Most Ideal Dolphin-Watching Spots in the World

You can see dolphins up close and personal around the world.

Best Places to See Dolphins in the Wild

Nothing is more exhilarating than seeing a dolphin in the wild. Well, except for perhaps seeing many dolphins in the wild. These sleek, elegant, intelligent marine mammals are among the friendliest and most graceful on the planet. Sadly, many aquariums and aqua theme parks hold them in captivity and subject them to cruelty just so humans can take a closer look.

But you don't have to endanger the lives of dolphins to see them up close and personal. Seeing one in the wild is a beautiful, moving experience. And there are many places and tour operators in the world that allow travelers to see dolphins, while still respecting them and the environment.

While seeing a dolphin is never a guarantee, sightings are more likely where they are most abundant. The good news is that many of these locations are closer than you think. From the warm waters of Florida to those of Southern California, all the way out to Japan, New Zealand, and Tahiti, these are the best natural dolphin watching spots around the world.

25. Azores, Portugal

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Sao Miguel

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Terra Azul

How to See Dolphins in the Azores

The Azores is one of the best places on the planet to see dolphins in the wild. Why? Because the Azores archipelago has more than 20 different species of whales and dolphins.

The most common species here is bottlenose dolphins, but other resident dolphins include common and Risso's. The destination also sees migratory dolphins throughout the year, which means you'll be seeing something any time of year.

Because the area is a protected sanctuary, it is illegal for tourists to visit the dolphins without a licensed guide.

24. Baja California, Mexico

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Los Cabos

Best time of year to see dolphins: October-December, March-April

Tour operator:La Isla Tour

How to See Dolphins in Baja California

The Baja peninsula is one of the most active places in the world for dolphins, whales and other exotic marine animals. In fact, dolphin and whale watching tours are among the prime reasons to visit this beautiful part of the world.

The warm waters of the Sea of Cortez (called the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau) are attractive to migrating whales and dolphins who make their way down from the frigid northern waters.

The best visibility for dolphins in Baja California is the late fall and early spring.

23. Southern California

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Between San Diego and Santa Barbara

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Next Level Sailing

How to See Dolphins in Southern California

The stretch of coast between Santa Barbara and San Diego is teeming with dolphins — we're talking thousands of them that form what is called a "megapode."

In the waters off the coast of Southern California, you'll be able to spot several species of dolphin, including bottlenose, Risso's, Pacific white-sided and common dolphins.

You may even be able to catch a glimpse of orcas and pilot whales, too.

22. Western Australia

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Ningaloo Reef

Best time of year to see dolphins: May-November

Tour operator:Ocean Eco Adventures

How to See Dolphins in Western Australia

The water surrounding Australia is legendary — for the activity above and below. Whether you're surfing, snorkeling, or out on a boat tour, you're likely to see your fair share of marine life, especially if you're off the coast of Western Australia.

Western Australia (WA) may be remote, but that's what makes its wildlife encounters so extraordinary. Between March and August, the waters are vibrating with dolphin pods, from Atlantic bottlenose to spotted dolphins.

You may also be able to see whale sharks, manta rays, tropical fish and turtles.

21. Taranto, Italy

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Gulf of Taranto

Best time of year to see dolphins: May-October

Tour operator:Jonian Dolphin Conservation

How to See Dolphins in Taranto

Taranto, Italy, located on the Ionian Sea, has long been a haven for pods of wild dolphins. As such, the ancient city is home to the Jonian Dolphin Conservation, which has been conducting scientific research for the protection of the dolphins of the region for years.

Within this part of Italy you'll be able to see striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Risso's dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales, fin whales, killer whales, among other amazing marine life.

The tours through the JDC help educate on conservation, while providing the best chances for spotting these incredible aquatic creatures.

20. Galapagos Islands

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Between Isabela and Fernanda islands

Best time of year to see dolphins: June-October

Tour operator:Andando Tours

How to See Dolphins in the Galapagos Islands

Getting to the Galapagos Islands isn’t easy, but that’s for good reason. The islands are one of the last remaining environments for many species of wildlife and, as such, are fiercely protected by the government.

This means that the movement of visitors in and out of the island is restricted, so it’s important to find accredited tour operators that are allowed to operate in the islands.

With respect to dolphins, well, the Galapagos Islands are a treasure trove. The region has 24 species of whales and dolphins, the majority of which can be found between the islands of Isabela and Fernandina.

19. The Bahamas

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Bimini

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Bimini Undersea

How to See Dolphins in The Bahamas

Dolphin encounters are never guaranteed in the wild. They are wild animals, after all. But without giving you the 100 percent guarantee, it is safe to say that you will likely see dolphins when visiting Bimini.

The warm, Caribbean waters are always splashing with Atlantic-supported dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. What could be better than a wild encounter with these gorgeous, friendly creatures in the warm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters?

18. Isla Holbox, Mexico

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Reserva Natural de Yum Balam

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:VIP Holbox Experience

How to See Dolphins in Isla Holbox

The warm waters surrounding Mexico mean dolphin sightings are more than common. Unfortunately, many of these sightings, in the past, have been in entertainment aquariums.

But in recent years, it has become much more preferred to see dolphins in the wild, and Isla Holbox, off the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula, is one of the best places to see dolphins in Mexico.

The Reserva Natural de Yum Balam is a protected nature reserve, where it is more than likely you'll be able to see a pod of dolphins.

17. Moreton Bay, Australia

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Moreton Island

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator: Tangalooma Island Resort

How to see dolphins in Moreton Bay

Within the Moreton Bay marine park, off the coast of Moreton Island, are hundreds of bottlenose dolphins, which hang out in the shallows of the water throughout the year.

Come evening, there is a specific pod of dolphins that makes its way to the nearby Tangalooma Island Resort jetty, and has been for many years. Here you're seeing Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins.

This bay is important for researchers who study the pattern and behaviors of these local dolphins.

16. Kaikoura, New Zealand

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Off shore

Best time of year to see dolphins: June-August

Tour operator:Dolphin Encounter

How to See Dolphins in Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand, is one of the most stunningly beautiful spots on the planet — with endless views of cobalt-colored water and a chain of spiny mountains. It's also a prime area for marine life, including dolphins, seals, and even whales.

Dolphin species to spot are common dolphins, bottlenose, dusky, and Hector's dolphins. From the comfort of a boat, Dolphin Encounter allows for visitors to see as many as 300 dolphins in their natural habitat.

You can even hop in the water for a swim.

15. Hawaii

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Kona

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Kona Snorkel Tours

How to See Dolphins in Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for so many different animals, and dolphins are no exception — especially off the coast of Kona on the Big Island. Here is where you'll find an abundance of spinner dolphins. Spinners are the ones who are known for their fabulous, flying theatrics through the air.

Kona is particularly special because the dolphins come closer to shore than in other parts of the world. But you'll also be able to see pantropical spotted dolphins, false killer whales, melon headed whales, pygmy killer whales, sperm whales and many other large marine mammals.

14. Bolivia

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Madeira River

Best time of year to see dolphins: May-October

Tour operator:Ruta Verde Tours

How to See Dolphins in Bolivia

Dolphins are not relegated to the sea, you know. River dolphins can be found in certain places around the world, like the Amazon Rainforest.

In Bolivia, these dolphins can be found in the Madeira River, and unlike sea dolphins, these dolphins are pink in color.

They also happen to be quite rare, but not impossible to spot, especially if you choose a river tour that knows exactly where to find them.

13. Amakusa, Japan

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Nagasaki and Kumamoto

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Dolphin Cruise

How to See Dolphins in Amakusa

The warm waters off of Japan's southernmost island are home to a pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

The dolphins in this part of Japan are protected by the local marine sanctuary and are very curious and friendly about/toward humans.

Dolphin tours are common from the local seaports, so it's not difficult to find a boat that will take you out to find these happy, frolicking creatures.

12. Byron Bay, Australia

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Cape Bay Marine Park

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:GoSea Kayak

How to See Dolphins in Byron Bay

Byron Bay, Australia, is home to a pod of about 100 bottlenose dolphins, and one of the best ways to see them is to get out on a kayak and paddle around the Cape Bay Marine Park.

Within the park, you'll find bottlenose dolphins, who tend to make an appearance on most tours, as well as humpback whales and species of turtles.

This is purely an observational mission. No swimming is allowed, to keep the interaction non-invasive.

11. Akaroa, New Zealand

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Akaroa Harbour

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Akaroa Dolphins

How to See Dolphins in Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour, in New Zealand's South Island, is home to Hector's dolphins — the world's smallest species of dolphins that are native to New Zealand, and can only be found here. Within the harbor is a marine mammal sanctuary that keeps them protected.

Akaroa Dolphins is a family-owned company with a 98 percent success rate seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. If you don't happen to see a dolphin on your tour, you're welcome to sign up again for free.

10. Pipa, Brazil

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Praia Curral

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Pipa Aventura

How to See Dolphins in Pipa, Brazil

Though not a breeze to get to, the small town of Pipa in Brazil's Rio Grande do Norte is a popular tourist beach destination. Not only are the beaches beautiful, but they are literally packed with dolphins.

You can sign up for a boat tour to see them swimming about, but that may not even be necessary. If you visit Praia Curral, it will be possible to see them jumping right from shore.

Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and get an up-close and personal experience with them in the wild.

9. Marco Island, Florida

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Rivers and the Gulf of Mexico beaches

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Eco Endeavours

How to See Dolphins in Marco Island

The warm, clear waters around Naples and Marco Island are known for their bottlenose dolphin population. The dolphins are attracted to the mullet, which live abundantly in the rivers of Marco Island and the surrounding Gulf of Mexico.

When you book an ecotour on Marco Island, you're taken into the mangrove forests, where it is possible to see the dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. You may even catch a glimpse of a manatee or two.

8. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Praia do Sancho

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Noronha Paddle Club

How to See Dolphins in Fernando de Noronha

The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is a group of 21 islands off the coast of Brazil. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be home to more than 10,000 dolphins in the region. The species you're seeing here are spinner dolphins.

Be sure to stop by Praia do Sancho, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in Brazil. The islands also provide ample opportunity to view sharks and sea turtles.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Granger Bay

Best time of year to see dolphins: May-November

Tour operator:Cape Town Helicopters

How to See Dolphins in Cape Town

During the summer months, the waters around Cape Town, South Africa, are flooded with sardines. Known as the sardine run, it's one of the largest biological events on the planet, attracting hundreds of dolphins (as well as whales and sharks) to the area to feast on sardines.

What better way to see dolphins than from above, when you can watch the great surge flow underneath the ways from an eagle-eye perch?

If you don't happen to make it in time for the sardine run, you can still see common, bottlenose, Indo-Pacific humpback and dusky dolphins year-round.

6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Bay of Banderas

Best time of year to see dolphins: December-February

Tour operator:Vallarta Adventures

How to See Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta

One of Mexico's most popular beach destinations is also famous for another reason — it's on the annual migratory path for dolphins and whales. Every year, whales and dolphins migrate from the colder waters near Canada, down to the warmer waters in Mexico, stopping in the expansive Bay of Banderas near Puerto Vallarta is on their path.

There are many ways to get out onto the bay, whether it's chartering a boat, joining a tour, renting a kayak, or simply laying on the beach. Bottlenose dolphins are plentiful during the winter months, so it's highly likely you will be able to see some.

5. Panama

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Dolphin Bay

Best time of year to see dolphins: June-July

Tour operator:Kawi Voyage

How to See Dolphins in Panama

The popular tourist town of Boca del Toro is home to Dolphin Bay, a natural bay that is home to families of bottlenose dolphins who come to feast on the jellyfish. It is highly unlikely that you won't see a dolphin in the aptly named Dolphin Bay.

However, you need to be mindful of the tour companies you choose. Not all practice ecotourism, but Kawi Voyage is one that is respectful to the environment and also employs locally.

Of course, it's also possible to view the dolphins from the shorefront in case you want to skip the boat trip.

4. Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Playa Marinero

Best time of year to see dolphins: December-March

Tour operator:Eco Adventures Puerto Escondido

How to See Dolphins in Puerto Escondido

The laid-back, sleepy surf town of Puerto Escondido sits on Mexico's Oaxaca coast. It's a haven for surfers, budget travelers and seekers of some of Mexico's most raw and unspoiled coastline.

It also happens to be home to large dolphin populations that swim very close to shore. The best way to see them is to take a boat tour out from the main beach, Playa Marinero, and head out to sea along the coastline.

Not only will you likely see hundreds of dolphins, but you'll be able to jump out of the boat and take a dip with them zig-zagging underneath your feet.

3. Nelson Bay, Australia

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Port Stephens

Best time of year to see dolphins: November-April

Tour operator: Dolphin Swim Australia

How to See Dolphins in Nelson Bay

When you book a cruise with Dolphin Swim Australia, you're signing up for an award-winning cruise that focuses on sustainability.

The sunrise cruises depart from Port Stephens and take cruisers out to the open water to see the hundreds of dolphins that are bouncing around.

Grab a mask and snorkel and jump right in to enjoy these creatures from a closer perspective.

2. Panama City Beach, Florida

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Panama City Beach and St. Andrew’s Bay

Best time of year to see dolphins: Year-round

Tour operator:Captain Anderson’s Marina

How to See Dolphins in Panama City Beach

Florida's coastline is fortunate enough to be a treasure trove of dolphin sightings. From Panama City Beach and St. Andrew's Bay in particular, you'll find one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in the United States.

The dolphins are always active in the early morning, or right before sunset. But the ecosystem is fragile so tourism management is key in order to maintain balance and preservation.

Be sure to choose a tour operator that is ecoconscious.

1. Tahiti

Ideal dolphin-watching spot: Tiputa Pass

Best time of year to see dolphins: August-October

Tour operator:Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

How to See Dolphins in Tahiti

The underwater world of the Rangiroa atoll in Tahiti has been a jewel box for snorkelers and scuba divers for years. They are drawn to the color schools of fish, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

But you can also spot pods of bottlenose dolphins that live in the Tiputa Pass. In fact, if you're a scuba diver in this area, they may even get playful with you beneath the waves. You can still see them from dry land, too.

Several tour companies offer the opportunity to visit the Pass or take a boat out on the water to watch them jump about in the wild.