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.
How to See Dolphins in Western Australia
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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.
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.
How to See Dolphins in Cape Town
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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.
