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Maptlantis

Dolphin encounters

Where to see dolphins: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 151Countries 28Published prices 102Encounter formats 9
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see dolphins around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the dolphin as a target species, 151 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include El Gouna, Jervis Bay Territory, Ari & Rasdhoo, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Eastern Cape Algoa Bay and Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles. Encounters are split into snorkeling, boat-based watching, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Two "dolphin tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 102 of the 151 operators (68%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jul–Oct, Aug–Oct and Jun–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

151 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

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Dolphin season

How to meet dolphins

Dolphins by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see dolphins?

151 operators name the dolphin as a target species. Main regions: El Gouna, Jervis Bay Territory, Ari & Rasdhoo, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Eastern Cape Algoa Bay and Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles.

Do you have to get in the water to see dolphins?

Formats on record: snorkeling, boat-based watching, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is dolphin season?

Operators list different seasons, Jul–Oct, Aug–Oct and Jun–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Dolphins are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do dolphin tours cost?

102 of the 151 operators (68%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.