Where Can You See Dolphins In The Wild?

Sociable and playful in nature, these marine mammals approach people without fear and jump to meet boats. Often having fun following their foamy trails. There are many places in the world where you can see dolphins in the wild. If you want to know what they are, don’t miss this article!

The best places to see dolphins in freedom

One of the most beautiful shows in the world is to observe animals in their natural habitat, without disturbing them and letting them go about their business as if no one was observing them. If you have the opportunity to travel, grab a pen and paper and get ready to discover the best places in the world where you can see these wonderful cetaceans:

1. Fernando de Noronha Archipelago

It is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 350 kilometers from the Brazilian coast. It is an ideal place to admire these splendid living beings, both from the panorama offered by the Bay of the Dolphins, and aboard a boat inside the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park . You can also go diving in this transparent sea and, with a little luck, you will be able to see them even more closely.

Depending on the time of year, it is possible to see 50 to 300 dolphins jumping and playing in the waters. Best of all, you don’t need to get up early to see them in action, as they are there all day.

2. Azores Islands

In this Portuguese archipelago you will have the opportunity to spot whales and swim with dolphins  in freedom. This experience is truly unique and unforgettable, you can do it aboard an equipped dinghy and under the supervision of qualified guides and biologists.

You will learn a lot about the life of cetaceans in the islands of Sao Miguel, Pico and Ponta Delgada, places chosen by the animals to forage and play. It is not allowed to touch the dolphins or get too close. If they want to, they will be the ones to get close to you.

3. Baja California

This destination is truly wonderful if you want to see dolphins in the wild, as well as other marine species. Both the peninsula and the Gulf of California (also called Mar de Cortés or even Bermejo Sea ) are an extension of the Pacific Ocean and a favorite place for these cetaceans in certain seasons.

According to the oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, this place is the “aquarium of the world” due to the enormous diversity of the species that inhabit it. On a boat ride you will see dozens of dolphins swimming together. It is a spectacle of nature that no animal lover should miss.

4. Bahamas Islands

These islands, sandwiched between Florida and the Greater Antilles, include two places that represent the  ultimate  for dolphin lovers. We are talking about  Paradise Island  and Bimini. Undoubtedly, they are the best places to get in touch with marine life, aboard a boat or by taking a dive. The waters are so crystal clear that you can see up to 60 meters deep without any problems.

Walking along the shore of the beach it is possible to see groups of dolphins jumping in the distance. If you prefer a closer contact, hop aboard one of the many boats bound for Blue Lagoon, where you can also see quite sociable sea lions.

5. Peru

This South American country, nestled to the east between Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, will allow you to see both ocean and river dolphins. In the first case we advise you to go to the Pacific Ocean, to Punta Lobos (about 60 kilometers from Lima). On the contrary, the second trip will be done through the jungle, to the remote and picturesque town of Iquitos.

Here, you will be able to see the very special pink dolphin that lives only in the lagoons and freshwater rivers of the Amazon basins. Younger specimens are gray, but as they grow their bodies become lighter. Oddly, males have a brighter color than females.