Dolphin Summer Retreat

Destination

Bimini, The bahamas

Dates

June 27-July 2, 2027

Suitable for:

women

Freediving or snorkeling

2027: dolphin summer retreat
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Island Paws Rescue

all womens trip:
June 27-July 2, 2027

JOIN ME FOR THIS UNIQUE summer retreat with the gals

Summers in Bimini are my favorite. The water is calm, the famous Bimini blues are even more vibrant, and it’s one of the best times of year to encounter Bimini’s incredible Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.

If you’ve ever had an encounter with these dolphins, you know the magic they bring. Some of these dolphins have been swimming alongside humans for more than 20 years, making them incredibly social and curious around us. I like to say that some days, we’re their entertainment just as much as they are ours!

And the dolphins aren’t the only reason to love these trips. In the mornings, while we wait for the dolphins to make their appearance in the afternoon, we’ll spend time exploring Bimini’s waters and encountering the many species of marine life that call this place home.

It’s a full day of exploring, connecting with marine life, and experiencing a side of Bimini that never gets old.

Who is Island Paws Rescue?

Island Paws Rescue is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit committed to saving the lives of stray dogs and cats here in Bimini. Their work focuses on spaying, neutering, providing medical care, and finding loving homes for the animals who need it most.

By supporting Island Paws Rescue, we’re helping provide essential care, shelter, and veterinary treatment for Bimini’s stray animals. Their organization directly funds Strays of Bimini and sponsors the veterinary clinics on island, something that simply wouldn’t be possible without their support.

So when you join me here in the Bahamas to swim with dolphins, explore the ocean, and experience the magic of Bimini, you’re also giving something back to the island we all came here to experience.

A portion of your trip directly helps support the animals of Bimini and the people working tirelessly to give them a second chance.

Come for the dolphins. Leave knowing you helped a dog or cat, too!

Check them out!

What to expect

Day 1

Arrival day in Bimini

Upon arrival to Bimini you will be greeted by me upon arrival to Bimini. Once everyone has arrived we will check into your rooms, get settled and go to the shop to take care of gear and prep for the weeks dives. We will have dinner and I will go over what to expect for the trip!

Day 2-4

DIVE DIVE DIVE DOLPHINS

Each day will start with breakfast around 8am and be to the boat by 8:30am. From there we head to the days adventures, whether it be stingrays, shipwrecks, sharks, before heading out to see our dolphin friends in the afternoon

(Times subject to change)

-one evening we will hear from Dolphin expert and Strays of Bimini Hero Kelly Sweetings

Day 5

Farewell

Its never goodbye its sea you later.

Depending on peoples departures we will taxi to where you'll need to be!

ABOUT BIMINI

Bimini is a special place for me; it has so much history behind it, such as the stones that some believe belong to the lost city of Atlantis, which is thought to be part of an ancient civilization. What remains of Bimini was once the top of a mountain, and our banks were part of the Great Bahamas banks that were all, at one point, above sea water. Many people travel here to try to uncover the history that may be just off the beautiful Bimini blue coastline. Beyond that, Bimini delivers a peace that some say is hard to describe but is felt especially when diving here. It’s felt so strongly by some people, especially Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would come here frequently and was even inspired to his "I Have a Dream" speech. The northern Bimini Mangroves are a home and nursery to many species of sharks, rays, turtles, and fish, including the bonefish that many people come seeking to catch. All in all, I feel and see the magic here, and I want others to experience it too!

Meet the Ladies:

I’ve always had a goal of making a difference through the trips I host in Bimini. While bringing the magic of this island to our guests is incredibly special, I wanted each trip to leave a little something behind, too.

This year, every person who joins us will be directly contributing to Island Paws Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the veterinary clinics on Bimini and helps stray animals find loving homes.

I’ve personally been able to see the incredible impact their work has on the island and on the lives of so many animals. Being able to give back to the community that makes these experiences possible is something I’m incredibly proud to include in this trip.

Come experience the magic of Bimini with us and leave a little magic behind, too.

Host

Janelle Van Ruiten

Meet Your Retreat Leader -Janelle Van Ruiten

Janelle Van Ruiten is a shark conservationist, professional diver, photographer, captain, and ocean enthusiast based in Bimini, The Bahamas. With over 13 years of experience working closely with sharks and marine life, she has dedicated her career to sharing the magic of the ocean through education, conservation, and unforgettable in-water encounters.

From swimming with wild dolphins to diving with some of the Bahamas’ most iconic shark species, Janelle brings years of experience in the water and a deep connection to Bimini’s marine ecosystem. Her goal is simple: to create meaningful, respectful encounters with marine life while helping others see the ocean the way she does.

Dolphin Expert and Strays of Bimini Founder

Kelly Sweeting

Kel is originally from Connecticut and first came to Bimini in 2003 as part of a summer internship to study the wild dolphins off Bimini. Contributing to many scientific papers and research projects for Bimini's field station with the Dolphin Communication Project, eventually becoming a Research Manager. After returning each summer, she moved to Bimini full time in 2008 and began volunteering at the periodic Bimini vet clinics...and poof! It's nearly 20 years later and the clinics are more regular and better than ever. Spay, neuter, adoption, and education efforts on Bimini wouldn't be possible without many people, including the small but mighty Island Paws Rescue who makes sure the bills get paid!

WHATS INCLUDED

4 days of diving with dolphins, stingrays, sharks, mangroves and all the things Bimini has to offer!
5 nights accommodations (shared two people per room, single available for extra cost)
Photographs and Videos of the dives
Photography Nights
A night learning with Kel, our Dolphin Expert and Strays of Bimini Queen
Breakfast and lunch on boat days
TIP FOR CREW

WHATS NOT INCLUDED

International Flights
Dinner
Meals on non dive days aka arrival and departure day
Equipment (available for rental)
Wetsuit or Rashgaurd (available for rental)
Travel and Dive Insurance
Cash for the Island
Tip for your crew

Experience the Perfect summer Getaway

What to bring

Passport
Freediving/Snorkel gear (rental available, fins, mask, weight belt)
Rash Guard or sun protection ( water is usually high 80s )
Reef-safe sunscreen
Camera
Cash for any expenses
Tip for the crew!
Good vibes and great energy!

Disclaimer

This is an ocean expedition so please note that while I do everything I can to ensure your safety, nothing is guaranteed when diving with wild animals. Safety is always our top priority, and we will only dive if weather permits and it's safe to do so. If for any reason you are unable to dive due to sea conditions, we will offer alternative activities to compensate. Thank you for understanding the risks involved.