Watching, but above all swimming or diving with dolphins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. It's a magical moment that you absolutely must experience on your travels, if you have the chance. Here's a closer look at the best spots around the world to dive with dolphins. Big blue atmosphere guaranteed!
In Europe, off the Atlantic coast
Having reviewed the best destinations for diving, Petit Futé dives into the world of dolphins. A whale-watching paradise, the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is also a paradise for swimming and diving with dolphins. Numerous species of this legendary cetacean, notably the bottlenose dolphin and the spotted dolphin, populate these waters. The islands of Terceira, São Miguel, Faial and Pico are particularly recommended. Numerous local agencies offer outingsto all these enchanting islands. The other Portuguese archipelago, Madeira, may also be a good option for dolphin diving.
America, from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean
In the Caribbean Sea, in the Bahamas, Atlantic and spotted dolphins live along coastal areas and are the main representatives of marine mammals. Biminis in particular are one of the must-do activities in the Bahamas. These islands became a mecca for deep-sea fishing when Ernest Hemingway discovered them in 1935. Today, these fish-filled waters are popular with Americans who come here on fishing raids from Florida. They are alsoan ideal spot for swimming with dolphins. From simple outings to multi-day cruises, there's no limit to how far you can go to meet them.
On the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian archipelago is a prime destination for this experience, particularly on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, aka Big Island. Oahu, Barack Obama's native island, is home to the urban madness and festivities of Waikiki, while the hinterland has remained wild and unspoiled. But above all, it's a surfing mecca and a good starting point for a snorkeling trip to swim with dolphins. The same goes for Big Island, which offers a concentration of the archipelago and great opportunities for dolphin watching. But beware: here, as on the rest of the planet, it's essential not to touch wild dolphins, and to maintain an appropriate distance so as not to disturb them.
Also read: What to do and see in Hawaii? The 12 must-sees
Where to dive with dolphins? Good spots in Latin America
Where to dive with dolphins? Brazil offers several exceptional sites for swimming or diving with dolphins in their natural habitat. In north-east Brazil, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Brazil, is home to the world's largest concentration of spinner dolphins, notably in the Baía dos Golfinhos. On the coast, the seaside resort of Praia da Pipa is also renowned for its dolphin-watching. Around 150 km east of Rio de Janeiro, Arraial do Cabo, the local diving capital, is also a great option, while in the Amazon, near Manaus, it's possible to encounter pink dolphins, an emblematic species of Amazonian freshwater. One of a kind!
swimming with dolphins in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago is an exceptional experience. Although direct snorkeling encounters are rare (try the spots at Kicker Rock in San Cristóbal, Punta Vicente Roca in Isabela and Champion Islet or Devil's Crown in Floreana, one of the must-see visits to the Galápagos Islands). Dolphins, especially bottlenose and common dolphins, are frequently seen from the boats. For divers of a certain level, the Darwin and Wolf islands are the best sites in the archipelago. The area around Wolf and Darwin Islands is constantly visited by a wide variety of marine creatures, including of course dolphins.
Where can you go to dive with dolphins? In Africa, from North to South
In the land of the Pharaohs, the best opportunities for swimming with dolphins are to be found in the Red Sea, Egypt's diving and relaxation destination. South of Marsa Alam, the Sataya reef, with its vast shallow lagoon, is known for its spinner dolphins. Every morning, these cetaceans come into the lagoon to rest, giving visiting snorkelers the chance to see them in their natural environment. A wide range of excursions, from simple day trips to all-inclusive cruises lasting almost a week, are offered by various operators. Alternatively, off Hurghada, a marine area with the evocative name of Dolphin House (!) is perfect for mammal watching. Boat excursions allow you to get close to these cetaceans and, with a bit of luck, to swim with them.
Read also: What to do in Egypt The 17 most beautiful places to visit
Once you've scoured South Africa's must-see sights, it's time for dolphin and whale watching, particularly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions. Nestling in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay is famous for its spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life. When out at sea, it's not uncommon to spot spinner dolphins, which are often very curious and sociable. When conditions are right, snorkelers can join them in the water. An unforgettable moment! There's also the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape and Kosi Bay in the far north-east of South Africa, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, the Addo Elephant National Park, near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), also includes a marine protected area in Algoa Bay, ideal for dolphin-watching.
Read also: Visiting South Africa in 15 days: the best itinerary to follow
Where to go to dive with dolphins? In Asia, heading for Indonesia
Where to dive with dolphins? In Asia, our hearts go out to Indonesia, where there are plenty of spots to swim with dolphins. On Bali's north coast, Lovina Beach is a good starting point for morning excursions by traditional boat to observe wild dolphins and try diving with them. In the south of the island, the Dolphin Lodge also offers its visitors some great outings. Another possibility is the Wakatobi Marine National Park in Southeast Sulawesi. As is the island of Borneo, where you can try your luck at spotting freshwater dolphins... On the rest of the continent, you can try your luck in Japan or Thailand.
Read also: What to see and do in Indonesia The 19 most beautiful places to visit
Oceania, guaranteed observation
Located around 2h30 north of Sydney, and obviously one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia, Port Stephens is home to several magnificent bays : Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and Anna Bay. The main activities are swimming and cruises to meet the resident colony of dolphins or humpbacks, which migrate along the coast in winter and spring. You can also try your luck in Melbourne Bay or Adelaide Bay. Here, in the Gulf of St. Vincent, snorkeling is (almost) guaranteed. Western Australia and the Bunbury Geographe region or Shoalwater Marine Park, less than an hour from Perth, are other options for dolphin diving.
Where to go to dive with dolphins? In New Zealand, one of the most beautiful places to visit is Kaikoura. The marine life here is absolutely exceptional. Dolphins, sperm whales, whales, fur seals, albatrosses... all live here in huge numbers and are the focus of much attention, from locals to visitors. Numerous dolphin-swimming sessions are offered by local agencies. Kaikoura is a must-see destination with a worldwide reputation. Going to Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula of the South Island, is the promise of swimming with Hector's dolphins, one of the smallest and rarest species of dolphin in the world.
