World Dolphin Day: 13 places to see them in the wild

First marked in 2022, World Dolphin Day is now celebrated annually on 12 September.

Out of 41 dolphin species, five species and six subspecies are endangered due to issues including bycatching, hunting and water development projects in their natural habitats.

There are still plenty of places for you to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat – here, we’ve rounded up 13 places to see dolphins in the wild.

Which kind? Bottlenose

When to go? May to September

The Moray Firth, a North Sea inlet in the north of Scotland near Inverness, is one of the best places to see bottlenose dolphins in the wild, with a resident population of around 130. During the summer months, the number of dolphins increases as they feed on salmon entering and leaving the rivers as well as mackerel from the North Sea, making it the perfect time to visit. You can see dolphins and harbour seals from the shore, while further out you may spot harbour porpoises and whales.

Read next: A wildlife guide to Scotland: Basking sharks, orca and seabirds

Which kind? Common and bottlenose (resident), spotted dolphins (summer)

When to go? Year-round

The volcanic Azores archipelago, which lies around 1,600km off the coast of Portugal, is a hot spot for dolphins and whales, with nearly one-third of the planet’s species recorded in these waters. While whaling was once commonplace for Azoreans, now the vigias (lookout towers) used for hunting are being put to use by trackers who can help direct boats taking tourists on dolphin and whale watching tours. Plus, late last year the Azores expanded its Marine Protected Areas by 30%, creating the largest MPA in Europe.

Common and bottlenose dolphins are resident to the waters around the Azores, and you’ll also see spotted dolphins in the summer months. Superpods, a rare sight where hundreds of dolphins from different pods, gather together are also more common in the Azores.

Read next: A wildlife guide to the Azores: where to see whales, dolphins and birds

Which kind? Bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins (East coast), Haviside’s dolphin (West coast)

When to go? Year-round

South Africa is another destination famed for its whale and dolphin watching, and it’s possible to see these creatures year-round as there are many resident species along the East Coast including the bottlenose, common and humpback dolphin. Having said that, the annual sardine run, which typically takes place sometime between May and July, is a great time to visit as you may encounter superpods of dolphins. On the West Coast, you’re more likely to see the Haviside’s dolphin.

Read next: 7 spine-tingling South African wildlife adventures you’ll want to book now

What kind? Spinner dolphins

When to go? November to March

Sri Lanka‘s Kalpitiya Peninsula is one of the country’s emerging tourist destinations – so head there now before it hits the mainstream. The main reason to visit is for dolphin and whale watching, particularly between November and March when the seas are calmest. Spinner dolphins, so named for its famed acrobatic displays while leaping out of the water, are most commonly sighted, but you can also see bottlenose, Risso’s and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Aside from dolphin watching, the area is popular for kitesurfing.

Read next: Sri Lanka’s best wildlife national parks

Which kind? Orca, Hector’s, bottlenose and Māui

When to go? Year-round

Eight different species of dolphin call the waters around New Zealand home, with the most commonly found including orca, Hector’s and bottlenose. The North Island’s west coast is also the only place in the world you’ll find Māui dolphins, which are among the rarest and smallest in the world. You can see them year-round, but the best time to visit is between December and March.

Different areas have different species, but one of our favourite spots is Kaikōura on the east coast of the South Island. Here, you’ll see dusky dolphins, which are known for their acrobatics as they leap from the water, as well as Hector’s, common, and southern right whale dolphins.

Read next: Ethical wildlife experiences: How to find responsibly-managed animal encounters

Which kind? Pink river dolphins

When to go? Year-round, but dry season (June to November) is better for sightings as they are concentrated in smaller areas

The Amazon river basin is one of two places in the world where you can see the pink river dolphins. Born grey, they slowly turn pinker as they age, with the males a deeper hue than the females. While ocean dwelling dolphins operate in pods of up to 30, pink river dolphins are often alone or in groups of two to four, making counting efforts difficult, and they are currently considered to be endangered. Because of their nature, there are a number of folklore tales about pink river dolphins – namely that they are encantado, a dolphin shapeshifter that turns into a handsome man at night to seduce girls before transforming back again.

Pink river dolphins can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela; Consider a small-ship expedition cruise along the Rio Negro near Manaus in Brazil, where you’ll likely see pink river dolphins as you explore the Amazon’s largest tributary.

Read next: Exploring the Amazon through Indigenous eyes

Which kind? Pantropical spotted, Frasers’s and bottlenose dolphin

When to go? Year-round

Known as the dolphin and whale watching capital of the Caribbean, Dominica is a year-round destination for seeing pantropical spotted, Frasers’s and bottlenose dolphins. If you want to tick off whales as well as dolphins, you may want to visit between November and April, when humpback whales can also be seen in the waters around Dominica.

Read next: The Caribbean’s hidden gem: Top 10 reasons to visit Dominica

Which kind? Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins

When to go? Year-round, but October to April is the best time for weather overall

Several species of dolphin live in Oman‘s waters, including spinner, common, bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose, and you can head on watching tours from bases in cities like Muscat or Salalah. Our favourite place for dolphin watching is the Musandam Peninsula, which is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates and is known for its fjord-like landscape. Here, you can rent a traditional dhow boat to stay in overnight and see bottlenose dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins which often play around the boats as you sail.

Read next: The Wanderlust Explorer’s Guide to Oman

Which kind? Australian humpback and bottlenose dolphins

When to go? May to November (Queensland), June to November (New South Wales)

Australia‘s coastline offers ample opportunities to see dolphins in the wild. In Queensland, the Whitsundays within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is home to plenty of bottlenose dolphins as well as spinner, Indo-Pacific humpback and snubfin dolphins, while Hervey Bay, known as the whale watching capital of Australia, is known for its Australian humpback dolphins. In New South Wales, Port Stephens is known as the country’s dolphin capital thanks to its 140 resident bottlenose dolphins, while Jervis Bay is also home to around 100 residents of the same species.

Read next: The ultimate wildlife guide to Australia

Which kind? Spinner and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins

When to go? Year-round; peaks in summer

The Egyptian Red Sea is a popular spot for holidaymakers looking to see dolphins, with many choosing either Marsa Alam or Hurghada as their base for dolphin watching tours. The Red Sea is home to both spinner and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, which you’ll find near reefs which are also prime spots for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Which kind? Bottlenose

When to go? Year-round

The waters around Tenerife are home to resident bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales, but you may also encounter Atlantic spotted, rough-toothed, striped and Risso’s throughout the year. Come winter, common dolphins have also been spotted here, as have Fraser’s dolphins and orcas (albeit rarely)

Read next: Eco-friendly ways to get outdoors in Spain’s nature 

Which kind? Bottlenose dolphin

When to go? Year-round

If you’re heading to the United States and want to see dolphins, Florida is your best bet. Bradenton is home to a rare, resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphin pod, which you can see off Anna Maria Island and the Cortez Fishing Village year-round, while Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay are also good places to head to catch a glimpse of the cheeky creatures.

Read next: 5 ways to explore and protect wild Florida

Which kind? Spinner dolphins

When to go? April to October

Palawan Island is an animal lovers’ paradise, with ample opportunities for diving and snorkelling, and the chance to see dugongs. Plus, between April and October you’ll also be able to see spinner dolphins in Puerto Princesa Bay. Alternatively, Bais in the province of Negros Oriental is another popular base for dolphin watching tours.

Read next: 5 pristine islands in the Philippines