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| SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS IN THE BAHAMAS |
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| Next dates: |
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Please call for dates for next year.
If you are a group of people already, we might be able to go this year towards December. |
Children are welcome to join us on these holidays.
Delphiris invites families on this trip to make this an unforgettable
adventure
for everyone.
Drawing on her 20 years experience working with children she offers
a warm, safe environment for all. |
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| Please call to confirm as dates might vary depending
on how many spaces are left by the time you inquire. |
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| BOOK NOW TO SECURE
YOUR SPACE! |
| To book your space or enquire about the trips |
| Call Delphiris: |
| tel: 0845 458 0278 (local rate) |
| mobile:07961 051 606 |
| e-mail: delphiris@dolphinsmiles.co.uk |
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"Live in abundance. The money will come
together, if you really want to go, GO!!!
Make your dream come true NOW" !!! |
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"I Delphiris, Ocean Therapy Facilitator will share
with you my unforgettable
life changing experiences I had when swimming with wild dolphins in
the Bahamas". |
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| THE ADVENTURE |
| After I returned from a fantastic time in the Bahamas
in 1998 - we swam up to six times a day with the Atlantic spotted
dolphins I decided to hire a boat to give others the opportunity to
experience this wonderful and unforgettable adventure as well. Meanwhile I have organised and facilitated several trips on different boats leaving Florida by boat.
Now the adventure continues. This time we take a small plane from Fort Lauderdale directly to Bimini Island. |
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| I am taking 8 people on this trip of a life-time. We
will fly to Bimini, Bahamas, where we head straight onto the Marina
to meet the Captain and his crew. |
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They would like to bring you eye-to-eye with a pot
of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
These Dolphins have come to trust humans and a special relationship
has developed with the people who visit. |
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| This unique and exciting experience will leave you
with memories that last a lifetime. Join us for almost a week-long adventure
at sea: Sun-drenched days and balmy tropical nights... excitement
and fun... playful dolphins... and new friends... all await you in
the Bahamas. |
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| One of the many advantages of being in Bimini is that
the Atlantis Wall is 300 ft. from where we anchor for the night. This
gives us plenty of time to visit the Wall. Other advantages are some
of the most beautiful reefs found anywhere which we are able to enjoy
often. The famed Bimini healing hole, the people the island, its food
and music are all treats that we might be able to enjoy during the week.
Our main focus is of course swimming and interacting with the dolphins
in their environment. The dolphins and the weather dictate our schedule
for the week. An encounter can last from a few moments to an hour
or more with from two to fifty dolphins participating. However there is never a guarantee that we meet these magical beings. We only meet them on their terms. |
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| Having qualified in Ocean
Therapy we can take the opportunity to use our wonderful new
gifts to enhance our dolphin swims:
According to the groups needs and wishes we will offer:
• Meditations,
• Visualisations,
• Singing,
• Reiki,
• Massage |
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| This could be a spiritual journey of a lifetime, reconnecting
to the "Dolphin within" |
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I am looking forward seeing you on board!
Till then, lots of love & light and dolphin joy!
Delphiris. |
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| THE COST |
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| Please note: with the great exchange rate at present this trip is about £300 less than my previous trips. You only pay the deposit directly to me in English Pounds, the remaining balance to be paid in US Dollars on arrival. |
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| 1 week Aboard: £160 (English Pounds) deposit
plus $1345(US Dollars) on arrival on board |
+ Plus: flights to America and
Bahamas and transfer
+ 1 night motel and transfer to and from the boat and any additional days you like to spend on the island |
| + Departure and Bahamian tax ($60 cash when boarding) |
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| + Gratitudes for the crew, which is customary on these trips |
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Boat trip includes:
Double-berth basic Accommodation
All meals and snacks
Non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, juices
Linen, blankets |
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| If you are interested in joining me on this trip I
like to ask you to send the minimum deposit of
£160 (English Pounds) plus copy of flight receipts and details.
As you only have to pay the remaining balance of $1345 dollars on
arrival of the boat we ask you for the flight details when booking.
This way you confirm you are coming. Booking the flights as early
as possible is essential as costs intend to increase close to departure. |
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Please add £240 to your deposit, if you would like me
to book your transfer flights from America (Ft. Lauderdale) to Bimini,
which will include 1 night motel cost in Ft. Lauderdale (shared room)
on arrival, where we shall stay before taking the transfer flight to Bimini
at 8:30am the following day.
You are responsible to sort out your flight to either Miami or Ft.
Lauderdale. |
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| When sending cheques
from abroad: |
| Please send a cheque in Pound
Sterling only, allow for handling charges in the UK. (Please add
£15 handling charge for UK banks. Even if your bank charges you already, UK banks take their cut, too!) Avoid electronic bank transfer
as it takes three weeks to clear. The cheapest and quickest way will
be 'postal money orders' from your local post office. After you sent
me this I can cash it in straight away. You can also send it by email
using paypal. It is simple and easy to sign up for a paypal account
which allows you to pay by credit card, too. A small aditional charge applies.
Please e-mail Delphiris for further assistance. |
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Please note:
Above are prices for 2007.
Bookings might be subject to change. |
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Please make cheques payable to:
D. Hoffmann
send to Delphiris, Boswedden Mill, Cape Cornwall, St.Just,
Penzance TR19 7NJ |
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DOLPHINS IN THE BAHAMAS
The Bahama Banks are the only place in the world where wild dolphins
are free to make their own choices about when and where to interact
with people. Part of the beauty of this experience is in the following
of their agenda, not humans.
Their interactions may range from playing with us in the water or
surfing in the bow of the cruising boat, to feeding and taking care
of their young. |
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WHY LIVING ON THE BOAT ?
Living on the boat gives us an advantage over living ashore. While
others are waiting on shore to go out later, you might be sitting
on deck with your morning tea or coffee while a pod of bottlenose
dolphins swim by feeding with their young.
We have the most stable boat on the dolphin grounds. For me, life
is too short to be in bad weather, and if it is bad we go to shore
and play on the island. Because of our size and stability we are
able to stay out safely when other boats might not come out at all.
Those of you who have been in the Bahamas in the summer know that
it can be pretty hot and humid-unlike the live ashore boats, we
have air conditioning and all the comforts with us while we are
out all day. This includes full meals and lots of shade and comfort
on deck to look for dolphins.
It can be pretty awesome being anchored off a beautiful beach in
the evening, under a star filled sky, listening to the sound of
dolphins blowing around the boat.
There is a lot of beach time if you wish and a lot more time for
snorkelling. We spend one evening ashore to shop and eat at
a Bahamian restaurant and maybe even dance to Calypso music if the spirit moves
you. It's interesting that the guests who were the most concerned
about living ashore have been the people who can't wait to leave
the dock and get back out to the reefs and the dolphins.
While there is plenty of time for sharing time with new friends,
there is, also enough privacy on the boat that you can be alone
with your thoughts or favourite book.
Also when there are mosquitoes and sand fleas on the island in the
evening we don't get them--it's a good thing!!
There is something grand about ending the day moving along the beaches
of Bimini after an active day of dolphins and reefs. To sit on the
deck and watch a beautiful sunset with the smells of a wonderful
dinner coming up from below. Life is good-- |
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ABOUT THE CAPTAIN AND HIS CREW
The captain was raised on a boat from childhood and has lived his
life on the sea. He has been a skipper for several Atlantic crossings
as well as cruising and working boats throughout the Bahama Islands.
His concern for the safety of his passengers and crew takes priority
above all else. He started his swims with the dolphins at the age
of ten, while vacationing in Bimini with his family. The years since
have instilled him with a deep love and respect for nature, especially
for the wild dolphins. As well as an accomplished sailor, the captain
is a hypno-therapist, body worker, breath worker and energy worker.
'There is no place in the world that feels more like home to me than
in Bimini with it's beautiful reefs, long sandy beaches, the Atlantis
wall, healing spring and the people whose hearts and smiles are as
big and wide as the star filled sky above the island.'
"The
dolphins have become my second family and I feel blessed. Its a privilege
and a joy to be able to share this life with others."
"
Whether watching the dolphins from the boat or dingy or becoming a
part of the pod for a short time while swimming with them, the eye-to-eye
contact, the sense of feelings that pass between each dolphin and
perhaps those of us in the water are unique to the individual."
The crew (like our guests) is made up of an international assortment
of men and women. Their roles vary from cooking, operating and maintaining
the boats, to assisting people who may need help in swimming in the
sea for the first time. Their common bond is a love for the dolphins
and to be able to share that experience. |
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THE BOAT
We operate a custom built fifty foot multi-hull sailboat. She is outfitted
to suit the unique environment of these trips. Her advantage over
other vessels is the beam width, which is unmatched in stability,
comfort and safety.
The boat can accommodate from six to ten passengers plus facilitators.
We believe that in keeping the size of our groups small, we provide
a more intimate experience for our guests and a non-overwhelming exposure
for the dolphins.
We offer double occupancy staterooms and
three heads (toilet rooms). In addition, she carries a CD player,
a VCR, hi 8 video editing capability, air conditioning and enough
room down below and above deck that you can be alone with your thoughts
or together as a group.
There is custom netting (almost like a large hammock) that is stretched
between the bows of the boat that places you just above the water.
This is perfect for lying on while dolphins are playing in the bows
or for sunning and sleeping on under the beautiful Bahamian skies.
Much thought has gone into designing the sailboat to make her very
eco-friendly. Our systems are designed so that the generator and engine
are run as seldom as possible, keeping fumes, vibrations and noise
to a minimum. We attempt to blend into our surroundings in a more
natural way. |
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| We are the only live aboard dolphin swim organization
that is one hour from the dolphin grounds in the Bahamas it insures
us the most time possible for interactions with the dolphins. Starting
last season-2005- we spend most nights at the best marina facility
on the island with all the comforts of land available to us. On some
perfect nights we will be anchored off Bimini's beautiful seven mile
beach. |
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EXTRA EXPENSES
The cab fare on the island is around 5.00 each way. It is usually around 20.00 to 25.00 dollars on our night out on Wednesday to experience some great Bahamian food. There is a 15.00 tax when leaving the Bahamas. That is only payable in cash to the pilot. There is also 45.00 Bahamian tax that goes helping protect the eco-system in the islands. That is paid to the boat and we give it to the Bahamian government.
Crew Gratuity/Tipping
Considering the hours the crew put in, and the variety of activities in which they helped you indulge, about 10 percent of the charter fee is common. Adjustments can be made up or down, according to how well you thought you were treated. |
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ITINERY:
DAY
1:
Arrival from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to Bimini. Boarding the
boat from 10:00am. On early arrivals feel free to explore the island
and its beaches. As soon as all arrive we depart-weather permitting-
for an anchorage off one of Bimini's beautiful beaches for an orientation.
We spend the rest of the morning practicing and making sure that everyone
feels comfortable with their snorkeling gear. Safety is a very important
issue with us.
Lunch is next and if everyone is comfortable with their snorkeling
ability we head off the the dolphin grounds.
DAY
2 - 5:
Operating our dolphin swims in Bimini gives us the ability
to check out many other natural blessings the Bahamas has to offer.
Some of the most beautiful waters and reefs anywhere in the world.
Deserted islands with incredible beaches. The Atlantis Wall or Bimini
Road as the locals call it.
The big hearted, always happy to say hello people the island, its
food and music are all treats that we are able to enjoy during the
week. Our main focus is of course swimming and interacting with the
dolphins in their environment. The dolphins and the weather dictate
our schedule for the week. An encounter can last from a few moments
to up to three hours with from two to sixty dolphins participating.
Some weeks we swim several times a day every day and some weeks there
may be days without swimming with them. We have never had a week without an interaction.
Weather can be much the same some weeks are flat calm and sometimes
a few days can be windy, rainy and rough. These are things that are
out of our control but also lends to a sense of awe in our environment
as the weather and dolphins come and go at their own pace. Sit back
and take it in and feel a smile stretch across your face.
P.S. We do not go out when the weather is rough-life is too short
for that.
DAY 6:
Departure time from the boat is 9 a.m. after breakfast.
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FLIGHTS TO BIMINI
Miami- As of now there aren't any flights to Bimini. Some guests have
to fly into Miami. It isn't hard to get to Ft Lauderdale from Miami-it's
only a fourty-five minute drive and there are also shuttles between
airports.
Ft. Lauderdale We use a charter airline -Bimini Island Air (BIA).
We have been working together for 10 years-they have a perfect safety
record and have taken excellent care of both our crew and our guests.
Telephone: 001-954-938-8991. Contact Andrea. They will be happy to
fax you a map for you to give to your cab driver so that he doesn't
get lost and charge you more money than necessary.
Bimini Island Air passes on discounts that they receive from several
hotels in the area-check with them.
You will land in South Bimini and then taxi to the boat.
If you have flown into Ft.Lauderdale International Airport it is a
twenty minute taxi ride to Ft Lauderdale Executive Airport to BIA.
The price is around 229.00 per person round trip to Bimini and back.
We have a 8:00am flight with them every Sunday morning. The return
flight is 10:00am the following Friday.
There is also another airline called Chalks International-they are
a seaplane service. It is around 240.00 round trip-they have not been
real reliable in the recent past or easy to work with for our guests
- use who you feel more comfortable with. |
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| THINGS TO BRING |
Valid passport
QUALITY SNORKELING GEAR: please buy gear at a professional dive
shop.
FINS: should be closed heeled with no booties- if you already
have them its OK. Try to buy the largest fin blade that will fit
you. Many dive shops have been trying to sell the new split fins-they
are expensive and don't give the resistance or power (which means
ease of swimming) of the solid fin. Recommended fins 'Mares Volo
Race' or similar fin.
SNORKEL: the 'IMPULSE II' or similar snorkel. Not the dry snorkel - our
guests have had problems with the top getting stuck and not letting
air in.
MASK: any mask that fits your face comfortably and stays on when
you breath in without the strap around your head. Please try to
purchase the best equipment that you can afford and if possible
practice before you join us to assure proper fit and comfort. This
is to enhance your experience with the dolphins. We will also be
spending all the time you might need to help you feel more comfortable
in the water.
BATHING SUITS: (several if possible)
SHORTS
T-SHIRTS
2 TOWELS
SUN HAT
RAIN JACKET: Light weight rain jacket-wind breaker
SUN PROTECTORS: Sun Cream SPF 30 or greater - No oils, no spray
lotions. Lip Balm.
SUNGLASSES
INSECT REPELLENT
TOILETRIES
MOTION SICKNESS PILLS (if you feel that it is necessary for you)
FLIP FLOPS: are the best shoes
TYPE OF CLOTHING: It is a good idea to bring a loose fitting pair
of long pants-light cotton- and long sleeve type t-shirt to wear
in the water to keep from burning-especially for the first few days.
While not necessary, the following items may make your trip more enjoyable.
FILM: Camera-film-disposable underwater cameras work very
well.
SLEEPING GEAR: Light blanket or sleeping bag for sleeping on deck
if you wish
* READING MATERIAL BINOCULARS
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
JOURNAL: for keeping notes
Please note:
I am happy to help you organise your flights, support you via email or phone before our adventure begins. Throughout the trip I am available to support the individual as well as bring us together as a group by offering daily circles to meet for sharing, meditations and spontanious new ideas to explore further. However, the captain and his crew have their routines, too and together we try to make this a most enjoyable trip. I am not responsible for any changes in the Captain's itinerary, mechanics of the boat or adverse weather conditions. Where ever possible I liaise with the captain....
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| TESTIMONIALS. |
| Here
are just a few comments from people who recently returned from their
trip of a lifetime: |
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| Nicholas:
Starting a new journey, needed a break to forget about London life
for a while:
"This has been such an incredible trip. I had an interesting
experience just after returning to London when giving a very sceptical
client a healing session. Afterwards she commented on how powerful
the healing was and she saw/felt all these dolphins. I then showed
her my dolphin T-shirt I was wearing. The dolphins carry on working
even in London"!
Camilla:
22 years old, recently embarked on looking for ways of cutting family
ties to start her own life's journey. She found that her desire
and love for water will be inevitable for the rest of her life due
to many close encounters with the dolphins, after pushing her physical
strength to the limit and beyond in order to enjoy these encounters.
She is radiating and embracing her new journey:
"Thank you all for contributing in your own little ways to
the most amazing experience I've had in a long time, I loved every
minute of it and it was so nice that we all got along so well. I
now have the motivation I need to fulfil my dreams to the best of
my ability with the help from all of you and of course we must not
forget the dolphins."
Jocelyn:
Going through divorce after 30 years of marriage is now able to
swim and dive a lot deeper, is more relaxed, letting go of layers
and layers of her past. The dolphins have helped her to be more,
to surrender to what is.
Ellen:
Recently separated after 30 years of marriage, starting to empower
herself and dare. She is terrified of water, but has been very courageous
in trusting water. Her determination of learning to snorkel helped
her to overcome her deep rooted fear. At the end of this trip she
felt incredibly liberated:
"Now I am ready to face life, to live in a more fulfilling
way and be true to myself. Having been able to feel moments of intense
terror and fear has helped me to come through this to then experience
the sheer joy and peace and exhilaration of feeling one with the
ocean, it's moods, the dolphins and fish. This trip has been worth
every penny. The pulsating life of the ocean enabled me to reconnect
to others and share their experiences."
Nikki:
Not being able to ever afford such an unreachable dream, she put
all her trust into making the trip come true:
"The freedom I experienced swimming with the dolphins encourages
me to live my life free. After speaking to Delphiris and having
such a feeling of trust wash over me, I decided to take a risk and
invest my deposit money with her. For two to three months afterwards,
although she stayed in constant touch, I didn't really believe that
I would be going on this holiday of a lifetime. But, having decided
to go through with it, the day came when we all met up for our flight
to Miami. I was excited and nervous and I felt like I really deserved
this experience, having made the commitment and seen it through.
I was nervous, too, that some part of me would be disapointed that
the holiday wouldn't live up my expectations (even though I assured
myself I had none).
"I was far from dissapointed. The holiday was an amazing, mind-opening
experience. The sense of complete freedom I felt on a day-to-day
basis was just priceless. I discovered a deep and abiding love of
the ocean that I'd had no idea was inside me. The dolphins were
the most calming, invigorating and truly magical creatures, and
any panic I felt at snorkeling completely dissipated whenever a
dolphin was around. By the end of the week, I'd gone from hating
snorkelling to loving it and now I intend to do lots more.
"All I can say to those who doubt is...if it feels right in
your heart, make the commitment, experience the awesome power of
such a journey and discover yourself at the end of it. GO FOR IT!
May you get as much from it as I have."
Marilyn:
Carried the feeling of being drowned in a previous life, therefore
wanted to heal this issue:
"The dolphin trip was an amazing experience. I was empowered
to join the trip at the very last minute, taking over a cancellation.
I have always been very frightened of the water and cannot swim,
which I believe is a "past life" memory. The time spent
on the ocean was magical, I discovered a world I had no idea existed.
I snorkelled, I swam with the dolphins and I let go of my fear.
It was truly a life changing event for me. I hope this is sufficient
although I have to say that words are quite inadequate to describe
my feelings about this. Thank you so much Delphiris for making this
possible for me."
Melanie:
Wasn't sure if this trip would be any good for her, although her
sister suggested her to go. Here is one of her diary entries:
10
October
"It
had seemed a long day on board the Dream Too. I had missed the morning
opportunity to swim and by late afternoon our group was requesting
a swim. However, Captain Scot was determined not to settle until
we had spotted the dolphins. At sunset they came. Twice Marilyn
and I went in to swim with them but failed to get near enough. I
encouraged Marilyn to try for the third time but her energy was
spent, so I re-entered the water without her. Sure enough, the dolphins
were there. One dolphin swam regally past me with a remora 'attached
to its underside. There were one or two other spotted dolphins.
Another dolphin seemed to mirror my lunges to the surface for air,
only gracefully. A female dolphin, I guess she was pregnant, came
to me and circled me, gently looking at me. She seemed focused on
me and I was moved to tears. She circled slowly around me a few
times and she was clicking and I saw amazing bubbles come from her
breathing hole. I was transfixed in the moment, I felt so special
and so loved. Somehow she was connecting to me and she was working
some healing magic on me. A weight, invisible, seemed to lift off
my shoulders. When I lost sight of the dolphins I would dive a little
and low and behold I would set eyes on them again. I was in joy
and felt connected in a way I had never felt before. I described
the event to the others as 'awesome' and my perception now of the
dolphins has changed. I perceive them more than wild animals - I
am converted - they are as 'angels of the sea', as healers."
My dolphin cards the next morning read: Light rays (body), synergy
(mind), pairing (spirit) I realise I have made a spiritual pairing
with the angel of the sea - the dolphin.
Delphiris:
Having reached the end of a very intense 9 months inner healing
journey, transforming her life now by being courageous enough leaving
(financial secure) London after trying for 10 years to follow her
dreams.
"I was confronted with a lot more stuff although I thought
I had healed my wounds. It has been like a christening for me, showing
me - by seeing the changes in everybody who came on this trip -
how important it is to carry on my work I am destined to do: To
follow my heart and help others to empower themselves to live life
to the fullest. Live the life you love to live."
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| Photographs from dolphin journey 2003 |
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| Delphiris Bahamas June 2003, photograph by Jacqueline
Russel. |
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| DOLPHIN LINKS. |
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| www.dolphin-spirit-jewelry.com |
| Offering fine limited edition silver pendants, earrings,
etc. - dedicated to dolphins, swimming with dolphins, etc. Site by
dolphin enthusiast, who shares his own unusual stories about meetings
with dolphins. |
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| www.dolphin-designs.com |
| Hand crafted jewelry for those who love the ocean |
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| www.idw.org |
| For more information about dolphins and conservation. |
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| www.dolphins.dk |
| Meet Alice my dolphin friend in Denmark who trained
with me in Ocean Therapy, we had a great time on my first organized
dolphin trip. |
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