Diving with Bottlenose Dolphins
The Most Popular Dolphins
Charismatic, curious, cute, and smart are all reasons the bottlenose dolphin is the most well-known of the dolphins. The upward curvature of their mouths gives them the appearance of always smiling and their extreme intelligence makes them the easiest cetacean to train. Combine this with their friendly looks and it’s no wonder why they are the stars of most aquarium shows and many Hollywood movies. Not only do people have access to viewing them at most aquariums around the world, they are also the most common dolphin found in the wild, living in temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical waters all around the globe in almost every type of habitat.
Since they have the widest distribution of all the dolphin species, they are the easiest type to encounter while diving. In fact, there are many dive operators in certain areas of the world, particularly the Caribbean, that specialize in dolphin dives. Scuba diving with these animals is on almost every diver’s bucket list, as they have captivated the hearts of humans for years. Encountering a bottlenose dolphin while diving is sure to be one of the most memorable underwater experiences you will ever have. Explore the map below to find the best dive sites around the world to dive with bottlenose dolphins.
Dive Sites with this Animal View more on map
★★★★☆ Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
This spur and groove reef formation sitting 5 miles off of Big Pine Key, in the Florida Keys, is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Due to its protected status reef life is very healthy and active here.
★★★★☆ South Sands
South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.
★★★★★ Roca Partida
Roca Partida may seem like it is out in the middle of nowhere, sitting approximately 70 miles west of Socorro and 85 miles from San Benedicto, but it is thriving with life. Accessible only by liveaboard, this is an advanced dive on a pinnacle that rises from hundreds of feet of water.
★★★★☆ Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
Located on the west-side of Nusa Penida Island, Crystal Bay has two coral reef formations separated by sand slopes. The combination of slopes and walls that form the topography at this dive site goes down to more than 50 meters and meets with large rock which is an ideal place for a cleaning station for sunfish.
★★★★☆ Chunnel
This is a dive site for everyone, it has three main features – a pinnacle that spirals rapidly up towards the surface, an overhang that provides a sheltered hiding place for many of the shoal’s shier residents, and the famous Chunnel Cave.
★★★★☆ Shaab Samadai / Dolphin House
Shoaab Samaday, also known as Dolphin House, is a protected area by the Egyptian environment authorities. The crescent formation of the reef and shallow water has, over the time, attracted bottlenose dolphins to use it as a rest location. This dive is perfect for entry level divers and snorkelers alike.