Best Places to Dive and Swim with Dolphins

Are you looking for the best places to swim with dolphins?

Imagine jumping into a crystal clear water where smiling faces that are eager for the next fun adventure are waiting for you. They are curious about who you are and what to expect from you. Are you curious as to how they will react to you when you join them in their element?

Of course we are talking about Dolphins here. Follow us in this article to all the top 20 places where to see and swim with dolphins. But first let’s learn more about them!

There’s no question dolphins are smarter than humans as they play more.

Albert Einstein

From here you can decide: Either you read the entire article about swimming with dolphins or you jump right to your favorite part.

Which and How Many Dolphin Species Exist

Endangerment of Dolphins

The Best Places to Swim or Dive with Dolphins

Which and How Many Dolphin Species Exist

The family Delphinidae (dolphin-like) with more than 40 species is the most versatile and diverse among the cetaceans.

Marine dolphins

All marine dolphins usually have a pronounced snout, a streamlined body, a notch in the middle of the fluke and usually a striking dorsal fin. Among them there are both deep-sea species and coastal species around the globe.

In particular, dolphins living in the open sea have wide ranges of distribution in which they occur. The slim dolphin, for example, can be found along a wide belt in the tropical and some temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Great places to best places to swim with dolphins.

Other dolphin species, however, are restricted to coastal waters and sometimes small areas of distribution and are therefore usually highly endangered when anthropogenic exploitation interferes with their habitat.

The youngest Dolphins

One of the smallest dolphins with a body height of about 1.3 metres is the Hector’s dolphin, which lives off the coast of New Zealand. It is one of the most endangered species. Their preference to live in shallow waters and bays is often fatal for the small marine mammals, as they get caught and drown in the fishermen’s gillnets.

Also among the smallest is the Amazon Sotalia, a dolphin species that occurs in several colour variations both in the sea and in rivers like the Amazon, which belong to best places to swim with dolphins.

The best known Dolphin species

The bottlenose dolphin is undoubtedly one of the most famous dolphin species, as it is kept in captivity and displayed in numerous dolphinariums. These docile and intelligent animals can grow up to 3.9 metres tall. The television show “Flipper” has also contributed to the popularity of these dolphins and their skills.

Another of the most famous species is the largest and heaviest representative of the Delphinidae, the Orca or killer whale, which can reach up to 9.8 meters and 9 tons. Its black and white markings are particularly beautiful and this species has also become known as a star of movies (Free Willy).

The Unknown Dolphin species

Among the lesser known species we find names like Heaviside’s dolphin with a small distribution area off the South African coast or the Commerson’s dolphin off the South American coast from the Valdez peninsula to Tierra del Fuego. These black and white dolphins, also called Jacobites, are particularly endangered because they are hunted as bait for crab fishing.

River dolphins

River-dolphins live in some big and often muddy rivers in Asia and South America, some also in at it bordering coast-waters. All river dolphin species look very similar, because their often special appearance is a consequence of adaptation to their habitat. They have very small eyes, a long, slender beak and wide flippers. River dolphins are small, rarely longer than 2.5 m and slow swimmers.

Five species can be distinguished, they are geographically completely isolated from each other and all are highly threatened by fishing, water pollution and habitat destruction, including dams. The Chinese river dolphin, also known as Baiji, which is native to the Jangste, has even been considered extinct since 2007, although this species was already protected in 1979. But illegal hunting, the unrestrained destruction, pollution and exploitation of its habitat left this river dolphin with little chance of survival.

The big relatives — the smaller toothed whales

Also still to the dolphinartigen counts its biggest representatives, the sword-whale (Orca) already mentioned above, the small sword-whale, the width-beak-dolphin, the Indian and the ordinary pilot whale and as smallest the dwarf pilot whale. Indian pilot whales are frequently seen off the Canary Islands. These whales with their roundish, cap-shaped fins often rest in groups on the surface of the water during the day and can be easily observed. All species are sociable animals, live in structured groups and usually prefer deeper waters.

How many dolphin species exist?

It is not clear exactly how many dolphin species there are, because new species are still being discovered!

Usually it is found with an already known species that a certain, e.g. geographically isolated population is a separate species. It is extremely difficult to draw conclusions about the species affiliation from appearance and behaviour alone with dolphins. The range of variation is too wide for and their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions is too pronounced.

This applies in particular to hunting behaviour. The most traditional hunting strategies can be so different that one might think that we are dealing with different species for this reason alone. This is especially true for the world’s best researched species, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Only the analysis of the genome allows us to draw reliable conclusions about the species.

Splitting up a species has serious consequences for conservation and management sites, if they exist at all. It makes a difference whether protection measures are intended for a regionally occurring population of a widespread species or whether a species occurring only here is to be saved from extinction.

New dolphin species confirms old theory of evolution

Now it is official — there are four species of humpback dolphins. The Australian humpback dolphin is the latest addition to this genus. Its existence also shows how geographical boundaries shape the animal world.

It has taken a long time: for 17 years, international whale researchers have been working to get some order into a sub-division of the marine mammal family tree. They have analysed all available historical data, evaluated descriptions and genetic analyses of species to tidy up the genus of humpback dolphins. And now they are presenting a new species, the Australian humpback dolphin.

Endangerment of Dolphins

Dolphins are endangered, especially the ones living in rivers which are mostly recognized as even critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

So let us look at the main reasons why we as humans are giving dolphins a hard time. If you would like to support dolphin conservastion, we believe that Ric’s Dolphin Project, the dolphin rescue society, or WWF is doing great work. Which we cover in this article of the best places to swim with dolphins.

Reason #1 Fishing

Ruthless exploitation: There is still far too much fish being taken from the seas. Not only are we depriving ourselves of an important food resource, but many marine mammal species and other hunters of the oceans are also losing their food base. According to estimates by the IWC (International Whaling Commission) scientific committee, every year some 300,000 whales and dolphins die a senseless and cruel death as by-catch in the nets of industrial fishing fleets.

Dolphins killed each year: Over 300,000

Reason #2 Dolphin hunting

Dolphin hunters kill without restraint.

Dolphins are hunted and brutally killed on the coasts of Japan, on the Faroe Islands belonging to Denmark or on the Solomon Islands. Their meat is used as food (Faroe Islands and Japan), a few animals are left alive to survive in captivity (Japan). The number of dolphins killed each year by direct hunting is in the tens of thousands. In addition, there is an unknown number of animals killed, for example in Venezuela, in the Gulf of Guinea or off Sri Lanka.

Dolphins killed each year: Over 50,000

Reason #3 Dolphin Capturing

Endless suffering: Bottlenose dolphins, orcas and beluga whales cannot be kept in captivity in a species-appropriate manner. They are highly intelligent marine mammals that occupy a large habitat, travel long distances every day and live in complex social relationships. They suffer greatly under the artificial and limited conditions of captivity, degenerating into trained “clowns” that have little in common with their fellow species living in the wild.

Why we are against swimming with dolphins in captivity

There’s about as much educational benefit studying dolphins in captivity as there would be studying mankind by only observing prisoners held in solitary.

Jacques Cousteau

Whales and dolphins cannot be kept in zoos and dolphinariums in a manner appropriate to their species. There are also strong arguments against swimming with dolphins — especially in a dolphinarium. In the wild, swimming with dolphins can be fun for humans and dolphins, but some things have to be considered.

What to have in mind when swimming with dolphins and

1. The risk of aggressive behaviour towards humans (for example when they have no place to retreat or want to protect their young).
2. The risk of disease transmission from humans to dolphins and vice versa.
3. Swimmers* can injure the sensitive skin of dolphins (for example by jewellery or by fingernails when holding on).
4. The risk of forcing dolphins to interact with humans (for example by depriving them of food).
5. The fact that individuals are torn from their natural environment for dolphinariums and dolphin therapy services. They are transported thousands of kilometres to be available to humans in dolphinariums.
6. Research has shown that in areas where many commercial swim trips and other activities take place, dolphins leave their natural habitat to seek out quieter areas.
7. No long-term success has been demonstrated with dolphin therapy. Import if you are looking for the best places to swim with dolphins.

The Best Places to Swim or Dive with Dolphins

Finally you are there, at your dream destination — The water is crystal clear and dreamy blue and then you hear it. In the distance, there must be dolphins communicating. You can’t hold your excitement back anymore and neither can the Dolphins.

Follow us to the best places to swim or dive with these magnificent fun creatures.

How did We Choose Which the Best Places to Swim with Dolphins are?

As Dolphins are at home almost everywhere on the planet, are curious and love to to play, swimming or diving with dolphins in the wild is possible in a lot of places. Hence, it was extremely hard to choose which places to show you first, when looking for best places to swim with dolphins.

In the end, we believe these are all incredible places with amazing Dolphin experiences. The numbering is just to give you a structure.

Enjoy scrolling through the list! If you visit one of these places make sure to send us a picture from your Dolphin encounter to roar@animalsaroundtheglobe.com for the best places to swim with dolphins!

#1 The Bahamas

In the crystal clear, shallow waters of the Bahamas there are many encounters with dolphins; mostly the mammals are found near Bimini, Grand Bahama and in many hidden bays known only to the tour guides. Around the island of Grand Bahama, which is only 90 km east of Palm Beach in Florida, dolphin groups can be found in warm water almost all year round and encounters are more or less guaranteed.

Travel time: All year round

Dolphin species: spotted dolphin, spinner dolphin, blue-white dolphin and porpoise

Other species: Later in the year there is a possibility to encounter bull and tiger sharks as well as whitetip oceanic sharks.

Best Diving Schools near the Bahamas for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Wild Quest
2. Balmoral Island
3. Island Routes Caribbean Adventures — Bahamas
4. Dolphin Cay
5. Charter Me Bahamas

#2 The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is at the top of the list for many divers for good reason. In addition to whales, sharks and other large marine animals, dolphins are often sighted here from boats and while diving. Bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins are permanently resident, other species can be encountered on their migration through the reserve. Spinner dolphins in particular are found in large groups around Fernandina Island.

Travel time: All year round

Dolphin species: Bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, spinner dolphin and spotted dolphin

Other species: The list is almost endless and includes whales, mantas, marine lizards, penguins, sea lions and lots of sharks

View all liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands

Best Diving Schools near the The Galapagos Islands for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Galapagos Ninfa Tour
2. Voyager’s Travel
3. Galapagos Island Trips
4. Alya Catamaran
5. Galapagos Low Cost

#3 Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius

If you go on an excursion to swim with dolphins, you will (if you are lucky enough to meet them) experience these adorable animals in all their beauty. Dolphins are usually in groups of 20 or more. They can often be seen in the early morning hours in the bay of Tamarin (in the west of Mauritius), from where they set off to feed in the deeper waters around Le Morne peninsula. The most common dolphin species in Mauritius are the bottlenose dolphins (also called bottle-nosed dolphins) and spinner dolphins. These species delight and surprise spectators with their playfulness with which they gracefully swim in the waves.

The bottlenose dolphins can often be seen in and around Mauritius and you will probably meet them on your trip. They are grey and can reach a length of 2–4 metres and a weight of 150 to 650 kg. While they are seen in small groups of only 15 dolphins, they can also be seen in groups of up to a thousand. These wonderful cheerful animals mainly feed on small fishes that live in the deeper waters around Mauritius.

What is the best time to see dolphins in Mauritius?

Best Time to swim with Dolphins in MauritiusAll Year Round

Best Diving Schools near the Flic-en-Flac for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Taxi a Maurice
2. La Pirogue — Swim with Dolphins
3. Ushuaia Boat Services
4. Holy Spirit Cruise
5. Mauritius Sea Discovery

#4 Sataya Reef & Samadai Reef, Egypt

The clear visibility in the Egyptian Red Sea with its colorful corals and the many species of fish is actually almost enough to make any underwater enthusiast happy. But it gets even better, as the area is home to many species of dolphins and you can encounter groups of spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common and round-headed dolphins.

It is best to go to the famous reefs near Marsa Alam in the southern Red Sea. At Samadai Reef, also known as “Dolphin House”, and Sataya Reef it is possible to dive or snorkel along the edge of the reef and wait for the curious dolphins to come out of their lagoon to get a close look at their visitors.

Travel time: All year round, with May to July being the best time

Dolphin species: Mainly spinner dolphins, but also occasionally bottlenose dolphins, common and round-headed dolphins

Other species: On Elphinstone Reef you can also see white tip sharks, turtles and many reef fish

Liveaboard recommended by us: MY Blue Planet I

Best Diving Schools near the Sataya Reef & Samadai Reef for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Liveaboards
2. Mars al alam Tours
3. Viator
4. Inspirock
5. Ibis Travel

#5 Socorro Island, Mexico

The island of Socorro, also nicknamed the “Mexican Galapagos”, is one of the best diving destinations in the world and boasts some really impressive large animal species. Here you can watch the giants of the sea like manta rays, whale sharks and humpback whales in their natural environment. During the high season you can also regularly see dolphins in addition to these majestic marine creatures.

Travel time: January to March for dolphins, although the season lasts from November to May

Dolphin species: bottlenose dolphin

Dolphin species: bottlenose dolphin

Other species: Regular encounters with whale sharks, mantas, humpback whales and up to 10 species of sharks, including hammerheads

Liveaboard recommended by us: Quino El Guardian

Best Diving Schools near the Socorro Island for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Cantamar Liveaboards

#6 Ningaloo Reef, Australia

The Ningaloo Reef in Australia is world famous for sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. But this beautiful little island is also developing into one of the best places in the world to meet dolphins.

Common dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins cruise the bays of Rockingham and pass by the islands; large groups of common dolphins can be found in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. With its idyllic location, fantastic underwater world and great weather, this little paradise is definitely worth a visit.

Ever wanted to go to Australia?
Have a look at the Best Places to see Koalas.

Travel time: All year round

Dolphin species: common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin

Other species: Encounters with whale sharks, whales and sharks are quite possible

Liveaboard recommended by us: Spoilsport

Best Diving Schools in Australia for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Viator
2. Dive Forster
3. Dolphin Boat Australia
4. Dolphin Discovery Centre
5. Rockingham Wild Encounters

#7 Sardine migration, South Africa

Sardine migration has become very popular since the broadcast of “Blue Planet”, where the migration of the billions of sardines on the east coast of South Africa was portrayed. The up to 15 km long shoals attract hungry seabirds, whales, sharks and of course dolphins, who also want a bite.

Divers can plunge into the midst of the turmoil to watch some of the 18,000 dolphins in their annual hunt for sardines in a feeding frenzy. Not only can divers see the animals in impressive numbers, they can also see how these intelligent mammals work together to hunt the huge schools of fish.

Travel time: May to July for the sardine hike; dolphins can be seen all year round

dolphin species: porpoise and common dolphin

Other species: sharks, humpback whales, tunas and mackerels are also found

View all dive centres in South Africa

Ever thought about going to Central Africa? Have a look at the Wildebeest Migration or a trekking tour to the Mountain Gorillas on our blog.

Best Diving Schools in South Africa for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Animal Ocean
2. Extreme Nature Tours
3. Safari and Surf
4. Scuba Crew
5. Cape Town Bucket List

#8 Hawaii, Oahu Island and Big Island, USA

Swimming with dolphins in Hawaii will make your vacation unforgettable. There are eight different species (including spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins) of dolphins in the waters of Hawaii. Most common are the bottle-nosed and spinner dolphins.

On Oahu Island and the Big Island, various dolphin tours are offered, allowing visitors to meet these creatures in the wild. Some tours are pure sightseeing tours where you can watch the dolphins from the boat. Others even offer the opportunity to jump into the water and swim with the dolphins.

Near Oahu and Big Island you can regularly see Spinner Dolphins resting in shallow sandy bays; check with your tour operator to see if they participate in the government’s Dolphin SMART program, which ensures responsible dolphin tourism.

Travel time: All year round, with increasing numbers of dolphins in the winter months

Dolphin species: Spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin and bottlenose dolphin

Other species: sharks, turtles, killer whales, pilot whales and manta rays

Best Diving Schools in Hawaii for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Kona Ocean Adventures
2. Sea Quest Snorkel Tours
3. Hawaii Experiences
4. Wild Hawaii Ocean Experiences
5. Mantra Ray Dives of Hawaii

#9 Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand is a great place to meet black dolphins. The dolphins form groups of 100 to 1,000 individuals in the waters around Kaikoura. There are several tour operators that guarantee encounters with these magnificent marine creatures and allow you to dive, snorkel and swim with them.

Travel time: All year round

Dolphin species: Black dolphin

Other animal species: seabirds and whales

Best Diving Schools in New Zealand for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. NZ Dolphin
2. Dolphin Encounter
3. Dolphin Project
4. Black Cat NZ
5. Viator

#10 Dolphin House, Hurghada or Marsa Alam,

A popular excursion to Dolphin Bay in Hurghada! We recommend the trip because tourists can enjoy swimming with dolphins here. You can also see the beautiful corals and a variety of fish and enjoy a picnic on a boat on the Red Sea. Another great place on the list for the best places to swim with dolphins.

Best Diving Schools in Hurghada for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Liveaboard
2. Hurghada Online Tours
3. Get Your Guide
4. Egyptra

#11 Brazil, Fernando De Noronha, Brazil

Close to the island of Fernando De Noronha is home to the world’s largest group of spinner dolphins. The group, according to some assumptions more than 10,000 animals strong, can be regularly encountered early in the morning when returning from night hunting in the open sea. The island, which lies about 320 km off the Brazilian coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is blessed with some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches.

Travel time:: August to November for the north of the island, January to March for the south

Dolphin species: Spinner dolphin

Other species: Good chances to encounter turtles, whitetip reef sharks and nurse sharks

Best Diving Schools in Fernando de Noronha for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Atlantis Divers
2. Noronha Travel
3. Grayline Brazil

#12 Raja Ampat, Indonesia

For those who are enthusiastic about biodiversity, corals and macro-creatures, Raja Ampat is an enchanting destination — as a special bonus there are also many dolphins. In the warm sea water, spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins as well as round-headed dolphins cavort. It is very likely that you will encounter dolphins during your crossings, so there are many opportunities to dive into the waters.

Travel time: October to April

Dolphin species: Spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Indo-Pacific dolphins and Risso’s dolphins

Other species: minke whales, small killer whales, pilot whales, sharks, mantas

Liveaboard recommended by us: Samambaia

See all liveaboards in Raja Ampat

Best Diving Schools in Raja Ampat for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Meridian Adventures
2. Cove Eco Resort
3. Stay Raja Ampat
4. Papua Paradise Eco Resort
5. Raja 4 Divers

#13 Pico, Azores

Here, too, there is a cautious encounter between humans and animals, writes the travel portal “Marco Polo”. The Undersea Soft Encounter Alliance also offers dolphin diving on the Portuguese Atlantic islands.

Best Diving Schools near Pico, Azores for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Cetacean Watching, Pico Island
2. Dive Azores, Faial Island
3. Twin Peaks Diving Centre, Pico Island
4. Brizaçores, Pico Island
5. Norberto Diver, Faial Island
6. Futurismo

#14 Nelson Bay and Port Stephens, Australia

Nelson Bay is dedicated to humpback whale and dolphin tourism. The excursion boats of Moonshadow, for example, advertise with a 99% guarantee to see dolphins. However: With a busy schedule the dolphins are sometimes frightened away, writes “Marco Polo”. Muttonbird Island, located at the head of Coff’s Harbour, is a much quieter place and also a great vantage point.

Nov — April is the best time for Dolphins here!

Best Diving Schools near Nelson Bay, Australia for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Another great place to best places to swim with dolphins. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Dolphin Boat Australia
2. The Retreat
3. Imagine Cruises
4. Moonshadow
5. Cruisability

#15 Madeira, Portugal

Who has not dreamt of swimming with dolphins and watching whales? For sure, not only children are enthusiastic about this experience but also young and old people — thus, those who visit Madeira should really take their time and experience this very special excursion — and those who have children should surely not forget them in the hotel during this excursion…

In Madeira, for example, there is the possibility to make a daily boat trip and get very close to the whales and dolphins. Those who want to experience something very special can even swim with the shoals of dolphins and watch them playing from very close. It is precisely because there are very frequent visits of dolphins and whales off the coast of Madeira that there is so often the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals more closely.

1. Magic Dolphin
2. Ocean See
3. Ventura Nature Emotions
4. H2O Madeira
5. On Tales
6. Lobosonda

#16 Manaus, Amazon, Brazil

Incredible sight! Pink dolphins are an absolute rarity in the animal kingdom. The Botos, or also called Amazon dolphins, exist exclusively in South America.

Incredible sight! Pink dolphins are an absolute rarity in the animal kingdom. The Botos, or also called Amazon dolphins, exist exclusively in South America. Photo: Getty Images

Yes, they really exist: pink dolphins. Botos, as the animals are also called, are found exclusively in the Amazon and in the Orinoco River in South America. In the rivers there are then selected places where it is possible to swim with these rare animals. For this, however, it is best to book a tour and place yourself confidently in the hands of experienced guides — because not only the sweet pink dolphins swim around in the rivers…

Best Diving Schools near the Manaus, Brazil for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Lo Peix
2. Amazon Forest Tours
3. Ney Eco Adventures
4. Amazon Tours Brazil
5. Amazonas Day Tour

#17 Molat and Pula, Croatia

Dolphins can also be observed on the Croatian island of Molat — even from a kayak. Malik Adventures offers such adventure tours. And if that’s not enough: The Blue World Institute even offers the possibility to adopt a dolphin. If you want to become active yourself, you can also do so through a volunteer program. This is possible among others with the Croats of Malik Adventures or with Volunteer Work on Filicudi (Liparic Islands, Italy) in the Mediterranean Sea — just to name a few examples.

Best Diving Schools near Molat, Croatia for swimming with Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Losinj Dolphins
2. Dolphin Watching Adriatic
3. Dolphin Watching Rovinj
4. Pula Brikuni
5. See Dolphins

#18 Borneo

This tour will take you from Kuching to the Damai Peninsula where you’ll board a boat and proceed to the river mouth of the mangrove belt in search of the Irrawaddy (or snub fin) Dolphins.

The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a slow swimmer; it surfaces in a rolling fashion and lifts its tail fluke clear of the water for a deep dive only. Observe the dolphins while they swim around the boats of the local fishermen in search for food. Afterwards there may even be chance to try to find wild crocodiles along the riverbanks of the mangrove forest.

Another 30 minutes’ ride will bring you to the Satang Islands located off the coast of Santubong. On the way, pass by ‘Bird’s Rock’, a rocky islet which is an important habitat for Black-naped and Bridled terns. A packed lunch is provided on the island. Enjoy the beautiful view from the island, relax at the beach or go for a swim or snorkel in the clear water. After lunch you’ll return to Damai for the transfer back to Kuching.

Best Tour Operators on Borneo for watching Dolphins

Multiple diving schools and tour operators are offering dolphin encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

1. Borneo Eco Tours

Summary about swimming with Dolphins in the Wild

Dolphins are extremely intelligent and fun beings. Under the right circumstance diving or swimming with dolphins can be a great adventure for human and animals.

Dolphins need our protection. Have fun exploring dolphins responsibly and make unforgettable memories when going to best places to swim with dolphins.

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