Diving with dolphins around the world is not that rare, but what is more challenging and special is finding friendly dolphins that interact with divers in their natural environment. Keep reading to discover the best places in the world to dive with dolphins!
Best diving spots with dolphins
In 2019, I went on one of the best diving trips of my life to the Revillagigedo Islands (better known as Socorro), and the interaction with the dolphins was incredible! Although we knew that diving with dolphins was common there, we never imagined such an experience. We could hear them on almost every dive we did at Roca Partida and The Boiler, two incredible dive sites in this archipelago.
The experience was so special to me that I am always looking for a destination where I can see them again. That’s why I came up with a short list of some of the best destinations to dive and interact with dolphins around the world:
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Revillagigedo Islands (Socorro)
This amazing archipelago is located in the Mexican Pacific, about 390 miles from Los Cabos in Baja California. It consists of four islands: Socorro, Roca Partida, San Benedicto, and Clarion. While Clarion is mainly reserved for research purposes, diving is possible on the other three islands but only via a liveaboard.
Dolphins are present all year round and are super friendly! You can expect real interaction with them and live unforgettable moments. The best season to dive there is from November to June, and the dives are truly amazing!
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The Red Sea
Up to 6 different species of dolphins can be found in the Red Sea:
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
- Pantropical spotted dolphin
- Long-beaked common dolphin
- Rough-toothed dolphin
- Spinner dolphin
Dolphins in this area are also known for their friendly and curious behavior towards humans, especially bottlenose dolphins. Fury Shoals in Marsa Alam (southwest coast of the Red Sea) is an excellent place to find them.
A large pod of spinner dolphins also lives in Samadai Reef (also near Marsa Alam), but diving is not allowed there. However, you can snorkel and enjoy them in these beautiful crystal-clear waters. So, if you needed another reason to dive in the Red Sea, here you have it! 🙂
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Galápagos
This archipelago is also an incredible place to dive and interact with dolphins, in addition to being possibly the best diving destination in the world.
During the two days we spent in Darwin last year, we were surrounded by a huge group of dolphins that we enjoyed at different moments, both while diving and on the surface. Dozens of dolphins accompanied us for the two days we were there, and we also enjoyed them on one of our dives in Wolf. Galápagos must be on every diver’s list. There is no doubt about it!
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Hawaii
Hawaii is well known for diving with turtles and big marine life in general; but did you know that you can also find pods of dolphins there year-round? Spotting them while diving is quite common, and you can also easily join different tours offered on the islands, where you can observe these playful creatures and snorkel with them.
You can find up to 13 dolphin species: spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins are almost guaranteed, but pilot whales and even orcas are also quite common.
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The Bahamas
Another incredible spot for dolphin encounters! Yes, the Bahamas are not only amazing for shark diving, but also home to many dolphin species year-round.
You have great chances of swimming with them, whether you’re diving or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. You can find spinner dolphins, striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and other species, such as the very special Atlantic spotted dolphin (mainly in Bimini).
If you are a big marine life enthusiast, the Bahamas is also a must-visit and one of the few places in the world where you can dive up close with great hammerhead sharks.
