Where to See Dolphins in the Wild

Dolphins are sociable and playful, and they tend to approach people without fear and will jump for joy. There are many places where you can see dolphins in the wild. We’ll tell you all about them in this article.

Where to see dolphins in the wild

One of the most amazing spectacles in the world is being able to see animals in their natural habitat. When we do that, we have to be sure we don’t disturb them and that we’re letting them carry out their activities as if no one were watching. You can see dolphins in the wild in many places. Here are some of them:

1. Fernando de Noronha

This is in Brazil—it’s where the cover photo of the article was taken—and it’s the perfect place to admire cetaceans. You can either see them from the Dolphin Bay viewpoint or aboard a boat in Fernando de Noronha National Park. 

Depending on the time of year, you can see from 50 to 300 dolphins jumping and playing in the water. And, best of all, you don’t have to get up early to see them in action because they’re active all day.

2. Azores Islands

In this Portuguese archipelago, you can go whale watching and swim with dolphins in the wild. This experience is truly unique and unforgettable, and you can do it aboard a zodiac boat with qualified guides and biologists. 

You’ll learn a lot about the life of cetaceans on the islands of Sao Miguel, Pico and Ponta Delgada. These are some of the places where dolphins like to eat and play. However, you’re not allowed to touch the dolphins or get too close. If they want to, they’ll choose to approach people. 

3. Baja California

This destination if really wonderful if you want to see dolphins in the wild, as well as other marine species. Both the peninsula and the Gulf of California (the latter is called the Bermejo Sea or Sea of Cortez) are an extension of the Pacific Ocean. Dolphins like to stay in this area at certain times of the year. 

According to the oceanographer Costeau, this site is the “world’s aquarium” due to the diversity of species that live there. If you take a boat trip, you can see at least 20 different dolphins swimming together. It’s like a natural show that you don’t want to miss out on.

4. The Bahamas

In this part of the world, you’d have to travel to the islands of Paradise and Bimini to see dolphins in the wild. Without a doubt, they’re the best places to come into contact with marine fauna, either on a boat or while diving. Also, the waters are so crystal clear that you can see up to 200 feet without a problem.

If you’re walking along the shore, you might see groups of dolphins jumping among the waves in the distance. Also, if you want to see them up close, you can take a ferry to the Blue Lagoon. You’ll also be able to see some fairly sociable sea lions.

5. Iquitos

In Peru, you can see both oceanic and river dolphins. To see oceanic dolphins, you’ll need to go to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, in Punta Lobos (about 37 miles from Lima). On the other hand, if you want to see river dolphins, you’d need to go to the Peruvian jungle and the town of Iquitos.

In Iquitos, you’ll be able to see a species of pink dolphin that only lives in the lagoons and freshwater rivers of the Amazon basins. The youngest ones are gray, but their bodies become lighter as they grow. Also, males are more pink than females.

Although they’re somewhat shy compared to other dolphins, you can see them swimming around if you take a boat across the river.