Marine mammal

Bottlenose dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Estuaries, coastal bays, and offshore waters

Photo: NOAA Photo Library · CC BY 2.0 · Source and license. Displayed as a resized crop. Photograph illustrates the species.

Habitat: Estuaries, coastal bays, and offshore waters
Viewing zone: Surface sightings
Viewing activities: Offshore

Field context

Temperate and tropical bays, estuaries and coastal waters, as well as continental-shelf and offshore habitats.

Observing responsibly

Watch from a distance. Offshore refers to boat-based observation, not a recommendation to enter the water.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN RECORDED?

Explore the featured regions

These dated records show past presence. They do not establish today’s abundance, guarantee a sighting, or describe the species’ entire range.

This reference profile does not have a matching record in the four featured snapshots. That is not evidence of absence. Explore the live map for other areas and records.