Swim with Dolphins, maybe even get married . . .

The Bahamas offers several opportunities for anyone interested in encountering dolphins in a natural, friendly, and secure environment. Frolicking with one of these gentle, intelligent (but wild) creatures can be a one-of-a-kind experience, and the highlight of a Bahamas vacation.

Here's your chance to get up close and personal with a dolphin!

Dolphin Encounters is a natural dolphin habitat on Palm Island, near Nassau

Currently, there are about 17 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins living at the facility. Nine of these animals were born there.

Dolphin Encounters has three programs:

"Close Encounters" allows visitors to pet, hug or kiss the dolphins in waist-deep water, after a brief orientation.

"Swim with the Dolphins" requires a longer orientation, and takes place in slightly deeper water in the lagoon. In addition to petting and hugging the dolphin, you have the opportunity to hold onto the dorsal fin and swim with the dolphin for short distances. You better hold on tight to your swimsuit too, since dolphins can swim at over 25 miles per hour.

"Dolphin Wedding" is a customizable wedding package where the dolphins can become participants in your wedding. The bride and groom can take their vows while in the water with the dolphins, or standing on a floating platform surrounded by the dolphins ... and the dolphins can present the ring too. (Reservations should be made at least three months in advance.)

And of course, if you don't want to get wet or married, you can be "observer" and watch the all the fun from the sidelines.

Photos and videos of the event are available for purchase afterwards.

The dolphins at Dolphin Encounters are highly trained animals that are accustomed to interacting with humans, so do not try to pet or hug a wild dolphin or you may be in for a surprise (and a ticket.)

For more information, restrictions and prices, visit the Dolphin Encounters website at dolphinencounters.com