A unique group of cetaceans, river dolphins are the only cetacean species that lives in freshwater, all others residing in saltwater. These animals are not widely distributed and are only found in certain rivers or deltas in either South America (in the Amazon Basin) or Asia and China, depending on the species. There are six different species, but all have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from their saltwater cousins. They have very small eyes, long beaks, and instead of a distinct dorsal fin, they have more of a hump on their backs.

Diving with river dolphins is an experience like no other and one not many divers get to have. The Amazonian dolphins, also called pink dolphins, can be hard to find due to the remoteness of the rivers they inhabit and the turbidity of the water, causing very poor visibility. Asian river dolphins can also be hard to encounter in the wild due to their endangered species status, some critically so, and heavy industrial usage of the rivers they inhabit. No matter where you try to discover these majestic mammals, diving with river dolphins is one of the most amazing dives you will ever have. Explore the map below find dive sites around the globe where they have been sighted.