
A: We make our own purified fresh water, so we have drinkable water on board.  We also have fresh water showers, though because we make our own water, we do try and conserve as much as possible.  We take Navy Showers (rinse, turn off water, lather, rinse, etc.).

Q: Is this a live aboard boat?
A: Yes.  We spend most of the trip far from shore, and we do not go into the harbor except to clear customs.  We often won’t see land for the entire trip.

Q: Do many people get seasick?
A: Because Stenella is a catamaran, it is more stable than mono-hulled boats and most people are ok, however it does still rock.  If you are susceptible to seasickness, we suggest you bring out medications, such as Dramamine or Bonine.

Q: Is there down time during the trip?
A: Yes.  There is often a lot of down time in between dolphin sightings/encounters.  Bring materials to keep you occupied, such as books, music, computers, etc

Q: Do I need to bring my own food?
A: No.  All meals/snacks are included in the trip price, and there is always plenty of food on board.  If you have something specific that you need, please feel free to bring that along.

Q: Is fishing allowed on board the boat?
A: Yes.  We have fishing gear and will fish when time/weather allows in specific areas.

Q: Are there electric outlets on board?
A: Yes.  We have plenty of outlets on board for use.

Q: What kind of communication means are available while on board?
A: We are far from shore for most of the trip and in another country.  There is no phone or Internet available while out at sea, we are basically out of regular communication during the trip.  We do have a satellite phone for emergencies only.  During the brief time when we clear customs in West End, Wifi is available, and there are land phones you can use with calling cards.

Q: Can I bring a camera?
A: Yes.  We encourage you to bring an underwater and/or surface camera.

Q: Do I need to bring any extra money?
A: The only money you may need on Stenella is if you would like to buy WDP souvenirs (t-shirt, book, etc.).  However, you will need cash to get to and from the airport to the marina (cab money), for any shopping you do before/after the trip on the island, and also for departure tax (~$18) when you leave the Bahamas.

Q: What is the drug policy?
A: Absolutely no illegal drugs allowed.  Please have prescriptions with a label.  Refer to drug policy page in the application.

Q: Do I need trip insurance?
A: Trip insurance is not required, but is suggested.  Refer to trip cancellation policy in the application.  Trip cost cannot be refunded if trip is cancelled due to weather.

Q: Can of the price of the trip be used as a tax write – off?
A: Yes.  As with any donation to WDP, it is tax deductible, however a small portion is not (that used for food/fuel during the trip).  A letter will be sent to you indicating how much is tax deductible early in the next year following your trip.