Sacred Journey
A wild dolphin swim retreat in Bimini, Bahamas
Seven days in the wild Atlantic waters of Bimini — swimming alongside free-roaming dolphins, slowing down in community, and reconnecting with the Zen Within.
Wild dolphins, in their world
This is who you'll be swimming with — free-roaming spotted dolphins in the open Atlantic.
Come as you are. Leave transformed.
Sacred Journey is a week-long retreat facilitated by The WildQuest Team, with special guest workshops and teachings from Zen Within Academy, held at WildQuest's retreat center in Bimini — the closest point on Earth where the Gulf Stream meets the Bahama Banks, and wild Atlantic spotted dolphins choose to swim alongside us.
This isn't a marine park and there are no tricks or guarantees. It's an invitation into "acceptance as is" — island time, ocean rhythms, and a pod of dolphins who have welcomed guests into their world since 1999. On average, guests encounter dolphins four days out of five.
Alongside the daily boat excursions, our week is woven with grounding practices from Zen Within Academy — meditation, energy work, and space to simply be — designed to help you arrive, soften, and reconnect with yourself, your fellow travelers, and the wild.
This week is for you if…
- You feel the pull to slow down and reconnect with nature and self
- You're drawn to ethical, wild (not captive) dolphin encounters
- You want community, ritual, and reflection woven through your travel
- You're open to island living — sun, saltwater, and "acceptance as is"
- Ages 2 to 90+ are welcome; this is a journey for every generation
Held at a powerful threshold
Sacred Journey isn't just about where we go — it's about when, and what this land and sky are believed to hold.
The Closing of the Lion's Gate Portal
We gather as the Lion's Gate Portal (peaking August 8th) draws to a close — a window many believe amplifies manifestation, spiritual downloads, and alignment with your highest timeline. We'll carry that energy of activation and expansion out onto the open water with us.
The Bimini Road & the Legend of Atlantis
Just off the coast lies the Bimini Road — a striking underwater rock formation many believe to be a remnant of the lost city of Atlantis. Swimming these same waters, alongside wild dolphins, in a place wrapped in mystery and myth, adds a layer of magic to every excursion.
A gentle rhythm, held by the ocean
Boat days are weather and dolphin dependent — on Bimini, the dolphins and the sea set the pace.
Gather in Fort Lauderdale
Check in to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina by 4pm and meet fellow travelers before the journey to the island begins.
Fly to Bimini
A morning shuttle from the Hilton to the Sheltair facility at Fort Lauderdale Airport, then a scenic ~30-minute Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane flight to Bimini. Arrival at the WildQuest Retreat Center in Porgy Bay by mid-morning, followed by orientation and settling in.
Days at sea & sessions ashore
Daily excursions aboard the catamaran DolphinQuest in search of wild spotted dolphins, snorkeling over sites like Atlantis Road, and Zen Within Academy sessions of meditation and energy work woven through the days and evenings.
Journey home
Checkout, farewells, and a return Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane flight from the North Bimini Seaplane Base to Fort Lauderdale.
Your facilitators for the week
Facilitated by The WildQuest Team, with special guest workshops and teachings from Zen Within Academy.
The WildQuest Team
WildQuest has led ethical, ocean-based encounters with wild dolphins in Bimini since 1999. Their crew captains every excursion, guides each dolphin encounter, and holds the container for a safe, respectful island week.
Katie Sutton
Founder of Zen Within Academy, Katie joins to lead guest workshops and teachings in meditation, energy work, and consciousness practices designed to help you reconnect with the Zen Within — on and off the water.
Josh Vogt
Co-founder of Zen Within Academy, Josh brings grounded presence to the group's sessions ashore, holding space for deep reflection and connection alongside Katie's teachings throughout the week.
"We don't touch, feed, or chase — we simply show up as guests in the dolphins' world, and let the encounter be theirs to choose."
What's included
✓ Included
- Sunday night at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
- 5 nights at the WildQuest Retreat Center, Bimini (double occupancy)
- 5 days of boat excursions, weather & dolphins permitting
- Nearly all meals, including packed lunches on the boat
- Daily Zen Within Academy sessions (meditation, energy work)
- Complimentary kayak & bicycle use
- WiFi where available, plus drinking water & hot beverages
Not Included
- Travel to/from Fort Lauderdale, and flights to Bimini
- Crew gratuities (15% of program cost is customary)
- Room upgrades (single or ocean view)
- Sunday dinner & Monday breakfast, plus one group dinner out
- Bodywork/massage sessions, snorkel gear rental, retreat photos
- Travel insurance (required, including medical evacuation coverage)
A glimpse of the retreat center
Take a look at where you'll be staying and setting out from each day in Bimini.
What it costs to say yes
Pricing below covers the full week. Register your interest and we'll confirm availability and next steps.
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Ocean View Upgrade
Additional costs to plan for
- Flights: Recommended carrier is Tropic Ocean Airways (Fort Lauderdale ↔ Bimini), just under $600 round-trip with WildQuest's 20% discount (promo code WILDQUEST at flytropic.com)
- Crew gratuities: 15% of the program cost is customary
- Children's discounts: Ages 2–11 receive $400 off; ages 12–17 receive $200 off
- Travel insurance: Required for all guests, including medical evacuation coverage
Full terms, cancellation policy, and insurance requirements will be shared once you register interest.
Getting there & what to bring
Getting There
Fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or Miami (MIA) on Sunday, August 8, and make your way to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina by 4pm.
Monday morning, a hotel shuttle (about $20/person) takes the group to the Sheltair facility at Fort Lauderdale Airport, where we board a scenic ~30-minute Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane to Bimini. We land at the North Bimini terminal, just a 5-minute taxi ($5/person) from the retreat center, with arrival around 10am.
Tropic Ocean Airways is WildQuest's recommended carrier — round-trip runs just under $600 with WildQuest's 20% discount (promo code WILDQUEST at flytropic.com).
Saturday, we checkout by 9am and taxi ($5/person) to the North Bimini Seaplane Base for the return flight, with multiple flight times available. If booking onward travel, allow at least 2.5–4.5 hours for domestic connections and 3.5–5.5 hours for international ones after our Bimini departure.
A valid passport is required for all travelers.
What to Pack
Light, breathable clothing, 2+ swimsuits, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Bags are limited to 30lbs/14kg on the seaplane, and must be soft-sided.
Reef-safe sunscreen only — no avobenzone or oxybenzone. Bring a journal, and your own snorkel gear if you have it (or rent on-island for $30/week).
A full packing list and pre-departure guide is shared after you register.
Register your interest
Tell us a little about you and we'll follow up with full pricing and a booking link to hold your spot for Sacred Journey.
Good to know
Are the dolphin encounters guaranteed?
No — and that's part of the magic. These are wild, free-roaming spotted dolphins, not captive animals. WildQuest has hosted guests since 1999 and, on average, dolphins are seen four days out of five, but sightings depend entirely on weather and the dolphins themselves.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer or snorkeler?
Comfort in open water is important, but you don't need to be an expert. Life jackets and flotation support are available, and the WildQuest crew guides every excursion.
Is travel insurance really required?
Yes. WildQuest requires travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage for every guest. Full details are provided once you register.
What ages can join?
This retreat welcomes travelers from age 2 to 90+. It's designed to be a meaningful experience across generations.
How do I actually book?
Fill out the interest form above. Katie will follow up personally with full pricing for your room type and a direct booking link to secure your spot.